We’ve all experienced that unsettling feeling when we’re in a location that just seems off—your skin prickles, the air grows chilly, and you find yourself flinching at shadows that appear to shift on their own. If you thrive on excitement rather than fear when it comes to the world’s most haunted sites, this list is perfect for you. Featuring places where bells chime without explanation and a cursed fort in India, these destinations are sure to intrigue any ghost hunter, whether you’re after a thrill or a fright.
12 of the Most Haunted Places in the World
Are you ready to step into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs? From eerie castles to abandoned asylums, the globe is dotted with places steeped in mystery and haunted history. For thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike, exploring these haunted locations offers an adrenaline rush like no other. Each site has its own chilling tales of restless spirits, tragic events, and unexplained phenomena, making them must-visit destinations for those brave enough to seek out the unknown. Join us as we unveil 12 of the most haunted places in the world—where history, legend, and the supernatural intertwine to create spine-tingling experiences that will linger long after your visit.
1. Tower of London, London, England
Britain’s most renowned fortress boasts a chilling and spectral history. The Tower of London’s haunting reputation is well-deserved, as it served as a prison during the 17th century for those accused of treason and was the scene of numerous executions and tortures.
Among its infamous inhabitants were Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, and Lady Jane Grey, known as the “Nine-Day Queen.” Both met their fate on the Tower Green and were interred in the chapel; legends say their headless spirits continue to wander the halls to this day. The ghost of Guy Fawkes, a key figure in the Gunpowder Plot, is also rumored to haunt the Tower. You can try your luck at spotting these apparitions by taking a tour of the Tower or embarking on a ghost-hunting adventure throughout London.
2. The Whaley House, San Diego, US
Paranormal occurrences at this San Diego landmark are rooted in a series of tragic events. Welcome to what many consider the most haunted house in America. The earliest known ghost here is “Yankee Jim,” who was convicted of grand larceny and hanged from a wagon on the very site where the house now stands. Shortly after the Whaley family moved in, they began to hear heavy footsteps echoing through the halls.
Today, visitors to the museum have reported witnessing windows inexplicably fly open, encountering the spirit of Thomas Whaley wandering the upper landing, and seeing a ghostly little girl in the dining room. According to urban legend, this girl is said to be the spirit of a friend of the Whaley children, who tragically died after accidentally breaking her neck on a clothesline in the backyard. If you’re determined to experience this haunting for yourself, consider booking a tour of the Whaley House to delve into the supernatural history of San Diego.
3. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
This iconic Scottish landmark is reputedly so haunted that even the dogs are said to become spirits. Over the years, Edinburgh Castle has been the site of hundreds of ghost sightings, featuring eerie apparitions like a headless drummer boy, the spirits of French and American prisoners of war, and even phantom dogs roaming the pet cemetery. In 2001, a team of scientists conducted a ten-day investigation of the castle, during which many reported experiencing paranormal phenomena, including sudden temperature drops and sensations of being tugged at by unseen hands.
To experience the spookiness for yourself, consider taking a guided tour of the castle or embarking on a self-guided ghost tour of Edinburgh. Either way, make sure to visit Mary King’s Close, an underground alleyway beneath the City Chambers that has been haunted—allegedly—since the 17th century, when plague victims were sealed in their homes and left to die.
4. Hoia-Baciu Forest, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
This forest is infamous for UFO sightings and other unsettling phenomena, earning it the title of the “Bermuda Triangle” of Romania due to the mysterious disappearances of visitors. The Hoia-Baciu Forest has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted locations on Earth. So, what can you anticipate while wandering through its eerie, twisted trees? Reports suggest that visitors experience unexplainable headaches, rashes, and scratches, along with an unsettling feeling of being watched.
Some individuals claim to have encountered ghostly apparitions of soldiers who perished in the area. As if that weren’t enough to frighten you, the forest is also notorious for UFO sightings. In the 1960s, two photographers captured images of disc-shaped objects hovering above the trees. For the brave-hearted, taking a guided night tour of the Hoia-Baciu Forest might just be the spine-chilling adventure you’re looking for… if you dare.
5. Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvan
This former prison in Pennsylvania is a well-known landmark with a haunted reputation. Opened in 1829, Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most infamous prison globally, recognized for its harsh solitary confinement practices and housing notorious criminals like Al Capone. Over 1,200 inmates lost their lives within its walls, and since it opened to the public in 1994, many visitors have reported hearing unsettling sounds: footsteps echoing in the yards, wails drifting through the corridors, and laughter from unseen sources.
If you think you can handle the eerie atmosphere, visit this historic site and explore the expansive 11-acre (4.5-hectare) prison. If you’re there during the summer, be sure to relax in the beer garden afterward and swap your own ghost stories with fellow visitors.
6. Château de Brissac, Loire Valley, France
A tragic affair and subsequent murder have earned this castle the title of the most haunted in France. Nestled in the Loire Valley, the impressive seven-story Château de Brissac dates back to the 11th century, though it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, with its most significant restoration occurring after the French Revolution. Given its long and tumultuous history, it’s no wonder a rich tapestry of ghost stories surrounds it, solidifying its reputation as one of France’s most haunted estates.
The château’s most famous apparition is the Green Lady, the former mistress of the house who was murdered by her husband after he discovered her infidelity. Legend has it that she frightens modern-day visitors with her ghastly visage and haunting moans. If you find yourself in the area for a Loire Valley wine tour, be sure to stop by Château de Brissac and see if you can catch a glimpse—or perhaps even hear—the infamous Green Lady for yourself.
7. Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, South Africa
This haunting South African structure is notorious for its unexplained bell ringing and sightings of phantom dogs. Built in the 17th century as a refreshment station for ships of the Dutch East India Trading Company, the Castle of Good Hope stands as South Africa’s oldest colonial building. Over the years, it has functioned as a fortress, a prison, and now houses a history museum, which visitors can explore alongside other prominent attractions in Cape Town.
Unsurprisingly, the castle’s rich history has given rise to numerous ghostly sightings. Among the apparitions are a soldier who is said to leap repeatedly from the castle’s walls, a woman dressed in gray who wanders the corridors, and a ghostly dog seen roaming the grounds. Adding to the eerie atmosphere, there is a bell that reportedly rings on its own, even when no one is present to toll it.
8. Muriel’s Jackson Square, New Orleans, US
New Orleans is renowned as a paranormal hotspot in the U.S., largely due to its tumultuous and bloody history. With an abundance of ghost tours available, you can explore some of the city’s most haunted landmarks. Among these is the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, which, although you can’t enter, offers a chilling experience just by walking past its historic façade.
For a more intimate encounter with NOLA’s ghosts, consider dining at Muriel’s Jackson Square, a restaurant said to be haunted by the spirit of its former owner, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan. After losing the restaurant in a poker game, he tragically took his own life; visitors report seeing him manifest as a shimmering light.
Insider tip: The restaurant features an upstairs Séance Lounge, where you can enjoy cocktails while awaiting a possible ghostly encounter.
9. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
Undoubtedly the most haunted site in India, Bhangarh Fort was built in the 16th century in Rajasthan. Originally constructed as a residence for the son of local ruler Raja Bhagwant Das, it has since gained a notorious reputation as one of India’s most haunted locations. Numerous chilling tales are linked to the fort and its surroundings, including the story of a priest obsessed with black magic who cursed the area after being spurned by a princess from Bhangarh.
Visitors often report feeling an unsettling heaviness during their time at the fort, with some claiming to have encountered apparitions. If you’re curious to experience it for yourself, plan a visit to the fort, but be aware that it is closed to visitors before sunrise and after sunset due to numerous incidents of people getting lost or even dying on the site—locals often attribute these tragedies to the wild animals that roam the area.
10. Sedlec Ossuary, Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
While it may be an artistic creation, the Ossuary at Sedlec is undeniably infused with the spirits of the 40,000 individuals whose skeletons were used to craft this chapel beneath the Cemetery Church of All Saints. The intricate design is the work of woodcarver Frantisek Rint, who was commissioned by the House of Schwarzenberg in 1870 to arrange the human bones that had been interred at the site.
The standout feature of this macabre chapel is a massive chandelier that includes at least one of every bone in the human body. Additionally, the eerie decor comprises garlands made of skulls, six large bone pyramids, bone candelabras, and skull candleholders, all contributing to the unsettling ambiance. Many tours of the ossuary include visits to nearby attractions, providing a blend of the eerie and the historic as you explore this haunting masterpiece.
11. Paris Catacombs, Paris, France
As the final resting place for over 6 million remains, this underground attraction is undeniably spooky. Known for its chilling atmosphere, it houses the bones of approximately 6 million Parisians, relocated here from overcrowded cemeteries in the 18th century.
Visitors can experience one of the most remarkable subterranean attractions in the world by descending 130 steps into the cool, dark tunnels and crypts lined with human bones. This eerie site offers a glimpse into just a fraction of the nearly 200 miles (321 kilometers) of haunted passageways that lie beneath the streets of Paris, inviting you to explore a haunting yet fascinating chapter of the city’s history.
12. Capuchin Catacombs, Palermo, Italy
With up to 8,000 corpses suspended on the walls or displayed in glass caskets, this catacomb offers a unique and eerie spectacle. Established in the mid-1500s as a burial site for Capuchin friars, it later became the final resting place for aristocrats in the 17th century when it was discovered that bodies interred here had naturally mummified. This phenomenon was seen as an act of God, leading to the practice of hanging the corpses from the walls of the catacomb like sacred relics.
Today, five subterranean limestone corridors are adorned with approximately 2,000 skeletons, each labeled with the name and date of death. Visitors can explore this haunting site on guided tours, which often include stops at other intriguing nearby attractions, providing a glimpse into the macabre history of this remarkable location.