23 Weird and Spooky Places Around the World

If you’ve got a thrill for the eerie, an appetite for the unusual, or simply want to go on a wild adventure, this is your guide.

Let’s hop around the world to the 23 weirdest and spookiest places you can actually visit!

Our absolute favorites are
#4 (the Crazy Guesthouse)
#11 (The Door to Hell),
#20 (Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum).

💡 Tip: Check out the book ‘Don’t go there – the world’s strange places’ on Amazon.

1. Island of the Dead Dolls | Mexico

This small island is famous for hundreds of terrifying dolls hanging from its trees. It’s said to be dedicated to the lost spirit of a poor girl who met her fate too soon in the surrounding waters. The island’s caretaker, who discovered her body, began to hang the dolls as a tribute to her, but tragically, he too was found drowned in the same waters.

Visitors today are both intrigued and horrified by the sight of the decaying dolls, their empty eyes and expressionless faces creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after you leave.

How to Get There

Fly into Mexico City, then take a boat ride through the canals of Xochimilco to reach the island.

Best Time to Visit

Daytime visits are recommended for the faint of heart, but if you’re seeking a truly spooky experience, opt for a night visit.

Review

The Island of the Dolls was an eerie and surreal experience. The sight of hundreds of lifeless eyes watching you from the trees was oddly unsettling and memorable.

2. Aokigahara Forest | Japan

Also known as the Sea of Trees, Aokigahara has a macabre reputation as Japan’s most infamous suicide spot. Visitors often describe an eerie silence that pervades the forest. This unsettling quiet, along with the dense growth and twisted trees, contributes to a sense of foreboding and mystique.

It’s not only the tragic history but also the strange magnetic anomalies in the area that disorient compasses, leading many to believe that there are supernatural forces at play in this haunting and enigmatic forest.

How to Get There

Fly into Tokyo, then take a train and a short hike to reach the forest.

Best Time to Visit

Spring or autumn are great times to visit, when the weather is more temperate and the colors of the forest are particularly striking.

Review

Walking through Aokigahara was an unforgettable experience. The eerie silence and dense woodland had a haunting beauty that was strangely serene.

3. Catacombs of Paris | France

Underneath the bustling city of Paris lie the Catacombs, home to the remains of more than six million people. It’s a labyrinth of death, making it one of the spookiest places you could visit. The walls are lined with skulls and bones, meticulously arranged in patterns, creating a macabre piece of art.

Visitors often speak of the chilling atmosphere and the eerie feeling of being watched, as they walk through the narrow tunnels, further adding to the mystique and allure of this extraordinary subterranean world.

How to Get There

Fly into Paris, then take the Metro (Line 4 or 6) to Denfert-Rochereau.

Best Time to Visit

Visit in the winter when the tourist crowds have thinned.

Review

The Catacombs of Paris were a chilling reminder of our mortality. The countless bones, stacked with such care, created a hauntingly poignant atmosphere.

4.  Crazy House – Hang Nga Guesthouse | Vietnam

It’s not spooky, but super weird! Nestled in the vibrant city of Dalat in Vietnam, the Hang Nga Guesthouse, often referred to as the “Crazy House,” stands as a testament to imaginative architecture.

This bizarre and whimsical building seems straight out of a fairy tale, with its twisting concrete forms, unconventional shapes, and unexpected alcoves. It’s as if Dr. Seuss and Salvador Dali collaborated to create this one-of-a-kind architectural marvel.

The guesthouse not only serves as an attraction for those intrigued by its unique design but also functions as a hotel where you can spend the night. Each room has its own theme and offers a unique experience, from the underwater ambiance of the “Mermaid Room” to the cozy confines of the “Eagle Room.”

How to Get There

Dalat is well-connected to major cities in Vietnam, with Lien Khuong Airport being the nearest airport. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shuttle to reach the city center. Hang Nga Guesthouse is a well-known spot, and most local drivers will be familiar with its location.

Best Time to Visit

Dalat enjoys a temperate climate, making it a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit would be during the dry season, from December to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the guesthouse and its surroundings.

Our Review

Visiting the Hang Nga Guesthouse was like stepping into a dreamlike world, where every turn brought new surprises. The intricate details, unexpected nooks, and fantastical designs made us feel like kids exploring a massive treehouse.

Staying the night added another layer to the experience, as the ambiance shifted from whimsical daylight to an enchanting evening glow. For those in search of the unique and unusual, this is a must-visit when in Dalat.

5. Pripyat | Ukraine

Abandoned after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Pripyat now stands as a haunting testament to the suddenness of the nuclear catastrophe. Crumbling buildings and abandoned personal belongings make it an eerie place to visit.

How to Get There

Fly into Kyiv, and then it’s best to join an organized and authorized tour to visit Pripyat safely.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Eastern State Penitentiary is during the autumn. There are fewer visitors, and the weather is perfect for visiting such a towering structure of the past. Clouds or rain will only add to the drama.

Review

The eerie silence in the streets of Pripyat and the sight of abandoned belongings made my visit an incredibly powerful experience that really brought history alive.

  • Country: Ukraine

6. Eastern State Penitentiary | USA

Once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, now in ruins, this haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers stand as a testament to a bygone era.

Read our complete article about the Penitentiary.

How to Get There

Fly into Philadelphia, and the prison is easily accessible by car or public transport.

Best Time to Visit

Visiting during their Halloween season, called “Terror Behind the Walls”, offers an especially spooky experience.

Review

The crumbling walls and the eerie silence of the Eastern State Penitentiary gave me chills. It’s a chilling, yet fascinating, journey into America’s past.

7. The Stanley Hotel | USA

Known for its old-world charm and beautiful setting, The Stanley Hotel also has a spooky reputation. It was the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining.” Stephen King himself stayed in Room 217 and reported experiencing paranormal activity, which led to the creation of his famous novel.

But the tales of hauntings go beyond King’s stay, with numerous guests and staff reporting strange occurrences like objects moving on their own, laughter of unseen children, and ghostly piano music. The hotel’s long history and these eerie events combine to make a stay at The Stanley Hotel a unique experience where the lines between reality and the supernatural seem to blur.

How to Get There

Fly into Denver, Colorado, and then drive to Estes Park.

Best Time to Visit

A stay in the hotel around Halloween would be an especially spooky treat, but the beauty of the surrounding Rockies is worth a visit any time of year.

Review

The Stanley Hotel was a delightful mix of charm and chills. Its beautiful surroundings were a stark contrast to the spooky whispers of its past.

8. St. Augustine Lighthouse | USA

The St. Augustine Lighthouse, known for its rich history and beautiful views, is also famous for being one of the most haunted places in Florida. Visitors have reported encounters with the lighthouse’s former keepers and eerie sounds during the night.

Don’t believe us? Read here: Employees, and guests witness paranormal activity at St. Augustine Lighthouse, keeper’s house

How to Get There

Fly into Jacksonville, Florida, and then it’s a short drive to the city of St. Augustine.

Best Time to Visit

Any time of the year is a good time to visit, but the lighthouse offers special “Dark of the Moon” ghost tours that are especially spooky.

Our Review

St. Augustine Lighthouse was an experience full of history, beauty, and a good dose of the paranormal. The view from the top was breathtaking, but the ghost stories were what really took my breath away.

9. Poveglia Island | Italy

Once a quarantine station for plague victims, and later an insane asylum, Poveglia Island is believed to be one of the most haunted places in the world. Its dark history includes tales of suffering, death, and even mad experiments conducted by a doctor who allegedly tortured his patients.

Visitors and investigators who’ve dared to explore the island have reported hearing screams, moans, and unsettling whispers, and some have even claimed to have seen apparitions. The remains of the abandoned buildings, overgrown with nature, further contribute to the island’s eerie atmosphere.

Whether it’s the weight of its tragic past or something more supernatural, Poveglia Island leaves an indelible mark on those who venture onto its haunted shores.

How to Get There

Fly into Venice, then hire a boat to take you to the island.

Best Time to Visit

Spring or fall are the best times to visit, when the weather is more comfortable and the crowds are fewer.

Review

Stepping onto Poveglia Island felt like stepping into another, eerier world. The sense of history and the macabre tales associated with it made for an unforgettable visit.

10. Hoia-Baciu Forest | Romania

Often referred to as the “Bermuda Triangle of Romania,” Hoia-Baciu Forest is known for its strange phenomena, from UFO sightings to inexplicable feelings of anxiety among visitors.

This mysterious forest has been the site of numerous reports of unexplained events, including ghostly apparitions, strange noises, and even physical sensations like nausea and anxiety that overcome those who enter certain areas. Some trees are twisted and contorted in unnatural ways, and there is a specific clearing within the forest where nothing grows, adding to the enigma.

Researchers and paranormal enthusiasts continue to be drawn to Hoia-Baciu, but whether the forces at play are extraterrestrial, supernatural, or simply the power of suggestion, the forest continues to be a place that challenges our understanding of the world around us.

How to Get There

Fly into Cluj-Napoca, and the forest is just a short drive away.

Best Time to Visit

The forest is open year-round, but a visit during the autumn months will give you the best chance of avoiding the summer crowds.

Review

The visit to Hoia-Baciu Forest was as eerie as it was enthralling. The strange aura and mysterious phenomena gave the whole place a spooky charm that was incredibly captivating.

11. Door to Hell | Turkmenistan

The Door to Hell, also known as the Darvaza Gas Crater, is a fiery pit that has been burning in the Karakum Desert for over 40 years. It’s a weird and eerie sight, especially at night when the flames dance against the dark sky.

This otherworldly phenomenon started in 1971 when Soviet geologists were drilling and accidentally tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas, causing the ground to collapse. To prevent the spread of the gas, it was set on fire, expecting it to burn out within days, but it has continued to burn ever since.

The glow of the burning crater can be seen from miles away, and visitors often describe a surreal and mesmerizing experience, watching the flames and feeling the intense heat.

Whether viewed as a cautionary environmental tale or a unique natural wonder, the Door to Hell remains a fascinating and enigmatic destination.

How to Get There

Fly into Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. From there, it’s about a 3.5-hour drive to the crater.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is during the cooler months between October and March. Nighttime visits offer the most dramatic views.

Our Review

Seeing the Door to Hell was a sight like no other. The sheer scale of the fiery pit and the stark contrast to the surrounding desert was a surreal spectacle.

12. Hanging Coffins of Sagada | Philippines

In Sagada, you can see coffins hanging off cliffs! It’s an ancient funerary custom of the Igorot people, who believe that hanging their dead brings them closer to their ancestral spirits. This tradition has been practiced for over 2,000 years and represents a profound connection between the living and the deceased.

The hanging coffins are carefully carved by the elderly before they pass away, and then placed on the cliffs, often stacked atop one another. Visitors to Sagada are struck by the sight of these wooden coffins, suspended high on the cliff faces, weathered by time but standing as a testament to a unique cultural practice.

This awe-inspiring sight is a blend of history, spirituality, and an unbroken connection to a time-honored tradition, providing a profound insight into the rich tapestry of Filipino culture.

How to Get There

Fly into Manila, take a bus to Banaue, and then another bus to Sagada.

Best Time to Visit

Visit in the cooler months of December to February for the most comfortable journey and exploration.

Our Review

The hanging coffins of Sagada are an incredible sight. They’re a stark reminder of the unique cultures that thrive across the globe.

 13. Kryziu Kalnas (The Hill of Crosses) | Lithuania

Kryziu Kalnas, or the Hill of Crosses, is a strange and poignant site located in Northern Lithuania. It’s an area filled with thousands of crosses of different sizes and styles, left by pilgrims over the centuries. It’s an extraordinary sight, steeped in mystery and history.

How to Get There

Fly into Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and from there, it’s about a three-hour drive to the Hill of Crosses.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit the Hill of Crosses year-round. However, the spring and summer months, when the surrounding fields are in bloom, add a particular charm to the site.

Review

The Hill of Crosses was a deeply moving and visually stunning experience. The sheer number of crosses, each one representing a story, created a profound sense of history and spirituality.

14. Pluckley Village | England

Pluckley holds the title of the most haunted village in England, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. With at least 12 reported ghosts, you’re in for a spooky time. From a screaming man to the ghost of a schoolmaster found hanging by children, and even the haunting specter of a highwayman, the village’s supernatural residents are known far and wide.

Locals and visitors alike have reported strange occurrences, unexplained noises, and eerie sightings, all adding to the village’s ghostly reputation. Whether you’re a curious traveler or a serious ghost hunter, Pluckley provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in England’s spectral folklore, surrounded by picturesque countryside that seems to hide its secrets well.

The ghosts of Pluckley continue to captivate, spook, and intrigue, making it a destination that’s hard to forget.

How to Get There

Fly into London, then take a train to Pluckley.

Best Time to Visit

The ghosts of Pluckley are reported year-round, but the chill of a clear autumn evening brings a certain atmospheric charm.

Review

Roaming through Pluckley, I could feel a shiver down my spine. The historic houses and the ghost stories add a fascinatingly spooky character to the village.

  • Country: England
  • Google Maps Location: Pluckley

15. The Great Blue Hole | Belize

The Great Blue Hole is a massive underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize. While not spooky, it’s one of the largest of its kind, with a depth of 407 feet (124 meters) and a nearly perfect circular shape. The inky blue water and its mysterious depths make it a unique and fascinating natural wonder.

How to Get There

Fly into Belize City, and from there, you can take a boat tour to the Great Blue Hole.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from late November to mid-April, when the weather is ideal for snorkeling or diving.

Review

Exploring the Great Blue Hole was an unforgettable experience. The deep blue water was mesmerizing, and diving into the sinkhole revealed a hidden world of underwater caves and ancient formations.

42. Leap Castle | Ireland

Leap Castle, situated in Coolderry, County Offaly, Ireland, is often cited as one of the most haunted castles in the world. The castle’s bloody history includes clan feuds, battles, and treachery. One of the most chilling tales is that of the “Bloody Chapel,” where a priest was brutally killed by his own brother, leading to reports of haunting activities and mysterious occurrences within the castle’s walls.

How to Get There

Fly into Dublin Airport, Ireland, and then it’s about a 2-hour drive to Leap Castle.

Best Time to Visit

Visit during the summer months for the most pleasant weather, but remember to book in advance as the castle is privately owned and tours are limited.

Our Review

Leap Castle is a place that captures both the imagination and the spine-tingling sensation of the supernatural. The rich history and the legends associated with the castle make it a gripping place to explore. Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of the paranormal, Leap Castle offers a unique and thrilling experience.

 17. Old Changi Hospital | Singapore

Old Changi Hospital, located in Singapore, is notorious for being one of the most haunted places in the country. During World War II, it was used as a prison and torture camp by the Japanese Secret Police. Today, the deserted hospital is known for its chilling atmosphere and numerous reports of paranormal activity.

How to Get There

Fly into Changi Airport, Singapore, and the Old Changi Hospital is only about a 15-minute drive away.

Best Time to Visit

Anytime is a good time to visit if you’re looking for a spooky experience. The hospital is abandoned, so prepare for a self-guided tour.

Review

Old Changi Hospital is not for the faint-hearted. The deserted corridors and dilapidated rooms created a chilling atmosphere that brought the building’s haunting history to life. For those seeking the thrill of a ghostly encounter, this is a place not to be missed.

18. Mary King’s Close | Scotland

Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh is a historic close located under buildings. It’s known for ghost sightings and stories of hauntings. This maze of hidden streets has remained frozen in time since the 17th century, with rooms and spaces left largely as they were hundreds of years ago.

The close was once a bustling and vibrant part of the city, but it became associated with death and despair during times of plague. Ghostly apparitions, including the well-known spirit of a young girl named Annie, have been reported by numerous visitors. There are also tales of strange noises and unexplained phenomena that add to the eerie atmosphere.

Taking a tour of Mary King’s Close offers a chilling and fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s past, where history and legend intertwine, leaving a lingering sense of mystery that captivates all who venture beneath the city’s surface.

How to Get There

Fly into Edinburgh, and Mary King’s Close is right in the city center.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round, but remember, the closes can be quite chilly in the winter.

Our Review

Exploring the hidden streets of Mary King’s Close was a unique experience. The rich history and the ghostly tales were as intriguing as they were chilling.

19. The Catacombs of the Capuchins | Italy

These catacombs in Palermo contain thousands of mummified bodies, dressed in their Sunday best. It’s a hair-raising sight.

The Catacombe dei Cappuccini began as a burial site for friars in the late 16th century but soon became a status symbol for local citizens. Families would pay to have their loved ones embalmed and displayed, often in poses that reflected their social standing or profession.

Walking through the catacombs, visitors encounter row after row of these macabre figures, their faces frozen in time, eyes often wide open. Some mummies are eerily well-preserved, with skin and hair intact, giving a surreal glimpse into the past.

This haunting and unique place offers a strange and unsettling experience that challenges our notions of death and remembrance, leaving a lasting impression that is both fascinating and disturbing.

How to Get There

Fly into Palermo, and the catacombs are just a short drive away.

Best Time to Visit

The catacombs are open year-round, but visiting during the quieter tourist seasons of spring and fall might be more comfortable.

Our Review

Visiting the Catacombs of the Capuchins was a chilling but fascinating experience. Seeing the mummified bodies up close was a poignant reminder of life’s fleeting nature.

20. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum | USA

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, located in Weston, West Virginia, is a place that echoes with the history of mental health treatment and has become a destination for those interested in the paranormal. Once one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the United States, it opened its doors in 1864 and was in operation until 1994. Within its walls, thousands of patients were treated, and it was known for controversial procedures and overcrowding.

The asylum has become a hotspot for ghost hunters, with numerous reports of unexplained phenomena, including eerie noises, voices, and sightings of apparitions. Some believe the tormented spirits of former patients still roam the halls, trapped by their tragic pasts.

Special Documented Occurrence

Visitors and paranormal investigators have reported various unexplained occurrences, including hearing cries, whispers, and footsteps when no one else is present. One of the most famous apparitions is that of a little girl named Lily, who is believed to have been born in the asylum and often seen or felt in one of the rooms.

How to Get There

The nearest big city is Clarksburg, and the North Central West Virginia Airport is about 30 miles away. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Weston. The asylum offers tours, including ghost tours, so you can experience the eerie atmosphere for yourself.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit would be during one of their organized tours, especially if you’re interested in the haunted aspects. The ghost tours are conducted year-round, with special overnight events for the truly brave.

Review

During our visit to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, we were struck by the combination of architectural beauty and an unsettling history. The guided tours provided an eye-opening insight into the past, both enlightening and chilling. The ghost tour was especially thrilling, filled with spine-tingling moments that left us questioning what we believe about the unseen world. It’s a place where history and mystery intertwine, creating an unforgettable experience.

21. Akodessewa Fetish Market | Togo

Akodessewa Fetish Market in Lomé, Togo, is one of the world’s largest voodoo markets, offering a bewildering array of items used in voodoo practices.

From dried animal parts to talismans and traditional medicines, the market serves as a hub for traditional West African spiritual practices. The market’s atmosphere is charged with a mystical energy, as voodoo priests perform rituals and offer guidance to those seeking spiritual solutions to personal problems.

The sights and sounds of the market can be overwhelming, with the strong smell of herbs and animal remains filling the air. However, for those interested in understanding the deep cultural roots of voodoo in this region, a visit to Akodessewa can be an enlightening and unforgettable experience.

How to Get There

Lomé, the capital of Togo, is the nearest big city to Akodessewa Fetish Market. Lomé-Tokoin Airport serves as the main gateway for international travelers. From the airport, you can take a taxi or other local transportation to the market.

Best Time to Visit

The market is open year-round, but visiting in the early morning hours might provide a less crowded experience, allowing for more interaction with the vendors and priests.

Review

Visiting the Akodessewa Fetish Market was a unique and eye-opening experience, providing a glimpse into a world that many might find mysterious and unsettling. The market is a vibrant place filled with colors, textures, and scents, and the people are welcoming and willing to explain their practices.

While not for the faint-hearted due to some of the graphic nature of the items for sale, it’s a place that offers a profound understanding of a rich and complex tradition. The experience left us with a deeper respect and appreciation for the cultural diversity that our world has to offer.

22. Winchester Mystery House | USA

This sprawling Victorian mansion in San Jose, California, was built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of a gun magnate. Legend says she kept adding rooms to the house to confuse the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles.

How to Get There

Fly into San Jose, and the Winchester Mystery House is easily accessible by car or public transport.

Best Time to Visit

The mansion is open year-round. However, visiting during October gives you the opportunity to experience their special Halloween tours.

Our Review

The Winchester Mystery House was a maze of mystery and intrigue. Each room and hallway had its own story, adding to the overall sense of bewilderment and awe.

23. Sedlec Ossuary | Czech Republic

Also known as the “Bone Church,” Sedlec Ossuary is decorated with the bones of up to 70,000 people, making it a uniquely macabre site. The bones are artistically arranged into various structures, including a grand chandelier, a coat of arms, and even intricate altars.

Visitors often feel a mixture of awe and eeriness as they wander through the space, contemplating the impermanence of life.

This incredible display serves not only as a visual spectacle but also as a symbol of equality in death, reminding us that in the end, we are all the same.

How to Get There

Fly into Prague, then take a train to Kutná Hora, where the ossuary is located.

Best Time to Visit

Visit during the off-peak season (fall or winter) to avoid large crowds and have a more intimate experience with the historical site.

Review

Visiting Sedlec Ossuary was a deeply moving experience. The ornate arrangements of human bones were chilling yet incredibly beautiful, making it a truly unique place to visit.

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