Top 21 Haunted Places in the World for Brave Travelers

From eerie castles in Europe to ghostly prisons in America and cursed forests in Asia, these are the most haunted places in the world for brave travelers. Walk through Paris’s catacombs, explore India’s Bhangarh Fort, or stay overnight at the Stanley Hotel, if you dare. Whether you’re chasing chills or legends, these scariest places on Earth promise hauntingly unforgettable adventures. Stay connected (and safe) across borders with Jetpac eSIM, your reliable travel companion for even the eeriest destinations.

If you think adventure ends where the lights go out, think again. Some corners of the world don’t just tell ghost stories; they live them. Cursed castles, eerie forests, abandoned prisons, these are places where the air feels heavier, the silence deeper, and the history… still very much alive.

So, if “spine-tingling” sounds like your kind of vacation vibe, pack your courage. From the underground tunnels of Paris to the ghost-ridden forts of India, these are the most haunted places in the world, where legends whisper, shadows move, and travelers swear something unseen follows them home.

Fair warning: you might not sleep well after reading this.

What Makes These the Most Haunted Places in the World

Not every haunted spot is about jump scares or Hollywood horror; sometimes, it’s the feeling. You know that sudden chill, the flicker of light, the sound that wasn’t supposed to be there? That’s what keeps these places on every brave traveler’s bucket list.

From plague islands and cursed palaces to ghost ships and battlefields, each of these destinations carries centuries of stories, heartbreak, mystery, and a hint of something paranormal. Some have ghost tours, others you explore alone (if you dare).

What ties them together? They’re not just tourist spots, they’re real, documented places where visitors have seen things they can’t explain. And that’s what makes them unforgettable.

Before we get into the list, a quick reminder: make sure your Jetpac eSIM is ready! Because when the chills kick in and you get goosebumps for real, at least your network should still work 😅. You’ll want that quick signal to message a friend, check a map… or maybe just get out of there fast! 👻

#1. Paris Catacombs, France – The Empire of the Dead

Far below the elegant cafés and cobbled streets of Paris lies a labyrinth of bones, six million skeletons carefully arranged along narrow tunnels that stretch for miles. The Catacombs were created in the 18th century to solve the city’s overflowing cemetery problem, but they became something else entirely, a resting place that refuses to rest.

Legend has it that those who wander too deep into the Catacombs never return. Urban explorers speak of voices whispering from unseen corners, flickering lights, and cold fingers brushing past them in the dark. One story tells of a man who entered with a camera in the early 1990s; his footage was later found, but he was never found. Locals still call it the Empire of the Dead, not out of respect, but warning.

If you ever visit, guided tours are the only safe way in; the tunnels are endless and disorienting. Take the metro to Denfert-Rochereau, and be prepared for long lines; even the bravest travelers aren’t immune to nerves once they descend.

#2. Tower of London, England – The Ghosts of the Crown

For nearly a thousand years, the Tower of London has stood as both palace and prison, a place of royal ceremony and brutal execution. Its walls have witnessed betrayal, torture, and tragedy, and it’s said that those who met violent ends there never truly left.

The most famous ghost is Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated wife of Henry VIII, who was executed within its grounds. Visitors and guards alike claim to have seen her walking silently near the chapel, her head held calmly in her hands. Other spirits, the two young princes who vanished mysteriously in 1483, Lady Jane Grey, and countless soldiers, are said to drift through the Tower’s ancient halls. When the ravens grow restless and the air turns suddenly cold, even the Beefeaters admit that the ghosts of England’s darkest history are awake.

First-time visitors should book an evening tour, that’s when the Tower’s silence speaks loudest. It’s right beside the River Thames, easy to reach by Underground, though some swear the chills start before you even step off the train.

#3. Castle of Good Hope, South Africa – The Governor’s Ghost

Built in the 1600s by the Dutch East India Company, the Castle of Good Hope once protected Cape Town’s harbor, but inside its stone walls, cruelty and confinement took their toll. Over the centuries, soldiers, prisoners, and governors left behind more than just their names; they left their unrest.

The most feared spirit is that of Governor Pieter van Noodt, a strict leader who sentenced several soldiers to death. On the day of the executions, he was found dead in his office, his face twisted in terror. Since then, witnesses have reported seeing his ghost walking the battlements or hearing heavy boots echoing in empty corridors. Bells ring by themselves, and torches flicker when no wind blows, signs, locals say, that van Noodt is making his rounds once more.

The castle is open daily, and ghost walks run after sunset, not for the faint-hearted. It’s a short drive from Cape Town’s center, but once inside, the weight of the past makes it feel worlds away.

#4. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland – Whispers Through the Stone

Perched high above the city, Edinburgh Castle watches over Scotland’s capital with quiet defiance. But behind the views and grandeur lies a darker side, centuries of sieges, imprisonment, and death that have made it one of the most haunted places in the world.

Visitors often report the faint sound of drums echoing through the halls, believed to be the ghost of a headless drummer, said to appear before disaster strikes. Others tell of prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars and the American Revolution, their spirits pacing restlessly in the dungeons. Even modern ghost hunters claim to have recorded cold spots and shadowy figures along the castle’s ancient stone walls.

If you visit, give yourself time to explore after dusk; the city below glows, and the castle grows eerily still. It’s a short uphill walk from the Royal Mile, but once you cross the gates, history greets you with a chill.

#5. Eastern State Penitentiary, USA – The Most Haunted Prison in America

In Philadelphia stands a fortress that once redefined punishment, and may never have let go of the souls it confined. The Eastern State Penitentiary, built in 1829, introduced solitary confinement so harsh that many prisoners went mad. Today, it’s considered the most haunted place in America, and for good reason.

Visitors describe whispers, cell doors slamming shut on their own, and apparitions pacing the hallways. Al Capone himself was an inmate here, and guards claimed he screamed at night, tormented by unseen voices. The eerie atmosphere is so thick that even daytime tours feel otherworldly.

You can tour the penitentiary year-round, but October’s Terror Behind the Walls event is infamous. The site is easily accessible from downtown Philadelphia, though few walk out without looking over their shoulder.

#6. Hoia-Baciu Forest, Romania – The Creepiest Forest on Earth

Just outside the city of Cluj-Napoca lies a forest so strange it’s earned the nickname “the Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania.” The Hoia-Baciu Forest is a twisted maze of trees that bend unnaturally, lights that appear without a source, and stories of people vanishing without a trace.

Locals have long believed the forest is cursed, named after a shepherd who disappeared there with 200 sheep, never to return. Photographs often show orbs of light or ghostly silhouettes, and some visitors claim to have felt sudden nausea, anxiety, or even burns on their skin. The clearing in the forest’s center, perfectly circular and eerily barren, is said to be the heart of its power.

For the brave, guided tours run from Cluj-Napoca, often at night with local experts who blend science and superstition. Bring a flashlight, an open mind, and maybe a quick exit plan; the forest doesn’t always like visitors.

#7. Poveglia Island, Italy – The Island of Lost Souls

Just a short boat ride from Venice, Poveglia Island sits abandoned, overgrown, silent, and shrouded in mist. Few locals dare approach it, and none stay after dark. Once used as a quarantine station for plague victims, the island became a dumping ground for the dying in the 14th century. Later, it served as an asylum where unspeakable experiments were rumored to have taken place.

Locals claim that more than 100,000 people perished here, their ashes still mingling with the soil. Fishermen avoid sailing too close, fearing they’ll catch bones in their nets. Some say screams echo from the crumbling hospital at night, and others swear the island itself hums with sorrow. It’s widely regarded as the most haunted place in the world, and perhaps the loneliest.

Though it’s officially off-limits, you can glimpse it by taking a water taxi from Venice or joining a lagoon cruise. The sight alone, an empty bell tower jutting out of the fog, is enough to make you believe in ghosts.

#8. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India – The Cursed Citadel

Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Hills, Bhangarh Fort is a picture of ancient beauty by day, but when the sun sets, even the Archaeological Survey of India forbids entry. The legend goes that a wizard, infatuated with the local princess, cursed the entire town after she rejected him. Soon after, the fort fell, and every inhabitant vanished overnight.

Travelers who’ve dared to visit after dark tell stories of shadows moving through the ruins, of faint music floating through the air, and of whispers that follow them back to the gates. Locals refuse to live within sight of the fort, calling it “the House of Ghosts.” It remains one of India’s best-preserved ruins, and one of its greatest mysteries.

Bhangarh is a three-hour drive from Jaipur, and the journey there, through quiet villages and dry plains, feels like part of the legend. Visit in daylight, and you might just hear the fort breathe.

#9. Château de Brissac, France – The Screaming Lady of the Loire

Rising elegantly from the Loire Valley, Château de Brissac looks every bit the fairytale castle, until night falls. The story begins with Jacques de Brézé, a nobleman who discovered his wife Charlotte’s affair and killed her in a fit of rage. Since then, her ghost, known as La Dame Verte or the Green Lady, has haunted the castle’s halls.

Guests and staff alike have reported seeing a tall woman in a green dress roaming the tower, her face pale and eyes hollow. Her screams echo through the night, and even the owners, descendants of the original family, admit they’ve heard her. Despite the haunting, the château remains open to visitors and even hosts overnight stays.

Located near Angers, it’s easily reached by train from Paris. Just be warned: those who’ve stayed overnight say the Green Lady doesn’t care much for sleep schedules.

#10. Island of the Dolls, Mexico – The Collector’s Curse

South of Mexico City, in the misty canals of Xochimilco, lies one of the world’s eeriest shrines, the Island of the Dolls. Hanging from every tree and fence are hundreds of weathered dolls, their limbs missing, their eyes clouded, and their faces twisted by time. They sway in the breeze, creak in unison, and stare blankly at visitors brave enough to step ashore.

The island’s story begins with a man named Don Julián Santana Barrera, who discovered a young girl drowned in the canal. Soon after, he claimed her spirit began haunting him. To appease her, he hung dolls around the island, but no matter how many he added, the whispers never stopped. Locals say the dolls now move on their own and that the girl’s laughter still echoes across the water at night.

To visit, take a trajinera (boat) from Embarcadero Cuemanco or Embarcadero Fernando Celada. The ride is long and peaceful until the trees thicken, and the dolls appear. That’s when peace gives way to something else entirely.

#11. Bran Castle, Romania – The Dracula Connection

Perched above the forests of Transylvania, Bran Castle is a medieval masterpiece forever linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Though historians say Stoker never visited Romania, the castle’s eerie corridors and pointed towers fit the vampire’s legend too perfectly to ignore.

The real terror lies in the tales of Vlad the Impaler, the bloodthirsty 15th-century ruler who inspired Stoker’s character. Locals say his cruelty still stains the walls, and that shadows move through the halls long after closing time. Visitors often describe the air inside as colder than outside, and some swear they feel watched from the ramparts.

Bran is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Bucharest and one of Romania’s top attractions. Day tours are popular, but the best time to go is late afternoon, when fog rolls in and the castle starts to look a little too alive.

#12. Sedlec Ossuary, Czech Republic – The Church of Bones

In the small town of Kutná Hora, an hour from Prague, stands a chapel unlike any other. Its chandeliers, altars, and arches are all made of human bones, over 40,000 of them. The Sedlec Ossuary, known as the “Church of Bones,” is haunting not because it’s evil, but because it’s beautiful.

The story goes that in the 13th century, soil from Jerusalem was sprinkled in the cemetery here, making it a sacred burial ground. Centuries of plague and war followed, and the bones accumulated. In the 1800s, a woodcarver named František Rint arranged them into art, a macabre masterpiece that feels holy and horrifying all at once.

Getting there is easy: trains from Prague run regularly, and the walk from the Kutná Hora station takes about 15 minutes. It’s one of the world’s most haunted places, yet also a quiet reminder that death, too, can be art.

#13. Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia – The Ghost Fleet Beneath the Sea

Off the coast of Micronesia, beneath turquoise waters, lies one of the most haunting underwater graveyards on Earth. During World War II, the Japanese fleet stationed in Chuuk Lagoon was decimated in a U.S. air attack, sending dozens of ships and thousands of lives to the ocean floor. Today, the wrecks remain eerily intact, covered in coral and silence.

Divers report seeing personal belongings still scattered inside the ships, teacups, shoes, and even skeletal remains. Some say they’ve felt unseen hands brush past them, or heard metallic clanging echoing through the wrecks despite calm seas. The visibility is stunning, but the stillness carries a strange weight, as if the lagoon remembers everything that happened there.

You can reach Chuuk Lagoon via flights from Guam. It’s a diver’s paradise, but it’s also a place of quiet reverence, a reminder that even the most beautiful waters can hide the scariest places on Earth.

#14. Aokigahara Forest, Japan – The Sea of Trees and Shadows

At the base of Mount Fuji lies Aokigahara, a dense, twisting forest where silence feels alive. Known as Japan’s “Suicide Forest,” it’s infamous for the number of people who have vanished among its trees. The moss-covered ground muffles sound, compasses fail to work, and the sunlight barely filters through, creating an atmosphere that feels detached from the world.

Locals believe that the forest is haunted by yūrei, spirits trapped in despair, their energy lingering in the still air. Visitors often describe hearing whispers or feeling watched, even when completely alone. Despite its darkness, Aokigahara is also heartbreakingly beautiful, a place that draws you in quietly and won’t easily let you go.

It’s about two hours from Tokyo by train and bus, near the town of Kawaguchiko. Travelers are encouraged to stick to marked trails, not out of superstition, but respect. The forest doesn’t forgive those who wander carelessly.

#15. Leap Castle, Ireland – The Bloody Chapel’s Curse

In the heart of Ireland stands Leap Castle, a fortress so steeped in violence it’s said to be home to hundreds of restless souls. Once the stronghold of the O’Carroll clan, its history is marked by betrayal and murder. The castle’s most infamous tale tells of one brother, a priest, who was murdered by another during Mass inside what is now called the Bloody Chapel.

Since then, visitors have reported chanting, sudden temperature drops, and even glimpses of an otherworldly creature known as “The Elemental,” described as a dark, hunched figure with eyes that burn red. Paranormal investigators rank it among the world’s most haunted places, and locals still speak of the castle with a kind of reverent caution.

Leap Castle is privately owned but open for visits by appointment. The family that lives there insists the spirits mean no harm, but they also admit, some nights, the chapel door still swings open on its own.

Other Notable Haunted Places Around the World

If the top 15 didn’t rattle your nerves enough, there are plenty of other corners on the planet where the line between the living and the dead blurs just a little too easily. These other haunted places carry their own grim histories and lingering mysteries; some are open to visitors, others you might only want to admire from a distance.

#16. Lizzie Borden House, Massachusetts, USA

The phrase “Lizzie Borden took an axe…” still sends chills through New England. The Lizzie Borden House, now a bed and breakfast and haunted museum, was the scene of the infamous 1892 double murder of Lizzie’s father and stepmother. Guests who stay overnight report doors opening by themselves, phantom footsteps on the stairs, and even whispered conversations in empty rooms. Staying the night isn’t just possible, it’s a rite of passage for true ghost hunters.

#17. RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California

Once a glamorous ocean liner, the RMS Queen Mary now sits permanently docked as a hotel, and one of the scariest places on Earth. During her years at sea, crew members and passengers alike lost their lives in tragic accidents. Today, the ship’s hallways echo with footsteps, cabin lights flicker, and the sound of rushing water fills rooms where no water should be. The engine room and “Door 13,” where a sailor was crushed to death, are said to be the most active spots.

#18. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, USA

Set in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz was once America’s most secure prison, and its most feared. Former guards and visitors alike have described hearing cell doors slam and seeing shadowy figures pacing empty corridors. Cold spots and inexplicable crying have been reported near solitary confinement, where prisoners often went mad. The island’s isolation amplifies its eeriness; even the ferry ride feels like crossing into another world.

#19. La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Beauty and death coexist in La Recoleta Cemetery, one of the most ornate burial grounds in the world. Rows of marble mausoleums hold Argentina’s most famous figures, but it’s the lesser-known residents who refuse to rest. The most told tale is that of Rufina Cambaceres, a young woman mistakenly buried alive who, legend says, woke in her coffin and scratched at the lid. Some say her cries still echo at night, though the city outside never hears them.

#20. Port Arthur, Australia

Once a penal settlement for Britain’s worst convicts, Port Arthur looks peaceful now,  a quiet seaside village in Tasmania. But behind the beauty lingers a deep unease. Tour guides recount sightings of prisoners wandering the ruins, lamps flickering in empty cells, and voices calling out from the darkness. More than a thousand people are buried nearby, and ghost tours through the ruins remain among Australia’s most haunting experiences.

#21. Savannah, Georgia, USA

Savannah’s charm comes with a shadow; beneath its moss-covered oaks and pastel houses lies a city built on tragedy. Fires, yellow fever, and wars left their mark here, and the spirits seem unwilling to move on. Nearly every historic inn and square has its own ghost stories. Still, the Bonaventure Cemetery steals the spotlight, a stunning, spectral landscape of statues and silence that feels alive even in stillness.

Haunted Museums and Eerie Landmarks You Can Visit

Not all hauntings happen in castles or forests; some hide in plain sight behind glass displays and velvet ropes. These haunted museums and eerie landmarks let you walk through history’s darker corners, where artifacts, ships, and stages still echo with the energy of the past.

The Lizzie Borden House in Massachusetts doubles as both a museum and inn, where visitors claim to hear whispers from the infamous 1892 murders. Across the country, the Queen Mary in Long Beach, once a luxury liner and now a floating hotel, is said to host ghostly passengers who wander the halls after midnight.

In Chicago, the James M. Nederlander Theatre keeps a resident spirit from its vaudeville days, a shadow that flickers across the stage lights long after the curtain falls. Meanwhile, La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires stands as a haunting work of art, with marble angels guarding the restless dead below.

These places blur the line between museum and memory. They preserve the stories we can prove, and keep alive the ones we can’t quite explain.

6 Tips for Visiting the World’s Most Haunted Places

Exploring haunted places is thrilling, but it’s also about respect, timing, and a touch of common sense. Whether you’re walking through ancient prisons or sleeping inside old castles, these tips will keep your trip safe and your nerves (mostly) intact.

Go with an open mind, but stay grounded: Expect eerie sounds and sudden chills, but remember, centuries-old buildings creak for a reason.

Respect the site: Many haunted places are historic landmarks or burial grounds. Don’t touch artifacts, move objects, or disturb local rituals.

Book guided tours when possible: Local guides know the history and the haunted hotspots better than anyone.

Bring a flashlight and wear good shoes: Whether it’s a dungeon or a dark forest, you’ll want to see where you’re stepping.

Avoid going completely alone: Even the bravest explorers admit, things feel different when the lights go out.

Stay connected: If you’re venturing into remote castles, forests, or ghost towns, make sure you have mobile data or an international eSIM for emergencies and navigation. With Jetpac eSIM, you can stay connected anywhere, without the scary surprises of bill shock. 😄

Why Jetpac?

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And if something spooky, or just techy, happens along the way, Jetpac’s 24/7 customer support is always there via WhatsApp or email. Because in haunted places or hidden valleys, the one thing you should never lose is your signal.

FAQ

What is the #1 haunted place in the world?

Many believe Poveglia Island in Italy holds this eerie title. Once used as a plague quarantine site and later as an asylum, it’s said that more than 100,000 souls still haunt its grounds, making it one of the most haunted places in the world.

What is the scariest location in the world?

The Paris Catacombs and Japan’s Aokigahara Forest are often called the scariest places on Earth. Both are filled with unsettling histories, one lined with human remains, the other a dense forest known for mysterious disappearances.

What is the #1 haunted place in America?

The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia is widely considered the most haunted place in America. Visitors report hearing footsteps, whispers, and cell doors slamming in one of history’s most infamous prisons.

What is the spookiest state in America?

Louisiana takes the crown, especially New Orleans, a city where every street corner has a ghost story. From haunted mansions to voodoo legends, it’s the perfect mix of charm and chill.

What are some of the world’s most haunted places to visit?

If you’re brave enough, add the Tower of London, Bhangarh Fort (India), Bran Castle (Romania), and the Island of the Dolls (Mexico) to your list. Each combines eerie folklore with real-world history.

Can I actually visit these haunted places safely?

Yes, most of the world’s most haunted places are open to the public, often with guided tours. Just be sure to follow local rules, respect cultural beliefs, bring a reliable flashlight, and maybe a friend.

How can I stay connected while traveling to remote or haunted places?

Use an international eSIM like Jetpac, designed for travelers visiting multiple countries. It’s prepaid, works in 200+ destinations, offers 5G speeds, unlimited hotspot sharing, and 24/7 support, ensuring you never lose signal, even in the darkest corners of the world.