Abandoned but Majestic: Exploring Forgotten Places Around the Globe

Some places whisper stories long after the crowds have gone. Crumbling castles, eerie ghost towns, sunken cities—these forgotten corners of the world are hauntingly beautiful and irresistibly fascinating. So, if you’re the kind of traveler who prefers a side of goosebumps with your getaway, pack your bags and let’s explore some of the world’s most stunning abandoned places.

Melissa Ridge

4/12/20252 min read

1. Pripyat, Ukraine – Frozen in Time

Once a thriving city for Chernobyl plant workers, Pripyat is now one of the most well-known ghost towns on Earth. Nature is slowly reclaiming the land, with vines crawling over rusting ferris wheels and broken apartment buildings.

Need solid travel insurance before exploring eerie zones? VisitorsCoverage has you covered.

Airalo eSIMs make staying connected (even in remote ruins) a breeze.

2. Bodie, California, USA – The Wild West’s Best Kept Secret

Bodie is the ultimate American ghost town—frozen in the gold rush era. You’ll wander through saloons, homes, and even a schoolhouse, all left exactly as they were abandoned.

Get there in comfort with a GetRentACar rental or AutoEurope.

Storing your bags while you explore dusty history? Radical Storage is a lifesaver.

3. Hashima Island, Japan – The Real-Life “Battleship Island”

Once a booming coal mining island, Hashima is now a crumbling monument to industrialization. The buildings are skeletal, the wind howls through empty rooms, and it's utterly cinematic (fun fact: it was a James Bond filming location!).

Book a unique experience with WeGoTrip or check out guided options on EktaTraveling.

Arrive in style and ease with KiwiTaxi or InDrive.

4. Varosha, Cyprus – A Resort Lost in Time

Once a luxurious beach destination for the rich and famous, Varosha was abandoned virtually overnight in 1974 due to conflict. Today, it's a surreal mix of paradise and decay.

You can use WayAway for affordable flights and cashback while you plan your adventure.

And if you're island-hopping nearby, SeaRadar offers unforgettable yacht rentals.

5. Château de Noisy, Belgium – Gothic Grandeur in Ruin

This hauntingly beautiful neo-Gothic castle looks like something out of a Tim Burton film. Though officially off-limits, it’s long drawn urban explorers with its ivy-covered towers and abandoned halls.

Rent a car and make your own spooky castle tour with Qeeq or LocalRent.

Want a quick side adventure nearby? Check Tiqets for local castle tours and museum tickets.

6. Craco, Italy – A Ghost Village with a View

This hillside town in southern Italy was abandoned due to landslides and earthquakes, but it remains eerily gorgeous. Imagine an empty medieval town perched above the rolling Italian landscape—yep, it’s every bit as dramatic as it sounds.

Hotellook helps you find a cozy stay nearby, and you can use BikesBooking for scenic exploration on two wheels.

Need to document every creepy corner in real-time? Grab a travel SIM from DrimSim.

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Travel Tips for the Brave

Pack light, but smart. Layers are key—these spots can be chilly and damp.
Respect the ruins. Many abandoned places are fragile and protected by law.
Don’t forget safety—always have a backup plan, travel insurance, and local emergency info.

Affiliate Disclosure

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for keeping my ghost town obsession alive (and my coffee habit funded)!

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Until the next haunted hike,
[Your Name]
Wanderer of ruins, seeker of stories, snack enthusiast.