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Urban explorers often sneak past padlocks, but these sites welcome visitors through the front gate. For extra context on safe urbex, see our safety guide.
1. Hashima Island (Gunkanjima), Japan
Once the world’s most crowded coal-mining outpost, now a deserted “battleship” in Nagasaki Bay.
Go with: Gunkanjima Concierge – licensed boats dock for a one-hour boardwalk tour (hard hats supplied).
2. Bodie State Historic Park, California, USA
Gold-rush town frozen at 1880s peak. Ranger-led walks enter the stamp mill.
Official park page.
3. Kolmanskop Ghost Town, Namibia
Diamond boom collapsed, dunes marched in. Buy a photography permit in Lüderitz or online at Ghost Town Tours.
4. Beelitz-Heilstätten Sanitarium, Germany
Book “Lost Places” tours via Baum & Zeit; the same ticket lets you walk the 320-metre treetop boardwalk.
5. Pripyat and Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine
Day permits through Chernobyl-Tour include dosimeter and accredited guide.
For route planning, read our road-trip timing checklist—same pacing principles apply.
6. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, USA
Audio guide by actor Steve Buscemi; tickets at easternstate.org.
Night tours May–Sept sell out fast.
7. Varosha Quarter, Famagusta, Cyprus
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Reopened streets require passport at beachfront gate (see municipal notice here). Cycling lanes guide visitors past skeletal hotels.
8. Oradour-sur-Glane, France
Entrance is free; visitor info at oradour.org.
9. Ross Island Penal Colony, Andaman Islands, India
Ferries bookable via Andaman Ferries. Entry fee two USD. Photo permits included.
10. Canfranc International Railway Station, Spain
Hard-hat tours in English weekends via Canfranc Turismo. Hotel conversion starts 2026—go before velvet ropes arrive.
11. Fordlândia, Pará, Brazil
Riverboat from Santarém twice weekly (timetable on Visit Amazonas). Local community charges a small guide fee—money stays in the village.
12. SS Ayrfield Wreck, Homebush Bay, Australia
Paddleboard hire and heritage notes at Paddle Sydney.
Safety first: Even legal sites feature unstable floors or wildlife. Wear boots, respect cordons and pack out everything you bring. Have another above-board ruin? Share it in the comments.
