The Darker Side of Travel
Haunted places, historic tragedies, and the sites that shaped the world. Travel that makes you think.
Dark tourism isn’t about being morbid. It’s about going to the places most travel guides skip over and asking why they matter. Concentration camps, abandoned cities, haunted ruins, sites of tragedy and resilience. These are the places where history isn’t sanitised for a gift shop.
We’ve put together guides to dark tourism sites around the world, from the catacombs beneath Paris to the ghost towns of the American West, haunted castles across Europe, and the eeriest corners of the UK. Whether you’re drawn by history, curiosity, or something you can’t quite explain, you’ll find it here.
50+ Sites
Across 20+ countries
War, Tragedy
& Hauntings
Three core categories
Respectful Travel
Ethics-first approach
Free to Explore
Most sites are open access
What is Dark Tourism?
Dark tourism (sometimes called grief tourism or thanatourism) is travel to sites associated with death, tragedy, and historically significant suffering. That includes everything from battlefield memorials and former prisons to abandoned cities and haunted locations.
It’s one of the fastest-growing travel niches in the world, and it’s not new. People have been visiting sites of historical tragedy for centuries. The Roman Colosseum, Pompeii, the Tower of London – these are all dark tourism sites. We just didn’t have a name for it.
The key distinction: dark tourism done right is about education, remembrance, and understanding. It’s not about being morbid or taking selfies at Auschwitz. It’s about engaging with the harder parts of human history and travelling with your eyes open.
Types of Dark Tourism
- Battlefield & War Sites - Normandy, Gallipoli, Hiroshima
- Disaster Sites - Chernobyl, Pompeii, Ground Zero
- Haunted Locations - Castles, asylums, abandoned towns
- Memorials & Museums - Holocaust museums, 9/11 Memorial
- Cemeteries & Catacombs - Père Lachaise, Paris Catacombs
- Abandoned Places - Ghost towns, derelict prisons
Dark Tourism Guides
Dark Tourism Destinations
Haunted Places
Halloween & Seasonal
Everything Else
How to Visit Responsibly
Before You Go
- Research the history before visiting. Context matters.
- Check if photography is allowed. Many memorial sites restrict it.
- Dress appropriately. Concentration camps and memorials aren’t beach day.
While You're There
- Be quiet and respectful. These are places of remembrance.
- Don’t take selfies at memorials or tragedy sites. Just don’t.
- Follow all posted rules and stay on marked paths.
- Listen to guides. They often have personal connections to the sites.
After Your Visit
- Share your experience thoughtfully if you write about it.
- Focus on what you learned, not how “creepy” it was.
- Support local communities around dark tourism sites. Buy local, eat local.
- Consider donating to preservation efforts.
What Does Dark Tourism Cost?
Most dark tourism sites are surprisingly affordable. Many are free. Here’s a rough guide to common entry costs.
- Most war memorials and cemeteries: Free
- Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris: Free
- 9/11 Memorial, New York: Free
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Free
- Most battlefield sites: Free
- Paris Catacombs: £12 / $15 / €14
- Auschwitz-Birkenau: Free (timed tickets, donations encouraged)
- Tower of London: £13 / $16 / €15 (varies by season)
- Chernobyl day tour: From £80 / $100 / €93 (guided only)
- Edinburgh ghost tours: From £8 / $10 / €9
- Alcatraz night tour, San Francisco: From £40 / $50 / €46
- Pompeii + Herculaneum combo: From £18 / $22 / €20
- Normandy D-Day guided tour: From £65 / $82 / €76
- Chernobyl multi-day tour: From £160 / $200 / €186
FAQs
Is dark tourism ethical?
It depends entirely on how you approach it. Visiting a Holocaust memorial to learn and remember? Absolutely ethical. Taking grinning selfies at a mass grave? Not so much. The sites exist for education and remembrance. If you approach them with respect and genuine curiosity, dark tourism is one of the most meaningful types of travel you can do.
Is dark tourism safe?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. Most dark tourism sites are well-established tourist destinations with proper infrastructure, guides, and safety measures. Places like Chernobyl require guided tours with strict safety protocols. Abandoned buildings and off-limits sites carry real risks though. Never trespass, and stick to officially accessible locations.
What's the most visited dark tourism site in the world?
It’s hard to pin down exact numbers, but Auschwitz-Birkenau consistently receives over 2 million visitors per year. The 9/11 Memorial in New York, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, and the Tower of London are also among the most visited. And technically, the Roman Colosseum is a dark tourism site too, with over 7 million annual visitors.
Do I need to book dark tourism sites in advance?
For the popular ones, yes. Auschwitz requires timed entry tickets and books out weeks ahead in summer. Alcatraz sells out months in advance. The Paris Catacombs have long queues without pre-booked tickets. For smaller or less well-known sites, you can usually show up. But always check before you travel.
Can I take photos at dark tourism sites?
It varies massively by site. Many Holocaust memorials allow photography in some areas but not others. Some haunted locations actively encourage it. Battlefield cemeteries generally allow respectful photography but not selfies or posed shots. The rule of thumb: check the site’s policy before you go, and when in doubt, put the camera away.
Is dark tourism the same as disaster tourism?
There’s overlap but they’re not identical. Disaster tourism specifically refers to visiting sites of natural or man-made disasters (Chernobyl, Pompeii, areas hit by hurricanes). Dark tourism is the broader category that includes disaster sites but also war memorials, haunted places, cemeteries, former prisons, and sites of historical atrocity.
Are dark tourism sites appropriate for children?
It depends on the site and the child’s age. War museums and memorials can be powerful learning experiences for older children. Haunted house attractions are designed for families. But concentration camps and sites depicting graphic violence or suffering are generally not suitable for young children. Use your judgement and check age recommendations.
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