7 Haunted Walking Tours That’ll Give You Chills 👻

There’s something irresistible about walking through a city after dark — cobblestone streets echoing underfoot, lanterns flickering, and whispers of stories long forgotten. Whether you’re a believer in ghosts or simply love a good spine-tingling tale, haunted walking tours blend history, mystery, and just the right amount of fright.

Here are seven haunted walking tours from around the world that promise to give you goosebumps any time of year.

1. Edinburgh – Royal Mile & Vaults (Scotland)

Beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town lies a labyrinth of narrow alleys where residents once lived, worked, and — according to some — never truly left. Guides lead you deep underground to explore preserved 17th-century streets and share tales of plague victims, mysterious knocks, and sightings that can’t quite be explained.

This isn’t just a ghost tour; it’s a walk through the city’s hidden past — and it’s entirely unforgettable. I can personally say this is one of the best “dark tours” I’ve ever done. It’s genuinely spooky to hear tales of witch trials, ghosts, and infamous crimes while seeing bones peeking out from an eerie graveyard. 😵‍💫

📍 Tip: Visit after sunset for the full atmospheric effect.

2. Prague – Old Town Ghost Walk (Czech Republic)

Prague’s Gothic architecture is practically built for ghost stories. The Old Town tour mixes folklore and fact as guides lead you down dimly lit alleyways to uncover tales of alchemists, lost souls, and medieval mischief. The blend of history and haunting atmosphere makes it a must for travellers chasing both culture and chills.

💀 Why Go: The storytelling is theatrical and immersive — perfect for travellers who love a little drama with their history.

3. Toledo – Haunted Historic Town and Shadows of the Inquisition (Spain)

If there’s one city in Spain that feels built for ghost stories, it’s Toledo. Perched high above the Tagus River, its maze of medieval streets and hidden courtyards seems to hold centuries of whispered secrets. Once the seat of the Spanish Inquisition, Toledo’s past is layered with tales of mystery, betrayal, and the darker sides of faith.

It’s probably one of Spain’s big unknowns — a place most travellers overlook, yet it has some of the richest and eeriest legends in the country. Night walking tours in Toledo combine legend and history, featuring stories about ghostly monks said to wander near old convents and whispers of secret tunnels beneath the city. Guides often share spine-chilling tales of the Inquisition’s dungeons and the restless souls that never found peace.

I lived here many years, and even now, I can’t walk through the narrow alleys after dark without feeling that familiar chill. I’ve joined plenty of Toledo’s night tours, but the stories always find new ways to surprise me — like the one about the condemned souls said to wander near the old Inquisition building, or the strange lights that appear over the river on windless nights. Locals will tell you — the city remembers.

💡 Local Tip: Start your walk at dusk, when the golden light fades and Toledo’s lanterns flicker to life — the city transforms into something straight out of a Gothic novel.

👉 If you want to know more about this city, don’t miss my posts: Toledo in 1 day and Toledo: Cuisine and Culture.

4. Lisbon – Alfama Haunted Streets (Portugal)

Lisbon may shine in the daylight, but once the sun sets, its oldest neighbourhoods reveal a different side — one made of whispers, shadows, and stories that linger in the salt air. The Alfama district, with its steep lanes and tiled façades, is especially haunting after dark. Every corner seems to hum with memory — from sailors lost at sea to noble families whose fates turned tragic behind shuttered windows.

Haunted walking tours in Lisbon often blend folklore, fado, and superstition — you’ll hear about the city’s great earthquake of 1755, mysterious apparitions in abandoned palaces, and the spirits said to linger around the Sé Cathedral. Between stops, you might catch glimpses of glowing windows, echoing footsteps, and perhaps even the haunting notes of a distant fado song drifting through the night.

When I joined a Lisbon ghost tour, I didn’t expect it to feel so… poetic. Between tales of spirits and superstition, our guide would pause to let a stray note of fado drift through the night. The music and the stories intertwined — a reminder that Lisbon’s ghosts aren’t just scary; they’re sad, soulful, and strangely beautiful.

🍷 Traveller’s Tip: End your tour with a glass of ginjinha (the local cherry liqueur) near Rossio Square. It’s the Lisbon way to toast the city’s spirits — the living and the not-so-living alike.

5. York – Shambles Ghost Walk (England)

England’s most haunted city lives up to its reputation. Claiming to be the world’s first established ghost walk, this tour has been guiding visitors through York’s medieval streets since 1973. The city’s ancient walls, shadowy lanes, and Viking past provide a perfect setting for tales of betrayal, execution, and lingering spirits.

Even during daylight, it isn’t difficult to picture those eerie stories coming to life. The Shambles feels like stepping into a medieval ghost story — crooked timber houses leaning in, as if whispering secrets.

🏰 Local Flavour: Warm up afterwards with a pint in one of York’s historic pubs — many of which have their own ghost stories.

6. Savannah – Ghosts & Gravestones Tour (USA, Georgia)

One of the most haunted cities in the United States, Savannah’s historic squares and cobblestone streets are full of ghostly legends. From haunted mansions to chilling cemetery tales, this walking tour delivers classic Southern spooks — from the haunted Sorrel-Weed House to the restless souls of Colonial Park Cemetery. Perfect for thrill-seekers and history lovers alike.

👻 Travel Blogger Tip: Bring your camera — you never know what you might catch in those old windows.

7. Paris – Père Lachaise Cemetery & Haunted Quarters (France)

Less frightening but highly atmospheric, Paris’s underground world is a haunting must-see. Beneath the romantic streets lies an ossuary containing the remains of more than six million people. While not every visit includes paranormal tales, the eerie silence and flickering lights of the tunnels make for an unforgettable experience.

Some specialised walking tours explore the macabre history behind how the Catacombs came to be — and the legends that still echo underground. Perfect for lovers of history and the morbidly curious.

🕯️ Did You Know? The Catacombs were created in the 18th century to solve Paris’s overflowing cemetery problem.

👉 Remember to check out my post Paris in 3 – 4 days, where you’ll find a full itinerary, map, and lots more inspiration.

Bonus: New Orleans – French Quarter Haunted Walks (USA, Louisiana)

Bonus: New Orleans – French Quarter Haunted Walks (USA, Louisiana)

New Orleans’ French Quarter is steeped in stories of voodoo, vampires, and the supernatural. Guided tours through its narrow streets weave together the city’s colonial past and mystical reputation. Highlights often include the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, said to be one of the most haunted buildings in America.

I haven’t been yet, but it’s high on my list — after all, New Orleans is one of the most famously spooky cities in the world.

Tips for Taking a Haunted Walking Tour

• Go at night for maximum atmosphere — many tours start after dusk for a reason.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as some routes cover uneven ground or involve long distances.
• Keep an open mind. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these stories reveal a side of each city you won’t find in guidebooks.

Final Thoughts

Haunted walking tours aren’t just about scares — they’re about stepping into the past, seeing familiar places in a new light, and connecting with stories that linger long after the sun goes down.

They remind us that travel isn’t just about seeing new places — it’s about feeling them. And that’s the real magic.

So go ahead. Take the tour. Listen closely. And maybe… don’t walk home alone. 👻

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Safe travels! 🌏✈️

Additional Information

You can also check my itineraries in Itineraries. Here you’ll find them classified in City Guides and Country Guides.

Remember to check Cook up Your Trip. There, you will find everything you need to organise your trip from start to finish.

If you require any clarification, please feel free to leave a comment or complete the contact form. I will be happy to help you. 😊

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