Interested in peeping a ghost this year in some of the world’s scariest places? Have a hankering to spy a monster or mythical creature? Have we got a haunted bucket list for you!
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Canada
This tony hotel on the shore of Lake Banff is the picture postcard view of Banff. Aside from spectacular views, the hotel boasts an impressive array of hauntings. There’s the ghost bride who supposedly fell down the stairs to her death for one. But we like “Sam” the bellman, whose sense of humor apparently causes him to assist unsuspecting people with their bags.
Gunnuhver, Iceland
Iceland’s largest geothermal mud pool has a grisly past to recommend it foe our scariest places post. The pool is named after a woman named Gunna who lived nearby almost 400 years ago. She died of starvation, but returned as a spirit to kill her landlord and his wife. People claim to catch Gunna wandering through the pools, never at rest.
The Catacombs of Paris, France
Paris has a whole host of spooky spots to visit, but the Catacombs might be it’s crown jewel. There are more than 6 million people entombed in the underground tunnels. Enter at your own peril!
Haw Par Villa, Singapore
The website for Haw Par Villa touts itself as “the world’s first museum exploring perspectives of death and the afterlife from some of the world’s major religions and philosophies.” Gruesome dioramas and sculptures line the walkways. Many people claim that Haw Par Villa is the most instagrammable locations in Singapore.
Bhangarh Fort, near Delhi, India
Now who doesn’t love a cool, old ruined ghost town? No, not in the American southwest. Would you believe this ghost town is about 100 miles outside Delhi? The town was established during the rule of Bhagwant Das in the 16th century as the residence of his second son, Madho Singh.
Loch Ness, Scotland
These days, the legend of the Loch Ness Monster seems downright quaint. A sea monster who lives in a deep lake named Nessie? Okay. But we’re still into this charming bit of Scottish folklore. With sightings dating back to the 6th century though – who are we to cast aspersions? We’re keeping our hope afloat that Nessie exists.
One If By Land, Two If By Sea, New York, New York
The only dining establishment on our list, One If By Land offers romantic atmosphere, classic cuisine, and a haunted pedigree. The restaurant is said to be haunted by 20 -count ‘em – 20 ghosts, including Aaron Burr (it was formerly Burr’s carriage house). Servers tell stories of a woman in black who descends the stairs – never climbing them. She’s been rumored to have fallen and broken her neck.
La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, Argentina
One reason to come to La Recoleta is to visit the grave of one of the most famous first ladies across the globe, Eva Peron. But another reason would be to visit the incredibly ornate tombstones and to try and catch a glimpse of one of the many spirits said to haunt the site. Cemeteries are scary places – this one delivers!
Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia
Port Arthur was Australia’s most notorious penal colony. You can tour ruins of the penitentiary, the hospital, the church and insane asylum. Known as “hell on earth” in its heyday, it’s a piece of Aussie history worth visiting if you’re in Tasmania.
Tower of London, London, England
Very few visitors to London miss a daytime visit to the Tower of London, but how many of them know it’s the city’s most haunted site? Torture, execution and hangings were the main event at the Tower a few hundred years ago. It’s a terrifying, must-see!
