28 Ghost Towns That Have Transformed Into Tourist Hotspots

3. Pripyat, Ukraine: Chernobyl's Unlikely Tourist Boom

Pripyat, Ukraine, is perhaps one of the most infamous ghost towns in the world, abandoned in the wake of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986. For decades, it stood as a chilling reminder of the catastrophe. However, in recent years, Pripyat has seen an unexpected surge in tourism, with visitors eager to explore its eerie, overgrown streets and learn about the events that led to its evacuation. This section explores the ethical and safety considerations of disaster tourism, as well as the ways in which Pripyat has been reimagined as a site for education and reflection.