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Richmond may be known for its beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, and centuries of history, but after the sun goes down, those same streets take on a decidedly spookier personality.
With historic neighborhoods like Shockoe Bottom, Church Hill, Capitol Hill, and Court End providing the backdrop, Richmond is an especially fun place to explore during Halloween season. If you're looking for a unique date night, an outing with friends, or simply want to hear some of RVA's eeriest stories, grab your walking shoes and check out these local ghost tour options.
Shadows of Shockoe Ghost Tour
One of Richmond's best-known historic neighborhoods becomes the setting for an evening of ghost stories during the Shadows of Shockoe Ghost Tour from Haunts of Richmond.
The approximately 90-minute walking tour explores Shockoe Bottom while sharing stories connected to more than 400 years of local history, folklore, tragedy, and reported paranormal activity. Stops and stories are associated with places including the Old Stone House, historic Masons' Hall, and former Civil War hospital sites.
Several tour dates are scheduled throughout October 2026, including October 2, 8, 10, 11, 16, 23, 24, 26, and 29. Tours begin at 7 p.m., with tickets currently listed at $27 online or $30 for walk-up or phone purchases.
Meeting Point: 5 S. 20th Street, Richmond
Great for: History lovers and anyone looking for a classic Richmond ghost tour
Explore More Haunted Richmond Neighborhoods
Haunts of Richmond has been offering Richmond ghost tours since 2004 and doesn't limit the spooky storytelling to Shockoe Bottom. Its current tour lineup takes guests into several historic parts of the city.
Depending on availability, you can choose from tours including:
- Church Hill Chillers, exploring one of Richmond's most recognizable historic neighborhoods.
- Haunted Capitol Hill, for an eerie take on the area surrounding Virginia's seat of government.
- Phantoms of Franklin, which explores another historic section of downtown Richmond.
- Creepy Tales on Campus, offering a different perspective on the city's spooky stories.
- Specters & Shades of Court End, centered around Richmond's historic Court End neighborhood.
Tours are currently listed at $27, although availability varies by tour and date.
Sinister Secrets of Shockoe Bottom
For another take on Richmond's darker side, Richmond Ghosts offers its Sinister Secrets of Shockoe Bottom walking tour.
The tour focuses on haunted and historic locations around Shockoe Bottom. The itinerary includes stories connected to locations such as the Edgar Allan Poe Museum's Old Stone House, Masons' Hall, and the Church Hill train tunnel. Tours are listed as operating nightly at 8 p.m., rain or shine, with an extended-tour option available for visitors who want to explore more locations.
The meeting area is by Havana '59 near the 17th Street Farmers Market, making it convenient to pair your ghost tour with dinner in Shockoe Bottom.
Meeting Area: 17th Street near Franklin and Main Streets
Great for: Visitors who want a late-evening walking tour through Shockoe Bottom
Looking for a Grown-Up Ghostly Night Out?
If you'd rather combine your ghost stories with a night on the town, Haunts of Richmond also advertises Spirits & Spirits pub crawl experiences. Other special experiences include a Haunted TukTuk Ghost Tour and a Haunted Dinner at Patrick Henry's Pub & Grille.
These options can be especially fun for a Halloween date night or group outing when you want something a little different from a traditional walking tour.
Discover Richmond After Dark
There's something about hearing a ghost story in the exact place where the history happened that makes Halloween season a little more exciting. Richmond's centuries-old neighborhoods provide plenty of atmosphere, whether or not you believe in the paranormal.
So grab a friend, lace up your walking shoes, and prepare to discover another side of RVA. You might just leave with a ghost story of your own.
Pro tip: October is prime ghost-tour season, so consider purchasing tickets in advance. Tour schedules, prices, meeting locations, and availability can change, so always check directly with the tour operator before heading out.