👻 Ghosts: Where the Hell Did They Come From?
Before they were scaring tourists in castles and back alleys, ghosts were scaring people at home — in every culture, at every point in history.
This is a typical portrait of a ghost in the XXI century.
The idea that the dead might not stay put is as old as humanity itself. Ancient Egyptians had elaborate rituals to keep spirits happy (or trapped). The Greeks spoke of shades wandering the underworld. Chinese culture developed the Hungry Ghost Festival. Even the Romans believed angry spirits could rise and interfere with the living — sometimes with terrifying results.
Etherial spiritual spiral.
So no, ghosts didn’t start with Hollywood. They began with grief, fear, guilt, and the uncomfortable feeling that someone left… too soon.
🧠 Etymology Lesson
The English word “ghost” comes from the Old English gāst, which meant spirit, soul, breath, or life force.
It’s related to the German Geist and Dutch Geest, and possibly even older Proto-Indo-European roots related to rage or awe.
Soul Journey.
Initially, it didn’t mean “spooky white floaty thing.” It meant the invisible force that leaves the body at death — something serious, powerful, and sometimes sacred.
👗 Why Are They Dressed Like That?
Let’s talk about that classic “bedsheet ghost.”
Why do Western ghosts always look like someone lost in a laundry basket?
Simple: burial customs.
The detail of the Holy Shroud of Turin — a sacred burial cloth… and, unintentionally, the prototype of the classic ‘bedsheet ghost.’ Medieval burial shrouds like this inspired the flowing white look we now associate with wandering spirits.
In early modern Europe, especially from the Middle Ages onward, the dead were often buried in white shrouds — basic linen wrappings instead of clothing.
So if a ghost appeared in the night? That’s how it would’ve looked: white, loose, and flowing.
A ghost in a casual outfit.
Over time, this turned into a trope — simplified, exaggerated, and eventually cartooned into the Halloween-style bedsheet ghost with googly eyes. Hollywood took it from eerie to comical, and now we have ghosts that look like Casper, or the terrified moon in a Scooby-Doo chase scene.
🎭 Ghosts Across Cultures
Not every ghost is pale and polite. Around the world, spirits show up in very different ways:
- Japan: Yūrei often appear with long black hair, white funeral kimonos, and bound feet — terrifying and elegant.
Yūrei in Japanese culture is a pale girl in a white kimono with long black hair, dripping water.
- Mexico: La Llorona, the crying woman, wanders riversides at night wailing for her lost children.
Now La Llorona spends eternity looking for her lost children. She is always heard weeping for her children, earning her the name "La Llorona", which means "The Weeping Woman". It is said that if you listen to her crying, you are to run the opposite way.
- Slavic folklore: Rusalka — ghost-like water spirits of drowned women — seduce and drown men in revenge.
In Russian mythology, a Rusalka is the spirit of a young woman who died prematurely, often due to suicide or complications during childbirth. The profound sorrow that led to her death causes her spirit to remain bound to the earthly realm.
- Arab traditions: Djinn aren’t ghosts, but supernatural beings who can haunt, trick, or possess humans.
Djinn, or jinn/genies, are supernatural beings in Arabian and Islamic folklore, created from smokeless fire. They possess free will and can perform both good and evil. Djinn can take various forms, including human, animal, and plant, and are believed to influence human affairs.
Wherever humans go, ghosts follow — shaped by fears, rituals, and whatever we can’t quite explain.
If eerie streets and whispered legends capture your imagination, you might also enjoy exploring places where the ghosts are made of stone and silence. Last year, we published the article The Silent Ruins: Exploring 10 Spectacular Abandoned Ghost Towns — a two-part journey into real-life deserted cities with stories every bit as haunting as a midnight tour.
🧭 So Why Are We Still Chasing Them?
Because no matter how much science, tech, or cynicism we have…
Ghost stories are how we process death, mystery, injustice, and things left unsaid.
Who is there behind the frosted glass? Could it be dangerous? Or tempting? Are you frightened or intrigued? Keep on reading...
And now, we turn them into guided tours with a flashlight and a sense of humor.
Let’s go hunting.
In this article, part of our Bizarre Tours Series, we’ll dive into:
- Why ghost tours are exploding in popularity
- What makes them unforgettable
- What tourists should expect
- And how tour guides can turn a local legend into a best-selling night walk
A tour guide is the key to any successful tour.
🎯 What Makes a Great Ghost Tour?
Let’s be clear: the most terrifying thing isn’t the ghost — it’s a boring guide.
The best ghost tours aren’t “scary” in the Hollywood sense — they’re immersive. They trigger the imagination. They make you feel like you’re walking through someone else’s unfinished story.
Floating Scary Ghost.
Ingredients of a chillingly great ghost tour:
- A guide who can whisper with purpose
- A route that feels old, forgotten, or just slightly wrong
- Stories rooted in local history, urban legend, or true crime
- A strong beginning, a tense middle, and an ending that doesn’t quite resolve…
The true horror of a ghost tour is not the presence of supernatural entities, but rather a guide who fails to engage the audience. A boring guide can ruin the experience by not sharing captivating stories, failing to create an atmosphere of excitement, or lacking enthusiasm. In essence, the fear of being bored is portrayed as more daunting than the actual ghosts themselves, highlighting the importance of storytelling and charisma in making a ghost tour memorable.
If the guide pauses in silence — and someone laughs nervously — you’re doing it right.
🏚️ Popular Types of Private Ghost Tours Around the World
🏰
Haunted Castles
Scotland, Romania, France, Ireland
Dark stairwells. Betrayed royals. Blood on the stone (metaphorically… probably).
The funny and spooky vibe of a ghost tour in a French castle.
These tours work because the buildings do half the work. The other half is in your guide’s silence before saying, “People say she still waits at this window.”
How Tour Guides Can Arrange A Tour to the Haunted Castles
A tour guide can arrange a ghost tour to haunted castles by first identifying potential locations and then developing a compelling narrative that blends historical facts with spooky stories. This involves researching the castle's history, identifying specific areas with reported paranormal activity, and crafting engaging stories that resonate with the audience. The guide should also consider practical aspects like tour duration, group size, and pricing, as well as logistics like transportation and meeting points.
Neuschwanstein Castle at Night.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Location Selection and Research:
- Identify haunted castles:
- Research castles known for their history and reported paranormal activity.
- Gather historical information:
- Delve into the castle's past, focusing on events, inhabitants, and any notable deaths or tragedies.
- Identify specific haunted locations:
- Pinpoint areas within the castle with recurring ghost stories or paranormal encounters.
- Consider logistics:
- Check accessibility, safety, and any restrictions for conducting tours within the castle.
Bran Castle, Transylvania, at Night in Romania.
2. Developing the Tour Narrative:
- Craft engaging stories:
- Weave together historical facts, local legends, and spooky tales to create a captivating narrative.
- Incorporate storytelling techniques:
- Use descriptive language, suspenseful delivery, and dramatic pauses to enhance the experience.
- Consider audience engagement:
- Incorporate interactive elements like asking questions, encouraging storytelling, or using props to make the tour more immersive.
- Adjust to different audiences:
- Adapt the storytelling style and content based on the age and interests of the participants.
Midnight Castle on the island.
3. Practical Tour Planning:
- Determine tour duration and format:
- Decide on the length of the tour and whether it will be a walking tour, a bus tour, or a combination.
- Organize transportation and meeting points:
- Arrange for transportation to and from the castle, and establish a clear meeting point.
- Set pricing and ticketing:
- Determine the cost of the tour and how tickets will be sold (online, at the castle, etc.).
- Consider group size:
- Decide on the maximum number of participants per tour and whether to offer discounts for larger groups.
- Promote the tour:
- Utilize social media, websites, and other marketing channels to attract potential customers.
Hohenzollern Castle and the Moon.
4. Training and Execution:
- Train guides in storytelling and historical facts:
- Ensure guides are knowledgeable, engaging, and comfortable delivering the tour narrative.
- Practice the tour route and timing:
- Familiarize guides with the specific locations within the castle and the flow of the tour.
Bouillon Castle is a medieval castle located in Wallonia in the town of Bouillon in the province of Luxembourg, Belgium.
- Prepare for unexpected situations:
- Train guides to handle potential issues like weather changes or participant concerns.
- Gather feedback and improve the tour:
- Encourage feedback from participants and use it to refine the tour experience.
Abandoned Castle.
By carefully planning and executing these steps, a tour guide can create a memorable and spooky ghost tour experience at haunted castles.
🌆
Urban Ghost Walks
Savannah, Edinburgh, New Orleans, Prague
These cities have more stories than sewer lines. You’ll hear about plague pits, vanished children, and haunted brothels — all within walking distance of happy hour.
Prague is widely considered an excellent location for ghost tours due to a combination of its rich, often tumultuous history and its captivating medieval atmosphere. The city's old architecture, including its winding cobblestone streets, Gothic buildings, and dimly lit alleys, creates a naturally spooky and mysterious backdrop that perfectly complements the dark tales and legends.
How Tour Guides Can Arrange Urban Ghost Walks
To arrange a successful Urban Ghost Walk, a tour guide needs to combine meticulous planning with engaging storytelling. This involves researching and selecting haunted locations, crafting compelling narratives, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for participants. The guide should also be enthusiastic, communicative, and knowledgeable about the area's spooky history.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Empty Night Street in Old Town.
1. Planning and Preparation:
- Research:
- The foundation of any good ghost walk is thorough research. Identify locations with documented paranormal activity or intriguing historical tales. Look for places in the Eixample, Barcelona, that fit the theme of your ghost walk.
- Storytelling:
- Craft compelling narratives around each location. This involves researching the history, legends, and any reported paranormal occurrences associated with each place.
Bratislava at night.
- Route Planning:
- Design a logical and safe route that connects the chosen locations, considering the distance and walking time between each stop.
- Safety:
- Prioritize the safety of your participants. Ensure the route is well-lit and avoid particularly hazardous areas.
- Logistics:
- Arrange for necessary permits, if required, and consider factors like weather conditions and potential disruptions.
Gdansk old town at night.
2. Creating an Engaging Experience:
- Enthusiasm:
- A passionate and enthusiastic guide is crucial. Your excitement will be contagious and make the tour more enjoyable.
- Knowledge:
- Be knowledgeable about the history, folklore, and paranormal activity associated with each location. This allows you to answer questions and provide detailed information.
- Storytelling:
- Deliver your stories engagingly and theatrically. Use vivid language, dramatic pauses, and even props to enhance the atmosphere.
Street in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona at Night.
- Interaction:
- Encourage audience participation by asking questions, inviting them to share their experiences (if any), and even creating opportunities for them to interact with the environment (e.g., using EMF readers).
- Humor:
- While the tour should be spooky, a touch of humor can help to lighten the atmosphere and make the experience more memorable.
3. During the Tour:
- Clear Instructions: Provide clear instructions at the beginning of the tour and each stop.
- Punctuality: Be punctual and stick to the schedule.
Gothic parliament of Budapest, Hungary, at night.
- Safety Briefing: Remind participants about safety precautions, especially in dimly lit areas or near busy streets.
- Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather changes or unexpected disturbances.
4. After the Tour:
- Feedback:
- Encourage participants to provide feedback on their experience. This can help you improve future tours.
- Follow-up:
- Consider sharing photos or videos from the tour on social media or your website. You can also use this opportunity to promote future tours.
Winchester Palace during Nighttime.
🏥
Abandoned Hospitals & Asylums
USA, Poland, UK
These are for hardcore tourists. Creaky beds. Rusty medical tools. Stories of unethical experiments. Some even include EMF meters and ghost-detection apps — the whole “do not sleep tonight” package.
Abandoned hospitals and asylums are popular for scary tours due to a fascination with the macabre, their intriguing histories, and reported paranormal activity. These locations, known for their haunted reputations, attract ghost hunters and thrill-seekers. The decaying buildings enhance the eerie atmosphere, while stories of past patients and staff ignite the imagination.
How Tour Guides can arrange a Tour to Abandoned Hospitals & Asylums
A ghost tour to abandoned hospitals and asylums can be arranged by a tour guide who carefully plans the logistics, researches the history and ghost stories, and creates an immersive and respectful experience for participants. This involves choosing appropriate locations, developing compelling narratives, and ensuring safety and ethical considerations are met.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Abandoned hospitals are often large buildings with many rooms, closets, and long hallways, holding onto memories of suffering. But the exterior looks beautiful and is wrapping all the pain in.
1. Location Selection:
- Research:
- Identify abandoned hospitals and asylums with documented paranormal activity or compelling histories. Consider locations with architectural interest and atmospheric appeal.
But the exterior of some ancient hospitals looks beautiful and is wrapping all the pain in.
- Accessibility:
- Ensure the location is accessible for walking tours, considering safety and potential hazards.
- Permissions:
- Obtain necessary permissions to access the site, ensuring legal and ethical compliance.
Abandoned Insane Asylum State Psychiatric Hospital.
2. Research and Storytelling:
- Historical Research:
- Thoroughly research the history of the location, including patient records, staff accounts, and any documented paranormal events.
- Ghost Stories:
- Compile a collection of ghost stories, local legends, and folklore associated with the site.
- Narrative Development:
- Craft compelling narratives that weave together historical facts and ghost stories, creating an engaging and suspenseful experience.
The Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, originally the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, has undergone a significant restoration project after healthcare activities were moved to a new facility. This initiative has revived the site's cultural and artistic heritage, showcasing the brilliance of Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the prominent Catalan architect. The restoration highlights the importance of this landmark in Catalonia's architectural history.
3. Tour Logistics:
- Route Planning:
- Design a walking route that highlights key locations and storytelling points within the site.
- Safety Measures:
- Implement safety protocols, such as providing flashlights, ensuring proper footwear, and designating a point person for emergencies.
- Group Size:
- Limit the group size to ensure a manageable and intimate experience, allowing for better interaction and storytelling.
- Duration:
- Determine an appropriate tour duration based on the site's size and the complexity of the narrative.
A guided tour is the ideal way to truly explore the Art Nouveau Site. With the assistance of the guides at Sant Pau Hospital, you will uncover all the artistic intricacies concealed within the former Hospital, along with the stories that have shaped the institution’s development over its rich history spanning more than 600 years.
4. Ethical Considerations:
- Respect for the Dead:
- Emphasize the importance of respecting the site and the individuals who may have resided there, avoiding sensationalism or disrespectful behavior.
- Sensitivity:
- Be mindful of the potential emotional impact of the tour, especially for sensitive individuals, and provide options for those who may need a break.
- Local Customs:
- Research and respect local customs and beliefs regarding death and the afterlife, especially if the site has cultural or religious significance.
Fans of Brutalist architecture may be aware of the massive Khovrino hospital complex in northern Moscow.
5. Marketing and Promotion:
- Target Audience:
- Identify the target audience for the ghost tour, such as those interested in history, paranormal phenomena, or unique travel experiences.
- Online Presence:
- Create a website or social media presence to promote the tour and provide booking information.
- Marketing Materials:
- Develop visually appealing marketing materials that highlight the unique aspects of the tour and the site's history and ghost stories.
The autopsy theatre at a Government Hospital for the Insane was the scene for some of America's very first lobotomy procedures.
6. Immersive Experience:
- Atmosphere:
- Create a spooky and atmospheric experience using lighting, sound effects, or props.
- Storytelling:
- Utilize engaging storytelling techniques, such as dramatic pauses, vocal variations, and interactive elements.
- Participant Engagement:
- Encourage audience participation through questions, discussions, and opportunities to share their own experiences.
Morgue in an abandoned hospital.
🪦
Cemetery Night Tours
No screaming. Just candlelight, statues, and gravestones older than your country.
Great for romantic couples who enjoy shared discomfort.
The quiet, peaceful atmosphere, combined with the visual spectacle, can be captivating, especially when the Cemetery is presented as a backdrop for dramatic recreations of historical figures and events.
How Tour Guides Can Arrange Cemetery Night Tours
Nighttime tours of cemeteries are popular because they offer a unique and atmospheric experience, often incorporating historical storytelling, candlelight, and theatrical elements. These tours transform the space into a place of intrigue and reflection, attracting those interested in history, art, architecture, and the macabre.
Old gravestones in the historic Jewish Cemetery in the Josefov section of Prague. The headstones are clustered closely together and show their age with the green moss and tilting due to settling over the centuries.
Here's why these tours are appealing:
- Unique Atmosphere:
- Cemeteries at night, especially when lit by candlelight or other atmospheric lighting, take on a different character. The shadows, silence, and unique perspective can be captivating and create a sense of mystery.
Père Lachaise Cemetery (Paris, France) - a sprawling, garden-like cemetery with elaborate tombs and mausoleums, famous for housing the graves of iconic figures like Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Edith Piaf.
- Historical and Theatrical Elements:
- Some tours incorporate historical storytelling, re-enactments of past events, or even dramatic performances, making the visit more engaging and educational.
Historic Recoleta Cemetery Architecture in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Exploration of Remembrance and Reflection:
- Cemeteries, in general, are places of remembrance, and night tours can offer a unique opportunity for quiet reflection on mortality, history, and personal connections.
The infamous Duarte family tomb in the Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires became famous thanks to Evita Peron. Her complicated life and the intrigue surrounding the theft of her coffin from this very tomb provide rich material for a tour, and public interest in her earthly and subsequent life continues to this day.
- Taphophilia:
- Some people are drawn to cemeteries and funerary art (taphophiles) for their historical and artistic value. Night tours can cater to this interest by highlighting the architectural and sculptural details of the Cemetery.
- Avoiding the Crowds:
- Daytime visits to cemeteries can be crowded, particularly on popular days. Night tours offer a more secluded and intimate experience.
The mosaic project of a world-famous Russian ballet dancer, Rudolf Nureyev’s tomb, located in the Russian Cemetery of Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois near Paris, is an artistic and commemorative work of great significance.
🧟
Interactive Paranormal Hunts
Some guides offer ghost-hunting tools, let tourists record EVP (electronic voice phenomena), or reenact old rituals.
These are the Netflix-obsessed tourist’s dream: immersive, weird, and extremely selfie-friendly.
In the realms of ghost hunting and parapsychology, electronic voice phenomena (EVP) refer to sounds captured on electronic recordings that are believed to be voices of spirits. A parapsychologist who brought attention to this concept in the 1970s characterized EVP as generally short, often consisting of a single word or a brief phrase.
How Tour Guides Can Arrange Interactive Paranormal Hunts
To create an interactive paranormal hunt tour, a guide needs to combine historical research, storytelling, and interactive elements. This involves selecting a haunted location, developing engaging content, and potentially incorporating ghost hunting equipment and techniques. The tour should aim to create an immersive experience where participants feel like they are actively investigating the paranormal.
Ghost-detecting equipment plays a significant role in ghost hunting, so in this part of the article, we will also demonstrate some trustworthy equipment that will be especially useful when searching for paranormal activity.
Thermal imaging cameras, such as FLIR models used in ghost hunting, detect temperature changes in dark or empty rooms. If a spirit is present, it may cause a drop in temperature while drawing energy to manifest, which these cameras can capture.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Location and Theme:
- Choose a haunted location:
- Select a site known for its paranormal activity or historical significance with spooky stories.
- Develop a unique concept:
- Base the tour around a specific theme, like a particular ghost story or type of paranormal phenomenon.
Many young people in big Megapolicies around the world were noticed this year wearing ghost-imitating outfits. It creates overloaded suspense and definitely would never be approved by the ghosts themselves.
2. Research and Content Development:
- Gather historical information:
- Research the location's past, including its history, notable events, and any reported paranormal occurrences.
- Craft compelling stories:
- Develop engaging narratives that blend historical facts with spooky tales and legends, making them captivating for participants.
Rem Pods function by utilizing an antenna to emit a magnetic field into the surroundings. If anything disrupts this magnetic field—whether it's a human presence or a spirit—the Rem Pod or Rem Pod Bear will notify you.
- Prepare interactive elements:
- Decide what types of interactive elements will be incorporated, such as:
- Equipment demonstrations: Show how to use ghost hunting equipment like EMF readers or dowsing rods.
- Interactive storytelling: Incorporate opportunities for participants to share their own experiences or theories.
- Sensory experiences: Use sound effects, lighting, or even props to enhance the atmosphere and create a more immersive experience.
The EMF Meters are designed for ghost hunting and assist in measuring electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to pinpoint devices that emit high levels of radiation, enabling users to make educated choices about reducing their exposure.
3. Tour Structure and Execution:
- Plan the route:
- Organize a route that takes participants to the most interesting and spooky sites within the location.
- Schedule stops:
- Design the tour with specific stops where you can share stories, demonstrate equipment, or engage participants in interactive activities.
- Train the guides:
- Ensure guides are knowledgeable about the location, stories, and interactive elements, and are comfortable leading the tour.
Spooky sorceresses remain in high demand for any paranormal activity.
4. Promoting the Tour:
- Highlight the interactive elements:
- Communicate that the tour offers an interactive experience with ghost hunting equipment and engaging activities.
- Emphasize the historical aspect:
- Showcase the historical significance of the location and the stories behind the paranormal activity.
The spoon was bent during the psychokinesis seance.
- Target the right audience:
- Consider who would be most interested in this type of tour and tailor your marketing to them.
By combining these elements, a tour guide can create a thrilling and memorable interactive paranormal hunt tour that appeals to a wide range of individuals interested in the spooky and the unexplained.
What does this face scream about?
❤️ Why Tourists Love This Stuff
- It’s emotionally charged — fear, suspense, laughter
- It creates strong memories (and great photo ops)
The fear during the Ghost Tour turns into enormous satisfaction after!
- They can’t Google it — it only exists through the guide
- It makes the destination feel alive and mysterious
Let’s be honest: the cathedral looks nice at noon. But the shadows behind it at midnight? That’s what you’ll talk about on the flight home.
Late Night. Cathedral roof. Shadows. Ghosts.
🧙 Tips for Tour Guides: How to Design a Ghost Tour That Works
You don’t need a castle. You need atmosphere and confidence.
🧠 Start with:
- Forgotten alleys
- Murders from local history
Ghost tours are prepared by a joint effort between tour guides and ghosts themselves (attempt to make a joke).
- Abandoned buildings, people ignore
- Old crime scenes and strange disappearances
- Myths, superstitions, folklore
Self-education is an ongoing process for all involved in creating and running ghost tours.
🪄 Then:
- Walk the route at night
- Practice your timing — silence is a weapon
- Light is key: carry a lantern or let the shadows work for you
There are many sources for preparing an interesting program of ghost tours, and for ready-made tours presentation and promotion, a tour guide can use the PRIVATE GUIDE WORLD platform at www.pg.world.
- Use your voice like a soundtrack — vary pace, tone, tension
- Offer two formats: mildly creepy and outright terrifying
🎒 Boo or Boohoo? Kids on the Tour
Some parents bring their kids. Sometimes it’s adorable. Sometimes it’s a mistake. Your job is to make sure it’s not a disaster.
The tour guide must be aware that some parents will bring their children to the ghost tour.
For Guides:
- Ask in advance if kids are coming
- Have two versions of each story:
- The blood-curdling one
- The “and the ghost just wanted a friend” one
Even for teenagers, some moments during the Ghost tour could be scary.
Get kids involved:
“Would YOU sleep here?”“If you saw a ghost, what would you say?”
There are several effective strategies to help children overcome shyness. One unique approach is offering a "Certificate from the Ghost" (for kids only), which can help alleviate their fears and boost their confidence. This fun and imaginative concept encourages children to embrace their creativity and playfully face their anxieties.
For Parents:
- Know your kid. Some are curious. Some will cry before the first shadow.
- Bring a flashlight. And a granola bar. Ghosts hate hungry children.
A couple of Coca-Cola bottles, carefully prepared ahead of time by the tour guide, can significantly improve children's mood during an extraordinary trip.
- Choose an early-evening tour, not the midnight madness edition.
💡 Tip: Offer a “Ghost Tour Certificate” at the end for kids. They’ll show it off, and their parents will love you.
🎥 Bonus for the Brave: If the idea of shadowy streets and whispered legends intrigues you, wait until you see what happens when the ghosts are buildings themselves.
🎭 Dress to Possess: What to Wear
Costumes change the game — for guides and guests.
Along with casual clothing, the tour guide has a special wardrobe for different exotic costume excursions. For every taste!
For Tour Guides:
- Long dark coats, capes, wide hats
- Candle or lantern = instant drama
- Props: old keys, leather books, mysterious bottles
- Channel Van Helsing, not a bored student
Any special costume worn by a tour guide instantly changes their mood, behavior, and narration style. Most importantly, tourists can't take their eyes off the guide and attentively catch every word they say.
Tourists trust you more if you look like someone who might have met a ghost last week.
For Tourists:
- Comfortable shoes. Cold nights. Darker clothes.
- Encourage guests to bring flashlights or wear “urban explorer” gear
- Suggest they dress “as if they’re about to meet a spirit, not take a selfie with one”
A trip to Dracula's palace in Romania would logically conclude with a selfie while hugging one of the local ghosts.
🍷 Scared? Drink It Off.
After you’ve walked through murder sites and whispering corridors, what’s next?
A bar. A weird one. Preferably haunted.
To ease the tension after a ghost tour in New Orleans, tourists are usually advised to visit one of the local traditional bars known for preparing the famous Bloody Mary cocktail. The guide and tourists form impressions after the tour ends.
Guide Tips:
- End your tour near a gothic-style pub or local dive with atmosphere
- Bonus if it’s in a crypt, under a church, or named “The Witch’s Elbow”
- Partner with a venue — send tourists, get a free drink or tip bonus
And according to another well-known tradition, the day after the ghost tour, the guide returns to the same bar, but this time he spends time there with the ghosts who participated in the tour, and they enjoy reminiscing about stories involving the tourists.
Examples:
- The Banshee Labyrinth, Edinburgh
- Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, New Orleans
- Bar Demente, Barcelona, Gothic Quarter
- Any pub that smells like candle wax and ancient guilt
But it seems to us that it would be much more logical to hold such meetings together: tour guide + tourists + ghosts! It could look like on the image above!
Make the experience flow from chills to cheers.
🔍 Private Guide World Tip
Every guide has a few creepy stories.
Every town has that one house.
Every traveler wants that one moment they’ll remember forever.
«FAMAGUSTA & GHOST TOWN TOUR» – Book this Tour with Local Private Tour Guide Sirin Suha in Cyprus on the PRIVATE GUIDE WORLD platform. Click the image to explore the details and watch the pictures.
Use PRIVATE GUIDE WORLD to:
- Promote your unusual tour types (use “Night”, “History”, “Unusual” filters)
- Stand out by leaning into your local legends
- Write a tour description that teases fear but delivers depth
Sometimes it’s unclear whether tourists are more afraid of ghosts or the tour guide.
🔚 Conclusion: You May Regret It… But Only in the Best Way
Ghost tours aren’t about the dead. They’re about how we tell stories about the past.
A whisper in the dark. A locked gate. A guide who doesn’t flinch.
During a ghost tour, it is essential to remember the main rule - it is the tourists who are hunting ghosts, and under no circumstances should it be the other way around!
If you’re a tour guide: tell the story. If you’re a tourist: listen with goosebumps. You’ll regret it — just enough.
Ghost tours are more than just a seasonal gimmick. They tap into something universal — our fascination with death, mystery, and stories that live longer than the people who told them. For tourists, they’re a way to experience a city at night, through its hidden corners and whispered histories. For you, as a tour guide, they’re an opportunity to stand out, offer something different, and create memories guests will talk about long after they’ve gone home.
Whether you build a kid-friendly lantern-lit stroll, a historically accurate deep dive into local legends, or a pulse-raising adults-only ghost hunt, the formula is the same: atmosphere, storytelling, and a personal touch that no app or audio guide can replace.
There were times when the tour guide's stories were so interesting and captivating that the ghosts forgot about their primary duties and froze, listening with mouths wide open.
🗣️ CALL TO ACTION
🎯 Tourists: Want to meet a ghost? Or just be scared with style?
Find a private night tour near you now on PRIVATE GUIDE WORLD.
Hey, kids, check this out! This is precisely what I warned you about... Don't trust their seemingly innocent looks!
🎯 Tour Guides: Now it’s your turn. Choose your route. Polish your stories. Find the perfect hat or lantern. And when the night falls, take your guests somewhere they’ll never forget — even if they try.
Divine Soul Journey.
Read our previous article - Bizarre, Bold, and Brilliant: Why Unusual Tours Attract Tourists — and How Tour Guides Can Create Them
Read our next article - Bizarre Food Tours: The Authentic Culinary Experience with Local Guides
