Most haunted cities in Europe

The Halloween theme continues on Back to the Passport this October as we share the 13 most haunted places in Europe (I love a theme, don’t judge me).

With many of these cities having impressive histories and stories of war, it’s no surprise some remnants of the past remain active today. Whether touring castles, cemeteries, or crypts, there are plenty of incredible buildings and attractions in Europe that are touted as haunted. Some have specific spectres and some just have creepy feelings associated with them. Explore the cities on your own to find evidence of these spirited ghosts.

If you’re in the mood for an epic ghost tour or two as you visit some popular European vacation destinations, these are the haunted places you’ll want to add to your list.

13 haunted cities in Europe

Rome, Italy

Ah, Roma, the Eternal City, which some took a little too literally. With a massive empire and even today’s bustling population, it shouldn’t come as a shock that some souls got attached to the city and couldn’t dare to leave it behind. Rome is also home to some unique attractions, like the Capuchin Crypt, the Catacombs on the Appia Antica, and the Museum of the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Whether spotting apparitions or hearing whispers in the wind, there are plenty of haunted places in Rome to discover.

Haunted sites in Rome:

Campo de’ Fiori
Piazza Navona
Piazza Farnese
Ponte Sisto
Ponte Sant’Angelo (the bridge in front of Castel Sant’Angelo)
The Colosseum

Bruges, Belgium

A favorite city for beer enthusiasts, Bruges is also a great place for believers of the paranormal. This Unesco World Heritage City has plenty of charm, cute architecture, and and Old World feeling – sometimes the feeling is a bit more chilly, though. With stories of ghostly monks and nuns making appearances and items moving on their own, Bruges is a wonderful city to explore for its darker past, with a dark beer to enjoy after your ghost hunting.

Haunted sites in Bruges:

IM Cooling Tower
Chateau Miranda
Den Noodt Gods

London, United Kingdom

This popular city on the river has known its share of triumph and tragedy and is a top choice for ghost hunters looking to make connections with spirits from the other side. With sinister characters like Jack the Ripper running through the streets of London to today’s popular London Dungeons attraction, London is definitely a spot for those interested in the macabre.

Madrid, Spain

While this sunny city in Spain normally conjures up images of vibrant, open squares and flavorful food, Madrid is also home to some restless spirits and strange occurrences. As you wander the streets of this beautiful city, you might get that feeling that you’re not alone or that something just out of reach is with you. Madrid is a great city for a ghost tour with a plethora of haunted sites, with ghosts from all sorts of time periods making themselves known.

Haunted sites in Madrid:

Ministry of Finance
Linares Palace
Reina Sofia Museum
Cats Hostel
House of Seven Chimneys

Paris, France

The City of Light not only attracts millions of visitors each year but is also known for attracting spirits, perhaps seeking a different kind of light. Discover the dark side of Paris when you explore some of the more haunted sites and places and find your own evidence of the paranormal.

Haunted sites in Paris:

Catacombs
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Versailles (Marie Antoinette is rumored to haunt the gardens and palace)
Jardin de Tuileries
Pantheon Crypt
Le Manior de Paris

While ghost hunting in France, be sure to head to the Loire Valley and visit the famously haunted Chateau de Brissac! The chateau is haunted by La Dame Verte or the Green Lady who likes to make herself known by moaning in the hallways or as an apparition, a woman in a green dress with gaping holes where her eyes and nose should be. You’ll definitely need some good French wine after spotting her.

Istanbul, Turkey

With many cultural influences and its location between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is an adventurer’s paradise. Bazaars, palaces, and mosques are in the heart of the city but there’s also a supernatural beat happening there as well. Such a diverse mix of people over time makes it the perfect spot for a bit of ghost hunting in Europe.

Haunted sites in Istanbul:

Grand Bazaar
Bakirpasa Mansion
Cemil Molla Mansion
Molla Zeyrek Mosque
Yusuf Ziya Pasha Mansion
Basilica Cistern

Prague, Czechia

Prague is home to buildings of indescribable beauty but the city is also known for unexplainable paranormal activity. The city has a rich history, amazing beer scene, and is a fan-favorite destination in Europe. But the city also has a dark side that’s waiting to be explored. Tour some of the city’s creepier castles and landmarks and feel like you’re visiting a whole new world.

Haunted sites in Prague:

The Church of Bones
Charles Bridge
Houska Castle (just north of Prague and said to be built on a hole or gate to hell)
Zvikov Castle
The Faust House

Interested in the Czech Republic? Check out our Czech Republic bucket list!

Berlin, Germany

Beer, brats, and boos can be found in Berlin. Combine great food and drink with history as you tour Berlin, and treat yourself to venturing into the darker past of the city on a ghost tour where you might come across some of these haunted locations!

Haunted sites in Berlin:

Berlin Citadel
Graues Kloster
Berliner Unterwelten
Berlin Dungeon
Barenquell Brewery

Bucharest, Romania

This area is home to Vlad the Impaler and vampire lore, so it’s no surprise it’s a top choice for ghost hunters in Europe. The capital of Romania has plenty to explore during the day but is a great destination for those that like creatures of the night or delving into the supernatural. Many of these places have evidence of disembodied voices, feelings of intense cold, or even noticing animals won’t go near a specific place.

Haunted sites in Bucharest:

Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania
Chiajna Monastery
Palace of the Parliament
The Theater School
House of the Devil
Orphanage on French Street
Witches’ Pond

Poveglia Island, Italy

Located near Venice, Poveglia Island isn’t inhabited by any of the living but is a hot spot of paranormal activity. This place deserves its own entry on this post as it’s that spooky. Once a refuge for Venetians, then a quarantine for those with the Plague and Black Death, and finally an insane asylum, it’s the perfect recipe for a haunted site in Europe.

While no locals visit the deserted island, ghost hunters have made trips there to capture screams, moans, and voices or to see shadows or figures moving in the dark. Many report feeling an evil presence or sense of dread and foreboding while on the island.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is a must-see in Scotland, even if you don’t wish to indulge your inner ghost hunter. With impressive castles and centuries old cemeteries, Edinburgh is the ideal setting for a historical journey, as well as a supernatural one. Maybe the spirits are drawn to the Stone of Destiny located here, or maybe they like the medieval setting of the city, whatever the reason, Edinburgh has its share of ghost stories and hauntings.

Haunted sites in Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Castle
Mary King’s Close
Edinburgh Playhouse
Underground city
Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery
The Blair Street Vaults
The White Hart Inn

Wolfsegg, Germany

Like Poveglia, this one gets its own entry as Burg Wolfsegg has had reported hauntings since the 1500s. Reports of strange activity started after one of the castle’s owners planned his wife’s murder after discovering an affair and then followed her to the grave shortly after. People have heard weird noises, seen the White Lady, and felt uncomfortable while in the castle.

Dublin, Ireland

Many enjoy a dark spirit when visiting Dublin in the form of Irish whisky but you can also visit some sites that have a few spirits of their own, both light and dark. Listen for things that go bump in the night, besides your partner trying to find the Ibuprofen in the dark, when checking out these haunted Dublin sites.

Haunted sites in Dublin:

Trinity College
The Brazen Head
Kilmainham Gaol
The Grave Diggers and Glasnevin Cemetery
Malahide Castle
Ardgillan Castle

What’s your favorite haunted city in Europe? Tell us on our Facebook Page or in the comments below!

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