There's something undeniably thrilling about chasing ghostly tales in the dead of night. Ghost tours promise spine-chilling stories, encounters with the supernatural, and a deeper understanding of a location’s haunted history. But not every famous ghost tour delivers a hauntingly good time. Some have fallen victim to clichés, overly scripted narratives, or even a lack of genuine atmosphere. If you're planning to brave the paranormal, you might want to sidestep a few of these overrated ghost tours—and explore better alternatives instead.

1. Salem’s Witch City Ghost Tours – Salem, Massachusetts

Salem is practically synonymous with witches and spooky history, so it’s no surprise that its ghost tours draw huge crowds. However, the Witch City Ghost Tours, often marketed as “the must-do” event in Salem, can be a bit of a letdown for die-hard paranormal enthusiasts.

Sure, the guides wear costumes, and the historic backdrop of Salem provides an eerie vibe—but most of the tour focuses on generic witch trial stories that visitors probably already know. The over-reliance on theatrics can overshadow actual ghost stories, and the crowded groups make it hard to feel immersed in the experience.

  • For a better option: Try the Salem Night Tour.
  • This one provides a more intimate atmosphere and dives deeper into authentic spooky stories connected to Salem’s history, without relying too heavily on drama.

2. London’s Jack The Ripper Tours – London, England

The foggy streets of London make for the perfect ghostly setting, and what could be more haunting than retracing the steps of Jack the Ripper? But sadly, many Jack the Ripper ghost tours have become overly commercialized.

  • These walks often focus more on sensationalized crime scenes rather than actual paranormal events.
  • Some guides even stretch historical accuracy to keep the narrative engaging.

With several tours crowding the streets at the same time, it can feel less like a suspenseful ghost-hunting adventure and more like a bustling tourist attraction. The result? By the end of the tour, you might know more about Victorian-era tourism than the world of the paranormal.

For a better option: Check out the “Haunted London Pub Tour.” This combines London’s ghost legends and haunted locations with a visit to historic pubs, delivering a more balanced and unique experience.

3. The French Quarter Ghost Tours – New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is famed for its voodoo history, haunted mansions, and eerie cemeteries, which understandably makes ghost tours there wildly popular. But not all French Quarter ghost tours live up to the hype. Some of them lean too heavily on sensational stories about the Lalaurie Mansion or the Axeman of New Orleans. They often skim over lesser-known but equally eerie tales that could make the experience richer.

Additionally, these tours can feel like a revolving door of information, rushing from site to site without giving visitors time to really soak in the spooky atmosphere. It doesn’t help that tours are increasingly packed with tourists snapping selfies mid-story.

For a better option: Try a cemetery-specific tour, like the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 guided tour. It provides authentic stories, creepy visuals, and a quieter, more focused experience overall.

4. The Stanley Hotel Night Tour – Estes Park, Colorado

Known as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, the Stanley Hotel holds a certain mystique for horror fans. Its Paranormal Night Tour is often listed as a bucket-list ghost tour, but the experience doesn’t always measure up to its reputation.

The problem? The tour feels overly concerned with capitalizing on The Shining connection, rather than exploring the actual ghost sightings reported by staff and visitors.

  • While many people hope to encounter the ethereal sounds of children playing or catch a glimpse of the “phantom maid,” the odds feel slim when you’re herded through staged storytelling sessions.
  • For a better option: Skip the tour and stay overnight at the hotel itself.
  • Guests have reported far more authentic supernatural encounters during quiet, off-tour hours.

5. Edinburgh Ghost Walks – Edinburgh, Scotland

With its labyrinthine streets and bone-chilling history, Edinburgh is a ghost hunter’s dream. However, not all ghost walks deliver on the promise of eerie thrills. Many of the overhyped tours in the city rely on hokey jump-scares by actors, which can feel more like a Halloween amusement park than an authentic paranormal experience.

While spots like the Edinburgh Vaults should feel truly sinister, the focus sometimes drifts to shock factor rather than real history. If you’re looking forward to uncovering genuine ghost stories, you might leave feeling underwhelmed.

For a better option: Book a tour specifically of the Greyfriars Kirkyard. It’s one of the most haunted locations in Edinburgh, and many visitors report personal experiences with the infamous Mackenzie Poltergeist.

6. Savannah’s Ghosts and Gravestones Tour – Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is often called one of America’s most haunted cities, and the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour seems like the ultimate way to explore its paranormal legacy. Unfortunately, its touristy presentation and crowded trolley rides can dull the spooky ambiance. The storytelling often lacks depth, with guides rattling off scripts that feel rehearsed instead of personal.

For a better option: Opt for a walking ghost tour in Savannah. Smaller groups make it easier to connect with the guide and immerse yourself in the haunting tales of the Historic District’s shadowed streets.

The truth is, not all ghost tours are created equal. Some of the most heavily advertised ones rely on flashy gimmicks or overly dramatized tales to draw in the crowds. But if you really want to feel those chills running down your spine, look for tours that focus on authentic storytelling and intimate experiences. After all, ghosts don’t care about the size of the group or whether there’s a fog machine—they appear when you least expect it.