I am completely leaning into the season and that doesn't mean pumpkin spice up the wazoo. It means embracing the the lore that is the month of Halloween by lighting candles, watching scary movies, and planning my elaborate costume for Halloween/my day of birth. Another thing I love is daydreaming of far off travel destinations and exploring vacation rental possibilities in these locations. This desire increases as the weather and my mood worsen, here in the NW. Inevitably, I ended up down a rabbit hole of searching for some of the world's most haunted cities and exploring their Airbnb offerings. My findings were very interesting but what remained was how important the design of vacation homes is to attracting bookings. Haunted city or not, great design makes your vacation rental stand out and allows people to live out their daydreams. With that, I bring you my favorite Airbnb's in 10 of the worlds most haunted places! 

London, UK 

Why so haunted, boo?

London, steeped in centuries of history, boasts a rich tapestry of legends and haunting tales. Famous sites like the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, and the Old Bailey are renowned for their ghostly residents. Ancient cemeteries like Highgate Cemetery and Bunhill Fields host the remains of historical figures, where ghostly encounters among tombstones are rife. The city is said to be haunted by notable spirits, including Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII, and even Jack the Ripper. Additionally, London's tragic past, including the devastating Great Fire of 1666, contributes to its enduring reputation as a city teeming with paranormal activity.

7 Bed Traditional London Townhouse. London, UK. Photos Courtesy of Airbnb

Why we would choose this as our haven: 

This home embraces tradition at its finest. I love the fun twist on a quintessential London townhouse. Starting with the exterior: I adore the brick, pointed archway, black door, and the charming Juliet balcony. Once you step inside, you're greeted with warm colors that are inviting, no matter how haunting the city may be. Everything feels warm and cozy, making it hard not to snuggle up with a cup of tea and a (scary, of course) book instead of exploring the city. This is the kind of home that makes you yearn for the typically dreary London weather. However, the garden is so picturesque that we might opt to visit during the summer to enjoy tea amid the greenery.

 

Salem, Massachusetts 

Why so haunted, boo?

Salem, Massachusetts, known for the infamous 1692 witch trials, is steeped in dark history that contributes to its haunted reputation. Sites like the Witch House, 1692 Salem Village Parsonage, and Old Burying Point Cemetery are believed to be haunted by trial-connected spirits. Elaborate Halloween celebrations and haunted tours solidify Salem's paranormal appeal. Its maritime history, with tales of shipwrecks and seafaring disasters, adds another layer to its haunted heritage, with waterfront locations having their own ghostly legends.

 

Grand 1828 Federal House in the Heart of Salem. Salem, MA. Photos Courtesy of Airbnb

Why we would choose this as our haven: 

Let's be clear, I don't just want to stay here; I want to LIVE here! This home exudes historical charm, and the devil is in the details (see what I did there?). The living room is impeccably decorated, and we adore the blend of bright colors and contemporary art mixed with traditional elements, like the chandelier and privacy screens. I'm obsessed with the fabrics and wallpaper throughout the house. It feels like the kind of place where you'd continuously discover new, special things to fall in love with during your stay. The subtle Asian influence woven throughout the house is simply amazing! In summary, if there are any witches here, sign me up—I'm joining the coven.

 

New Orleans, Louisiana

Why so haunted, boo?

New Orleans, Louisiana, is renowned as one of the most haunted cities in the United States, blending history, culture, and folklore. With a rich and diverse history encompassing colonization, the slave trade, and cultural influences, the city has experienced its share of tragedy and conflict, forming the basis of haunting stories. New Orleans is known for its association with spiritual practices like voodoo and Hoodoo, adding to beliefs in the supernatural. The city's striking above-ground cemeteries and the iconic French Quarter with its historic architecture and haunted buildings, such as the Lalaurie Mansion, contribute to its spooky reputation. Moreover, the lingering impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 is thought to have intensified paranormal activity in the area.

Striking Historic Villa. New Orleans, Louisiana. Photos Courtesy of Airbnb.

Why we would choose this as our haven: 

First off, this home SCREAMS New Orleans, both from the outside and inside, but it also provides a striking contrast between its exterior and interior. I love the inviting, lighter exterior, but once you step inside, you're welcomed by rich, alluring, dark, and sumptuous decor. This home masterfully creates an inviting atmosphere with minimal decor. The uniqueness of the decor, along with the dark, rich colors, suggests, "Come in, stay a while; you might not want to leave—or maybe it won't let you leave!" This home faithfully embodies what one would expect from typical "New Orleans" style decor, which I'd call "spooky bourgeois," and it does so flawlessly. I'll gladly embrace the spooky, as that's the theme here, and if I'm going to meet my end, I want it to be in a home as beautiful as this one!

 

Edinburgh, Scotland 

Why so haunted, boo?

Edinburgh's millennium-old history is marked by wars, plagues, and significant events, creating a backdrop for paranormal activity. The city's ancient structures, castles, and alleys are steeped in supernatural tales. Iconic spots like Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace are known for hauntings. Historic cemeteries like Greyfriars Kirkyard have their own ghostly stories. Famous legends include the Mackenzie Poltergeist and Greyfriars Bobby. Dark figures like Burke and Hare, notorious for 19th-century murders, have left an eerie atmosphere in some areas. Edinburgh's literary heritage, with authors like Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns, intersects with ghostly tales seen in works like "Jekyll and Hyde." With its ancient architecture, historical depth, folklore, and the supernatural, Edinburgh captures the imagination of those drawn to the paranormal. It's a place where past and present meld, an inviting and enigmatic destination for exploring the haunted and mysterious.

Craigiehall Temple. Edinburgh, Scotland. Photos Courtesy of Airbnb.

Why we would choose this as our haven: 

This home is giving me EVERYTHING! It's in a tower, for heaven's sake! I love how they've fully embraced the castle aesthetic throughout most of the home. The suits of armor, baroque fabric, and abundance of candles give this home just the right amount of eerie to make it a very enjoyable stay in a haunted city. Paired with the bright modern bathroom and the plaid sunroom/kitchen, this home is quirky perfection!

 

Savannah, Georgia 

Why so haunted, boo?

Savannah, Georgia, is famed for its rich history, antebellum architecture, and eerie legends. As one of the oldest U.S. cities, it played a pivotal role in American history, from the Revolution to the Civil War. Savannah boasts historic cemeteries like Bonaventure Cemetery, known for Southern Gothic aesthetics and ghostly tales. Opulent antebellum mansions like the Mercer-Williams House and the Sorrel-Weed House are believed to be haunted. The city's 22 picturesque squares, including Colonial Park Cemetery and Madison Square, have ghostly reputations. Savannah embraces its haunted status, offering ghost tours, storytelling events, and paranormal investigations, solidifying its connection to the supernatural.

 

Serene Lake Retreat. Savannah, GA, Photos Courtesy of Airbnb.

Why we would choose this as our haven:

I can feel ourselves relaxing as I look at this home. The resort style layout has us picturing lazy afternoons with mint juleps, free from worries about restless ghosts. Can we talk about the amenities? This home has it all! A lakeside pool, a hot tub, an outdoor TV area, ping pong, beautiful decor, and plenty of space! It is so bright and I feel like the entire property (inside and out) would just smell fresh AF. Haunted city or not, we'll be visiting this serene lake retreat in Savannah soon!

 

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Why so haunted, boo?

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is celebrated as one of the most haunted places in the United States, primarily because of its crucial role in the American Civil War. The emotional energy of that past conflict is believed to manifest as ghostly apparitions, eerie sounds, and other paranormal phenomena. Countless eyewitness accounts of ghostly encounters and unexplained events have been reported over the years. Locations like Devil's Den, the Wheatfield, Sachs Covered Bridge, and the Jennie Wade House are known for their active paranormal activity, where visitors have heard phantom gunshots, drumming, and the sounds of marching soldiers, often unrelated to any reenactments. These hauntings continue to captivate history enthusiasts and paranormal investigators.

The Silo House. Biglerville, PA. Photos Courtesy of Airbnb.com

Why we would choose this as our haven: 

This country-set cutie strikes the perfect balance between charm and quirkiness. It makes Me feel safe enough to stay, but there's also a hint of spookiness that seems like it mat add a little excitement to your stay. It's one of the most unique Airbnbs we found in my Gettysburg search. I love how it embraces the rustic, historical nature of the home without appearing dated or run-down. Most of all, we can't wait to sink into that beautiful clawfoot tub and relax while enjoying the scent of freshly cut lavender and I'd probably be too relaxed to be bothered even if I encountered a ghost.

 

Prague, Czech Republic

Why so haunted, boo?

Prague's blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architecture crafts an otherworldly atmosphere, with ancient castles, churches, and winding alleys believed to host spirits of the past. Prague Castle, the world's largest ancient castle, houses rumored ghostly monarchs and nobles. The city's mystique deepens through its connections to alchemy and legends of seeking immortality. The Old Jewish Cemetery, eerie and famous worldwide, echoes with the spirits of the deceased, including tales of the Golem and the Water Sprite. Prague's narrow, hidden alleys create the perfect stage for ghostly apparitions and eerie encounters. This unique blend of history, architecture, and folklore makes Prague a captivating destination for exploring the supernatural, where the past and present coexist.

Three Bedroom Apartment with Balcony. Prague, Czech Republic. Photos Courtesy of Airbnb.
Why we would choose this as our haven: 

I absolutely love the juxtaposition between the modern interior of this apartment and the view of Prague's ancient architecture outside. The decor is inviting, warm, and clean, striking the right balance without being overly sweet or precious. However, I can't go on without mentioning the abundant natural light. Natural light is one of my favorite features in a home and is essential in our everyday lives. I am also imagining how it might look at night, simply stunning! With three bedrooms, this place is suitable for a good-sized group and is conveniently located in the heart of the city, ideal for exploring and maybe even some ghost hunting!

 

San Antonio, Texas

Why so haunted, boo?

San Antonio, Texas, known for its rich history and culture, carries a strong reputation for hauntings. The historic Battle of the Alamo in 1836 left an indelible mark, and many believe the spirits of the fallen defenders still linger at the Alamo mission. Haunted locations like the Menger Hotel, once frequented by famous historical figures, and the Spanish Governor's Palace are believed to house ghostly residents. The San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage site, hold their own history and legends, including tales of Spanish friars and Native American spirits. The city's historic cemeteries, like San Fernando Cemetery No. 2, with its intricate mausoleums and headstones, enhance its supernatural allure. Local legends like the Donkey Lady and La Llorona contribute to the city's mystique and belief in the supernatural.

Historic Stonehaus Downtown. San Antonio, Texas. Photos Courtesy of Airbnb.
Why we would choose this as our haven: 
I love the simplicity and authenticity of this home. It's bright, friendly, and welcoming, giving us indoor camping vibes – the only kind of camping I'll do! The fact that it can be very open-air if desired and the great natural light are significant advantages. Being a historical landmark makes it even more special and perhaps a tad more likely for a ghostly gathering.
 

Baguio, Phillipines

Why so haunted, boo?
Baguio's haunting reputation is rooted in its history, cultural beliefs, and numerous local legends. During World War II, the city witnessed significant battles and massacres, leading to stories of lingering spirits. The city's deep-rooted beliefs in spirits, animism, and folklore, intertwined with modern religious practices, give rise to a rich tapestry of supernatural tales. Specific locations in Baguio, such as the Diplomat Hotel, are known for ghostly apparitions and gruesome histories. Local legends, including encounters with supernatural beings like the White Lady of Dominican Hill, contribute to the city's eerie aura.
Unique Glass Cabin Overlooking Sea of Lights. Baguio, Phillippines. Photos Courtesy of Airbnb.
Why we would choose this as our haven: 
This home feels like the ultimate tree fort and is bringing out my inner child just by looking at it. The old-school arcade Nintendo might have something to do with that too! The rustic decor is perfectly simplistic, with everything exuding a unique and exploratory vibe. Not only does it capture the tree fort hideaway atmosphere, but it also embraces the eerie, haunted reputation of this city. It's almost as if the fog in some photos was conjured perfectly to create a spine-chilling ambiance. Perhaps it was?                                                                                                                                    

Poveglia Island, Venice

Why so haunted, boo?
Poveglia Island, in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy, is notorious as one of the world's most haunted places due to its dark history. In the 18th century, it was a quarantine station for plague-afflicted ships, leading to mass suffering and death. In the 20th century, it housed a psychiatric hospital notorious for mistreatment and high mortality rates, fueling its haunting reputation. Mass graves are believed to exist, adding to stories of restless spirits. The island, abandoned since the 1960s, now lies in decay, its crumbling buildings and desolate landscape enhancing its eerie atmosphere. Largely off-limits to the public, its isolation and restricted access pique the interest of paranormal enthusiasts.
The Molin Home - Lido di Venezia. Venice, Italy. Photos Courtesy of Airbnb.
Why we would choose this as our haven: 

While you can't stay on the island itself, I got close with this home. It feels like the perfect blend of a quintessential Italian home with a touch of historic mystery. I adore how it genuinely feels like a well-loved home, with a worn-in yet well-maintained ambiance. The exquisite Italian details, such as the stunning terrazzo stone floors, beautiful wood molding, and handmade antique furniture, are impossible to miss. The charming little balcony is the icing on the cake. I'd love to sit there, enjoy a cup of coffee, and perhaps do a bit of ghost watching!

 

 

October 12, 2023 — Lily Zenner