Ten Haunted Travel Destinations

The world is full of fascinating stories — whether shared in books, on the silver screen, or over a pint in the pub. And, for many, the best stories always include a little thrill or twist that chills. That's why we love to shine a light on some of the paranormal parts of ports we call on and the scary stories you'll hear when you visit. These 10 cities are home to rumors of ghosts, hauntings, and more. So get ready to learn about the things that go bump in the night and — perhaps — experience them for yourself on an overnight stay.   

VENICE, ITALY: ONE OF THE MOST HAUNTED CITIES IN THE WORLD!

Venice is famous (or infamous) for being one of the most haunted cities in the world! Well known for its narrow alleys, canals, and small islands, Venice's bewildering topography and a long history of macabre murders and ghastly illness make it an ideal setting for a spooky story. During your visit to Venice, explore some of the smaller islands surrounding the city. They've housed mass graves, prisons, and an insane asylum (said to be the eternal home of a mad doctor).

Venice is also home to one of the most famous haunted houses in the world: Palazzo Dario. Fittingly dubbed "The house that kills," many residents of the 15th-century Venetian Gothic palace have met truly terrible ends over the years. In fact, it's said that anyone who stays in the home for more than 20 days is all but certain to experience an unfortunate, untimely demise. One such guest was the legendary bass player of The Who, John Entwistle, who suffered a fatal heart attack one week after renting Palazzo Dario for a vacation. 

Our suggestion? Best to view the house from the canals — but don't linger too long!  

DARK AND DEADLY DUBLIN, IRELAND

It should come as no surprise that the birthplace of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, has a few haunts of its own. In fact, Dublin is as overflowing with ghost stories as the pints of beer in Temple Bar. Local pubs are frequented by residents and (allegedly) ghosts alike. Try to spot one at the Davy Byrne Pub or Brazen Head — Dublin’s oldest pub. Is the nightlife not your scene? Check out Trinity College. Rumor has it that it's haunted by a former medical professor. Just a 10-minute walk from the college, you'll find Dublin Castle, home to the ghosts of the headless bodies buried underneath. Another 10-minute walk will bring you to St. Patrick's Cathedral, said to be haunted by a ghost dog belonging to a sailor buried beneath the house of worship. Need an even spookier church to round out your visit? Cross the River Liffey and visit St. Michan's Church — beneath it is a burial vault containing dozens of mummified bodies!

BOO-TIFUL BARCELONA, SPAIN

It should come as no surprise that in a city as beautiful as Barcelona, even ghosts may want to stick around after their time has come and gone! Plaça del Comerç, located in the Sant Andreu neighborhood, is a particularly popular spot for specters. In fact, locals and visitors alike often report sightings of a strange spirit out for a stroll between 9pm and midnight — often illuminated by the iconic streetlamp that stands in the middle of the square. While this ghost is harmless, others seem to have a more sinister streak. Take the phantoms that allegedly haunt Gran Teatre del Liceu. This famous theatre was built on a site used for executions in the middle ages. This history has given the theatre a reputation for being cursed. And the rumor seems to have some merit! Since it was completed in 1847, the theatre has been the scene of many fires — one of which destroyed it completely. Nevertheless, even after it was rebuilt, visitors still frequently report ghostly figures roaming the stage. Perhaps they're looking for an encore in the land of the living?