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Discover 12 iconic locations rich in history and culture where vampires are far more than just a tale...
If you’re keen to explore the origins of vampire lore or simply love stories like Buffy and Twilight, the world is brimming with intriguing and spooky spots for both fans and scholars. Ready for an adventure? Read on to uncover the top places where you might just run into a vampire (or live like one).
Essential Information
- Take a journey through history in Romania, home of Vlad the Impaler and the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
- Delve into real-life vampire tales by visiting sites like the Rynek Underground in Kraków or Rhode Island’s Grave of Mercy Brown.
- If you're a fan of Twilight, Anne Rice, or Buffy, visit iconic filming spots and join fellow fans at local celebrations.
How to Explore
Transylvania, Romania
Visit the legendary birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration behind Dracula. Vlad III Dracula, also known as “Vlad the Impaler,” was a ruthless 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, now part of modern Romania. Allegedly born in Sighișoara, Transylvania, this is where you can trace the roots of his dark legacy.
- Although there’s no definitive proof that Sighișoara is Vlad’s birthplace, Transylvania is forever associated with vampire myths, making it a must-see for any fan.
- Vlad earned his terrifying nickname for his brutal method of execution: impaling his enemies, especially the Ottomans, on long wooden stakes. (Sound familiar?)
Curtea Veche, Bucharest, Romania
Stand before a statue of the infamous Vlad the Impaler. In the 1400s, Curtea Veche ("Old Princely Court") served as Vlad’s fortress to defend the southern borders of Romania (what is now Bucharest) against Turkish invaders.
- While the fortress is mostly in ruins today, the iconic bust of Vlad the Impaler still stands, keeping a silent vigil over the city.
Poenari Castle, Romania
Explore Vlad the Impaler's Fortress. Poenari Castle, built in the 1200s, was claimed by Vlad the Impaler in the 15th century as one of his strongholds against Ottoman forces.
- Some claim this castle inspired the setting for Dracula’s fortress in Stoker’s novel, though this remains unverified.
- Regardless, this grand and imposing castle, just a few hours from Transylvania, is a must-see for both history enthusiasts and vampire aficionados.
Corvin Castle, Romania
A final stop on the Vlad journey…. While you’re exploring Romania, make sure to visit Corvin Castle, a 15th-century fortress built to protect against Ottoman forces. It’s said that Vlad the Impaler was imprisoned here for seven years, ultimately driving him to madness.
- Vlad was allegedly held captive by the Hungarian noble John Hunyadi, later being freed and forming a political alliance with him.
- Originally built for defense, the castle was later renovated to take on a more fairy-tale appearance.
Whitby, North Yorkshire, England
Discover the birthplace of Dracula and attend the world's largest goth festival. The eerie, gothic town of Whitby, located on England’s northern coast, with its dramatic abbey ruins and haunting churches, deeply inspired Bram Stoker in writing Dracula.
- In 1890, Stoker came across a book about Vlad the Impaler in a Whitby coffee shop, sparking his decision to use the name “Dracula” for his novel.
- The wreck of the Russian ship Dmitry in Whitby provided the inspiration for the Demeter, the vessel that brings Dracula to England in the story.
- Visit the ghostly ruins of Whitby Abbey mentioned in the novel and explore the churchyard, where Stoker even borrowed names from the tombstones for his characters.
- Whitby, forever tied to Dracula, hosts the world’s largest goth festival every October. Dress as a Victorian vampire or a modern goth punk and dance to some of the top names in alternative music.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Anne Rice fans, this one's for you. If you loved Interview with a Vampire, New Orleans is a must-see. Explore iconic filming spots like the Destrehan Plantation, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Laurel Valley Village Store, and even Anne Rice’s former home.
- While many filming locations were damaged in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, there's still plenty to experience.
- Don’t miss the Boutique du Vampyre, a shop that offers vampire-themed books, artwork, and costumes.
- Rich in history, Destrehan Plantation not only played a key role in the film but was also the site of the 1811 German Coast Uprising, the largest slave revolt in U.S. history.
Los Angeles
LA: Where vampires and legends come to life. While Los Angeles is known as the “city of angels,” it’s just as much the “city of vampires” (unless, of course, you’re talking about Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in which case, it's both).
- Visit the iconic set of Sunnydale High from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and explore the hellmouth for yourself. You can also check out Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Ennis House, which served as Angel’s home on the show.
- But wait, there’s more: Even though True Blood is set in Louisiana, it was filmed in Long Beach, where you can visit Fangtasia IRL—the bar from the show is actually Alex’s Bar.
The Grave of Mercy Brown, Exeter, Rhode Island
Looking for chills? Mercy Brown's grave will give you that. This one’s undeniably eerie. After Mercy Brown died of tuberculosis in 1892, locals, believing her to be a vampire, desecrated her body.
- Because Brown succumbed to an illness that was mysterious at the time (tuberculosis) and her body appeared unnaturally well-preserved, the people of Exeter feared she was a vampire.
- They removed her heart, burned it, and had her sick brother, Edwin (who was also ill with tuberculosis), drink the ashes. (He still died.)
- Today, Mercy Brown is known as “New England’s Last Vampire.”
- You can visit her grave at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, a small burial ground just off Ten Rod Road, a few miles from I-95 in Exeter, Rhode Island.
Forks, Washington
Come for Twilight, stay for the great outdoors. Forks may be known for its logging and sport fishing, but since Stephenie Meyer made it the home of Twilight in 2005, it’s become the center of Twilight tours and the annual Forever Twilight in Forks Festival every September.
- During the festival, held around Bella’s birthday (September 13), fans can enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment.
- Throughout the year, you can take a self-guided tour to visit Twilight landmarks, including the Swan house, the real La Push, and check out movie props and costumes.
- But Forks isn’t all about Twilight: make time to hike, swim, fish, or explore the town’s stunning rainforests and beaches.
Mystic Falls, a.k.a. Covington, Georgia
For all the The Vampire Diaries fans out there! Although the TV series takes place in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, it was filmed in Covington. Take a Mystic Falls Tour, a 3-hour journey where Vampire Diaries fans can explore famous sets from the show.
- During the tour, you’ll visit the Mystic Grill, the Town Square, the Gilbert House, and the Lockwood Mansion (known in real life as Worthington Manor).
- You can also view props and costumes from the show at the Mystic Falls museum.
Musée des Vampires, Lilas, Paris
The city of love, now with a darker twist. Discover the Musée des Vampires (Vampire Museum) in Paris, where Jacques Sirgent, a writer and self-proclaimed “vampirologist,” shares his extensive collection of vampire-related memorabilia.
- This quirky, hidden gem is tucked away in a supposedly haunted private house in the Paris suburb of Lilas.
- The museum boasts everything from vampire film posters and masks to signed photos of actors who’ve portrayed Dracula throughout the years.
- Historical oddities include an anti-vampire protection kit from the 19th century and a library filled with rare vampirology books.
Rynek Underground, Kraków, Poland
Step into the past of Kraków and discover how vampires were laid to rest. In 2005, an underground dig beneath Kraków’s market square uncovered ruins from a medieval settlement over 700 years old. The artifacts discovered there are now showcased in an underground museum.
- The excavation revealed roads, aqueducts, a cemetery, and the remains of merchant stalls. The settlement was destroyed by the invading Tatars in 1241.
- Opened in 2010, Rynek Underground features holograms of medieval Kraków citizens, offering a glimpse of life in the 14th century.
- The museum also displays medieval burial practices, including the unique method for vampires: buried in the fetal position, hands bound, and their heads placed under their feet.
- Tickets for Rynek Underground sell out quickly, so be sure to secure yours in advance!
