The world is full of mysterious, off-limits locations that spark our curiosity. From government secrets to sacred sites, these places are strictly forbidden, which only makes us want to visit them more.
Here are 10 real places you can’t go (no matter how badly you want to).
1. Area 51, Nevada, USA
We’ve all heard the rumors about aliens, UFOs, and secret experiments at this infamous military base. While the U.S. government denies extraterrestrial activity, it also doesn’t let anyone inside to check. The perimeter is guarded by armed patrols, motion sensors, and warnings that trespassers will be met with “deadly force.”
That didn’t stop the 2019 “Storm Area 51” internet meme, where millions jokingly planned to raid the base. (Spoiler: No one actually got in.)
2. Snake Island, Brazil
Officially called Ilha da Queimada Grande, this island is home to thousands of golden lancehead vipers—one of the deadliest snakes in the world. There’s roughly one snake per square meter, and their venom can melt human flesh.
The Brazilian government banned visitors to protect both people and the endangered snakes. The only exceptions? Scientists with special permits (and a death wish).
3. North Sentinel Island, India
This remote island is home to the Sentinelese, an isolated tribe that has rejected contact with the outside world for thousands of years. They’ve attacked intruders with spears and arrows, making it clear they want to be left alone.
After a missionary was killed in 2018, India made it illegal to go within 5 miles of the island. It remains one of the last truly untouched societies on Earth.
If you would like to know more about the Sentinelese, we highly recommend reading this article from National Geographic on Andaman Islands tribes.
4. The Vatican Secret Archives, Vatican City
Despite the dramatic name, most of these archives are just old paperwork, but some documents are so sensitive that only approved scholars can access them. The vaults hold everything from medieval excommunication letters to unpublished scientific theories.
Rumor has it, there’s even a “Devil’s Bible” with a full-page portrait of Satan. The Vatican won’t confirm (or deny).
5. Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway
Nicknamed the “c,” this Arctic bunker stores over a million seed samples to protect the world’s food supply in case of disaster. The problem? It’s built into a freezing mountain, and the Norwegian government only lets scientists inside.
Even if you made it past security, you’d just find rows of seeds. (Not exactly thrilling, but still cool—literally.)
6. Poveglia Island, Italy
This tiny island near Venice was once a plague quarantine zone, then an insane asylum where doctors allegedly performed experiments. Locals say it’s haunted, and Italy banned visitors to “preserve its history” (or maybe to avoid ghost lawsuits).
A few YouTubers have snuck in at night, claiming to hear screams. The government fines trespassers—and possibly curses them.
7. The Metro-2, Russia
Rumored to be a secret subway system beneath Moscow, Metro-2 was supposedly built during the Cold War to evacuate government officials. The Kremlin denies its existence, but urban explorers claim hidden entrances lead to tunnels connecting bunkers and spy hubs.
If it’s real, you’d need Putin’s permission to visit. (Good luck with that.)
8. The Lascaux Caves, France
These caves contain 17,000-year-old paintings of prehistoric animals—some of the oldest art in the world. After tourists caused mold growth by breathing on the walls, France sealed them off.
Now, only a few researchers can enter. The rest of us have to settle for a replica cave nearby.
9. Mezhgorye, Russia
This closed military city is so secret that even its exact purpose is unknown. Some say it’s a nuclear bunker; others think it’s a missile base. The Russian government doesn’t talk about it, and residents are sworn to secrecy.
Google Maps blurs the area, and outsiders are turned away at armed checkpoints.
You might want to read: Abandoned Islands That Deserve A Spotlight!
10. The Club 33, Disneyland
Hidden inside Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, this ultra-exclusive club requires a $25,000 membership fee—plus a 10-year waiting list. Even if you had the cash, you’d still need an invite from an existing member.
Rumor has it, celebs like Tom Hanks and Elton John are members. The rest of us? We’ll never know what’s inside.
Why Are We So Obsessed?
Forbidden places fascinate us because they represent the unknown. Whether it’s government secrets, deadly wildlife, or VIP clubs, we can’t help but wonder—what are they hiding?
Too bad we’ll never find out.
Kate is a creative soul with a knack for entertaining people with random facts and historical tidbits. Whether she’s diving into history books, painting vibrant canvases in her free time, or crafting engaging stories, Kate’s passion for creativity and knowledge shines through.
She loves turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and believes there’s always a fascinating story waiting to be told. When she’s not busy exploring the past or wielding a paintbrush, you’ll find her sharing her latest discoveries with anyone who’ll listen.
