New York City is a hub of history, culture, and energy, but beneath the surface lies a world of chilling ghost stories and paranormal activity. From historic theaters to eerie parks, NYC has countless haunted locations to visit. If you’re a fan of the supernatural, these spots are perfect for crafting your own ghost-hunting itinerary or joining a guided tour to hear the spookiest tales. Here’s all you need to know before joining a ghost tour in NYC:
1. Greenwich Village: A Haunting Legacy
Greenwich Village, one of Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods, is known for its artistic history and cobblestone streets. However, it’s also home to some of the city’s most haunted sites.
The House of Death: This brownstone on West 10th Street is infamous for its many hauntings, including sightings of Mark Twain’s ghost. Residents and visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices, feeling sudden cold spots, and even encountering shadowy figures. Twain himself is said to appear in a white suit, pacing the rooms as if lost in thought.
Washington Square Park: Once a burial ground, the park is believed to be haunted by the restless spirits of those buried beneath it. Many report eerie occurrences like feeling cold chills, seeing strange lights, and hearing faint, mournful cries at night.
Take a walk through Greenwich Village and you might just catch a glimpse of its spectral past.

The Lower East Side of NYC
2. The Lower East Side: Ghosts of Immigrant Stories
The Lower East Side is rich in immigrant history, and its haunted locations reflect the struggles of those who lived here.
The Tenement Museum: Preserving the lives of 19th- and early 20th-century immigrants, the museum is said to house more than just historical artifacts. Guests have reported hearing faint footsteps, whispers in empty rooms, and even seeing fleeting apparitions of former tenants. One particularly chilling story involves the ghost of a young girl who’s been seen sitting near the staircase, vanishing as quickly as she appears.
Abandoned Speakeasies: Hidden bars from the Prohibition era are scattered throughout the area. Patrons have shared stories of mysterious laughter, glasses clinking when no one is there, and ghostly bartenders who seem to appear and disappear at will.
The Lower East Side’s haunted sites make it a must-visit for those fascinated by both history and the paranormal.

A large Broadway theater
3. Broadway and the Theater District: Spirits of the Stage
Broadway may be synonymous with lights and glamour, but its theaters have their fair share of ghostly legends.
New Amsterdam Theatre: The ghost of Olive Thomas, a Ziegfeld Follies star, is said to haunt this theater. Staff and performers have reported seeing her holding a blue bottle and feeling her presence backstage. She’s been known to greet visitors with a whisper or a gentle touch.
Palace Theatre: This iconic venue is said to be haunted by a white-gowned woman who appears on the balcony, along with a handful of other spirits. Visitors have reported flickering lights, cold drafts, and eerie, unexplainable sounds.
Take a self-guided stroll through the Theater District or book a tour for the chance to hear these spine-tingling tales firsthand.
4. Harlem’s Haunted History
Harlem’s vibrant culture and historic architecture come with ghost stories that reflect its storied past.
Apollo Theater: Known for launching the careers of countless legends, the Apollo is also rumored to host Billie Holiday’s spirit. Staff have reported hearing her voice late at night, and some even claim to have seen her ghost in the upper balconies.
St. Nicholas Park: This park, a key site during the Revolutionary War, is said to be haunted by ghostly soldiers. Late-night walkers have described hearing distant gunfire and seeing shadowy figures in old military uniforms.
Harlem’s haunted sites offer a unique blend of history and the paranormal, making it a fascinating destination for ghost enthusiasts.

St. Nicholas Park
5. Wall Street and the Financial District: Spirits of the Past
The Financial District may be bustling by day, but at night, its haunted sites take center stage.
Fraunces Tavern: This historic tavern is said to be haunted by the spirits of Revolutionary War soldiers. Guests have experienced mysterious footsteps, sudden chills, and even the occasional ghostly figure seated at the bar.
Trinity Churchyard: The graveyard at Trinity Church is the resting place of Alexander Hamilton and other historical figures. Many have reported seeing spectral figures near the tombstones, hearing faint whispers, and feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness.
A nighttime visit to these locations may leave you wondering if you’ve crossed paths with the past.
6. Hell’s Kitchen: Grit and Ghosts
Hell’s Kitchen is famous for its gritty past, and some say its ghosts are just as tough.
The Landmark Tavern: Established in 1868, this bar is haunted by the ghost of a Confederate soldier who reportedly died in an upstairs room. Patrons have seen him sitting near the bar or looking out the window, only to vanish moments later.
Former Gang Hangouts: Hell’s Kitchen was once the stomping ground of the infamous Westies gang. Some of their old hideouts are now believed to be haunted, with locals reporting phantom footsteps, chilling voices, and unexplainable cold drafts.
A walk through Hell’s Kitchen may bring you face to face with its haunted history.
7. Central Park: Paranormal Activity in the City’s Heart
Central Park is a serene escape from the city’s chaos, but it has its share of spooky stories.
Belvedere Castle: This picturesque castle is said to be haunted by a man in 19th-century attire. Visitors have heard mysterious whispers and seen fleeting figures in the windows.
The Ramble: This dense, wooded area of the park is home to stories of ghostly figures darting between trees and rustling bushes when no one is around. Some night walkers have even felt an eerie sense of being followed.
Central Park after dark offers a chilling side to its usual charm.

Hell’s Kitchen Landmark Tavern
Signs of Hauntings in NYC
Visitors to these haunted locations often report:
- Sudden temperature changes.
- Strange sounds like footsteps, whispers, or knocking.
- Unusual smells, such as old perfume or cigar smoke.
- Feelings of being watched.
- Apparitions or shadowy figures.
If you’re planning to tour these haunted spots, keep an open mind—you may experience something you can’t explain.
Discover NYC’s Ghostly Side
New York City’s haunted locations offer a thrilling look into its supernatural side. Whether it’s a haunted theater or a ghostly park, each site tells its own spooky tale.
Looking to go beyond the popular places? Check these out at Visit NYC for more hidden gems and eerie adventures.
We can also help you learn about the top sightseeing spots in NYC, buy tickets for the Play That Goes Wrong, and find Manhattan day trips.
Ready to explore the horrors of this beautiful city? This tour has got you covered!