Vibe Check: Are the Scariest Tourist Traps in the World Worth Visiting?

On this fine, crisp, and orange-toned NYC fall Friday, a scary season enthusiast like myself can only think about one thing: leaving town.

While the Big Apple is arguably one of the best cities to live in, the crisp air calls for open spaces... and scares. From Count Dracula's very own castle to the catacombs in Paris, tourists can jet off to enjoy these scary attractions during the most fitting season. 

But, as we all know, not all tourist attractions are good. Fortunately, this week's edition of the tourist trap vibe check expands on last week's by turning my scrutinous gaze upon some of the most iconic scary tourist attractions not just in the US but in the world. Read on to find out whether you should visit these frightening landmarks or if you're better off touring your local haunted houses.

How busy it got: Honestly, I thought it'd be busier. Weekends tend to pack up, though.
What the weather was like: There were a lot of clouds and some sunlight here and there, and the temperature was in the mid-50s, which is perfect for Count Dracula's castle.
Google Reviews to note: "It seemed like an absolute scam to me," said a recent visitor. "Very expensive for what you find inside. Everything is fake and the recreations they have put together inside are shameful. Better to see it from afar or from below," another reviewer added. "Not much worth seeing, 2-3 rooms made on Dracula and they were bad too," read a third review.
Social media highlights to note: The light and the colors are cute in the fall; I'll give it that.
Overall scary vibe score: Pretty, but not authentically scary. 5/10

How busy it got: Pretty busy, given the season. 
What the weather was like: It was quite stellar and sunny in the 70s.
Google Reviews to note: Some described it as "quite a 'curious' place," while another user defined it as "spectral." Others said it is "maybe not for everyone but still very interesting." The reviews are undoubtedly ominous, which is probably a good thing in this case.
Social media highlights to note: Photography and video are strictly prohibited. However, this is what it looks like. Spine-chilling.
Overall scary vibe score: 9/10

How busy it got: It's usually busy during the weekend, according to Google.
What the weather was like: It was mainly in the high 60s and kind of cloudy.
Google Reviews to note: On TripAdvisor, a visitor wrote: "If I could give this place a zero, I would. As a massive horror fan, I was deeply disappointed with this place." Another added, "There's nothing to see here except a bunch of weather-worn dolls nailed to random things."
Social media highlights to note: There's nothing of note, really.
Overall scary vibe score: Meh. 4/10

How busy it got: Nobody seems to have complained about large crowds recently.
What the weather was like: It was sometimes cloudy with some rain and pretty chilly, too, with average temperatures in the high 40s.
Google Reviews to note: "It was interesting to wander through the underground rooms and climb the tower, from where there is a beautiful view of the local landscape," read a recent review. "It is especially beautiful in autumn." Most people are awestruck by its gothic beauty and deem it a must-see landmark. It is said to be haunted by a "demonic imp."
Social media highlights to note: There are great views to snap shots of. 
Overall scary vibe score: Gorgeous, mysterious, but not super scary. 7/10 for the views.

How busy it got: It can get busy at nighttime, for obvious reasons.
What the weather was like: It was mainly cloudy with some sunny moments, and the temperature fluctuated in the 60s.
Google Reviews to note: "A must go in Turkmenistan," said a recent visitor. "Hands down one of the (if not THE) most bizarre and incredible sites I've seen so far," read another review from one year ago. "It's truly a freak of 'nature', and its 'Gates to Hell' moniker is, I think, appropriate."
Social media highlights to note: It can get pretty hellish-looking at night.
Overall scary vibe score: 6.5/10

How busy it got: It got very, very busy.
What the weather was like: It had it all, including sun, clouds, and rain. Temperatures fluctuated between the mid-50s and 70s.
Google Reviews to note: "The use of flash is not allowed because it shows a lack of respect for the dead," said one user, which, quite frankly, made me feel some type of way and sent a shiver down my spine. "It's a bit macabre when you realize how many millions of people have bones gathered there and all of them arranged in perfect piles," said another recent visitor. Everybody advises to get tickets in advance.
Social media highlights to note: Do not go alone.
Overall scary vibe score: 9.5/10

How busy it got: Nobody seemed to complain about it being too busy lately.
What the weather was like: For the most part, it was partially cloudy, with temperatures averaging in the 60s.
Google Reviews to note: "There are 4 spirits here. One really bad one is tempered to this clock," read a very recent review, which includes a photo of said clock. "It's a battery source for the negative energy that follows patrons around. Please burn this clock, and you'll see what I mean. I'm able to feel spirits remotely, and I cleanse a lot of places just to help people, but if something is tempered to a source of power the physical item itself needs to be destroyed so that the spirit cannot recharge." Yikes. Another person added, "Very weird and scary. When I went, [the] mirrors were shaking, I had sleep paralysis and [heard] phone noises."
Social media highlights to note: Nothing recent, but here's a video from a while back to give you an idea of the vibe. 
Overall scary vibe score: It's definitely haunted. 9/5/10.

How busy it got: It's not too busy, according to Google.
What the weather was like: It was in the mid-60s and sunny for the most part.
Google Reviews to note: Visitors loved walking through its grounds and gardens and called it a beautiful place with "amazing history."
Social media highlights to note: People seem to think it is haunted because so many people died there. I mean, there was a torture room and a dungeon, so.
Overall scary vibe score: 6/10

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