This Halloween, millions of tourists are looking for spooky adventures and supernatural experiences. Discover the 10 scariest places in the world - from haunted castles and ancient prisons to the mysterious Ayokigahara Forest, where legends, ghosts and stories create an unforgettable atmosphere.

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This Halloween, millions of tourists around the world will once again be looking for thrills and spooky adventures. From haunted castles to ancient prisons where, according to legend, ghosts live, these places attract desperate travelers every year who want to experience real supernatural fear. We tell you about the places where millions of tourists go on Halloween in this article.

Halloween is a popular holiday that is celebrated every year on October 31. On this spooky day, people wear scary costumes, do themed makeup and go to numerous parties. We have collected all the information you would like to know about Halloween 2025 at the link.

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How and why were the scariest places in the world chosen?

According to Ghost Tours, 41% of adults believe in ghosts, and one in five has witnessed something "paranormal" at least once in their lives.

With these numbers in mind, SpinBlitz conducted a survey to rank the top 10 most popular and spookiest places on the planet to visit for Halloween.

The study was based on data from travel platforms such as Lonely Planet, Trip.com and Condé Nast Traveller, as well as traveler reviews, legends and documented cases of ghost sightings.

The 10 Most Spooky Places in the World to Visit for Halloween

Salem, Massachusetts, USA (4.9/5)

The town of Salem topped the list for “haunted appeal.” Famous for the 1642 witch trials, it attracts over a million tourists each year. In 2024, a record 87,500 visitors filled the streets of Salem on Halloween, a 37% increase from the previous year. As SpinBlitz notes, “The House of Witches and the Memorial of the Trials are eerie, while the twinkling lights and fog from the harbor make for a perfect backdrop for a movie.”

Corvinus Castle, Hunedoara, Romania (4.9/5)

The Gothic fortress where Vlad the Impaler was once imprisoned attracts around 275,000 tourists each year, with October being the busiest month. Visitors and paranormal investigators have reported a sudden drop in temperature and whispers within the castle walls. SpinBlitz notes that October is a time of “a noticeable surge” in tourists seeking supernatural experiences and the legendary Dracula.

Lizzie Borden House, Fall River, Massachusetts, USA (4.8/5)

Lizzie Borden House is the site of the infamous 1892 double murder, when Andrew and Abby Borden were found dead with an axe. Lizzie was acquitted, but the real culprit was never found. Thousands of guests stay overnight here every year, and over 70% of paranormal investigations have recorded unexplained noises, especially in the room where the murders took place.

Hill of Crosses, Lithuania (4.7/5)

The Hill of Crosses is a pilgrimage site with over 200,000 crosses. Locals report mysterious lights and ghosts among the memorials at night. Folklore says that the place is inhabited by the souls of monks from the destroyed church or the ghosts of pagan warriors who died in a battle in 1348. Visitors describe the atmosphere as mystical and spiritual, rather than spooky.

Tower of London, United Kingdom (4.6/5)

The Tower of London is known for over 200 documented ghost sightings. Built in 1078, it was formerly a prison. Legends tell of thirteen ghosts of executed prisoners, a burning light in Anne Boleyn’s chapel, and the ghosts of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The Tower attracts three million tourists each year.

Top best tourist destinations for travelers in Europe for Halloween in this article.

Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania, USA (4.6/5)

Once one of the most severe prisons in America, Eastern State Penitentiary is known for its harsh conditions and many spooky stories. Tourists report strange noises in the cells, shadows on the walls, and a sense of presence as they walk through the narrow corridors. Every October, special tours are held here for paranormal seekers, attracting thousands of daredevils.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, UK (4.4/5)

This medieval castle with a history spanning centuries is home to many ghostly legends. Visitors often report the ghostly figures of soldiers walking through the ancient corridors and the unexplained sounds of battle. One of the most famous stories is that of a little boy who died in the castle centuries ago. Tourists can feel the chill and eerie atmosphere even during the day.

Charleville Castle, Ireland (4.4/5)

This Irish castle is famous not only for its architectural beauty, but also for its ghostly legends. According to locals, the spirits of former owners and soldiers roam here. Visitors tell of unexpected temperature changes, strange whispers and the feeling that someone is following them. The castle offers tours for those who want to learn more about its dark past.

Banff Springs Hotel, Canada (4.4/5)

This historic hotel in the Canadian Rockies has the reputation of being one of the most haunted hotels in the world. Legends tell of the ghosts of former guests and staff. Tourists report light anomalies, doors that open spontaneously and the feeling of a presence in empty rooms. The hotel is also known for stories of guests disappearing and unexpected sounds at night.

Aiyokigahara Forest, Japan (4.3/5)

Known as the “Suicide Forest,” Aiyokigahara at the foot of Mount Fuji is famous for its eerie atmosphere and dense trees that barely let sunlight through. According to legend, the forest is inhabited by the ghosts of the dead, and tourists often experience a strange calm, which is replaced by an unsettling sense of danger. Locals advise to be careful when walking, as the forest has a reputation as one of the most mysterious and terrifying locations in the world.

Halloween is a time when even the most daring travelers seek a combination of adrenaline and mysticism. The world’s most haunted places, from Salem and Corwin Castle to Aiyokigahara Forest, offer a unique atmosphere and unique stories that combine legends, historical facts and paranormal phenomena. For those who crave thrills, these locations become a real magnet, and for cautious tourists - a reminder that the world hides many secrets. Visiting such places on Halloween allows you not only to feel the spirit of holiday mysticism, but also to immerse yourself in centuries-old legends and stories that will make the trip unforgettable.

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Remember! Christmas is a magical winter holiday that attracts with twinkling lights, decorated trees, festive food and traditions. There is no more festive place to spend this family holiday than Christmas markets. Read here about the 10 best Christmas markets in Europe to visit in winter 2025/2026.

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