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10 of the Top Crime Tours Around the World, According to Viator Travelers

These crime tours which recount tales of real-life serial killers, mobsters, and murderers are sure to give you the heebie-jeebies.
Top Crime Tours Around the World
Photo credit:Andrei Kobylko / Shutterstock

It’s time to swap souvenir shopping for sleuthing, cocktails for crime, and postcards for police reports on your next trip ... safely, of course. Unveil the dark underbelly of true crime history and see what lurks in the shadows of these well-known cities around the world. Put on your detective caps and enjoy gaining an insight into the modern-day destination as you listen to stories about notorious serial killers, unsolved mysteries, and horrifying happenings from the past. From London Jack the Ripper tours and Chicago mob history tours to Dublin crime stories, these are the world's top crime tours that you won't want to miss.

1. Go for a crime cruise in Chicago, Illinois, US

Take a journey through Chicago's notorious past, when gangsters and mobsters the likes of Al Capone and John Dillinger ruled the streets. Cruise around the Windy City in a luxury bus, exploring Chicago’s most storied and crime-related areas including the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Old Town, the Loop, and Magnificent Mile. As a bonus, this tour includes plenty of time for photo ops, including one in front of a historic courthouse, so have your camera ready.

What one reviewer said: “Jamie was a great guide, very comedic, informed, prompt, and a great photographer too! It was nice being able to stop and learn about some of the history of Chicago. I highly recommend!” Shamera_T, November 2025

2. Book Brisbane, Australia’s longest-running crime tour

This grisly Brisbane tour walks you through two centuries’ worth of Brisbane’s criminal history. Peer down dark alleyways and visit the very spots where notorious criminals once roamed, including the Mad Butcher of Queen Street, a volatile character in Brisbane history who allegedly confessed to his murder ... but not until the wrong person was accused and executed first.

What one reviewer said: “Sam was our host for the evening and did a fantastic job of telling chilling tales of murder. Don't want to spoil it with too many details of murder but a great tour well thought out and well planned. (...)” Angela_M, February 2025

3. Sip your way through Montreal, Canada’s spookiest pubs

During Prohibition, Montreal became known as the "Sin City of the North," so it's no surprise that, to this day, the city is home to multiple eerie pubs. Head on this haunted pub crawl to sip on drinks while you learn about some of the ghostly figures that still haunt the walls of Montreal’s most popular pubs. For example, Sir Winston Churchill Pub, which has ties to Montreal's vampire serial killer.

What one reviewer said: “This was a fun way to grab a few drinks but also hear some "fun" stories about our city. I say ‘fun’ because ghost stories, history and true crime are a good time for me lol. Our guide was great. He knew a ton of interesting history, was personable and fun to chat with.” MELANIE_M, October 2025

4. See the dark side of Seattle, Washington, US

Walk through the Queen Anne neighborhood and Pioneer Square—the oldest area in Seattle—and hear the true crime legends of Pioneer Square Pergola, the Pioneer Square Vaults, and Lou Graham's Sporting House, among others. This true crime tour brings together many stories, including those of the Pang warehouse fire and the Chinatown massacre. Whether it’s your first time in Seattle or you’re a seasoned visitor, you’ll leave with a fresh perspective on the Emerald City.

5. Discover the places the locals dare not go in Boston, Massachusetts, US

Take a scenic walk through Boston while hearing dark tales about some of the city’s unfortunate happenings. On this casual walking tour, you’ll witness the residence of Paul Revere; the former headquarters of a mob boss; filming locations from the 2006 crime movie, The Departed; and explore nooks and crannies many locals don’t even know about.

What one reviewer said: “Omar was great! Anyone who likes true crime, mobster info, etc., this is definitely a tour for you! A great way to get a look at various parts of the city while learning new true crime information!” Anna_B, October 2025

6. Delve into murder and mystery in Dublin, Ireland

Stroll through the Irish capital while hearing about the city’s criminal past. This alternative walking tour covers everything from kidnappings and art heists to robberies and murders. The escapade ends at St. Michan's Church of Ireland, an old church known for its vault, which contains a number of mummified remains.

7. Meet the criminals of Melbourne, Australia

Uncover the lost histories of murder, Victorian-era detective cases, exorcisms, and bank robberies on this crime tour of Melbourne. Learn about the conviction of the Gun Alley Murder Trial, hear the story of a real-life Jack the Ripper suspect, and solve a unique murder mystery at an address that doesn't exist, all while exploring the city.

What one reviewer said: “Interesting to hear all the stories of what happened in Melbourne in the early days and where this all happened. Murders and bombings etc. Wow.” Tina_D, January 2025

8. Combine crime with cuisine in Providence, Rhode Island, US

Combine the tasty Italian cuisine of Providence, Rhode Island with its crime-heavy past on this unique tour. Sip some wine while dining on tasty grub as you learn about the man who took on a mob boss and later became mayor, the corruption of Rhode Island’s banking system during the 1990s, and the near-unbelievable story about a police raid that sent an officer through a second-story window.

What one reviewer said: “Very informative about the history of crime and the yumminess of cuisine in Providence! Tour guide was great, we learned a lot, and we’ll definitely be back to enjoy more of what Providence has to offer!” Jennifer_M, November 2025

9. Hunt for ghosts of crimes past in Rome, Italy

Rome is known as one of the most haunted cities in the world, thanks to its storied history of executions, serial killers, and assassinations. This haunted ghost night tour gives you the opportunity to experience the popular city like never before (not to mention it also includes ghost-hunting equipment), so get ready to summon the spirits of Rome’s most notorious historical figures such as Julius Caesar and Emperor Nero.

What one reviewer said: “Lara was a brilliant guide! Funny, friendly, knowledgeable and captivating. The small group size made for a great dynamic, and the subject matter was fascinating.” Lisa_C, October 2025

10. Learn about London, England’s most notorious serial killer

Experience the streets of London as they appeared in Jack the Ripper’s time with state-of-the-art RIPPER-VISION™—innovative hand-held projectors that help recreate the atmosphere of Victorian London using spooky moving images and film clips. This creepy walking tour not only sets the scene but also lets you hear the harrowing tales and conspiracy theories of London’s most talked about serial killer.

What one reviewer said: “Allen was wonderful! He was so passionate and informative about the victims. We had a lot of fun and loved hearing about what little history we have of the victims.” Barb_B, November 2025

Find more spooky things to do this Halloween

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