Haunted Boston: Ghost Stories, Historic Haunts & Where to Take a Break
Boston is a city with no shortage of history, and where there is history, there are bound to be a few ghost stories.
From centuries-old burying grounds to historic hotels and old theaters, Boston has plenty of places where the past seems to linger a little longer than expected. You don't have to head all the way to Salem to find a good ghost story. In fact, some of the city's most famous landmarks have their own tales of mysterious sightings, unexplained happenings and lingering spirits.
So if you're spending October exploring the spooky side of Boston, here are a few places to add to your itinerary. And when you've had enough ghosts for one afternoon, there's always a good old-fashioned Boston pub waiting for you.
The Omni Parker House
Right in the heart of downtown, the Omni Parker House is one of Boston's most famous historic hotels, dating back to 1855. It's also one of the city's most talked-about haunted locations.
The hotel has long been associated with stories about its founder, Harvey D. Parker, who is said to have appeared in the building after his death. There are also stories connected to the hotel's third floor, including reports of an elevator mysteriously arriving there on its own.
And then there's the Charles Dickens connection. Dickens stayed at the hotel during his time in Boston, and a mirror associated with his room remains on display. According to Boston legend, some visitors have claimed to see his reflection in the glass.
Whether you believe in ghosts or simply appreciate a good piece of Boston history, the Parker House is worth a look.
Granary Burying Ground
You don't have to go far to find another spooky stop.
Granary Burying Ground, established in 1660, is one of Boston's oldest burial grounds and the final resting place of some of the city's most recognizable historical figures, including Paul Revere, John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Crispus Attucks.
With its weathered headstones, narrow paths and centuries of history, it has exactly the atmosphere you might expect from a classic New England ghost story.
Of course, the history here is more important than the ghost stories. Granary is part of the Freedom Trail and offers a glimpse into the people and events that shaped Boston long before the modern city existed.
Fort Warren
For a ghost story with a view, head out into Boston Harbor.
Fort Warren sits on Georges Island and was built in the 19th century as a coastal defense fort. Its most famous legend involves the so-called Lady in Black, a figure associated with the fort's history who has become one of Boston Harbor's best-known ghost stories.
The fort itself is fascinating even if you aren't looking for anything supernatural. Its stone walls, tunnels and harbor setting make it feel like you've stepped into another chapter of Boston history.
And if you happen to hear footsteps when no one is around? Well, we'll let you decide what that means.
The Boston Athenaeum
Not every Boston ghost story involves a cemetery or an abandoned building.
The Boston Athenaeum has its own literary ghost tale connected to author Nathaniel Hawthorne and Reverend Thaddeus Mason Harris. Hawthorne reportedly encountered Harris at the Athenaeum, only to later learn that Harris had already died.
The story eventually became the inspiration for Hawthorne's short story "The Ghost of Doctor Harris."
The Athenaeum's beautiful historic interiors and its views overlooking Granary Burying Ground make it an especially fitting stop for anyone who likes their ghost stories with a little literature and history mixed in.
The Cutler Majestic Theatre
Historic theaters seem to have a particular talent for collecting ghost stories, and Boston's Cutler Majestic Theatre is no exception.
The theater opened in 1903 and has accumulated plenty of stories over the years. Among the legends are reports of apparitions appearing in the theater, including a former Boston mayor and a couple with their young daughter.
Whether you're there for a performance or simply interested in Boston's historic architecture, it's another reminder that some of the city's most beautiful buildings have stories that go well beyond what you can see on the surface.
When You've Had Enough Ghost Stories...
After walking through old burial grounds, hearing stories about mysterious hotel guests and wondering who might be sitting in the theater balcony after everyone else has gone home, you may be ready for something a little less spooky.
That's where a classic Boston pub comes in.
Cheers sits on Beacon Street in the heart of historic Beacon Hill, right near Boston Common and the Public Garden. It's a familiar stop for visitors exploring the city, whether you're checking off Boston landmarks, wandering the Freedom Trail or simply looking for somewhere to sit down for a drink and something to eat.
Cheers isn't necessarily part of Boston's haunted history, and that's probably a good thing.
Sometimes, after a day of ghost stories, you don't need another mysterious hallway or centuries-old cemetery. You just need a seat, a drink and a little time to relax.
So make a day of it. Explore Boston's haunted history, take in the stories, enjoy the old buildings and see how much of the city's past you can uncover.
Then come back to the present for a while.
After all, not every Boston tradition needs a ghost story.