Discover the Chilling Legends of the World's Most Haunted Locations

Whether you’re a true believer in the supernatural or a skeptic, haunted sites provide a captivating glimpse into the spirit of a location. The allure of the unknown is what drives many to embark on ghost tours, which often enrich the usual historical snippets found on signs and brochures. You can explore the spirit world in various intriguing spots, from castles and hotels to an island filled with dolls.

Here are the eight most haunted locations globally, with stories so enthralling you might just want to take a scarier approach to travel. Or not—that’s completely fine too.

1. Catacombs of Paris

Paris, France

• Explore: The Catacombs of Paris

For a more somber adventure in the City of Light, descend into the depths of Paris to uncover its vast network of catacombs. In the 18th century, these tunnels were established in response to a public health crisis that left over 6 million Parisians needing burial in a readily accessible location. The resulting mass grave, with human remains displayed in various formations, is chilling enough, but it’s the entrance inscription that adds to the eeriness: Arrête, c’est ici l’empire de la mort! (Translation: Stop. This is the empire of death!). Legends say that those who wander the catacombs past midnight begin to hear whispers, beckoning them deeper into the subterranean labyrinth.

2. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland

• Schedule a tour: Old Edinburgh Ghost Stories and Historical Tour

Standing majestically over Scotland’s capital on a volcanic outcrop called Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle ranks among the oldest fortified sites in Europe. King David I initiated its construction in the 12th century, and it has served as the residence for many historical figures, including Queen Margaret and Mary Queen of Scots. Its long history of conflict is evident, with estimates suggesting that 26 sieges have occurred. Consequently, numerous legends have arisen from its tumultuous past, particularly surrounding its dungeon, which is rumored to be haunted by tormented spirits.

Among the castle’s most renowned apparitions is a piper boy who vanished while navigating the castle’s underground passages—never to return. Some visitors claim to hear bagpipe music echoing through the tunnels. Another ghostly figure is a headless drummer, spotted in the 17th century before Oliver Cromwell’s assault on the castle. His drumming is now viewed as a harbinger of peril, prompting caution among those who hear the beats.

2. The Stanley Hotel

Estes Park, Colorado

• Arrange a tour: The Stanley Hotel Spirited Night Tour

It’s easy to see why the Stanley Hotel is linked to the supernatural, as this location inspired The Shining. Stephen King’s eerie experience in room 217 during his stay here was the catalyst for his best-selling novel. This haunted hotel, just a 10-minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park, opened its doors in 1909, catering to notable guests like President Theodore Roosevelt and the Emperor and Empress of Japan. However, by the 1970s, years of neglect left the hotel in disrepair. Today, it is said to be haunted by the spirits of the original owner, his wife, and a mysterious child. The most notorious room is 217, which is inhabited by the spirit of a maid named Mrs. Wilson. But be cautious: Actor Jim Carrey once stayed in room 217 while filming the ’90s comedy Dumb and Dumber and left in the dead of night after being frightened.

3. Muriel’s

New Orleans, Louisiana

• Schedule a tour: New Orleans: Ghosts, Vampires, & Voodoo French Quarter Tour

From American Horror Story to Disney’s Princess and the Frog, New Orleans has long been intertwined with the supernatural, and for good reason—the city’s history is steeped in tales of witchcraft, voodoo, and even vampires. With numerous haunted locations, Muriel’s restaurant near Jackson Square is particularly famous for its ghostly resident, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan. Legend has it that he took his own life in 1814 at the site of Muriel’s Séance Lounge. While he has a reputation for being a mischievous spirit—there have been reports of glasses being thrown by an unseen force—the restaurant claims that the ghosts at Muriel’s are generally harmless. To honor Jourdan, a table is always set with bread and wine, just for him.

5. Island of the Dolls

Laguna de Tequila, Mexico

• Arrange a tour: Explore Doll Island in Xochimilco

Straight out of a Chucky nightmare, Mexico’s Island of Dolls—known as La Isla de las Muñecas—is nestled among the Xochimilco canals just south of Mexico City. This eerie destination features hundreds of dolls displayed across the island. The tragic tale dates back a century, when Don Julián Santana Barrera, the island's former owner, discovered the body of a young girl floating in a canal. A doll was also found drifting nearby, which Barrera hung from a tree in her memory.

This incident sparked an obsession in Barrera, who dedicated years to gathering discarded dolls, ultimately earning the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of haunted dolls. It gets even stranger: In 2001, Barrera passed away near the very spot where the young girl had died, leading some to believe her spirit was involved. Nowadays, many claim that the dolls move independently—and even lure visitors to the island’s canals.

To visit the island, you can catch a boat from Xochimilco’s Embarcadero Celada. Be sure to inform the boat operator that you’re heading to Isla de las Muñecas.

6. Zvíkov Castle

Zvíkovské Podhradí, Czech Republic

The medieval Zvíkov Castle looms over its forested surroundings at the junction of the Vltava and Otava rivers, exuding the kind of solitude often found in Gothic tales. According to legend, this 13th-century fortress is said to be haunted by a mischievous imp who frequently appears at the Markomanka tower. Visitors have reported odd occurrences, from malfunctioning cameras to unusual animal behavior.

A particularly ominous warning for travelers to consider: folklore suggests that anyone who spends the night in the castle may meet their demise within a year, potentially due to a supernatural entity that prefers his home to remain undisturbed. The best way to reach Zvíkov Castle is by renting a car and driving 90 minutes south of Prague. With few tours available, a trip to the castle is likely to be a self-guided exploration.

7. Bhangarh Fort

Rajasthan, India

• Book a tour: Guided Tour to Haunted Bhangarh & Abhaneri Step Well From Jaipur

This 17th-century fortress located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan is notorious for being one of the most haunted sites in India. Now in ruins, its infamous status stems from two distinct tales: The first centers around its construction by King Madho Singh. According to legend, Singh received permission from a local ascetic, Bala Nath, to build the fort on the condition that its shadow would never fall on Nath’s home. However, when Singh’s heir attempted to raise the fort’s height, the shadow fell on the hermit’s abode, leading to the fort’s destruction along with the nearby towns.

The second tale involves a sorcerer who became infatuated with a princess. To win her affection, he enchanted a perfume she would wear, but the princess saw through his scheme and hurled the perfume bottle at a boulder, which ultimately crushed him. As he died beneath the weight, the sorcerer cursed the princess, her family, and the entire city.

8. La Recoleta Cemetery

Buenos Aires, Argentina

• Book a tour: Recoleta Cemetery Tour

La Recoleta Cemetery is renowned not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its notable residents. This 14-acre burial ground features marble mausoleums belonging to Argentina’s elite, including former presidents, Nobel laureates, and military leaders. However, amid the cobweb-laden religious statues, lie tales of residents with darker histories. The most famous ghost story here is that of Rufina Cambaceres, a 19-year-old who was interred in the cemetery. One day, a groundskeeper noticed her coffin was oddly positioned, and upon further inspection, he horrifyingly discovered scratch marks inside her tomb. She had been buried alive—and now she haunts the cemetery as a ghost.