dark tourism budapest

House of Terror Museum – Nazi & Communist Crimes in Budapest

The House of Terror in Budapest got its name for a very good reason.

Located at 60 Andrassy Boulevard, the Hungarian Nazi party claimed the building as its headquarters after taking control of Budapest in 1944.

It is here that they administered their particular brand of brutal terror on the local population. Decisions with wide implications were made, citizens were brought there to be tortured and killed.

Known as the Arrow Cross Party (NYKP) , this local fascist organization mercifully did not hang around for long, (the defeat of Hitler’s Germany was not far away).

However, the Nazis were replaced with another tyrannical power; the Soviets.

For the remainder of the communist rule in Hungary, the House of Terror struck fear in the minds of the Hungarian public.

That is why the building is now a museum dedicated to the memory of those that suffered and to remind future generations of the atrocities that took place.

Related Content: Hotel Viru – KGB Museum Tallinn

History of the House of Terror

For the few short months that No 60 served as the Arrowcross HQ, hundreds of “dissidents” were tortured and murdered in the basement.

In a similar vein to Hitler’s methods, those that did not follow party rule, or happened to be born with the wrong genetic code, risked ending up dead.

After WW2 Hungary became a client state of the Soviet Union. The Soviet State Protection Authority (AVH) simply took over where the Nazis left off. The brutality continued inside No 60, only now under a different ideological regime.

Anyone that was caught speaking out against the communist party risked a stay at the House of Terror. And the Secret Police had the means to reach into all areas of a person’s private and public life. If they had you in their sights, the future did not look good.

Few that were arrested and incarcerated within the House of Terror made it out alive.

Related Content: The Stasi Museum – Dark Tourism in Berlin

Creation of the Museum

Plans to turn the building into a museum stalled for many years. In the aftermath of the end of communism, Hungarians understandably wanted to move on. Remembering the somewhat painful, recent past was not a priority.

However, by the early 2000s, a renovation project was underway. The center-right government of Viktor Orbán agreed to sell the building to the Public Foundation for the Research of Central and East European History and Society.

From the outset, the aim was to commemorate these two dark, bloody periods of Hungarian history.

Construction work lasted for a year, with a new internal design (the building had been used as general office space for over a decade) that sought to recreate the conditions victims of political repression would have experienced.

To this end, the architects attempted to restore the building back to its bleak origins. Adding to the gloominess, composer Ákos Kovács created a morose background score that is played throughout the museum.

Other redesign work included the incorporation of the main exhibition hall. There is also an inner courtyard that is large enough to house an original T-54 tank.

The exterior of the building was also reconstructed. As a result No 60 now looks like a monument more than anything else.

The black structure with decorative entablature and granite footpath is extremely imposing and effective. You cannot miss the museum as it stands out against the other buildings on Andrássy Avenue.

On 24 February 2002, the museum was finally opened to the public, with tens of thousands of Hungarians and foreign tourists visiting every year since.

Related Content: The Museum of Underground Prisoners

House of Terror & Nearby Accommodation

Address: Budapest, Andrássy út 60, 1062 Hungary
Entrance Fee: Adults – 3000 HUF (US$10.80) / Concessions 1500 HUF (US$5.40).
Getting there: Metro line 1 to Vörösmarty utca station or tram 4 or 6 to Oktogon
10:00 – 18:00 Tuesday – Sunday.
Closed on Mondays.

Inside the House of Terror Museum Today

Over four floors, the museum tells the comprehensive story of the Nazi and Communist rule

The displays are vivid and informative, providing not just a visual experience but a distinct emotional one too. Photographs, historical mementos, and video are all used to great effect.

Visitors are presented with a detailed overview of life in Budapest during the period of the two regimes.

The most harrowing section of the museum is the basement. Here the House of Terror building cellars remain as they were when citizens were brought there for questioning.

The fact so many individuals were tortured and killed within these rooms evokes a gut-wrenching response.

An effective slow elevator ride down into the bowels of the building only adds to the sense of foreboding. It is not something you forget in a hurry.

Essentially 60 Andrassy Boulevard is a very well thought out and executed monument and museum to all that suffered during some of the darkest days of the 20th Century in Hungary.

It is a must-see visit for dark tourists in Budapest .

Featured Image: Michal Huniewicz / CC BY

Varosha, Famagusta: The Abandoned Beach Resort

Plokstine Missile Base – Dark Tourism In Lithuania

The Cadaver Tomb of René of Chalon [Dark Tourism in France]

The Cadaver Tomb of René of Chalon [Dark Tourism in France]

The Hallstatt Beinhaus: An Austrian House of Bones

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Budapest in 2022

This past Whitsun weekend I was in Budapest. Even though it’s just a 2 ½ hour train ride from Vienna (where I live) I hadn’t been to this fabulous capital city of Hungary since October 2008, so a re-visit was overdue. I had only a bit over 48 hours there but used the time well. Here’s a short report with some selected photos:

In terms of dark tourism my first priority was a sight that I learned about only after my previous visit to Budapest. That’s the Hospital in the Rock and

Money latest: Morrisons shoppers are going to notice two changes in stores

Morrisons has launched two major changes for shoppers – with stores offering travel money and trolleys now featuring advertisements. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below - and leave your thoughts in the box.

Thursday 25 April 2024 15:35, UK

Renters' Reform Bill signed off - but with indefinite delay to no-fault evictions ban
Morrisons rolls out bureau de change and trolley adverts
Two more major European cities could start charging visitors to enter, official suggests
Virgin Media customers share their bad experiences of customer service

Essential reads

The world of dark tourism - what is it, is it ethical, and where can you go?
Money Problem : I have a mortgage offer - will it change now rates are rising?
Savings Guide : Why locking into fixed-rate bond could be wise move
'More important than a will': What are lasting power of attorneys and how much do they cost?
Cheap Eats : Michelin chef's secret lasagne tip - and expensive ingredient you shouldn't use

Ask a question or make a comment

Morrisons has launched two major changes for shoppers – with stores now offering travel money and trolleys featuring advertisements.

Announcing their bureau de change service, Morrisons said customers could exchange currencies in select stores or could place their money orders online at Morrisonstravelmoney.com.

Using the online service means customers can either click and collect their cash in certain Morrisons stores or at any of Eurochange's 240 branches. Alternatively, they can go for home delivery.

Services director at Morrisons, Jamie Winter, said the service "will provide our customers with easy access to a wide range of currencies at competitive exchange rates".

So far, stores in the following areas have travel money kiosks:

Basingstoke

In other news, the supermarket chain rolled out a new trolley advertising across 300 stores in a partnership with Retail Media Group.

A sweetener used in drinks, sauces, savoury and sweet foods and chewing gum can cause serious damage to people's health, according to a new study.

Neotame, a "relatively new" sweetener, could damage the intestine by causing damage to healthy bacteria in the gut, according to the study, leading it to become diseased and attack the gut wall.

The study by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, found the negative effect of neotame "has the potential to influence a range of gut functions resulting in poor gut health", potentially impacting metabolic and inflammatory diseases, neuropathic pain, and neurological conditions.

The illnesses this could lead to include irritable bowel disease or insulin resistance.

Read the full story here ...

As we reported yesterday, a pilot programme is coming into force in Venice today that means visitors have to pay a €5 (£4.28) charge to enter the city.

Authorities say the pilot programme is designed to discourage tourists and thin the crowds that throng the canals during peak holiday season, making the city more liveable for residents.

Pictures have been emerging this morning of people queueing to register for a QR code that will allow them to enter after they have paid the charge - and officials carrying out checks on people inside the city.

People found to be contravening the rules can be fined up to €300 (£257).

As detailed in our story , the move has been met with anger among some in the city.

Venice is the first city in the world to introduce a payment system for tourists - but comments from its most senior tourist official suggested it may become a more common practice for major tourist hotspots in Europe.

Simone Venturini revealed the pilot programme was being closely watched by other places suffering from mass tourism - including other Italian art cities and hugely popular weekend-break destinations Barcelona and Amsterdam.

More than 160,000 people switched to Nationwide from other providers at the end of 2023, when the building society was offering a huge cash switching incentive.

According to figures from the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), Nationwide had a net gain of 163,363 account switchers between October and December, after leavers were taken into account.

It was the highest quarterly gain since the same period in 2022, when 111,941 switched to Nationwide, according to the figures cited by This Is Money .

The building society launched a £200 switching bonus for new joiners in September last year - the biggest giveaway on offer at the time. It withdrew the offer just before Christmas.

The latest CASS figures, which show Nationwide had 196,260 total gains before accounting for leavers, suggesting it could have spent up to £39m on nabbing customers from other providers in the last three months of the year.

Barclays and Lloyds Bank saw more modest net gains of 12,823 and 5,800 respectively, while the rest of the UK's big banks reported net losses.

NatWest and Halifax fared worst, losing over 40,000 more switchers each than they gained.

This week saw the last remaining switching offer on the market withdrawn.

Sainsbury's is having technical issues again - with shoppers taking to social media to say their deliveries have been delayed or cancelled.

The supermarket has been replying to customers saying: "I'm really sorry about the tech issues this morning.

"We're aware of the situation and are working to sort it as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we'd advise you place a new order for a future date."

Customer Andrew Savage wrote: "Order has not been delivered and no confirmation email this morning."

Another, John B Sheffield, said: "So angry! Just got through to your customer line after 40 min WAIT.

"Tells me NO DELIVERIES TODAY! tech problem? I've NO FOOD IN! ANGRY!"

In a statement to Sky News, a Sainsbury's spokesperson says: "A small technical issue affected some groceries online orders this morning.

"We have contacted these customers directly to apologise for the inconvenience."

In another update at 10am, the supermarket said that the issue has been resolved.

Responding to customers on X, Sainsbury's also offered those affected e-vouchers and details on how to rebook their orders.

It comes a month after the supermarket had to cancel almost all deliveries on a Saturday in mid-March due to another technical issue.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

A potential $38.8bn (£31bn) takeover of UK-based mining company Anglo American has sent its shares soaring - and helped the FTSE 100 hit yet another record high this morning.

The attempted mega-merger, by larger Australian rival BHP, is currently being reviewed by Anglo American's board.

The deal, if it goes through, would create the world's biggest copper mining company - and comes as the price of the metal continues to climb amid soaring demand.

Anglo American's shares have surged as high as 13% this morning as news of the negotiations emerged.

The announcement also helped spur the FTSE 100 to a new intraday (during the day) high of 8,098 points.

The index, of the London Stock Exchange's 100 most valuable companies, has hit a string of records this week, including an all-time closing high of 8,044 points on Tuesday.

The score is based on a calculation of the total value of the shares on the index.

Also moving the markets are a string of company results which were published earlier on Thursday.

Among those issuing updates to investors was drugsmaker AstraZeneca. Its stock is up more than 5% after the firm reported quarterly profit and revenue above market estimates.

Unilever is also up 5% following similar better-than-expected quarterly figures.

Another good performer is Barclays - despite reporting a 12% fall in profits for the first three months of 2024. Its shares are up more than 4%.

That's because its quarterly figures are slightly better than expected, and the bank has said it expects its fortunes to improve later this year.

Meanwhile, as tensions in the Middle East continue, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil continues to hover at a price of around $88 (£70).

This morning £1 buys $1.25 US or €1.16, similar to yesterday.

Every week we get experts to answer your Money Problems - usually on a Monday, but today we have a short, bonus addition in light of multiple lenders raising mortgage rates this week on fears an interest rate cut could be delayed to a little later this year (note: many economists still think it will come in summer).

A few readers have got in touch with questions similar to this one...

My remortgage is due to complete on 1 May. I already have an offer but with rates going up, is there any way at all my offer rate could increase? Saz681

We asked David Hollingworth, director at L&C Mortgages, to answer this one...

It's great news that you are already set up with a mortgage offer, Saz - ready to make a smooth switch to a new deal and/or lender, once the current one ends.

It does take time to set up a new mortgage so shopping around the market a good few months ahead will help you put everything in place and avoid slipping onto a high variable rate.

Fixed rates have been nudging up slightly but you have already got a formal offer in place so shouldn't worry.

Applying for a mortgage will generally secure that rate and the lender will then carry out any further checks to issue the mortgage offer.

The offer will be valid for a specified period, often for up to six months. Rates are always shifting for new customers but you can rest easy that your rate should be safe and sound for your switch in May.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about. Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute, leaving your name and where in the country you are, by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog". Alternatively, WhatsApp us here .

By Ollie Cooper , Money team

Interest in a phenomenon known as "dark tourism" has been steadily rising in recent years - but what is it?

To find out, we've spoken with tourism academic Dr Hayley Stainton and renowned dark tourist and author Dr Peter Hohenhaus, who runs a dark tourism website .

What is it?

In general, dark tourism involves travelling to sites connected to death or disaster.

"Dark tourism has been around for as long as we have been travelling to places associated with death," Dr Stainton says.

However, the term wasn't officially coined until 1996 by John Lennon, a professor of tourism at Glasgow Caledonian University, in Scotland.

"Not everyone is familiar with the term," says Dr Stainton, "[but] many people have been a dark tourist at some time or another, whether intentional or not."

Some examples of the most famous sites

Auschwitz concentration camp, Poland
9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York, US
Chernobyl, Ukraine
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan
Choeung Ek "killing fields" and the Tuol Sleng genocide museum at the former S-21 prison in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Areas with a degree of infamy, like Alcatraz, are extremely popular spots that also fall under the "dark tourism" umbrella.

How popular is it?

Dr Hohenhaus and Dr Stainton say they have noticed a rise in its popularity.

"Tourists are looking for more unique and unusual experiences," Dr Stainton says.

"This has seen a move away from the more traditional 'sun, sea and sand' type holidays to a variety of different tourism forms, which includes dark tourism."

Dr Hohenhaus adds: "Maybe people want to connect to more recent and hence more personally relevant history - that is definitely the case with myself."

He goes on: "I think I've learned more about the world through dark tourism than through all of my formal education or my previous academic career."

Is it ethical?

This is the big question associated with dark tourism.

Dr Stainton says that while problems do arise, the stigma around the practice is often misguided.

"People don't visit sites like the killing fields in Cambodia or the site of Chernobyl for 'fun' - they visit for the educational experience, as dark tourism is often also a form of educational tourism," she says.

Problems arise when tourists are not respectful to those who may have been impacted.

"For instance, taking inappropriate photos or laughing and joking when others may be in a state of mourning."

Notorious examples include people taking selfies outside Grenfell Tower and at Auschwitz.

"It is therefore imperative that dark tourists are considerate of those around them and respectful at all times," Dr Stainton says.

"As long as you are not just after a cheap sensationalist thrill - take dark tourism seriously and do it right, and it can be an immensely enriching thing to engage in." Dr Hohenhaus

Where could you go?

These are Dr Hohenhaus' recommendations:

Ijen crater in Indonesia - where at night you can see the fabled blue flames of the sulphur mines next to the volcano crater lake;
The Polygon, the former Semipalatinsk nuclear weapons test site of the USSR, now in Kazakhstan;
The Goli Otok former prison island off the coast of Croatia;
The Murambi memorial to the Rwandan genocide - which Dr Hohenhaus says is "certainly the very darkest place I have ever been";
Majdanek concentration camp memorial near Lublin, eastern Poland.

What do you think of dark tourism? Is it misunderstood, educational or abhorrent? Let us know in the comments section...

John Lewis will be sharing its job interview questions online in an attempt to find the "best talent".

The retail chain hopes that allowing candidates to view questions before an interview will allow prospective employees to "really demonstrate what they can do" and prepare, the Financial Times reports.

John Lewis talent acquisition lead Lorna Bullett told Sky News that interviews can feel daunting and "nerves can seriously impact performance".

She added the company want "the right people" from a variety of backgrounds and with "the best talent" to join.

"It makes absolute business sense to find ways of helping candidates to really demonstrate what they can do," she said.

Ms Bullett added that the process will be "no less rigorous".

Every Thursday we look at a different savings option, explain the pros and cons, and reveal the best deals on the market. This week we're talking about the best fixed-rate bonds. Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes says...

As the name suggests, fixed-rate bonds pay a fixed rate of interest for a fixed term and this interest is taxable at your normal rate – if you exceed your personal savings allowances.

Over the last couple of years, fixed-rate bond rates have increased substantially and many of the top rates are now paying more than inflation, although this may not be the case for those who pay tax on their savings.

That said, the competition has slowed recently as it appears that inflation is more under control, and as a result the Bank of England base rate is expected to start to fall. We have seen the top rates on offer start to come down a little.

What is interesting and a little unusual is that the longer-term bond rates are lower than the short-term rates. Normally you would expect to be rewarded for tying your money up for longer, but that's not the case at the moment. This is a clear indication that the base rate is expected to fall over the next few months and years.

Locking into a longer-term bond, even at lower rates, may turn out to be a very wise move, especially if the interest you are earning is beating inflation for the duration of the bond.

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Beaches? Cruises? ‘Dark’ Tourists Prefer the Gloomy and Macabre

Travelers who use their off time to visit places like the Chernobyl nuclear plant or current conflict zones say they no longer want a sanitized version of a troubled world.

A dark forest with broken branches over moss on its floor and bare, unhealthy-looking trees in the foreground. Trees in the background have more leaves.

By Maria Cramer

North Korea. East Timor. Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous enclave that for decades has been a tinderbox for ethnic conflict between Armenians and Azerbaijanis.

They’re not your typical top tourist destinations.

But don’t tell that to Erik Faarlund, the editor of a photography website from Norway, who has visited all three. His next “dream” trip is to tour San Fernando in the Philippines around Easter , when people volunteer to be nailed to a cross to commemorate the suffering of Jesus Christ, a practice discouraged by the Catholic Church.

Mr. Faarlund, whose wife prefers sunning on Mediterranean beaches, said he often travels alone.

“She wonders why on earth I want to go to these places, and I wonder why on earth she goes to the places she goes to,” he said.

Mr. Faarlund, 52, has visited places that fall under a category of travel known as dark tourism , an all-encompassing term that boils down to visiting places associated with death, tragedy and the macabre.

As travel opens up, most people are using their vacation time for the typical goals: to escape reality, relax and recharge. Not so dark tourists, who use their vacation time to plunge deeper into the bleak, even violent corners of the world.

They say going to abandoned nuclear plants or countries where genocides took place is a way to understand the harsh realities of current political turmoil, climate calamities, war and the growing threat of authoritarianism.

“When the whole world is on fire and flooded and no one can afford their energy bills, lying on a beach at a five-star resort feels embarrassing,” said Jodie Joyce, who handles contracts for a genome sequencing company in England and has visited Chernobyl and North Korea .

Mr. Faarlund, who does not see his travels as dark tourism, said he wants to visit places “that function totally differently from the way things are run at home.”

Whatever their motivations, Mr. Faarlund and Ms. Joyce are hardly alone.

Eighty-two percent of American travelers said they have visited at least one dark tourism destination in their lifetime, according to a study published in September by Passport-photo.online, which surveyed more than 900 people. More than half of those surveyed said they preferred visiting “active” or former war zones. About 30 percent said that once the war in Ukraine ends, they wanted to visit the Azovstal steel plant, where Ukrainian soldiers resisted Russian forces for months .

The growing popularity of dark tourism suggests more and more people are resisting vacations that promise escapism, choosing instead to witness firsthand the sites of suffering they have only read about, said Gareth Johnson, a founder of Young Pioneer Tours , which organized trips for Ms. Joyce and Mr. Faarlund.

Tourists, he said, are tired of “getting a sanitized version of the world.”

A pastime that goes back to Gladiator Days

The term “dark tourism” was coined in 1996, by two academics from Scotland, J. John Lennon and Malcolm Foley, who wrote “Dark Tourism: The Attraction to Death and Disaster.”

But people have used their leisure time to witness horror for hundreds of years, said Craig Wight, associate professor of tourism management at Edinburgh Napier University.

“It goes back to the gladiator battles” of ancient Rome, he said. “People coming to watch public hangings. You had tourists sitting comfortably in carriages watching the Battle of Waterloo.”

Professor Wight said the modern dark tourist usually goes to a site defined by tragedy to make a connection to the place, a feeling that is difficult to achieve by just reading about it.

By that definition, anyone can be a dark tourist. A tourist who takes a weekend trip to New York City may visit Ground Zero. Visitors to Boston may drive north to Salem to learn more about the persecution of people accused of witchcraft in the 17th century. Travelers to Germany or Poland might visit a concentration camp. They might have any number of motivations, from honoring victims of genocide to getting a better understanding of history. But in general, a dark tourist is someone who makes a habit of seeking out places that are either tragic, morbid or even dangerous, whether the destinations are local or as far away as Chernobyl.

In recent years, as tour operators have sprung up worldwide promising deep dives into places known for recent tragedy, media attention has followed and so have questions about the intentions of visitors, said Dorina-Maria Buda, a professor of tourism studies at Nottingham Trent University .

Stories of people gawking at neighborhoods in New Orleans destroyed by Hurricane Katrina or posing for selfies at Dachau led to disgust and outrage .

Were people driven to visit these sites out of a “sense of voyeurism or is it a sense of sharing in the pain and showing support?” Professor Buda said.

Most dark tourists are not voyeurs who pose for photos at Auschwitz, said Sian Staudinger, who runs the Austria-based Dark Tourist Trips , which organizes itineraries in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe and instructs travelers to follow rules like “NO SELFIES!”

“Dark tourists in general ask meaningful questions,” Ms. Staudinger said. “They don’t talk too loud. They don’t laugh. They’re not taking photos at a concentration camp.”

‘Ethically murky territory’

David Farrier , a journalist from New Zealand, spent a year documenting travels to places like Aokigahara , the so-called suicide forest in Japan, the luxury prison Pablo Escobar built for himself in Colombia and McKamey Manor in Tennessee, a notorious haunted house tour where people sign up to be buried alive, submerged in cold water until they feel like they will drown and beaten.

The journey was turned into a show, “Dark Tourist,” that streamed on Netflix in 2018 and was derided by some critics as ghoulish and “sordid.”

Mr. Farrier, 39, said he often questioned the moral implications of his trips.

“It’s very ethically murky territory,” Mr. Farrier said.

But it felt worthwhile to “roll the cameras” on places and rituals that most people want to know about but will never experience, he said.

Visiting places where terrible events unfolded was humbling and helped him confront his fear of death.

He said he felt privileged to have visited most of the places he saw, except McKamey Manor.

“That was deranged,” Mr. Farrier said.

Professor Buda said dark tourists she has interviewed have described feelings of shock and fear at seeing armed soldiers on streets of countries where there is ongoing conflict or that are run by dictatorships.

“When you’re part of a society that is by and large stable and you’ve gotten into an established routine, travel to these places leads you to sort of feel alive,” she said.

But that travel can present real danger.

In 2015, Otto Warmbier , a 21-year-old student from Ohio who traveled with Young Pioneer Tours, was arrested in North Korea after he was accused of stealing a poster off a hotel wall. He was detained for 17 months and was comatose when he was released. He died in 2017, six days after he was brought back to the United States.

The North Korean government said Mr. Warmbier died of botulism but his family said his brain was damaged after he was tortured.

Americans can no longer travel to North Korea unless their passports are validated by the State Department.

A chance to reflect

Even ghost tours — the lighter side of dark tourism — can present dilemmas for tour operators, said Andrea Janes, the owner and founder of Boroughs of the Dead: Macabre New York City Walking Tours.

In 2021, she and her staff questioned whether to restart tours so soon after the pandemic in a city where refrigerated trucks serving as makeshift morgues sat in a marine terminal for months.

They reopened and were surprised when tours booked up fast. People were particularly eager to hear the ghost stories of Roosevelt Island, the site of a shuttered 19th-century hospital where smallpox patients were treated .

“We should have seen as historians that people would want to talk about death in a time of plague,” Ms. Janes said.

Kathy Biehl, who lives in Jefferson Township, N.J., and has gone on a dozen ghost tours with Ms. Janes’s company, recalled taking the tour “Ghosts of the Titanic” along the Hudson River. It was around 2017, when headlines were dominated by President Trump’s tough stance on refugees and immigrants coming into the United States.

Those stories seemed to dovetail with the 100-year-old tales of immigrants trying to make it to New York on a doomed ship, Ms. Biehl said.

It led to “a catharsis” for many on the tour, she said. “People were on the verge of tears over immigration.”

Part of the appeal of dark tourism is its ability to help people process what is happening “as the world gets darker and gloomier,” said Jeffrey S. Podoshen , a professor of marketing at Franklin and Marshall College, who specializes in dark tourism.

“People are trying to understand dark things, trying to understand things like the realities of death, dying and violence,” he said. “They look at this type of tourism as a way to prepare themselves.”

Mr. Faarlund, the photo editor, recalled one trip with his wife and twin sons: a private tour of Cambodia that included a visit to the Killing Fields , where between 1975 and 1979 more than 2 million Cambodians were killed or died of starvation and disease under the Khmer Rouge regime.

His boys, then 14, listened intently to unsparing and brutal stories of the torture center run by the Khmer Rouge. At one point, the boys had to go outside, where they sat quietly for a long time.

“They needed a break,” Mr. Faarlund said. “It was quite mature of them.”

Afterward, they met two of the survivors of the Khmer Rouge, fragile men in their 80s and 90s. The teenagers asked if they could hug them and the men obliged, Mr. Faarlund said.

It was a moving trip that also included visits to temples, among them Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, and meals of frog, oysters and squid at a roadside restaurant.

“They loved it,” Mr. Faarlund said of his family.

Still, he can’t see them coming with him to see people re-enact the crucifixion in the Philippines.

“I don’t think they want to go with me on that one,” Mr. Faarlund said.

52 Places for a Changed World

The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

Maria Cramer is a reporter on the Travel desk. Please send her tips, questions and complaints about traveling, especially on cruises. More about Maria Cramer

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Monument in Croatia which commemorates the uprising of Croatian anti-fascists during World War II.

Dark tourism in eastern Europe: the struggle between money and memory

Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality, Leeds Beckett University

Professor of Marketing and Tourism, Nottingham Trent University

Disclosure statement

Dorina-Maria Buda receives funding from the Dutch Research Council/Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek.

Milka Ivanova does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Nottingham Trent University and Leeds Beckett University provide funding as members of The Conversation UK.

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Many tourists – especially people who come from western democracies – are fascinated with the communist pasts of central and eastern European countries. Their desire to gaze upon, consume and experience the remnants of life behind the Iron Curtain contrasts with the desire of many local people to distance and forget their traumatic pasts.

As a result, many of the places associated with the communist regimes have been long abandoned and even destroyed. Meanwhile the horrors of 20th-century history are commemorated by Black Ribbon Day on August 23 – officially known as the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism.

In many eastern European countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Czechia and Poland the locals’ desire to forget their collective traumatic past is paradoxically interwoven with the need for economic profit derived from commercialising remnants of the communist heritage. Communist sites are in different states of repair. Some are dilapidated, such as the Monument House of the Communist Party in Buzludzha, Bulgaria, which commemorates the founding of the party there in 1891. Others are in good condition, for example the shipyard in Gdansk, Poland where Lech Wałęsa worked before he became the country’s first democratically elected president in 1990.

There are different ways of remembering the communist era. Some are associated with death and suffering: for example, communist forced labour camps such as the Vojna Memorial in Czechia or the preserved Bulgarian labour camp in the town of Belene . There are also memorials of anti-fascist struggles during the second world war – such as the Petrova Gora (Peter’s Hill) monument in Croatia . The Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia , meanwhile, commemorates communist ideology with art and propaganda artefacts.

Fence at Vojna labour camp in Czech Republic with sign in Czech.

Complicating this puzzle even further is the disillusionment with which people in some countries view the transition to democracy – which many believe has brought few benefits and which has prompted some to nurse nostalgic feelings about the communist period. In Romania, for example, some people visit the grave of the former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu every year on Christmas Day – the day he was shot dead in 1989. These nostalgic feelings seem to be more common in places such as eastern Germany, Romania and Bulgaria than in other former Soviet Bloc countries such as Poland, Hungary and Czechia. There is yet to be any substantial research to explain the way people in different post-communist countries feel about the communist era.

People surround the grave of the late Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu at Bucharest's Ghencea cemetery.

Rose-tinted perceptions of life under communist regimes compete with memories of the harsh realities of life in the Soviet bloc where state surveillance and security measures, corruption, paranoia, widespread censorship, lack of basic necessities and long queues at the shops were common. So, it is no surprise that in many eastern European countries some communist sites remain in ruins, while some become national attractions. There is no consensus on what should be done with sites, monuments and buildings associated with the communist regimes, and many have been left to deteriorate.

In Hungary, the ambivalent relationship between the country’s communist past and its contemporary politics is illustrated in Budapest’s Statue Park (also known as Memento Park) – an open-air museum of 42 communist statues and monuments collected from the streets of Budapest after the fall of the Iron Curtain. The choice of monuments reflects the conflicting and unresolved features of Hungarian national identity and politics.

A man installing a statue of a young resistance fighter at Statue Park in Budapest, Hungary.

A recent trend in the former eastern block countries is the proliferation of communist heritage tours as “entertainment”. Crazy Guides Kraków Communism Tours , for example, offers visitors the chance to shoot a Kalashnikov rifle or dance at a communist disco. In Sofia you can drive a Trabant car or visit a “red flat” .

Museums dedicated to life under communism, such as the DDR museum in Berlin and the Museum of Communism in Czechia, offer a more educational and balanced perspective. Their aim is to show people’s everyday life, as well as the oppressive aspects of the communist regimes. The Open Society Archive (OSA) at Central European University in Budapest has organised an online exhibition on forced labour camps in the eastern European bloc to provide a safer museum experience during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Money, trauma and nostalgia

Communist heritage and its place in tourism remains controversial and presents us with a paradoxical puzzle. In our recent research we propose the notion of the rhizome to untangle the struggle between economic profit, traumatic memories and nostalgia. As a botanical term, rhizomes refer to continuously growing horizontal stems which put out lateral shoots and randomly formed roots. It is an idea the French philosophers Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari borrowed from botany to encourage lateral and creative thinking to make sense of contradictory ideas.

The concept of the rhizome allows for paradoxical and even opposing attitudes about communist heritage to coexist. Being able to manage such contradictions is important for tourism industries and planners.

Communist heritage sites need to reflect the realities of the past and provide interpretations that weave together the stories of the everyday lives with the repressive and often violent aspects of the regimes. One-sided presentations risk alienating locals and increasing resistance to such tourism developments, or creating a sanitised and commercialised version of the history of the communist period.

World War II
Czech Republic
Nicolae Ceaușescu
Soviet Bloc
German Democratic Republic (GDR)
Soviet Communism

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7 Unique Things To Do In Budapest For A Dark Academia Fan Like You.

Budapest or the Pearl of the Danube has gems to offer if you are a dark academia fan . With its rich culture and impressive architecture, the capital of Hungary will compel you to visit the place again and again.

In addition, you can expect an eclectic treat if you want to know about the things to do in Budapest for a bibliophile and a dark academia enthusiast.

Budapest has many libraries and independent bookstores where you can quench your literary quest. Also, names like György Bónis and Sándor Márai belong to this city, and as you visit the libraries and bookstores in the city, you will come across many literary works of national importance properly preserved.

Do you want to go on a literary tour of the city with me? Let’s begin!

Unique Things To Do In Budapest If You Are A Dark Academia Fan

Literary tourism is a growing and evolving aspect of Budapest tourism. If you are planning a trip to Budapest anytime soon, don’t forget to pay a visit to the places I have listed here.

Among the many crazy things to do in Budapest for a bibliophile, I have curated here the seven best options for you .

Pay A Visit To The Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library

This library is situated inside the Wenckheim Palace. This place gets its name from Ervin Szabó, a sociologist and bibliographer from Hungary.

If you are fascinated by communism, this place will offer you a delightful experience.

This place has a collection of around 1.1 million publications. Also, its grand architecture will cast a spell on you.

You must have seen the photograph of the spiral staircase at this library. In addition, the wood-carved and silver rooms will offer you a regal experience.

So, if you are looking for things to do in Budapest as a book lover, this library is a must-visit.

Visit The National Széchényi Library

The retro vibe and academic spirit are palpable at the National Széchényi Library, one of the biggest in the country.

You will find the library as you enter the magnanimous Buda Castle, built in 1802. It was built under the patronage of Ferenc Széchényi, an aristocrat from Hungary.

This library boasts a collection of one million periodicals. It also has a collection of more than three million books. Especially the collections of incunabula and photos are mesmerizing.

To tell you the most exciting stories of the library, the place also holds many exhibitions. You will also love the glass bookcases with rare and authentic publications.

So, include it in your list of things to do in Budapest.

Drop By The Library of The Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA)

Count József Teleki, a bibliophile and the first President of the Academy, was the main man behind the foundation of The Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. He donated his library with a 30000 volume of books in 1826.

Once you are at MTA, you will come across a wide range of periodicals, publications, and books on diverse topics.

Altogether, the literary collection here adds up to 2 million. Further, if you climb the ladder and visit the “Department of Manuscripts and Rare Books,” you will find the most unique collection.

Another intriguing section of the library is the Oriental section. There, you will find Arabic manuscripts that date back to the Ottoman reign in Hungary.

They cover the 150 years of Ottoman occupation in the country from 1541 to 1699.

Visit The Hungarian Parliament Library

This is the library where gothic aesthetics meet the love for books and literature. You will find the library inside the Parliament building. You can also enjoy a great view of the Danube River from this library.

Parliamentarians and regular visitors can read the vast collection of books at this library. Can you believe that there are 45000 documents in the library?

So, it has a collection that will take an entire lifetime to explore and go through. However, you cannot borrow books from the library, and you have to read them there.

In terms of aesthetics, the library is mesmerizing. It has many standout ornate pieces. In addition, the bookshelves are ceiling-high, opening a wonderland in front of your eyes.

Visit The ELTE University Library

As you enter the ELTE Univesity Library, the huge hall will leave a lasting impression on you. It’s a regal experience, and if you are a bibliophile , the entry to the hall itself can be the aha moment in your life.

This building has a glass roof. Further, the three giant windows of the building bathe the place with Sunlight in abundance.

So, if you want to read here, you will find the most ideal condition.

Did you know this place has more than two million documents on psychology, literature, history, and philosophy? The overall design, frescos, and paintings of the place further add to its aesthetic appeal.

Visit The National Library of Foreign Literature

Can you read Russian and a fan of Russian literature ? The National Library of Foreign Language in Budapest is the place to be for you.

However, this is not the place only to preserve Russian literature. It also has books written in over a hundred other languages.

The place has a relaxed vibe and is almost serene. The marble walls add to the vintage appeal of the place. Further, the frosted glass doors add to the appeal of the humble place.

Visit The Institute of Slavic and Baltic Philology

How about visiting a quaint and small library that stands out due to its vast collection? You will find the Institute of Slavic and Baltic Philology on the premises of the ELTE University.

You will come across literary books, dictionaries, and history books written in Slavic and Baltic languages in this library.

Also, the ambiance of this place is perfect for a dark academia fan . Its gallery looks impressive and is sure to take you on a time travel. Especially the wooden spiral staircase in the middle will grab your attention quickly.

Moreover, the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with publications are something to swoon over. Overall, it will offer you a great visual and kinesthetic feeling.

Final Words

These are the fun things to do in Budapest if you are a dark academia enthusiast.

However, there can be other places of interest for you, like the Mai Manó House, Massolit Bookstore and Café, etc.

So, if you want to soak in the literary vibe and rich culture of Budapest, plan a visit to any of the places I have mentioned here.

Do you have any other place in mind to visit in Budapest? Don’t forget to share!

Enjoy a gala time in the Hungarian capital!

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Bloody Tales from within the Castle Walls

Kings, vampires and killers.

Follow our lantern and enjoy the magical atmosphere at the Buda Castle after dark.

Our tours are guided by professional tellers in period costuming.

Over 3,500 people had taken part of this tour in the year 2019.

On of the top rated activities on TripAdvisor with excellent customer reviews.

Follow the darkness on the Budapest Vampire Tour and Ghost Tours

Budapest welcomes a myriad of visitors season after season. Renowned as “the Pearl of the Danube ”, it pierces the souls of tourists with its stunning landscapes and picturesque sights. Besides, the Hungarian capital keeps many time-honored secrets that everyone will find bone-chilling for sure. If you’re one of those travel enthusiasts who are dead set on exploring what this city ties up with, Mysterium Tours is your go-to companion. We offer mesmerizing evening walking tours in Budapest that you will not resist going on!

Imagine thousands of hidden paths that Budapest’s multiple ancient locations blend in. With us, even your boldest dreams will be fulfilled as we’ll stroll along the streets and lanes, where the mighty vampire Vlad Dracula and Elizabeth Báthory might have walked. During this Budapest night tour, you will have no other choice but to let yourself be immersed in the haunted stories. So, you better gear up first.

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We do our best so that our Budapest night tours tick all the boxes whatever it takes. That’s why Mysterium Tours’ rates are rock-bottom as we want you to be filled with the profound emotions linked to this arcane city, not sky-high prices.

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient explorer and join other tourists on their long-awaited journey to see completely different Budapest!

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Budapest ghost tours: brace yourself for an unbeatable experience..

At Mysterium Tours, you’ll be spoiled for the choice of activities to engage in. One of the major landmarks we’re about to stop by, eerie Buda Castle, rises above Budapest, attracting all eyes. We will help you put the hustle and bustle of your overcrowded city aside and dive into the world of the astounding atmosphere this palace creates.

Our Budapest night walking tour also involves a walk around the Matthias Church, which dates back to the Middle Ages. It’s one of the must-see places in the city prized for an uncanny aura and unmatched design.

If you take a fancy to fairytales, we have something that will make your day. Fisherman’s Bastion with its dreamlike lookout towers is included in the itinerary of our evening walking tour in Budapest. You’ll definitely find it awe-inspiring to witness these 19th-century turrets and spires that coalesce into panoramic views. Plus, they look like the Disney logo, which is even more eye-filling.

Hop on our Budapest night walking tour to capture the trace of history

This tour takes you to the charming and most intimate places of the city of Budapest: the Buda castle district. A journey into the dark history of XV, XVI, and XVII century, with stories of Battles, Vampires, and Myths that lie between fantasy and chilling truth.

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16 Secret Hidden Gems in Budapest – Off the Beaten Path

October 7, 2023

If you want to get off the beaten path and find some hidden gems in Budapest, this article is for you. After spending almost a week in the Hungarian capital and having covered all of the main attractions, we searched for some of the more secret places in Budapest. In this article, I’ll be sharing what we discovered.

Budapest is a diverse and beautiful city, bursting with life, culture, history, nightlife, and awe-inspiring architecture.

Naturally, if it’s your first time in the city you’ll want to cover all the significant landmarks. Attractions such as the Fishermans Bastion, Hungarian Parliament Building, Thermal Baths and Ruin Bars are quintessential Budapest experiences.

However, if you’re spending longer than a couple of days in the city, I suggest checking out some of Budapest’s hidden gems as well. You might not find them on your average Budapest travel guide or blog, but that’s what makes them so appealing.

To help you plan your off the beaten track adventure, I’ve collated this list of the weirdest and most unusual things to do. Slot these into your Budapest Itinerary for a truly unique and authentic experience.

So let’s get to it; it’s time to break the silence on our favourite hidden gems in Budapest.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase a product through these links, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. And we can continue bringing you free tips and advice. If you found the content helpful and are kind enough to use our affiliates – you are awesome, and we thank you!

16 Secret Hidden Gems in Budapest – Off the Beaten Path

From underground caving adventures and eerie gothic castles to meandering the cities alternative district, here are 16 quirky and unusual hidden gems in Budapest.

1. Alternative Budapest Tour

It makes sense to kick off the list with a mention of the best-selling Alternative Budapest Walking tour .

This tour will take you off the beaten track on a 3-hour walking tour of the cities alternative neighbourhoods.

On this tour, you’ll see beyond the usual tourist spots and through the eyes of a local. Here’s what you can expect from the tour:

Discover Budapest’s graffiti and street art scene and learn about the local artists
Find hidden cafés, bars, galleries, design shops, studios, music venues and hangouts
Learn about Budapest’s minority cultures such as LGBTQ+
Visit Budapest’s infamous ruin bars
Explore Budapest’s Jewish District
Check out a local market

Save Money with a Budapest Card

Are you going to be visiting all of the cities top attractions and taking full advantage of the public transport network? If yes, you should consider purchasing a Budapest Card in advance. The card allows you to ride public transport for free, access several museums for free, plus discounted entry at most other attractions.

2. Vajdahunyad Castle

Despite its prime position in City Park, Vajdahunyad Castle remains somewhat of a hidden gem in Budapest. This is surprising as it’s one of the most beautiful castles in Budapest.

Just like most of the architecture in Budapest, Vajdanhunyad Castle looks like a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Only, you can imagine this one belonging to the villain of the story.

The amalgamation of Gothic-Renaissance and Baroque architecture creates an almost eerie scene. Ironically, legend has it that the castle once imprisoned Count Dracula.

It is free to enter the grounds of Vajdahunyad Castle, so even if you do not wish to go inside, it is worth taking a romantic stroll through the courtyards.

Inside, there is a museum and other interesting artefacts, but in our opinion probably not worth the entrance fee.

Entrance Fee: Free to enter the grounds/HUF 1600 to go inside/ Allow: 1 hour

3. Explore Budapest’s Underground Caves

Interestingly, some of the best-hidden gems in Budapest are located underground. Budapest is the only European capital where there are natural caves in the heart of the city.

When you’re exploring the likes of Buda Castle, it’s hard to believe that over 170 caves are running beneath you.

There are various caving adventures you can have in the city. For example, The Labyrinth in Buda Castle allows you to explore the caves where Vlad the Impaler, better known as “Count Dracula”, was held and tortured. It’s a spooky one and not so kid-friendly.

For those keen on an adrenaline-pumping adventure, there’s the Palvolgyi Cave tour . This 1-hour long escapade leads you through the longest and most beautiful cave in the Buda Hills. Not for the inexperienced or the faint-hearted.

Or, if you’d prefer something a little more family-friendly, you can check out other caving tours such as Szemlőhegyi Cave.

Tour Price: HUF 2200/Allow: 1-2 hours

4. Hospital in the Rock

I’ll be honest; I only found out about this museum while researching for this blog. But it’s a pity, as it’s one of the few museums in Budapest that I think sounds interesting enough to pay the entrance fee.

Hospital in the Rock is another one of Budapest’s underground attractions, which was once a secret hospital and nuclear bunker.

The hospital, built in a 10km long natural cave system underneath the Buda Castle, opened in 1944. Its purpose was to protect injured soldiers and civilians during further b0mb att@acks on the city.

Today it’s the largest waxwork exhibition in Hungary where wax figures and authentic machinery depict the reality of those tumultuous times.

Entrance: 4000 HUF (Includes a guided tour)/Allow: 1 hour

5. Gyermekvasút (Children’s Railway)

Would you have ever imagined riding a train operated solely by children? No, me neither. That is until I discovered this quaint hidden gem in Budapest.

From the outside, the Gyermekvasút railway appears like any other railway line. However, the train that journeys through a quiet patch of Hungarian forest is run solely by children aged 10-14.

Don’t worry; this isn’t some kind of twisted child labour scheme. Instead, it’s a commemoration of a tradition that began in the 1940s.

At the time, it was an honourable position for young men and women and a way to learn important life skills and lessons.

The scheme continues to educate a number of local children to this day while attracting locals and tourists alike.

6. The Cheapest Danube River Cruise

Possibly the best way to view the sights of this magnificent city is on the water. With many significant landmarks set upon the banks of the Danube River, it’s the perfect way to take it all in without the pressure of crowds.

When it comes to choosing a river cruise, there is no shortage of options. Vendors swarm the banks of the Danube, waiting to sell you the ‘Best Danube River Cruise‘.

But be careful as many tours are overpriced. In our experience, it’s cheapest to book in advance and online .

The cheapest Danube river cruise, however, is the public transport boats. It will be a no-thrills experience, but the incredible views will ultimately be the same and it costs just a fraction of the price.

I know, you’re thanking me for this travel hack right now, and you’re welcome.

7. Zugliget Chairlift

Another interesting mode of transport in Budapest is the Zugliget chairlift. The chairlift transports passengers between Zugliget and the lookout tower on János Hill – the highest peak in the city.

The journey up takes around 15-mins each way and provides stunning panoramic views over the city. Undoubtedly one of the more exciting ways to navigate Budapest.

8. Gellert Hill Cave Church

Gellert Hill Cave Church Hidden Gem Budapest

As the name suggests, you’ll find this unusual cave church, tucked beneath Gellert Hill on the Buda side of the river.

Historically, the cave is said to of been the home of a hermit monk, who used the nearby thermal springs to heal people of their ailments. Nowadays it belongs to the Pauline Monks and is one of the more hidden places in Budapest.

Thanks to its unique setting inside a natural cave, the Church Cave is one-of-a-kind. The church has no grand decoration like other architecture in Budapest; however, its unique charm makes the structure well worth visiting.

For a 500 HUF (£1.20) donation, you can enter inside the church which includes an audio tour.

9. Szimpla Kert by Day

Szimpla Kert is Budapest’s most famous ruin bar by night and a cultural/artistic centre by day.

Famed for its wild party vibe and trippy decor, many visitors add the bar to their list of things to do at night. However, to truly appreciate the creativity and quirkiness of Szimpla Kert, you need to experience it during the day as well.

There is nothing not to love about this bar. From their eco-friendly initiatives, cheap drinks prices, and the whacky themed decor, walking around Szimpla Kert feels like getting lost in a twisted Wonderland.

In my opinion, you should stop by during the day to wander around and take some photos, then return in the evening for a boozy night out.

Alcohol in Budapest is relatively cheap if you stick to the local brands; however, it’s easy to get carried away. Before you know it you’re $50 and a shoe down with a nasty hangover to boot.

10. Street Art Hunting

In deep contrast to the grand and elegant architecture found elsewhere in the city, alternative Budapest hides an edgier side. A side where street art, quirky food haunts, hipster stores, and a trendy nightlife scene prevail.

You’ll find this scene centred mainly around the Jewish District. A spot that holds a turbulent history, but has risen from the ashes as the trendiest and most cultural spot in all the city.

Historically, this area was considered the ghetto of Budapest, and Jews were confined to living here during the N@zi occupation of Hungary.

The Jewish influence remains prominent to this day, with various synagogues, kosher restaurants, and memorials. However, the hidden gem amongst it all is street art.

We felt like we were in an open-air gallery as we marvelled at the murals created by a mix of local and international artists. The subjects range from Hungarian history and local culture to various worldwide events and controversies.

You can follow this map of Budapest street art to find the best artwork in the city.

11. Langos at Retro Langos Bufe

Budapest Street Food Retró Lángos Büfé

Langos is a traditional Hungarian dish, consisting of round deep-fried dough, that resembles a pizza, but is thicker and heavier.

Traditionally, langos were brushed with garlic and sprinkled in salt, and it was job done; however, today’s evolving culinary scene sees them topped with all kinds of delicious ingredients.

The most popular duo is sour cream and cheese, which I can confirm is divine, but you can also choose from a variety of vegetables and meats.

While Langos is an iconic street food dish to Hungary, finding a good one in Budapest is harder than you might think.

To ensure you’re getting a Langos of the best quality, we insist you go to Retró Lángos Büfé . One of Budapest’s hidden culinary gems where you can guarantee your food will be hot, fresh, and delicious.

12. Unusual Pubs & Bar

Unsurprisingly, some of the best secret places in Budapest are bars. With so many eccentric drinking holes around the city, what else do you expect?

Of course, Budapest’s ruin bars are famous for being a little off the wall; however, there are other quirky bars in the city worth checking out as well.

Offbeat bars in Budapest, include the Blind Mice Exchange Pub . A multi-room establishment, where you buy your spirits according to the stock value on the television screen.

Another is Red Ruin Bar – A communist themed bar with a sense of humour about the political past. Check out this guide to Budapest Nightlife for more awesome nocturnal things to do in the city.

13. Flipper Museum

flipper museum is a Secret Hidden Gems in Budapest

If you find yourself rained off from sightseeing, this retro museum of pinball machines and arcade games is the ideal distraction.

As for the machines themselves, the diversity is enormous, spanning different eras and styles. Most of them are very well-maintained, and if you’re an old skool gamer, you’re sure to leave feeling nostalgic.

At 3000 HUF (£8) the entrance fee isn’t all that expensive, and it can be great fun for all the family. Once you’ve paid the entrance fee, gaming is free, and you can stay for as long as you want.

14. Shop at a Local Market

If you’re serious about getting off the beaten path in Budapest, a great place to start is to go where the locals go. On this occasion, I’m talking about the local markets.

(And when I say local, I don’t mean the Budapest Central Market, which by all means you should visit, but it’s as touristy as they come.)

No, I’m talking about the lesser-known markets, which are admittedly smaller but only by size. Most have a lot of character, and their unpopularity only adds to the charm.

Interestingly, they hold most of the local markets on a Sunday, which is ideal if you’re spending the weekend in Budapest. But not so much if you’re there in the week.

The first of the Sunday markets I recommend you visit is at Szimpla Kert. A local farmers market, whereby every seller is an authentic local producer, who only bring what they grow and make by hand.

Another is the Flower & Vegan Market at Anker’t – another of Budapest’s infamous ruin bars. And finally the Antique Flea Market at Klauzál Square is well worth a visit if you’re on the hunt for some rare gems.

15. Urban Exploring in Budapest

When you think of Urban Exploring, Budapest is the last city that probably comes to mind. Or maybe you don’t even know what Urban Exploring is. In which case it’s basically exploring abandoned buildings or areas within a city.

This kind of off-beat exploring is especially popular in cities such as London and Berlin ; however, we were pleasantly surprised to learn there are some cool adventures to be had in Budapest as well.

If urban exploring sounds like something that might be up your street, I recommend checking out this article relating to some interesting abandoned buildings in Budapest . Including a former power station and an old bunker, secret Budapest doesn’t get better than this.

16. Karavan Street Food

Hidden Gems Budapest The Jewish District

Located in Budapest’s hip & happening party district, Karavan is an outdoor food court, that gives home to a variety of food trucks and international fayre.

Conveniently set next to Szimpla Kert, the cities most famous ruin bar, you can expect a variety of cuisines including Italian, Mexican, and Indian. Not to mention Las Vegan who cater solely to vegans.

Whether it’s a 3 am feed up after a heavy night of drinking, or a cheap and cheerful dinner one evening, you won’t be disappointed by the food on offer.

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For a more local experience, we recommend checking out the guided tours on Get Your Guide :

Unique Hotels in Budapest

Unsurprisingly, there is no shortage of accommodation options in Budapest. You can click the button below to search for hundreds of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in the area.

But while we are on the topic of secret spots in Budapest, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the more unique hotels in the city – the hotels that reflect the cities more alternative side.

If you’ve not booked your accommodation already, you’re definitely going to want to check these out.

$ T62 Hotel – T62 Hotel. First on our list of cool and quirky places to stay in Budapest is T62 is a budget to mid-range hotel, with chic & stylish decor, including graffiti-style walls, with rooms that are simple yet modern. With a central location close to all the major attractions, an enjoyable stay is guaranteed.

$$ Bohem Art Hotel – bohemian style hotel This is one of the trendiest spots in the city. Each room features the eclectic artwork of local Hungarian artists while combining all the modern features of a hip hotel. I even read that they serve wine with the American style breakfast buffet, so if that doesn’t persuade you, I don’t know what will.

$$$ Baltazár Budapest – You’ll find this hip boutique hotel on the Buda side of the river. It’s a small yet cosy hotel boasting only 11 bedrooms; however, this adds charm to its already edgy character. The hotel decor reflects Budapest’s artistic and bohemian side, with individually decorated rooms that range from urban modern to shabby chic.

$$$$ Aria Hotel Budapest – Aria Hotel Featuring a panoramic rooftop bar, luxurious rooms & suites, and 5* facilities, is the ideal place to treat yourself during your stay in Budapest. The design is chic and modern, mirroring the hipster vibe of the city. And guests can enjoy ample facilities such as a fully-equipped spa, swimming pool, and state of the art rooms.

Alternatively, you may look at staying nearby, in which case you can compare hotels in Budapest here . Or use the Map below to see all your options:

Enjoy Secret Budapest!

Well, that concludes our list of non-touristy things to do in Budapest. We hope you enjoy exploring these weird and wonderful Budapest hidden gems.

If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us. We love hearing from you!

Stay Adventurous & Happy Travels.

Planning a trip around Budapest? Check out our Hungry series for more travel tips and advice.

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Off the Beaten Path in Budapest – 14 Unusual Budapest Hidden Gems

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Great read, your blog didn’t mention any of the baths, are they worth a visit? I’m not crazy about water as I don’t swim. What are your thoughts?

We’re so glad you enjoyed the guide! We wrote another blog for Budapest including the more touristy highlights like the baths if you’d like to check that out. We did enjoy the baths especially because it’s such a huge part of the culture there. Wishing you a great time!

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15 Gut-Wrenching Dark Tourism Destinations for 2024

Having just finished the new Netflix series ‘ Dark Tourist ’ it compelled me to write an article on the subject of dark tourism and list some of my favourite dark tourism destinations around the world. So, let’s find out, what is dark tourism.

Examples of dark tourist destinations include sites of natural and man-made disasters from Pompei to Chernobyl. Places like Auschwitz and the killing fields in Cambodia, the Unit 731 Museum in China and the Karagana gulag in Kazakhstan.

As someone with a curious interest in all things dark and spooky, I’ve been visiting dark tourism sites ever since I first start travelling. I’ve visited Iraq, North Korea twice and spent the night at Chernobyl. I’ve explored museums around the world and even use to volunteer at Highgate Cemetery in London.

*Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means should you click and purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

My Top List of Dark Tourism Destinations

Wherever I travel I am always looking out for dark tourism destinations, and below are some of my top picks from all around the world.

1. BunkArt, Albania

If there is one thing that former Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha loved, it was concrete bunkers. One of the most interesting of these is now a museum under the streets of the capital, Tirana. Th BunkArt Museum is a must-visit ark tourism destination for visitors to Albania.

Situated next to the parliament buildings in the centre of the city is a small grey bunker that descends into a dark underground tunnel. Inside is a museum detailing the country’s recent history as one of the harshest and most reclusive regimes in the world.

As well as the interesting history and cold war stories contained below, the bunker is home to conceptual sculptures created by local artists. Located on Fadil Deliu Street near the main square. View my BunkArt guide or visit the official website for more information.

Address: Street Abdi Toptani, Tiranë, Albania. See location on Google maps . Entrance: Free Time Needed to Visit: One to two hours Website : bunkart.al

2. Genocide Memorial Complex, Armenia

The Genocide Museum Institute in Yerevan , also known as the Armenian Genocide Museum, is a museum dedicated to educating visitors about the Armenian Genocide that took place in Western Armenia (modern-day Turkey) at the beginning of the 20th Century.

The museum is located on a hill overlooking the city and houses a collection of artefacts, photographs, and personal accounts from survivors of the genocide. The exhibits guide visitors through the history of the genocide, including the events that led up to it and the aftermath.

The museum also features a memorial garden and a monument dedicated to the victims of the genocide. The Genocide Museum Institute serves as an important reminder of the atrocities committed against the Armenian people and a tribute to those who lost their lives.

Address: 8 Tsitsernakaberd Highway, Yerevan 0028, Armenia. See location on Google maps . Entrance: Free Time Needed to Visit: One to two hours Website: www.genocide-museum.am

3. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar in itself is a beautiful town and deserves to be appreciated on its own merits as a tourist destination. However, given tragic events in its recent history it seems appropriate to include in this list. One of the defining features of old Mostar is the famous Stari Most bridge.

The bridge was shelled in 1993 during the Bosnian War but has thankfully been painstakingly rebuilt using the same stone quarried nearby. Evidence of the war is not hard to miss and the old front line has been preserved as a terrible reminder of what happened here during the early nineties.

You can reach Mostar by train or bus from Sarajevo in Bosnia or by bus from Split an Dubrovnik in Croatia. I’ve been to Mostar twice now; in 2010 and 2022, and it’s still one of my favourite places to visit.

Address: Dr Andre Starcevica, Mostar, BiH. See location on Google maps . Entrance: Free Time Needed to Visit: One to two hours

4. Unit 731 Museum, China

One of the darkest chapters of recent human history is Shiro Ishii’s Unit 731. The unit was set up to research chemical and biological weapons and the Japanese Imperial Army tested these on unwitting and unwilling subjects in far northeast China.

The museum, located in China’s coldest city of Harbin , houses a grim collection of artefacts, confessions, experiment reports and photographs (the most extreme of which are not on display). There are also disturbing dioramas detailing some of the sick experiments.

This is truly one of the darkest of dark tourism destinations and it’s surprising that the horrors that went on here are not more widely known. The museum was closed for renovation when I lived i Harbin in 2016, but I went bak to visit in 2021 and I’m glad I did.

You can read more or see my short film taken at the museum.

Address: Xinjiang Street, Pingfang District, Harbin, China. See location on Google maps . Entrance: Free Time Needed to Visit: Two to three hours Website: unit731.org

5. Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker, England

Dark tourist hotspot, Secret Nuclear Bunker, Essex

Ever wondered where the UK government would go in the event of an all-out nuclear war? Wonder no more as this “secret” nuclear bunker is now open to the public. I visited on a trip back from China and loved the experience.

Tucked away beneath the Essex countryside, Kelvedon Hatch would have housed up to 10,000 people, including the Prime Minister, who would have managed the response to a nuclear attack and run the country from the confines of the bunker.

The nearest rail station is Brentwood. You can take a tube from London to Epping, Debden or Theydon Boice and then a taxi (approx 7 miles).

Check out my list of 10 dark tourism destinations in London .

Address: Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA. See location on Google maps . Entrance: £7.50 ($9.20) Time Needed to Visit: Two to three hours Website: secretnuclearbunker.com

6. House of Terror, Hungary

Dark Tourist Destinations - The Terror House

One of my favourite museums is the House of Terror in Budapest. This is one of the top dark tourist sites thanks to the building’s dark history as a prison and interrogation centre for both the nazis and communists.

Address: Budapest, Andrássy út 60, 1062 Hungary. See location on Google maps . Entrance: 400 HUF ($1.10) Time Needed to Visit: Two to three hours Website: www.terrorhaza.hu

I had always been intrigued to visit Iraq as my grandfather used to work at Baghdad University in the 1950s. He inspired my own travels by driving all the way from England , and in late 2022 I arrived in Iraq after travelling overland myself.

Lik Mostar, Iraq is a beautiful place with friendly locals and a history dating back millennia. I visited the city of Erbil in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq and was blown away by the place. Cities like Baghdad, and especially Mosul still show the scars of conflict and safety remains a concern in the region.

8. Karaganda Gulag, Kazakhstan

I visited the Karaganda Gulag (Karlag) whilst travelling from Kazakhstan’s capital Astana to Almaty. This fascinating complex includes a museum with photographs, exhibits and dioramas reflecting the history of the place under Stalin and during the time of the USSR.

Explore recreations of the officer’s quarters, dungeons and transport vehicles used to move prisoners. The camp is located in the heart of the vast Kazakh steppe, once part of the Soviet Union.

Address: 39, Dolinka 101604, Kazakhstan. See location on Google maps . Entrance: 1,000 Tenge ($2) Time Needed to Visit: Two to three hours

9. The DMZ, North Korea

Like Turkmenistan, North Korea is an equally reclusive and paranoid country, but one we hear a lot more about in the media. For the curious, it can make a fascinating holiday destination.

I’ve been to North Korea twice and visited different cities across the country from Sinuiju in the north to the capital Pyongyang and Kaesog in the south. Not far from Kaesong is the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) which separates North Korea from South Korea.

10. Belfast Murals, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has a long and tragic history culminating in 30 years of violence from the 1970s up to 1998 when the Good Friday Agreement put an end to the “Troubles”. The north of Ireland has a population made up of two distinct groups; Irish republican/catholic and British loyalist/Protestant.

The Catholic/republican side want to be reunited with the rest of Ireland and this led to the formation of the IRA (Irish Republican Army). The loyalist/protestant side want to remain a part of the UK and set up different paramilitary groups like the UDA (Ulster Defence Association) and UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force) to take on the IRA.

The cities of Belfast and Derry are home to many brightly coloured murals depicting the years of struggle on either side of the divide. I took a three-hour political walking tour which included many of the murals and a history of the troubles from ex-prisoners. Book the tour with Get Your Guide .

11. Bran Castle, Romania

Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad Dracul or Vlad the Impaler was born in 1428 in a charming old house in Sighisoara that now serves as a restaurant. Tepes was the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula and it’s possible to visit Bran Castle in Transylvania which has long been associated with the Dracula story.

Bran Castle is worth a visit for its beautiful gothic architecture, but there is’t a great deal to do i the village aside for that. I spent two days there, but it’s better to take a day trip from nearby Brasov .

Book a tour of Bran Castle with Get Your Guide

Address: Strada General Traian Moșoiu 24, Bran 507025, Romania. See location on Google maps . Entrance: 40 Lei ($8.70) Time Needed to Visit: One to two hours

12. Transnistria

Like Mostar above, it seems a little unfair to include Tiraspol on a list of dark tourism sites, but as charming as this small city is, it gets a place due to Transnistria being a country that doesn’t exist according to the rest of the world (it is recognized only by Abkhazia, Artsakh and South Ossetia; themselves also unrecognized breakaway republics).

Stuck in a soviet time-warp, the KGB is still active here, posters of Lenin adorn the streets and tanks and troops guard the demilitarized zone separating it from Moldova.

You can take a bus to Tiraspol from Chisinau in Moldova and get a VISA/permit at the border. Journey time is approx 2 hours including border crossing and costs under 5 Euros.

Need somewhere to stay in Transnistria or looking for a tour guide? Check out Mars Hostel !

13. Diyarbakir, Turkey

Best Things to do in Diyarbakir - City Walls

Diyarbakir is a city in southeastern Turkey close to the border of Syria and Iraq. The city is home to Turkey’s largest Kurdish population ad has something of a troubled history. During the 2016 Seige of Sur, many houses were destroyed by Turkish forces.

I spent six weeks living in Diyarbakir in 2022 and although the city has suffered (most recently in the 2023 earthquake), it is also a fantastic destiation with lots of history dating back to Roman times.

14. The Darvaza Gas Crater, Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan deserves a place all of its own on any dark tourist’s list thanks to the strange city of Ashgabat and the bizarre laws still in place in this reclusive former soviet republic. The country is made up of 90% desert, and hidden deep within is a huge flaming sinkhole that has been burning for over 40 years.

I visited the Darvaza Gas Crater (also known as the Door to Hell) in 2017 on my way overland from England to China and spent the night camping next to the crater.

Arrive as the sun is setting and camp next to the roaring crater, but don’t get too close as there are no safety barriers and the fumes can be quite toxic! Definitely one of the top dark tourism destinations in the world!

15. Chernobyl, Ukraine

Chernobyl is one of the top dark tourism destinations in the world and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in not only dark tourism, but also the cold war and the former Soviet Union.

Wander around the deserted city of Pripyat where nature has well and truly reclaimed the town. Pripyat was once a bustling metropolis of 50,000 nuclear power plant workers and their families.

Travel through the exclusion zone with a Geiger counter to see how dangerous the radiation can be. Marvel at the massive Duga Radar Station hidden deep in the radioactive forest. Ironically, it was used by the soviets to detect incoming nuclear missiles from the West.

What Exactly is Dark Tourism?

According to the Wikipedia page, Dark Tourism “has been defined as tourism involving travel to places historically associated with death and tragedy.” But goes on to state that “The main attraction to dark locations is their historical value rather than their associations with death and suffering.”

Dark tourism can mean different things to different people. For me it is the exploration of places with a dark or similarly interesting aspect. From Dracula’s castle in Transylvania or Salem in the USA to the Darvaza ‘Door to Hell’ gas crater in Turkmenistan or North Korea and Chernobyl, these are all places I have recently visited that could be considered dark tourism spots.

The University of Central Lancashire is conducting studies into the rise of dark tourism which makes for some interesting reading.

Most people equate Dark Tourism with human suffering. But although many such places on the dark tourist’s map will have been witness to such horrors, it can equally include creepy abandoned places (Chinese abandoned cities), cold war bunkers or just the outright weird (Ashgabat in Turkmenistan).

Dark Tourism can include sites linked to genocide (Auschwitz, the Killing Fields etc), nuclear catastrophe (Chernobyl, Fukashima etc), war or disaster tourism (Iraq, Afghanistan etc) and much more.

It is up to the individual to visit what they feel comfortable with. If you go with the aim of increasing knowledge and a better understanding, then that can’t be a bad thing. If you are going to simply gawp at misfortune or tragedy, then better stay at home and turn on the TV!

Is Dark Tourism ok or Ethical?

It’s important to remember that many dark tourist sites have seen tragic events and as with travelling anywhere, respect is key to coming away from the experience a better person.

Dark tourism should not be about voyeurism, but for those with a morbid fascination, or even a healthy curiosity, seeking out such places can be extremely educational as well as humbling.

Check out this great list of 50 crazy destinations for lovers of the weird and macabre.

Below I list 10 of my favourite dark tourism destinations. You can find details of how you can visit them too if you dare!

The best resource for travellers interested in dark tourism is the site dark-tourism.com. The site is home to hundreds of articles on dark tourist locations across the globe.

Now you know the answer to the question: what is dark tourism, which sites would you like to see?! Comment below with your favourite dark tourism destination!

Dark tourism is popular around the world and most countries have dark tourist sites. From Pompei in Italy to Auschwitz in Poland and Chernobyl in Ukraine, these places see many visitors every year.

Dark tourism places include Bran Castle in Romania, the House of Terror in Hungary, Chernobyl, Fukushima, the Uit 731 Museum in China and many more. Countries on the dark tourist map include Syria, North Korea ad Iraq.

Dark tourists are people that search out the macabre, spooky or places with a dark history.

Final Thoughts

With so many interesting dark tourism destinations from Albania to Armenia and North Korea to Northern Ireland, which of these sites are you interested in seeing? I will continue to search out ore fascinating dark tourist sites on my travels.

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

5 thoughts on “ 15 Gut-Wrenching Dark Tourism Destinations for 2024 ”

These are some very interesting places and a few I didn’t even know tourists could go visit (NK) but it’s awesome that you shed a bit of bright light on places that are known as quite “dark” to the average person.

Thanks Dom, yes North Korea is open to tourists and makes a fascinating destination!

I love Dark Tourism and find most of the sites fascinating. This is a great list and I want to travel to so many of these places!

I would also suggest the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide museum in Cambodia

Hi KS, thanks for the heads-up. I will be visiting Cambodia later this year and will definitely be visiting the Killing Fields and adding it to this post. Best, Steve

Dark tourism: motivations and visit intentions of tourists

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The overall purpose of this study is to utilize the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in combination with four dark tourism constructs (dark experience, engaging entertainment, unique learning experience, and casual interest) to gain a better understanding of behaviors and intentions of tourists who have visited or plan to visit a dark tourism location.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,068 useable questionnaires was collected via Qualtrics Panels for analysis purposes. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to verify satisfactory reliability and validity regarding the measurement of model fit. With adequate model fit, structural equation modeling was employed to determine positive and negative relationships between TPB and dark tourism constructs. In all, 11 hypotheses statements were tested within this study.

Results of this study indicate that tourists are curious, interested, and intrigued by dark experiences with paranormal activity, resulting in travel choices made for themselves based on personal beliefs and preferences, with minimal outside influence from others. It was determined that dark experience was the most influential of the dark tourism constructs tested in relationship to attitudes and subjective norm.

Research limitations/implications

The data collected for this study were collected using Qualtrics Panels with self-reporting participants. The actual destination visited by survey participants was also not factored into the results of this research study.

Originality/value

This study provides a new theoretical research model that merges TPB and dark tourism constructs and established that there is a relationship between TPB constructs and dark tourism.

Author and article information

https://www.emerald.com/insight/site-policies

Comment on this article

How the Pendle Witches are bringing 'dark tourists' to Lancashire

Tuesday 23 April 2024 at 4:13pm

Reporter, ITV Granada Reports

Report by Paul Crone

We love to visit places with a spooky past, or where a medieval murder took place.

So no wonder Lancashire is benefitting from what's known as Dark Tourism.

And look no further for information, than Lancaster University academic Sophie James who has spent the last year researching the famous Pendle Witches, and has just had a paper published on the matter.

The trials of the Pendle witches at Lancaster Castle in 1612 are among the most famous witch trials in English history. In total 10 people were hung after being imprisoned in the Castle. The evidence used to find them guilty was mostly based on gossip and hearsay.

The Castle is among a host of locations across Lancashire which have become a bustling industry where you can buy anything from a Pendle Witches tea towel, or a take part in ghost walks.

Sophie spent time talking to historians and people interested in witchcraft in order to write her paper for Lancaster University.

She said,"There's walking trails, guided tours, heritage centres, museums, independent retail outlets, all of this which offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore this rich fabric and spookyness."

Forty miles from Lancaster Castle lies a perfect example of Dark Tourism.

In the village of Roughlee in the shadow of Pendle Hill lies a stunning sculpture of one of the Pendle Witches, Alice Nutter.

The site is a popular photo location for those keen to follow the story of the Pendle Witches. And wherever people stop en route, chances are they'll want a brew and a cake. Vital monies coming into the local economy.

Alice Nutter's sculpture can be found by the main road through the village of Roughlee near Nelson.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…

Tourism and growth are double-edged swords for Utah’s dark sky-certified places

The Milky Way is visible over The Watchman summit in Utah's Zion National Park, Nov. 14, 2014.

Even in a state like Utah which prides itself on its starry night skies, becoming a certified dark sky community is a tall task.

Springdale, near Zion National Park, has had rules on the books to limit light pollution since 2009. So when it applied for a designation from Dark Sky International a few years ago, it expected to be a shoo-in.

“We were thinking: We've been a leader in preserving dark skies for a long time. We've done a great job. … Folks are going to say, ‘This is the best application ever. Of course, you're going to be certified,’” Director of Community Development Tom Dansie said.

“So we were a little bit humbled when the Dark Sky folks came back with: ‘That's a good first try.’”

The town made changes and applied again the following year. When it finally got approved in 2023 , it was the culmination of nearly 15 years of work.

It didn’t come cheap, either.

The town spent roughly $1 million to replace its street lights with models that shield the light downward, Dansie said. After installing them, the town realized the new lights weren’t dark enough, so they spent even more time and money developing a way to retrofit them. Now, Springdale has until 2028 to update the street lights with adaptive controls that automatically dim as the sky gets darker, which Dansie estimates could cost another $200,000.

That’s a lot of money for a small town, and it doesn’t include the updates required to lighting on private property — something residents have long raised concerns about. But in a community that values its celestial sights, he said it’s money well spent.

“When you look at the investment in the street lights in terms of protecting the night sky resource, it makes a whole lot more sense … rather than looking at it as, ‘Oh, we had to spend a million and a half dollars just to get this certification.’”

Dark skies can also have other benefits, he said, for human health and wildlife .

Springdale is one of four Utah towns that have earned the designation, joined by Helper, Torrey and Castle Valley, which became the state’s newest addition in January. Moab has submitted its application to join the club, something the town has been working toward since enacting its outdoor lighting ordinance in 2019.

As Utah’s population and popularity grow, keeping skies dark is likely to get even harder.

In their annual reports to Dark Sky International, parks across the state list increasing light pollution from development and tourism as the main threat to maintaining their certification. And those sites — from Capitol Reef and Canyonlands national parks to Antelope Island and Jordanelle state parks — say those threats are increasing.

For places like Springdale, it’s a delicate balance. The community relies on tourism. Without it, it would be tough for a town of fewer than 600 people to afford a million-dollar lighting project, among other things. But visitation to Zion National Park has nearly doubled in the 15 years the town’s been working to limit outdoor lighting, and that brings the risk of more light.

“Every new development, every new hotel that's built, every new single-family residence that is built has an impact on the night sky,” Dansie said. “So it's increasingly important for us as a community to be careful.”

With more and more places worldwide losing their view of the night sky, however, that makes the places in Utah that have held onto their darkness all the more special. It can have big economic impacts.

Gov. Spencer Cox declared April as Utah’s dark sky month again in 2024, saying astrotourism is expected to generate $6 billion in the American Southwest over the next decade. Utah has more than 20 certified dark sky places, a total the state touts as the highest concentration in the world.

Joshua Rowley has seen the economic benefits of dark sky tourism near Capitol Reef National Park, where he co-owns the Skyview Hotel . It’s located in Torrey, a town of 219 people in Wayne County that became Utah’s first dark sky community in 2018.

The hotel leans into the dark sky as one of its amenities, with dim lighting and a rooftop stargazing deck. Rowley said the night view is a big reason their customers spend their time and money there.

“More people are coming to see it. People are staying longer to see it. It gives them more to do in their trip… which is obviously going to impact the economy of the whole area.”

The hotel opened in 2023 and meeting the town’s strict lighting requirements presented some challenges. For example, he said the typical way engineers light up parking lots might be two or three times brighter than what they could do in a dark sky town. And since having lights in key places is a safety issue, it meant dimming or even tweaking the color temperature of its illumination to meet code.

“You have to get kind of creative. … Over time, people will have to get less creative because there's more of a system in place.”

Growing that system could be a big part of sustaining dark sky towns’ futures.

In Springdale, Dancie said they’ve started having conversations with other southwest Utah communities, and he’s hopeful they can work together to protect the region’s night skies. That matters, he said, because no town is an island.

Driving west from Springdale into the more populated parts of Washington County at night, it’s already easy to see the dome of light pollution in the distance. If the St. George metro area grows the way it’s projected to — and doesn’t safeguard the night sky as it does — Springdale could see its dark skies slip away.

“At some point, no matter what an awesome job we do, our dark sky resource will be threatened because of the impact of light in other areas of the region. … Those light domes will gradually get larger and larger and larger until they encompass Springdale.”

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COMMENTS

Budapest, Hungary
Budapest. - darkometer rating : 4 -. The grand capital city of Hungary . It is of interest to the dark tourist due to the grim parts of its history especially during the Nazi and communist periods, covered in a number of specialized museums, as well as for a great number of monuments and a couple of atmospheric cemeteries. > More background ...
House of Terror
As you come in and queue for tickets, you can already see the main exhibit in the courtyard of the building: a huge Soviet T-54 tank, which sits in a 'lagoon' of oil slowly dripping over the lagoon's edges, which enhances its eerie appearance even more. The rest of the exhibits are spread out over several rooms on four floors, the circuit walk starting at the top.
Budapest in 2022
Budapest in 2022. June 8, 2022. This past Whitsun weekend I was in Budapest. Even though it's just a 2 ½ hour train ride from Vienna (where I live) I hadn't been to this fabulous capital city of Hungary since October 2008, so a re-visit was overdue. I had only a bit over 48 hours there but used the time well.
Visiting Memento Park, Budapest
Approximately 40,000 people visit Memento Park yearly and the site also functions as a cultural and educational space hosting art festivals, professional and public events, and other programs. If you are a dark tourist that happens to be in Budapest, it is well worth the short trip and entrance fee to check out.
Nazi & Communist Crimes in Budapest
It is a must-see visit for dark tourists in Budapest. Featured Image: Michal Huniewicz / CC BY. Go to top. Ruddock, Louisiana - Entire Town Destroyed by Hurricane. September 28, 2020. Visiting Deadly Lake Nyos [Dark Tourism in Africa] January 24, 2020 August 31, 2020. Vorkuta - Russia's Dying City Above the Arctic Circle. September 22, 2020.
Hungary
Hungary. A country in Eastern Europe which earns its place on the dark-tourism map through its role in WWII and especially the Holocaust (which hit the country late and particularly tragically), and subsequently the communist era, when the country was part of the Eastern Bloc. A revolution against Soviet domination and repression in 1956 was ...
Budapest Archive
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The DDT theoretical model analyzes dark tourism in relation to the concept of dystopia, the portrayal of death in the culture, and the visitor's insecurity and other emotions. A visitor's ...
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As we reported yesterday, a pilot programme is coming into force in Venice today that means visitors have to pay a €5 (£4.28) charge to enter the city. Authorities say the pilot programme is ...
Dark Tourism: Destinations of Death, Tragedy and the Macabre
170. The Aokigahara forest in Japan, known as the suicide forest, is a dark tourism destination. Ko Sasaki for The New York Times. By Maria Cramer. Oct. 28, 2022. North Korea. East Timor. Nagorno ...
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Emergent studies of "prison tourism" are beginning to provide critical insight into a variety of problems formerly un- or under-developed in the scholarly paradigm of "dark tourism ...
Dark tourism in eastern Europe: the struggle between money and memory
Dark tourism in eastern Europe: the struggle between money and memory Published: August 18, 2020 7:52am EDT Milka Ivanova , Leeds Beckett University , Dorina-Maria Buda , Nottingham Trent University
Dark Tourism in Budapest
Avaa tiedosto. A new trend is developing in the tourism market nowadays - dark tourism. The main purpose of the study was to explore the marketing strategies of dark tourism sites in Budapest based on the theoretical overview of dark tourism and data gathering of quantitative research. The study started with a theoretical overview of dark ...
7 Crazy Things To Do In Budapest If You Are A Dark Academia Fan
Final Words. These are the fun things to do in Budapest if you are a dark academia enthusiast. However, there can be other places of interest for you, like the Mai Manó House, Massolit Bookstore and Café, etc. So, if you want to soak in the literary vibe and rich culture of Budapest, plan a visit to any of the places I have mentioned here.
Night Tours of Budapest
Follow the darkness on the Budapest Vampire Tour and Ghost Tours. Budapest welcomes a myriad of visitors season after season. Renowned as "the Pearl of the Danube", it pierces the souls of tourists with its stunning landscapes and picturesque sights.Besides, the Hungarian capital keeps many time-honored secrets that everyone will find bone-chilling for sure.
Budapest Dark History and Vampire Night Walking Tour 2024
Budapest 101: 3-hour Walking Tour with ChimneyCake and Metro Pass. 1. from $79.06. Price varies by group size. Budapest, Hungary. 6 hours Private City Tour of Budapest With Winetasting and Danube evening cruise. 1. from $130.14. Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here.
15 Unusual Things To Do In Budapest, Hungary
Hungary has a dark history from during the Second World War. The Arrow Cross Party was in power during the last years of WWII - a party holding anti-Semitic fascist views like the Nazi party. ... Even in late November it was busy, so I would probably suggest avoiding the peak tourist season as Budapest is still a very popular place so likely ...
PDF Dark Tourism in Budapest
and economics, dark tourism, dark tourism background and sites in Budapest, which introduced the conceptions relevant to the dark tourism industry in Budapest and the important economic effects contributing to Hungarian economics. Next, the study focused on the quantitative research for deeper insight of what
16 Secret Hidden Gems in Budapest
2. Vajdahunyad Castle. Despite its prime position in City Park, Vajdahunyad Castle remains somewhat of a hidden gem in Budapest. This is surprising as it's one of the most beautiful castles in Budapest. Just like most of the architecture in Budapest, Vajdanhunyad Castle looks like a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
15 Gut-Wrenching Dark Tourism Destinations for 2024
You can take a tube from London to Epping, Debden or Theydon Boice and then a taxi (approx 7 miles). Check out my list of 10 dark tourism destinations in London. Address: Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA. See location on Google maps. Entrance: £7.50 ($9.20) Time Needed to Visit: Two to three hours.
Budapest: The beautiful city with the darkest of pasts
CNN —. Carved through and framed by the mighty River Danube, Budapest and its beautiful skyline make it one of Europe's finest and most compelling cities. Hungary's capital became one city ...
Top Seven Dark Tourism Destinations in the World
Some of the world's leading dark tourism hotspots are: Chernobyl. Murambi Genocide Memorial, Rwanda. Hiroshima. 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Auschwitz-Birkenau. Choeung Ek Genocidal Center, Cambodia.
20 Unique Dark Tourism Sites Around The World
Gravensteen Castle - Ghent, Belgium. Contributed by Cecilie from Worldwide Walkers. Photo Credit: Cecilie, Worldwide Walkers Gravensteen Castle in Ghent is a classic example of dark tourism sites in Europe.The castle was built back in 1180 and housed the Count of Flanders for many centuries until it became a court, a prison, and even a cotton factory.
Dark tourism: motivations and visit intentions of tourists
Purpose The overall purpose of this study is to utilize the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in combination with four dark tourism constructs (dark experience, engaging entertainment, unique learning experience, and casual interest) to gain a better understanding of behaviors and intentions of tourists who have visited or plan to visit a dark tourism location.
How the Pendle Witches are bringing 'dark tourists' to Lancashire
The trials of the Pendle witches at Lancaster Castle in 1612 are among the most famous witch trials in English history. In total 10 people were hung after being imprisoned in the Castle. The ...
Tourism and growth are double-edged swords for Utah's dark sky
Gov. Spencer Cox declared April as Utah's dark sky month again in 2024, saying astrotourism is expected to generate $6 billion in the American Southwest over the next decade. Utah has more than 20 certified dark sky places, a total the state touts as the highest concentration in the world. Joshua Rowley has seen the economic benefits of dark ...
A year's worth of rain plunges normally dry Dubai underwater
CNN —. A year's worth of rain unleashed immense flash flooding in Dubai Tuesday as roads turned into rivers and rushing water inundated homes and businesses. Shocking video showed the tarmac ...

House of Terror Museum – Nazi & Communist Crimes in Budapest

History of the House of Terror

Creation of the Museum

House of Terror & Nearby Accommodation

Inside the House of Terror Museum Today

Varosha, Famagusta: The Abandoned Beach Resort

Plokstine Missile Base – Dark Tourism In Lithuania

The Cadaver Tomb of René of Chalon [Dark Tourism in France]

The Hallstatt Beinhaus: An Austrian House of Bones

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Category: Budapest

Budapest in 2022

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Beaches? Cruises? ‘Dark’ Tourists Prefer the Gloomy and Macabre

A pastime that goes back to Gladiator Days

‘Ethically murky territory’

A chance to reflect

52 Places for a Changed World

Open Up Your World

Dark tourism in eastern Europe: the struggle between money and memory

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Money, trauma and nostalgia

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7 Unique Things To Do In Budapest For A Dark Academia Fan Like You.

Unique Things To Do In Budapest If You Are A Dark Academia Fan

Pay A Visit To The Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library

Visit The National Széchényi Library

Drop By The Library of The Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA)

Visit The Hungarian Parliament Library

Visit The ELTE University Library

Visit The National Library of Foreign Literature

Visit The Institute of Slavic and Baltic Philology

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7 Best Cafes And Restaurants In Budapest For The Dark Academia Fan In You.

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16 Secret Hidden Gems in Budapest – Off the Beaten Path

16 Secret Hidden Gems in Budapest – Off the Beaten Path

1. Alternative Budapest Tour

Save Money with a Budapest Card

2. Vajdahunyad Castle

3. Explore Budapest’s Underground Caves

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4. Hospital in the Rock

5. Gyermekvasút (Children’s Railway)

6. The Cheapest Danube River Cruise

7. Zugliget Chairlift

8. Gellert Hill Cave Church

9. Szimpla Kert by Day

10. Street Art Hunting

11. Langos at Retro Langos Bufe

12. Unusual Pubs & Bar

13. Flipper Museum

14. Shop at a Local Market