New York: Ghost Stories in Greenwich Village

Disclaimer: I was invited to join the tour by New York Ghosts.

There was rain in the air and the kind of heavy clouds that seem to hang just a little too low, as Steve and I made our way to Washington Square Park one evening in New York. We were about to join a ghost-themed walking tour through Greenwich Village, and honestly, the weather couldn’t have been more on-brand.

The tour started at 8pm under the arch at the park entrance, and just minutes in, we were already knee-deep in eerie tales about the area’s haunted past. I’ve been to Washington Square Park countless times, but I had no idea that the whole place used to be a burial ground. Over 20,000 people are supposedly buried underneath. Needless to say, it set the tone. Our guide told us that in addition to being a tour guide, she’s also a professional actor, and she was fantastic. She had a way of telling the stories that pulled you in, and made it all feel very real.

We wandered quietly through the Village, stopping in front of buildings you’d probably never notice otherwise. Places you might pass by on your way to brunch, without knowing what’s (allegedly) lurking behind closed doors. One stop was a house where Mark Twain once lived, and which many believe is still haunted. That kind of story sticks, and I know I’ll never walk by without glancing up at the windows again.

The creepiest spot on the tour? Jefferson Market Library. I’ve always thought it was such a beautiful building, but now it comes with an entirely different vibe. The story we heard there was genuinely spooky, and I don’t think I’ll ever look at that tower the same way again.

The tour lasted about an hour, which felt just right. Long enough to get a good feel for the neighborhood and hear plenty of chilling stories, but not so long that it started to drag. A lot of walking tours live or die by the guide, and ours absolutely made the experience. She was prepared, passionate, and just the right amount of theatrical. Steve and I were completely tuned in the entire time.

The tour we joined was called Hauntings & Ghouls of Greenwich Village, organized by New York Ghosts, who run ghost tours in more than 50 cities across the U.S. They offer several different routes in New York, but the Greenwich Village tour is the original and most popular—and it makes sense. The Village is steeped in history and has the perfect atmosphere for this kind of storytelling. Even if you’ve been to New York before, this is a fun and different way to see a part of the city that still manages to surprise you.

Read about the time a ghost moved into my friend Rikke’s kitchen >>

Tips if you’re thinking of booking a ghost tour in NYC

Wear good shoes
It’s not a long walk, but parts of the route are cobblestoned and the sidewalks can be uneven. Sneakers or flats are your best bet.

Check the weather
The tour is outdoors, rain or shine, so plan accordingly. If rain is in the forecast, bring an umbrella and dress a little warmer than you think you need to.

Make a dinner reservation
The tour ends right in the middle of Greenwich Village, so it’s the perfect excuse to grab a bite afterward. There are tons of great restaurants nearby, but it’s a popular area, so book ahead if you can.

Don’t forget to tip your guide
If you had a good experience, it’s customary to tip at the end of the tour. Bring cash.

My guide to Things to do in New York City >>

New York Ghost Tour - US Ghost Adventures

Thinking about going on a ghost tour in New York? Use the code MITZIE10 for 10% off when you book through New York Ghosts. A ghost tour is a fun and different way to experience the city, especially if you’re curious about the darker chapters of its history.

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