New York isn’t just skyscrapers and Broadway shows—it also has a dark, twisted side for those drawn to the eerie, haunted, and downright weird. From haunted mansions to creepy museums, abandoned hospitals, and unsolved mysteries, the Empire State is full of spine-tingling stops for lovers of the creepy and macabre. Whether you’re a paranormal hunter or just love a good ghost story, here are 11 creepy places in New York that are worth a visit.
1. The Amityville Horror House – Amityville, Long Island
Perhaps the most famous haunted house in America, the Amityville home is the site of a gruesome family murder and later inspired a series of horror films. You can’t go inside (it’s a private residence), but fans still drive by for photos and chills.
2. Rolling Hills Asylum – East Bethany
This abandoned asylum dates back to the 1820s and is one of the most actively haunted places in New York. Visitors claim to hear voices, see shadows, and feel sudden chills. You can even join a ghost hunt or overnight tour.
3. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery – Sleepy Hollow
Yes, that Sleepy Hollow. This historic cemetery is the resting place of Washington Irving, author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Visit at dusk for a truly eerie experience among centuries-old graves and headless horseman legends.
4. New York City’s Catacombs at Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral – Manhattan
Beneath the bustling streets of NYC, you can tour the candlelit catacombs of this historic church. It’s a quiet, shadowy underworld filled with old tombs and stories of those buried beneath one of the city’s oldest churches.
5. Willard Asylum for the Insane – Ovid
Once home to over 4,000 patients, Willard Asylum closed in the ’90s but left behind an unsettling legacy. A collection of untouched patient suitcases was found after its closure—offering a haunting glimpse into forgotten lives.
6. The House of Frankenstein Wax Museum – Lake George
Part creepy tourist trap, part horror showcase, this wax museum is packed with monsters, ghouls, and spooky sound effects. It’s cheesy, weird, and perfect for anyone who enjoys old-school haunted house vibes.
7. The Museum of Morbid Anatomy – Brooklyn (Pop-up & Archives)
Though its original space closed, the museum’s collection of taxidermy, antique medical instruments, and death-related art still pops up in temporary exhibits around NYC. Check their website for events, lectures, and curated weirdness.
8. Fort William Henry Ghost Tours – Lake George
Built in the 1750s, this old British fort is believed to be haunted by the soldiers who died here. Nighttime ghost tours offer spine-chilling stories, flickering lanterns, and a good scare for brave visitors.
9. Hart Island – The Bronx
New York’s mass burial ground for unclaimed bodies since the 1800s, Hart Island is one of the most solemn and creepy places in the state. Access is restricted, but you can take virtual tours or view it from nearby ferries.
10. Burn Brae Mansion – Glen Spey
This Victorian mansion in the Catskills is now a haunted B&B where guests report ghost sightings, doors opening on their own, and the sound of footsteps in empty halls. You can book a stay—or a ghost tour if you prefer not to sleep there.
11. The Sagamore Resort – Bolton Landing
This luxury hotel on Lake George might be beautiful by day, but guests and staff have long reported seeing ghostly children, shadowy figures, and unexplained noises. It’s known as one of the most haunted hotels in New York.
New York has more than just bright lights and Broadway—it has real chills and true horror history waiting for the brave. From haunted cemeteries and creepy catacombs to abandoned asylums and ghost-filled inns, these sites offer a glimpse into the eerie side of the Empire State. Whether you believe in ghosts or just love creepy stories, each location promises a brush with the macabre that’s unforgettable.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.myholidays.com/blog/haunted-places-in-new-york-city/
[2] https://www.letsroam.com/explorer/haunted-places-in-new-york/
[3] https://www.westgateresorts.com/blog/15-haunted-places-nyc/
[4] https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/new-york/spookiest-state-ny
[5] https://www.iloveny.com/blog/post/creepy-places-and-real-haunted-houses-in-new-york/
