What are 10 of the spookiest and most haunted places in the world?

Fear is an integral part of our lives. Just like eating spicy food, a little burn excites us and shows that we are still alive, whether it is the excitement of exploring new spooky locations or seeing something with a deep-rooted history of horrifying things happening. 

This is why, if you ever plan on visiting the countries or cities below, it is essential that you take some time to experience these macabre or slightly haunted places by yourself or with close friends. Here is a list of 10 of the most haunted places in the world in 2025.

10 most haunted places in the world

1. The Catacombs, Paris

One of the most popular destinations for travellers worldwide, Paris, is home to a bone-chilling labyrinth filled with the remains of 6 million Parisians. Initially used as an underground quarry in the 13th century, this labyrinth was later converted into a mass grave in the late 18th century when the Parisian cemeteries started overflowing. In the spring of 1780, relentless rainfall caused severe flooding in Paris, leading to the collapse of the overcrowded Les Innocents cemetery. The disaster sent decomposing corpses spilling onto neighboring properties, prompting authorities to take action. To address the public health crisis, the remains were exhumed and transferred to the city’s underground quarries, forming what is now known as the Paris Catacombs.

Today, these catacombs house the bones of millions, many of which are carefully arranged in intricate patterns along the walls. This macabre yet fascinating site draws countless visitors eager to explore the eerie tunnels and witness the morbid artistry of the Parisian underworld.

The catacombs have an inscription above the entrance that warns visitors: “Arrête, c’est ici l’empire de la mort!” – “Stop! This is the empire of Death!” Today, about a mile of the subterranean labyrinth is open to visitors, who can take tours of the tunnels and artfully arranged displays of bones. And as you descend further underground, the air takes on a noticeable chill. Tours take place during the day, with a short section of the caverns being open to the public and visiting hours from 10 am to 8:30 pm. 

2. The Gateway to Hell, Turkmenistan

While not all humans feel fear, most do. These fears can be common or uncommon, depending on the individual, but most individuals face seven primordial or primal fears. Some of these are the fear of death, rejection, failure, uncertainty, pain, the unknown, and loss of control. 

While fire can fit several of these fears, including fear of pain and death, the most common reason for it is the fear of loss of control. There are several places in the world where there have been continuous fires, with the Jharia coal field in Jharkhand burning underground for over 100 years. Similarly, a crater deep in the Turkmenistan desert has been burning an inferno for the past 40 years.

Officially called the Darvaza Crater, this circular sight is nicknamed the Gateway or Doorway to Hell. It is said to have been formed in 1971 when Soviet geologists looking for oil realised they’d stumbled across a cavern of natural gas and set it alight to avoid spreading methane gas. Now, it’s a fascinating sight that has become a popular tourist destination, as it looks like a portal to the underworld.

3. Bhangarh Fort, India

The infamous Bhangarh Fort is located some 260 km from New Delhi. Often a subject of fear and curiosity, it is popular among Indian thrill seekers and haunted place hunters. According to local stories, the fort, which is located in the middle of Rajasthan's desert landscape, is an oasis that remains uninhabited mainly due to an alleged curse cast by a disgruntled sorcerer after a local princess rebuffed his advances. 

Among articles and user accounts of the most horror place in the world, Bhangarh Fort of Rajasthan always holds the first position in India, and despite being a haunted place, Bhangarh Fort is still promoted as a tourist destination. However, visiting this place after sunset is forbidden.

4. Isla de las Munecas, Mexico

In today’s world, where mundanity is rejected and virality is appreciated, Isla de las Munecas, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved examples of Aztec life, and the neighbourhood of Xochimilco have both gained internet fame for their Island of the Dolls. 

La Isla de las Muñecas, or the Island of the Dolls, is an otherwise uninhabited island located 29 kilometres away from Mexico City, Mexico and is a stunningly morbid creation of a man named Don Julian Santana Barrera, who lived as a hermit on the island until he died in 2001. Hidden among the region’s many canals, the site is famous for the hundreds of dolls—and doll parts—hanging from trees and scattered among the grass. 

Looking like a horror movie set, the artificial island was scattered with an impressively ghastly collection of dismembered, broken dolls hung on tree branches around the island, where they hang to this day like sacrifices. After finding a dead girl’s body in a nearby canal, Barrera collected and displayed the toys in the hopes of warding off evil spirits. While there are doubts and contentions about the specifics of the story, most people agree that Barrera just wanted to give his ghostly friend some toys to play with. Today, daring tourists can hire their own boat and view the island safely from the water.

5. St. George’s Church, Czech Republic

Located 125 miles east of Prague, St. George’s Church dates back to 1325 and has a tumultuous history. Over the centuries, the church endured numerous fires, and in 1968, its roof partially collapsed during a funeral service. This incident left the local congregation deeply unsettled, with many believing the church to be haunted. As fear spread, parishioners abandoned the site, leaving it vulnerable to looting and vandalism.

In 2012, the church's fate took a dramatic turn when an art student from the University of West Bohemia devised an innovative way to draw visitors back. The student created 30 life-sized ghostly sculptures, draped in cloaks, and placed them in the pews with their heads bowed. These haunting figures transformed the abandoned church into a unique attraction.

Now known as the “Ghost Church,” St. George’s is open to the public every Saturday afternoon. Visitors come from far and wide to photograph the eerie installations and experience the haunting atmosphere, and some even sit among the sculptures to pray or reflect.

6. Hoia-Baciu Forest, Romania

The Hoia-Baciu Forest gained notoriety after a shepherd and his flock of 200 sheep reportedly vanished within its boundaries. Named after the shepherd, the forest’s eerie reputation grew in 1968 when a military technician photographed what appeared to be a UFO hovering over the trees. Some speculate that the forest serves as a portal to unknown realms. Visitors who claim to have passed through report experiencing symptoms like rashes, nausea, and anxiety. 

The forest's gnarled, twisted trees only add to its unsettling atmosphere. Located in Transylvania, an area historically associated with supernatural legends, the forest is fascinating. The nearby city of Cluj-Napoca serves as a convenient base for visitors.

7. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum opened in 1864 and peaked in the 1950s when it housed over 2,400 patients despite being designed for only 250. The severe overcrowding resulted in appalling conditions, with patients often left in cages and exposed to harsh environments. As frustrations grew, incidents of violence became common, including attacks on staff and the setting of fires. Although the asylum ceased operations in 1994, it is believed that the spirits of some patients remain. Today, visitors can explore the site through guided tours that range from brief 45-minute walks to extended six-hour experiences.

8. Capuchin Catacomb, Italy

The Capuchin Catacombs in Sicily house the preserved remains of more than 2,000 individuals. Initially intended for the burial of religious leaders, the catacombs were later opened to nobility and affluent families. Many mummies are dressed in attire that reflects their societal status. Among them is Rosalia Lombardo, a young girl nicknamed “Sleeping Beauty” due to the remarkable preservation of her body, which appears almost lifelike.

9. Shaniwar Wada, Pune, Maharashtra

Shaniwar Wada, a historic fort in Pune, is renowned both for its architectural grandeur and its association with paranormal activity. Popularised by the film Bajirao Mastani, the site is believed to be haunted, particularly during full moon nights. Legend has it that the spirit of a young prince, who was brutally murdered there, roams the premises. Visitors have reported hearing his cries and other mysterious sounds. Adventurers and thrill-seekers often gather at night to witness the reported supernatural phenomena. Due to these stories, Shaniwar Wada is regarded as one of the most haunted locations in India.

10. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia

Built in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary introduced extreme solitary confinement. Prisoners lived, ate, and exercised in complete isolation, and when they left their cells, their heads were covered to prevent interaction or recognition. By 1913, overcrowding forced the prison to abandon its strict solitary practices, but harsh punishments persisted, including chaining prisoners’ tongues to their wrists. The penitentiary was finally closed in 1970.

Today, the site operates as a museum and hosts annual Halloween events. Visitors and staff have reported paranormal activity, including unexplained laughter, shadowy figures, and footsteps echoing through the halls.

When you look for it, the world is filled with dozens of locations that offer something more than the typical locations with beautiful beaches and concrete jungles. Whether you are looking for the most horror place in the world or want to visit some of the most mysterious places in the world during your trip elsewhere, definitely check these destinations out for an excellent adventure unlike any other. 

If you plan to visit these locations, remember to get travel insurance to secure your trip and travel with confidence and peace of mind anywhere in the world.