The Earth is a scary place, and with over 4 billion years of history, it should be. In that time, depending on what you believe, there have been dinosaurs, evil empires, war crimes, murders, and natural disasters.
It seems creepy in and of itself that people would want to revisit these places. However, because humans are so curious about the macabre side of history—and perhaps eager to document the supernatural—they throw caution to the wind and investigate these places themselves.
Below are some of the world’s creepiest locations, and depending on how much money you have in the bank, they might be worth a visit in your lifetime—especially if your vacation tastes are as offbeat as ours.
The Catacombs of Paris (France)
Over six million people reside beneath the streets of Paris—not in the flesh, but quite the opposite. A labyrinth of tunnels filled with their bones makes up the walls, and dim lighting casts eerie shadows over rows of eyeless skulls that watch over adventurers as they make their way through this chilling atmosphere.
The Town of Gettysburg
In 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania began and lasted for three days. In that time, 50,000 men lost their lives, many never receiving a proper burial. A quick search for “ghosts of Gettysburg” reveals images and personal testimonies of people who have experienced paranormal events while visiting the battle site.
The Stanley Hotel
Even the world’s most famous horror author, Stephen King, was creeped out by this enormous hotel. He was inspired to write The Shining based on his experiences at The Stanley, located in Estes Park, Colorado. To get a taste of what this historically haunted location has to offer, check out episode five, season three of Ghost Hunters, where apparitions and ghostly voices were captured during an investigation.
Island of the Dolls (Mexico)
In Xochimilco, Mexico, there is a small island filled with thousands of deteriorating dolls hanging from trees. The toys were originally placed there to keep evil spirits away, but their rotting bodies, eyeless sockets, and filthy clothes make it one of the creepiest places in the world.
Eastern State Penitentiary (USA)
The decaying corridors of this abandoned Philadelphia prison have long been a bucket list destination for paranormal investigators. It is notorious for its harsh treatment of inmates and for housing famous gangster Al Capone. Supernatural sleuths have reported hearing voices and footsteps during their visits, as well as witnessing shadowy figures.
The Hill of Crosses (Lithuania)
This centuries-old landmark isn’t as terrifying as it is eerie. Covered in thousands of crosses that dominate the landscape, it exudes an unsettling atmosphere. The origins of this graveyard of religious iconography aren’t exactly clear, but it definitely has a creep factor.
Villisca Axe Murder House
You know those horror movies where children laugh creepily in the shadows? The Villisca Axe Murder House is filled with those sounds—or at least that’s what paranormal investigators think they’ve captured on tape. In June of 1912, on a “pleasant summer’s night,” eight unsuspecting victims—including six children—were bludgeoned to death as they slept after a church service. Despite a nationwide manhunt, multiple suspects, and two trials, the murders remain unsolved.
You can stay in the house (for a fee, of course) to see if you can capture your own evidence of the lingering spirits.