Home » Original Ybor City Ghost Tour
Original Ybor City Ghost Tour
Meeting point
1600 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Duration
2+ hours
Start time
7pm & 8pm (limited months)
Tour Operator
Overview
Unearth the Haunted Heart of Ybor City
Step into the historic streets of Ybor City and transform from curious visitor to full-fledged ghost hunter on this interactive Tampa ghost tour. This experience blends chilling true crime stories, haunted local history, and hands-on paranormal investigation in real haunted locations around Tampa and the surrounding area.
Guided by experienced investigators, you will be equipped with modern ghost hunting tools before the lights go out in secret passageways, haunted hospitals, eerie train depots, spooky speakeasies, and historic hotels said to be some of the most haunted places in Florida. Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, this tour is designed for all ages and focuses on immersive, spooky fun that has kept Ghost Party Haunted Tours rated as a top Florida haunted attraction since 2007.
What to expect
Prepare for a night that feels like stepping into your favorite paranormal TV show, but with you as the investigator. Your guide will share eerie local legends, true crime tales, and haunted history before leading you into atmospheric indoor locations where the lights go low and the equipment comes alive. Throughout the night, guests are encouraged to actively use ghost hunting devices, watch for strange readings, and explore within guided boundaries for potential encounters with the unexplained.
Location focus: Ghost hunting ghost tours centered in Tampa’s historic Ybor City district, with additional haunted experiences offered in nearby Florida locations such as Plant City.
Tour style: Walking ghost tour combined with a real paranormal investigation, not just storytelling.
Atmosphere: Mix of spooky fun, eerie ambience, and interactive investigation in real haunted places including haunted hospitals, hotels, train depots, and a speakeasy-style “Spookeasy.”
Ghost hunting equipment: Guests are provided with modern ghost hunting tools and shown how to use them for capturing possible evidence.
Interactivity level: Highly interactive; guests are encouraged to investigate, handle equipment, and sometimes wander short distances within safe, guided areas to conduct their own mini-investigations.
Family friendly: Special tour times and format are designed so that even kids and more cautious guests can enjoy spooky fun without extreme horror elements.
Operating schedule: Tampa ghost tours run every night, with additional Plant City Haunted Train Depot tours offered several times a month.
VIP upgrades: VIP options are available for an amplified paranormal experience, with access to more intense ghost hunting and priority experiences.
Group options: Ghost Party offers themed haunted birthday parties, spooky group events, and paranormal memberships for those who want to join ongoing ghost hunting trips.
Paranormal community: Guests on VIP tours may be invited to join The Paranormal Group, which organizes regular ghost hunting trips to famously haunted destinations across the country.
Raincheck policy: No refunds are offered, but rainchecks never expire and can be shared, regifted, or used toward a discounted paranormal membership.
Public and paid parking available around 1600 E 8th Ave in Ybor City. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
Restroom access not guaranteed; best to use facilities at nearby restaurants/bars in Ybor City before the tour. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Some experiences are listed as wheelchair accessible on Viator; accessibility may vary by location. (for more info contact tour operator)
Pet policy not specified; assume service animals only and contact operator in advance for clarification
Includes entry into selected indoor haunted locations (e.g., speakeasy‑style bar, haunted hotels, train depot, hospitals) as part of the investigation. (for more info contact tour operator)
Family‑friendly interactive ghost hunt; selected tour times suitable for all ages who enjoy spooky stories (for more info, contact tour operator)
Get directions
Things to take on a ghost walk
Essential Items
Comfortable walking shoes
Great for long walks and uneven ground.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Bring a jacket, hoodie, or raincoat.
Fully charged phone
For photos, notes, light, or emergencies.
Small torch/flashlight
Helps with dark paths and visibility.
Helpful Extras
Portable power bank
Keeps your phone alive for photos or apps.
Bottle of water
Stay hydrated on longer tours.
Bug spray
Useful in older outdoor areas.
Small backpack/crossbody bag
Carry essentials hands-free.
Safety & Comfort Snacks
Small snacks
Good for long or late-night tours.
Personal medication
Bring anything you may need.
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Useful in older buildings or high-touch areas.
Paranormal-Focused Items
EMF detector
For interactive ghost hunting.
Thermometer
Check for cold spots.
Notebook & pen
Note sightings or strange sounds.
Red-filtered flashlight
Helps maintain night vision.
Been on this ghost tour? Tell others what you think.
More Ghost Tours in Florida
Winter Garden Heritage Museum, 101 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Boston House at 239 S. Indian River Dr., Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Tarpon Springs Public Library, 138 E Lemon St., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Antilles Trading Company. 641 Brevard Ave, Cocoa Fl 32922
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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 wear on a ghost tour?
When choosing what to wear on a ghost tour, comfort and practicality are key. Most ghost tours involve walking through historic streets, uneven paths, or dimly lit areas, so opt for comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Dress in weather-appropriate layers, as tours often take place at night when temperatures drop. A light jacket or hoodie works well year-round.
Avoid loud or reflective clothing that can distract from the experience, and choose dark, neutral colours to blend into the spooky atmosphere. If you’re joining an outdoor tour, consider bringing waterproof layers, a hat, or gloves in colder seasons. A small crossbody bag is ideal for carrying essentials without weighing you down.
For added comfort and safety, bring a fully charged phone, but keep it on silent to avoid interrupting the tour. With the right clothing and gear, you’ll stay comfortable, safe, and fully immersed in the ghostly experience.
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
