20 Real-Life Ghost Towns That Feel Like a Post-Apocalyptic Movie

Kolmanskop was once a rich town built by German miners looking for diamonds in the early 1900s. When the diamonds ran out, everyone left. Now, the Namib Desert is moving back in. Giant sand dunes have filled the houses, flowing through doorways and windows like frozen waves. It is easily one of the best tourist attractions in Namibia for anyone with a camera. Walking through a million-dollar mansion filled with knee-deep sand feels like a dream.

Traveler Tip: Get there right when they open at 8:00 AM. The morning sun makes the sand look golden and creates amazing shadows.

Must-Know: You need a permit to enter. You can buy one at the gate or in the nearby town of Lüderitz.

This island looks like a massive concrete ship floating in the ocean. It was once a crowded coal-mining community. In 1974, the mine closed and the residents left so fast they left their dishes on the tables. Today, the crumbling apartment blocks look like a fortress. It is one of the top places to visit in Japan, and it even inspired the villain’s hideout in the James Bond movie Skyfall.

Traveler Tip: Boat tours often get canceled if the sea is too rough. Try to visit in the spring or fall for the best chance of a smooth ride.

Must-Know: You aren't allowed to walk through the buildings for safety; you have to stay on the special paths built for visitors.

Craco is a stunning medieval village sitting on the edge of a cliff. After several landslides in the 1960s, the people moved away to a safer spot nearby. Now, the ancient stone buildings stand empty and silent. It is one of the most interesting things to do in Italy if you love history and drama. Because it looks so much like a movie set, many films have been shot here.

Traveler Tip: Wear good sneakers or hiking boots. The ground is very rocky and uneven.

Must-Know: You can only enter with a guided tour, and they will give you a hard hat to wear for safety.

Bodie is the most famous "Ghost Town" in America. During the Gold Rush, it was a wild place full of miners. Today, the state keeps it in "arrested decay." This means they don't fix it up, but they don't let it fall down. You can still see old jars of food on store shelves and desks in the schoolhouse. It is one of the best tourist attractions in California for a real look at the Old West.

Traveler Tip: The last few miles of the road are bumpy dirt. Drive slowly if you are in a small car!

Must-Know: There are no stores or gas stations here, so bring plenty of water and snacks.

This village has a very sad history. It was destroyed during World War II, and it was never rebuilt as a way to remember those who lived there. Walking past rusted cars from the 1940s and burnt-out shops is a very moving experience. It is a powerful place to visit and one of the most important things to do in France for history fans.

Traveler Tip: Visit the museum at the entrance first to learn the history before you walk through the silent streets.

Must-Know: This is a memorial site. Visitors are asked to be quiet and respectful.

These giant metal towers look like something from a sci-fi movie. They were built in the ocean during World War II to protect London from planes. Now, they sit rusting in the water. They are some of the weirdest and coolest things to do in England. Their strange shape makes them look like giant robots standing in the sea.

Traveler Tip: You can see them by taking a boat trip from the town of Whitstable.

Must-Know: You cannot climb onto the towers because the metal is old and dangerous.

Kayaköy is a "ghost village" with hundreds of stone houses built on a hillside. No one has lived here since the 1920s. Today, the houses have no roofs, and plants grow through the floors. It is a very peaceful and beautiful place, making it one of the top places to visit in Turkey if you want to escape the busy beach resorts.

Traveler Tip: There is a great hiking trail that leads from the village down to the famous Blue Lagoon beach.

Must-Know: There is a small fee to enter the historic area, so keep some local cash on you.

Located in the middle of a dry desert, Humberstone was once a busy town where people mined for "saltpeter." Because the desert air is so dry, nothing rots. The old theater and houses look almost new, even though they have been empty for 60 years. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Chile and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Traveler Tip: The sun is very strong in the desert. Wear a hat and lots of sunscreen!

Must-Know: The site is huge, so plan to spend at least half a day exploring all the different buildings.

Varosha was once a popular vacation spot for movie stars. After a conflict in 1974, it was fenced off and left empty for decades. Recently, parts of it were opened for visitors to walk through. Seeing giant luxury hotels crumbling next to a beautiful beach is a sight you won’t forget. It is one of the most unique things to do in Cyprus.

Traveler Tip: You can rent a bike at the entrance to see more of the area without getting too tired.

Must-Know: Follow the signs and stay on the paths. Some areas are still controlled by the military.

This was once a small fishing village on an island. When the people moved away, nature took over completely. Every single house is now covered in thick green ivy. It looks like a fairy tale or a movie about a world after people. It is becoming a very popular top place to visit in China for people who love nature and photography.

Traveler Tip: The best time to go is in the summer when the plants are the brightest green.

Must-Know: You have to take a ferry to get to the island, and they don't run if the weather is bad.

Just a short trip from New York City, you can find a "castle" on an island in the Hudson River. It wasn't built for royalty, though—it was a warehouse for military supplies. After a big fire, it was left to fall apart. It is one of the coolest things to do in New York for a quick weekend adventure.

Traveler Tip: You can take a guided kayak tour to the island for the best views.

Must-Know: You can’t just go there on your own; you have to book an official tour to step onto the island.

Prypiat is the town that was home to the workers of the Chernobyl power plant. After the disaster in 1986, everyone had to leave in a hurry. The famous rusting Ferris wheel is now a symbol of the "end of the world." While travel is currently restricted, it remains one of the most famous abandoned places on earth.

Traveler Tip: If tours open up again, always go with a professional guide who knows the safe paths.

Must-Know: Even though it’s been many years, there are still rules about what you can touch and where you can walk.

This translates to "Devil’s Mountain." It is an old spy station used during the Cold War. The giant white domes on top of the hill were used to listen to radio signals. Today, it is covered in amazing street art and graffiti. It is one of the most "hip" things to do in Berlin and offers a great view of the city.

Traveler Tip: It’s a bit of a walk up the hill, so wear comfortable shoes.

Must-Know: There is an entry fee, but the money helps keep the site open for visitors.

Belchite was a village destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. Instead of fixing it, the ruins were left exactly as they were. The broken church towers and empty streets are a quiet reminder of the past. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Spain for those who want to see history up close.

Traveler Tip: Try to go on a guided tour to hear the stories of the people who lived there.

Must-Know: You need a ticket to enter the old part of the town.

This town is often called the "Modern Pompeii." In 1995, a volcano erupted and buried the entire town in ash. You can still see the tops of buildings sticking out of the ground. It is one of the most incredible top places to visit in the Caribbean because it shows the true power of nature.

Traveler Tip: You must hire a local guide to take you into the "safe zone" to see the ruins.

Must-Know: Access depends on the volcano, so check the local news before you go.

These strange, pod-shaped houses look like they belong in a 1960s space movie. They were built as a vacation park but were never finished. Now they sit empty, looking like a fleet of crashed flying saucers. They are a fun and weird addition to your list of things to do in Taiwan.

Traveler Tip: It is easiest to get here by hiring a taxi for a few hours from Taipei.

Must-Know: Be careful when walking around, as some of the plastic and metal parts are falling apart.

This was a Soviet mining town in the freezing Arctic. It was closed down in 1998. Because it is so cold, the buildings don't rot. It feels like everyone just stepped out for a moment. It is one of the most remote and interesting things to do in Norway for brave travelers.

Traveler Tip: Take a boat tour from the town of Longyearbyen during the summer.

Must-Know: This is polar bear country! You must always stay with your guide for safety.

Centralia is a town with a fire burning underground. A coal mine caught fire in 1962 and it is still burning today. Most of the people moved away because of the smoke and dangerous ground. It is a very eerie place to visit and inspired many scary movies and games.

Traveler Tip: Look for the old church on the hill; it is one of the few buildings still standing.

Must-Know: Stay on the main roads. The ground can be weak because of the fire underneath.

This huge concrete building on top of a mountain looks just like a UFO. It was built for a political party but was abandoned when the government changed. It is one of the top places to visit in Bulgaria because it is so massive and strange-looking.

Traveler Tip: The weather at the top of the mountain is much colder than at the bottom, so bring a jacket.

Must-Know: You can’t go inside the building anymore for safety, but the outside is still worth the trip.

Skrunda-1 was a secret Soviet town that didn't appear on many maps. It was built for workers at a radar station. When the military left, they left the whole town behind—schools, apartments, and all. It’s like a time capsule of the Cold War and a very cool spot for anyone looking for things to do in Latvia.

Traveler Tip: It's a great stop if you are driving across the country.

Must-Know: Check online before you go, as sometimes the military uses the area for training and closes it to the public.