The 10 Most Haunted Places in Seattle

Seattle is packed with must-see spots, from the iconic Space Needle to the buzzing Pike Place Market. And, of course, the Seahawks keep the city lively. But not everyone comes for sports or sightseeing; some are here to chase down the city’s ghostly rumors.

So, if you’re ready for some eerie adventures, let’s dive into the top 10 haunted places in Seattle that both locals and visitors can explore… if they’re brave enough!

The building that now hosts the Owl n Thistle dates back to 1930. It started out as a cafeteria, then switched to a Cajun restaurant before transforming into the Owl n Thistle Pub in 1991. It changed hands one more time but has remained a beloved Irish pub ever since.

But it’s not just the beer and tunes drawing people in—there’s a resident ghost, too! This spirit has a habit of playing the piano when the place is nearly empty, leaving staff with that eerie feeling of not being alone.

Among Seattle’s most haunted spots is the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery—or as the locals call it, the GAR Cemetery. With over 500 graves and more than a century of history, it’s no wonder things get a little spooky here.

Visitors often report hearing strange shouting and crying. The source? They say it’s the soldiers from the Civil War and World War I who rest here—seems like even in the afterlife, they’ve got stories to tell. So, if you visit, be ready for a little ghostly drama!

The Harvard Exit Theatre, built in the early 1900s, has gone through several transformations over the years. It started as a private home, became the Women’s Century Club, and then spent decades as the Harvard Exit Theatre. Today, the building has traded in its movie reels for business suits, now housing offices, including the Mexican Consulate.

But a change in tenants hasn’t convinced the ghosts to leave. One of them, a man named Peter, is known for his chatty nature, introducing himself to visitors on the first floor.

Then there’s the classic ghostly antics—objects mysteriously moving around, films relocating themselves back in the theater days, and that eerie sensation of being watched.

If that wasn’t enough, a Victorian-dressed woman has been spotted on the balcony, appearing briefly before vanishing into thin air. Looks like the building’s new role hasn’t scared off its longtime residents!

Pike Place Market is easily one of Seattle’s most iconic spots. Since opening in 1907, it’s been the go-to place for fresh produce, fish, meat, and handcrafted goods, drawing visitors from around the world.

But shopping isn’t the only activity here; Pike Place Market also has a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the city. Over the years, countless visitors have reported ghostly encounters and strange paranormal activity, leading some to believe that the market was built on an ancient burial ground.

One of the most famous spirits still roaming the market is Princess Angeline, daughter of Chief Seattle of the Duwamish tribe. She refused to leave her cabin here, even after the Treaty of Point Elliot in 1855 ordered her tribe to relocate. And apparently, not even death could convince her to go! To this day, people spot her ghost moving slowly through the market, just as she did in life.

Then there’s Arthur Goodwin, whose ghost has been seen lingering in his old office, now known as the Goodwin Library. Looks like Pike Place has more than just fresh fish to give you chills!

The ghost of a barber who used to sing to her clients and rob from them has also been spotted. She is commonly called the “Fat Lady Barber.”

The building that once housed The Canterbury Ale and Eats has seen many changes over the years. Dating back to the early 1900s, it’s been everything from the Capitol Hill Food Shoppe to the Gaslight Café, eventually becoming the beloved Canterbury tavern.

In 2022, the Canterbury closed its doors, making way for the Meliora Restaurant, which also shuttered not long after. What’s in store for this old space now? Hard to say.

But one thing that hasn’t changed is its ghostly reputation. Legend has it, the spirit of a man killed in a bar fight in 1978 still roams the place. His ghost is often spotted in the mirror near the fireplace, where the fatal fight took place.

And tales of the jukebox playing songs on its own when the bar was being closed up still send shivers down the spine. Whoever moves in next may have more than just renovations to deal with!

The Moore Theatre, standing tall since 1907, has been entertaining Seattle with plays, live music, and more for over a century. But it’s not just the performances that keep people talking; it’s also rumored to be one of the most haunted spots in the city—so much so that the TAPS team from SyFy’s “Ghost Hunters” came out to investigate!

Interestingly, there’s no record of any tragic events at the theatre, yet employees and patrons still report all sorts of paranormal activity. One of the strangest is a chair in the balcony that perpetually smells like cigar smoke. No amount of cleaning or reupholstering seems to get rid of it. Many believe it’s the lingering presence of Mr. Moore, the theatre’s former owner, who just refuses to leave his seat.

Paranormal investigators have picked up more than just smoke scents. EVPs recorded in the theatre capture singing, heavy breathing, and even the sound of applause when the room is empty. And if that doesn’t give you chills, there are also reports of shadowy figures lurking in the corners, as if waiting for the next show to start.

Now home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, the historic Cadillac Hotel building has taken on a new life. Look for the Cadillac Hotel sign on South Jackson Street, and you’ll find the Visitor Center packed with interactive exhibits and displays about the Gold Rush. They even offer free video presentations in the park’s theater—though let’s hope the ghosts don’t try to sneak in for a peek!

Despite its fresh purpose, the Cadillac’s haunted reputation still holds strong. Over the years, it hosted a colorful cast of characters—miners, loggers, and men who enjoyed the company of women with less-than-stellar reputations. Its upper floors were closed off for fire safety long ago, but that hasn’t stopped reports of shadowy figures appearing in those windows (because even ghosts need a room with a view, right?).

Former guests have also claimed to hear the cries of a young child and her mother echoing through the halls. According to legend, the woman took her own life and her child’s after being evicted. Seems like some guests at the Cadillac just don’t know when it’s time to check out!

The West Seattle High School has been opened and educating the youth of the area for a century as of 2017. The school offers students a great opportunity to earn an education, participate in sports and partake in other activities associated with a high school.

Students and staff members at the High School also have the opportunity to meet one of the former students. In 1924 a student name Rose apparently died in the high school when she hung herself.

Her spirit is said to continue to roam the halls of the school. She also likes to hang out with some of her friends from that era in the park near the school.

People have reported on more than one occasion Rose and her friends have been seen and/or heard at that spot.

Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub might be a cozy spot now, perfect for grabbing a pint and some hearty food, but its past is far from warm and inviting. Originally built in the early 1900s, the building was known as the Butterworth Building and served as the city’s mortuary. Yep, where you now toast with friends used to be the place for Seattle’s dearly departed.

To add to the creepiness, Kells was built in the basement of this former mortuary, and here’s the kicker—the very entrance patrons now use was once the same doorway through which corpses were delivered. And if that doesn’t make you think twice about ordering another drink, rumors suggest that the building was a hotbed of corruption back in its day.

Reports of paranormal activity are all over the place. Some say that in the bar’s Guinness mirror, you can catch a glimpse of a ghost known as Charlie. Who is he? No one really knows.

Then there’s the spirit of a little girl who occasionally pops up, sometimes trying to get any kids in the bar to play with her. Witnesses have seen glasses slide off the bar on their own, mirrors shatter without reason, and even plaster falling from the walls. It’s safe to say Kells has more spirits than just the ones on tap!

The Sorrento Hotel might just be one of the most haunted spots in all of Washington, not just Seattle!

When it first opened its doors in 1909, the Sorrento already had an eerie vibe with its dark, gothic design. Despite the creepy exterior, it’s offered top-notch accommodations for guests over the years.

But for those looking for more than just a comfortable stay, there’s always the chance of an encounter with one of its most famous spirits: Alice B. Toklas, a former Seattleite and marijuana activist.

Staff and guests have reported sightings of Alice lingering on the fourth floor, often near room 408. She’s usually dressed in white, but sometimes opts for black as she silently glides down the dark hallways, causing the lights to flicker in her wake. Talk about a hotel with ambiance! | Check Availability