Hauntings & Ghouls of Greenwich Village
Meeting point
Washington Square Park, under the Washington Square Park Arch, at Washington Square N, New York, NY 10012
Duration
1 hour
Start time
Nightly year-round; usually departs at 8:00 PM.
Ticket Price
Adults from $28.60; Children (7-17) from $18.70 (children under 6 free)
*Please check the official site for current prices, seasonal rates, and add-ons.
Tour Operator
Overview
Step into the shadows of Manhattan’s most bohemian neighborhood on the Hauntings & Ghouls of Greenwich Village tour. Known as the "beating heart" of New York’s counterculture, this district holds a darker, more spectral history beneath its charming cobblestone streets.
On this haunted history tour, you will explore the chilling paranormal legacy of Greenwich Village, a place where the barrier between the living and the dead has worn thin over centuries of tragedy and mystery.
This Greenwich Village ghost tour takes you deep into the eerie atmosphere of Washington Square Park and the West Village, revealing why this area is considered the most haunted pocket of New York City.
From the "Hanging Tree" to the spectral residents of NYU's historic buildings, your expert guide will lead a haunted walk that blends verified history with spine-tingling urban legends. Whether you are a local or visiting, this ghost walk offers a unique perspective on NYC’s "City that Never Sleeps," focusing on the souls who refuse to rest.
Perfect for enthusiasts of the paranormal, this experience is one of the top-rated ghost tours near Washington Square Park, offering an unforgettable night of storytelling and spectral discovery.
What to Expect
- Washington Square Park: Begin your journey at the iconic Arch, standing atop what was once a massive potter’s field. Learn about the thousands of souls still resting beneath your feet and the restless spirits that wander the park at night.
- The "House of Death": Visit 14 West 10th Street, famously known as the most haunted house in NYC. Hear the stories of the 22 spirits reported here, including the ghost of literary legend Mark Twain.
- The Hanging Tree: Stand beneath the oldest tree in Manhattan, a grim witness to the city’s early judicial history, and hear the whispers of those who met their end on its branches.
- Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Site: Reflect on the tragic events of 1911 at the Brown Building, where the echoes of a city-defining tragedy still resonate with modern-day paranormal sightings.
- Emma Lazarus House: Discover the spectral presence of the poet whose words grace the Statue of Liberty, but whose spirit remains tied to her former Village residence.
- Atmospheric Experience: This 60-to-90-minute tour covers approximately one mile of walking. The experience takes place entirely outdoors under the cover of night, providing a moody, atmospheric backdrop for photography and storytelling.
- Logistics & Tips: As this is a walking paranormal experience, please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. While the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, be mindful of the narrow sidewalks typical of the historic West Village. No indoor stops are included, so we recommend using facilities and securing parking at a nearby garage before the tour starts.
Difficult street parking; public garages 5 mins away. Transit highly recommended. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No restrooms on route; use local facilities before the tour begins. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
100% wheelchair and stroller friendly route along paved city sidewalks. (for more info contact tour operator)
Leashed pets welcome on this outdoor walk; service animals always permitted (for more info contact tour operator)
Exterior views only of NYC’s most haunted homes and landmarks. (for more info contact tour operator)
Family-friendly; a great blend of spooky lore and local history. (for more info, contact tour operator)
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Things to take on a ghost walk
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FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas