The most popular vacation spots in any city are often the magnificent sights, ranging from old-fashioned intricate works of architecture to modern designs that offer a fresh perspective to the world of art. However, hidden away amidst the most famous of sightseeing spots, are some lesser-known locations, home to the most sinister of urban legends and myths. So the next time you are fervently drawing up your summer vacation plans, keep some of these spooky spots in mind.

The Manhattan Well, New York City

According to a recent list released by The Telegraph, New York City is the fifth most visited city in the world. When thinking of New York City, locations such as Times Square and The Empire State Building come to mind. Nestled amongst these famous sites and often overlooked, however, is the Manhattan Well, where the body of Gulielma Sands was discovered in the 1800s. She was allegedly murdered by a man named Levi Weeks, who supposedly killed her after she revealed that she was pregnant with his child. The well has been reported as haunted, and is a popular destination for those interested in the paranormal as her presence has claimed to have been felt, and seen, by many.

Jazirat Al Hamra, Dubai

Dubai is the fourth most popular city people choose to vacation in according to the aforementioned list, and is perhaps most well-known for its enriched culture, and flashy modern architecture which includes highlights such as the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world. However, despite the modern look, the city is not lacking in creepy sights- for instance, the Jazirat Al Hamra, or Ghost Town. It is said that while enjoying a pleasant day at the beach, one can hear the spine-chilling whispers of ghosts lurking here.

The Catacombs of Paris

The third most visited city in the world, Paris, is usually associated with scrumptious pastries and warm baguettes. It’s the City of Lights, the City of Love, and the home of the extraordinary Eiffel Tower. But what hides beneath the stunning sites, where it is dark and dreary and far from romantic? Here lie the Catacombs of Paris, whose walls are lined with the bony remains of over six million deceased souls from centuries ago. These passageways compose what is considered to be the largest grave in the world, which could arguably threaten Paris’s status as the most romantic city in the world.

The Shadows of Cane Hill, London

Haunted mental asylums are a common theme in horror movies- and one exists right near the heart of London, the second most visited city in the world. Surely everybody knows about Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, but what about the stories of Cane Hill? Cane Hill reportedly held both living and deceased patients, shadows of the latter often spotted in the edges of grimy windows and the corners of dank hallways. The building was mostly destroyed in 2010 by a mysterious and resilient fire, but the stories of the ghosts that lived there are still very much alive.

Piyaporn Gated Community, Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand, holds the title of the most popular city to visit in 2016. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and is perhaps also home to some of the creepiest sites. The spirits at the Piyaporn Gated Community, for example, is one amongst several legends associated with Bangkok, all of which rest largely on superstitions. This one in particular involves a botched construction project. The community failed to be built due to the “ignorance” of the construction workers, who forgot to pray for forgiveness before clearing the land to begin the project- a strongly held tradition before beginning construction projects in Thai culture. Frightful and fatal accidents took place throughout construction, the horrors eventually culminating in the death of three children who drowned in a lake. It is said that at night their spirits reveal themselves.

Everybody wants to be proud of their country- and thus, every country in the world contains beautiful and historic works of art. People travel across the globe to get their fair share of sightseeing. However, hidden and often forgotten amongst the more stunning sights are the sinister spots that thrive off of urban legends and malicious myths. So, if you have a sense of adventure and a soft spot for scary stories, consider making some time to visit one of these lesser-known locations on your next trip.