The Best Haunted Tours in Baltimore, MD
Baltimore is said to be among the most haunted cities in the US. With more than 300 years of history and strong ties to horror-story maestro Edgar Allan Poe, it’s not hard to see why. Hop on one of these haunted tours to see if there’s any truth to the city’s most hair-raising tales of paranormal activity.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.
The Original Fell’s Point Ghost Walk Tour
Building
Running since 2001, the Fell’s Point Ghost Tour takes you on a haunted journey through Baltimore’s 300-year-old seaport. Walk the cobblestone streets and hear stories of sailors, immigrants and other lost souls who may be sticking around Fell’s Point in the afterlife. One of the notable stops is the Fell Family Cemetery, a single marker between two row houses where area founder William Fell and his family were buried. Some have reported seeing a well-dressed gentleman walk by and fade away as he approaches the grave, so keep your eyes peeled.
Lord Baltimore Hotel Ghost Tours
Building
The Lord Baltimore Hotel was the largest hotel in Maryland when it opened its doors in 1928. Nowadays, it’s frequently named as one of the city’s most haunted buildings, with guests reporting disturbing presences in rooms and the touch of invisible hands in elevators. Most of the paranormal activity occurs on the 19th floor, where the ghost of a little girl playing with a red ball has been sighted by both guests and staff. Haunted tours of this iconic hotel run every Friday evening, and include ghost-hunting gadgetry and a special seance.
The Original Fell’s Point Haunted Pub Walk Tour
Building
The home of many historic taverns and pubs that briefly became soda fountains (also known as speakeasies) during the prohibition years of the 1920s, Fell’s Point is known for its spirits in more than one sense. This guided pub crawl has a haunting twist, as each stop on the tour serves up ghost stories with liquor. It includes the Horse You Came in on Saloon, the oldest continually operated saloon in America and the rumored last drinking place of Edgar Allan Poe. This tour is for those age 21 and up only.
The USS Constellation
Museum
One of the historic ships docked in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the USS Constellation is the only Civil-War-era ship still afloat, having served 100 years in the US Navy. With such a long military history, reports of spooky noises and ghostly encounters here are no surprise — even a Catholic priest once had a scare onboard. Resident spirits include that of a former captain and a young powder boy thought to have been murdered on board in the 1800s. Explore this massive vessel’s haunted history on one of the frequently run lantern-light tours.
Mt. Vernon Ghost Tour
Building
Despite Mount Vernon’s elegant, monied vibe, some spooky things have happened here in the past, resulting in many reputedly haunted spots. On the Mount Vernon Ghost Tour, you’ll visit the historic Belvedere Hotel – where a dozen souls are said to have never checked out – and hear tales of seances and ghostly grandes dames. You’ll also explore the notorious 12th floor (where many staff refused to work), home to the ghost of a lady who shot her husband in the 1920s for cheating on her – although it’s said that she only bothers women.
Westminster Hall and Burying
Building, Cemetery
It seems appropriate that the resting place of Edgar Allan Poe has some hair-raising ghost stories of its own. From eerie 19th-century catacombs to stories of body snatchers who disturbed spirits, this cemetery is way spookier than your average graveyard. Visitors have reported feeling cold spots and the touch of invisible icy hands, and paranormal investigators have picked up unusual activity. Westminster Hall hosts public and private guided tours of the grounds throughout the year, as well as a special annual Halloween tour with dramatic readings and spooky music.
The Admiral Fell Inn
Building
Located on the waterfront in Fell’s Point, the Admiral Fell Inn, formerly the Anchorage, dates back to the 1770s. Over its long history, the building has served as a ship chandlery, a theater, a sailors’ boarding house and a Seaman’s YMCA. Guests have reported hearing footsteps and seeing butlers and maids who mysteriously vanished. These spooky stories are the focal point of the hotel’s famous nightly ghost tours, which are complimentary for guests. If you’re feeling really brave, book into room 413, said to be the most haunted.
Baltimore Tours and Crawls
Building
Baltimore Tours and Crawls offers several ghost-themed expeditions around the Fell’s Point area, including the boozy, spooky and hugely enjoyable Haunted Pub Crawl, which runs every Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm. It’ll take you to three or four of this historic neighborhood’s oldest bars, stopping for about 30 minutes in each so you can enjoy a drink and listen to the guide regale the building’s haunted past – then it’s on to the next one. The same company also offers aspiring ghostbusters a Twisted History Crawl and Walking Ghost Tour.
The Nevermore Haunt
Building
For a completely over-the-top dose of horror kitsch, book yourself in for an evening at Baltimore’s Nevermore Haunt. Though questionable whether this is the most realistic haunted house in the city (as claimed on its website), it’s certainly one of the most interactive and enjoyable, offering guests the chance to explore the dark side of Baltimore’s history and meet some of its most macabre ghouls and ghosts. Sustenance is provided by local food trucks and, if you need to steady your nerve, there’s an onsite bar serving craft beers. Check it out when it reopens in 2021.