Updated for 2025

Boston’s history isn’t just about patriots—it’s also packed with eerie urban legends. From haunted hotels to ghostly motorcyclists, these 10 chilling tales will make you see Boston in a new, spooky light. Explore these Boston urban legends and decide which might be true!

Learn about the neighborhoods tied to these legends in our Boston neighborhoods guide.

1. The Boston Strangler

Albert DeSalvo confessed to the 1960s Boston Strangler murders, but local lore whispers the real killer was never caught. Some claim a shadowy figure still stalks the city. In 2025, visit the Boston Public Library (bpl.org) for true crime exhibits on this infamous Boston crime legend that still fuels debates.

2. The Lady in Black of Fort Warren

During the Civil War, a woman tried to free her Confederate husband from Fort Warren on Georges Island, only to be caught—leading to his death and her execution. Her spirit, the Lady in Black, haunts the fort, cloaked in mourning attire. Take a 2025 ferry to Georges Island (bostonharborislands.org) for a Boston haunted fort tour.

3. The Haunting of the Omni Parker House

The Omni Parker House (60 School St), one of Boston’s oldest hotels, is famously haunted. Founder Harvey Parker’s ghost ensures guests’ comfort on the 10th floor, while Charles Dickens’ spirit lingers from his 1860s stay. Book a room in 2025 (omnihotels.com) or join a Boston ghost tour to experience this haunted Boston hotel.

Explore the architectural history behind these tales in our Boston architecture guide.

4. The Curse of the Bambino

The Red Sox endured an 86-year World Series drought after selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1920, a hex dubbed “The Curse of the Bambino.” The curse broke in 2004, but its legend lives on. Visit Fenway Park (mlb.com/redsox) in 2025 to hear fans recount this Boston sports legend during games.

5. The Boston Tickler

A modern tale, the Boston Tickler is a foot-obsessed intruder who sneaks into homes to tickle sleeping residents’ feet. Part criminal, part boogeyman, this creepy Boston urban legend persists in local whispers. Stay alert in 2025—lock your doors, especially in neighborhoods like Jamaica Plain or Allston.

6. The Screaming Woman of the Charlesgate

The Charlesgate (535 Beacon St, Back Bay), once a luxury hotel, is said to echo with a woman’s screams from a decades-old suicide. Now luxury condos, residents report eerie wails. Explore nearby Kenmore Square in 2025 or join a Boston haunted building tour (hauntedboston.com) to learn more about this ghostly tale.

7. The Ghost of the USS Constitution

“Old Ironsides” at Charlestown Navy Yard (nps.gov/bost) is home to a spectral sailor in period naval attire, spotted by visitors. Known as “Gus,” he’s a friendly ghost guarding the ship. Tour the USS Constitution in 2025 to catch a glimpse of this Boston naval ghost—open daily, sunrise to sunset.

8. The Phantom Motorcyclist of the Callahan Tunnel

Late-night drivers in the Callahan Tunnel report a ghostly motorcyclist speeding alongside or through their cars. This harbor tunnel’s eerie reputation grows with each sighting. Drive through in 2025 (mass.gov) and keep an eye out for this Boston tunnel ghost on your commute.

9. The Green Line Ghost

A disheveled specter haunts the Green Line tracks between Boylston and Park Street stations, a ghostly commuter from a bygone era. Riders report sightings near the oldest subway line in America. Ride the Green Line in 2025 (mbta.com) to spot this Boston subway ghost—just don’t miss your stop!

10. The Shadowy Hounds of the Hanging Tree

At Boston Common, spectral hounds are said to circle the “Hanging Tree,” where executions once took place. These ghostly dogs, tied to the spirits of the condemned, prowl at night. Visit the Common in 2025 for a free history tour (boston.gov) to explore this Boston Common haunting tale.

Boston’s Spooky Side

From ghostly sailors to cursed sports teams, Boston’s urban legends add a thrilling layer to its history. Which tale gives you chills? Share in the comments!

Discover more of Boston’s creative side with our street art guide.

10 Spooky Urban Legends Haunting Boston