The 12 Most Haunted Places in the World Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine

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If you’re a paranormal enthusiast searching for your next thrill, a Halloween lover looking for somewhere spooky to celebrate, or a ghostbuster looking for a big catch, you’ve landed in the right place. The world is home to many haunted places, from medieval cities in England to the haunted sites of witch trials in the United States.

As such, deciding where to visit first isn’t easy. Luckily, though, we’re here to help. In this article, you’ll find a list of 12 of the most haunted places in the world. The entries on our list were selected because they are known for their spooky stories, paranormal activity, and ghostly sightings.

York, England

Historic Streets Around the World The Shambles, York, UK — © vichie81 / Adobe Stock

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York is a breathtaking medieval city in Northern England famed for its rich history, stunning architecture, and eclectic mix of cultures. However, many people don’t realize that York is also considered one of Europe’s most haunted cities, if not the world’s. The city has been famed for its paranormal sightings and ghost storytelling for centuries.

Even today, many haunted locations exist, such as the Shambles, a 14th-century street in the city’s heart, York Minster, York Dungeons, and the Yorkshire Museum. On a ghost tour, you can explore the city’s most famous haunted places. Alternatively, you can be brave and stay in one of the city’s many haunted houses and apartments.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Like York, Edinburgh’s medieval streets are known for being a hotbed of paranormal activity. At first glance, the Scottish capital’s Old Town is a stunning destination, offering spectacular architecture, fascinating cobblestone streets, and impressive views. However, beneath the surface lies a history of torture, disease, and murder, the perfect combination for spiritual activity.

At places like Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Vaults, Edinburgh Dungeon, and Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery, there’s a good chance you might bump into a ghost or two. As a result, Edinburgh is a popular place to go on a ghost tour. During a tour, you’ll learn all about the city’s dark past and visit the most haunted locations. I’ve been on an Edinburgh ghost tour, and I can tell you they’re exhilarating.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid, Spain’s bustling capital city, is renowned for its paranormal activity. For centuries, locals and tourists have claimed to have witnessed various hauntings, from banging doors and unexplainable incidents to ghostly figures and mysterious voices. While ghost encounters have been reported across the city, they are more prevalent in certain places.

For example, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, formerly a hospital, is often the scene of various ghost sightings. There’s also the Palace of Linares, reportedly Spain’s most haunted place. Built in the 19th century, this grand palace is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a murdered young girl. The House of the Seven Chimneys is also believed to be haunted.

Drammen, Norway

Drammen is a beautiful port and river city in Buskerud county, Southern Norway, best known for its picturesque scenery and outdoor activity. However, the city also has close ties to the world of paranormal activity and Norwegian folklore. For starters, the city has its very own tribute to Nøkken.

For those who don’t know, in Norwegian folklore, Nøkken is a shapeshifter who plays music to lure people to a watery death. Alongside Ypsilon Bridge, you’ll find an art installation called the River Harp. To appease Nøkken, the installation creates river music. The city is also home to several haunted locations, such as the Lier Sykehus, a former mental asylum, where people claim to have seen apparitions, ghosts, and mysterious shadows.

Prague, Czech Republic

For many people, Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is an excellent place to spend a boozy weekend with friends, a romantic getaway with their partner, and a historic city break. However, for paranormal enthusiasts, Prague presents the perfect opportunity to search for spirits from the past.

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Prague’s medieval cobblestone streets, historic castles, and underground catacombs serve as the ideal setting for weary spirits. During your trip to the city, you might spot the infamous Headless Templar on Liliova Street, hear mysterious voices in the catacombs, and meet the ghost of a child on Charles Bridge. If you don’t mind leaving the city, you might also hear the screams of demons in Houska Castle, home to the Czech Republic’s ‘Gateway to Hell.’

Sighișoara, Romania

Most Haunted Places in the World Sighișoara, Romania — © Balate Dorin / Adobe Stock

If you want to visit a lesser-known haunted location, consider visiting Sighișoara, a medieval town in Transylvania, Romania. At first glance, Sighișoara is nothing more than a quaint medieval town with beautiful architecture, vibrant traditional houses, and a 15th-century castle. However, beyond the town’s apparent beauty lies many mysteries and a dark past.

In the past, this charming town has faced fires, the plague, and rumors of Count Dracula himself. In fact, a gorgeous yellow building in Sighișoara is reportedly the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, better known as the real-life Count Dracula. When not exploring Dracula’s birthplace, hunt for ghosts at the Clock Tower, Scholar’s Stairs, and Sighișoara Castle.

Baguio, Philippines

Despite being one of the world’s most haunted places, Baguio, a mountain city in the Philippines, is relatively unheard of. Often called ‘the City of Pines,’ Baguio is known for its summer resorts, universities, and impressive scenery. However, the city’s rich history, which includes natural tragedies and Japanese occupation, makes it highly haunted.

Across the city, you’ll find restless spirits with unfinished business. Noteworthy haunted points of interest in the town include the abandoned Diplomat Hotel, the Laperal White House, Loakan Road, and Hyatt Hotel Baguio. These locations have seen death, destruction, murder, and torture, so it’s no surprise that many locals and visitors report seeing ghosts and other mysterious sightings.

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Weekend Getaways in the US New Orleans, Louisiana — © Stevengaertner / Adobe Stock

The next haunted place on our list is New Orleans, a vibrant city on the Mississippi River in Louisiana, United States. New Orleans is recognized worldwide for its distinctive music, Creole cuisine, and iconic festivals. However, the city is also well-known for its paranormal activity, so much so that it is home to many ghost-themed attractions.

This includes the New Orleans Nightmare Haunted House, the Mortuary Haunted House, and Ghost Manor. New Orleans also has a violent and tragic past that has seen the city haunted by various spirits. Devastating fires, horrific murders, and yellow fever epidemics have fuelled the city’s ghost lore. Ghostly encounters have been reported in Jackson Square, the Le Petit Theatre, and Pere Antoine’s Alley.

Canberra, Australia

Canberra, Australia’s picturesque capital city, is another hotspot for paranormal activity. As a result, you’ll find ghost tours and crime tours offering guided tours around the city daily. Interestingly, most of the hauntings in Canberra relate to past prime ministers. We don’t know about you, but the thought of encountering the ghost of a politician is terrifying.

Two of the city’s most famous haunted locations are Hotel Kurrajong and the Old Parliament House. Visitors and staff members have reported seeing the ghosts of several former presidents, including Prime Minister Ben Chifley, who died in his room at Hotel Kurrajong in June 1951. It may be worth noting that some of the ghost tours in Canberra specifically explore the Old Parliament House.

Zanzibar City, Tanzania

Zanzibar City is commonly called just Zanzibar. Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa best known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and beachside vacation resorts. However, that doesn’t stop the islands from being haunted by spirits.

In particular, Zanzibar City is haunted by a legendary shape-shifter called Popobawa. Popobawa is believed to be a one-eyed creature that resembles a bat. Locals believe he acts like a poltergeist, causing mischief and attacking houses on the island. Many people also believe Popobawa reaps havoc in the island’s scenic countryside. He is most commonly seen at night but has also been seen during the day.

Salem, Massachusetts, United States

Salem is a small city in Massachusetts, United States. While Salem isn’t as famous as other American cities, it’s undoubtedly one of the most historic, although for all the wrong reasons. In the 1600s, Salem was the location of America’s infamous witch trials.

It’s reported that up to 19 so-called witches were hung in Salem for acts of witchcraft. Unsurprisingly, it’s believed the spirits of those who were put to death now linger in the city. Locals and visitors have reported hearing mysterious noises, sighting ghostly figures, and witnessing unexplainable occurrences. The spirit of Bridget Bishop, the witch trials’ first victim, is rumored to haunt the Lyceum Bar and Grill.

Dublin, Republic of Ireland

Dublin is a historic city loved for its rich culture, literary traditions, Guinness, and friendly, welcoming atmosphere. However, things haven’t always been pleasant in the city. Over time, Ireland’s capital and its narrow cobblestone streets have witnessed Viking violence, revolutions, plagues, and wars. While the city has mostly moved on from its grim past, not every spirit has left with it.

Today, Dublin is well-known for its supernatural lore, ghostly characters, and historical stories that tingle your spine. From haunted houses and pubs to eerie churches and streets, you’ll likely encounter a ghostly apparition during your visit. Popular haunted places in Dublin include Kilmainham Gaol, Glasnevin Cemetery, the Brazen Head, and Trinity College.