When you’re on holiday or on a road trip, it can be quite difficult to find fun things to do. This is especially true for those of you that aren’t fans of sightseeing and don’t do much sunbathing either. Fortunately, we’re here to help you in this dilemma and have compiled a list of the most interesting crime tours from across the world, perfect for when you’re looking for an exciting activity to get involved in on holiday.
Jack the Ripper Tour – London, UK
Jack the Ripper is one of the most famous criminals ever, inspiring films, TV shows and stories across the world. The Ripper was a serial killer active in London’s Whitehall district towards the end of 1888. He was never caught and various ‘Ripperologists’ continue to speculate and theorise who the Ripper may have been, based on the current evidence and any new discoveries.
Jack the Ripper tours vary throughout London, but the best ones walk you through the murder sites, discussing the gruesome details behind the murders and explaining the course of events using police photographs and expert guides. If you’re interested in discovering the story behind this grisly mystery, visit this website.
Pablo Escobar Tour – Medellín, Colombia
Another world-renowned criminal with TV shows and films focused on him, Pablo Escobar was a drug lord and cartel owner from Columbia. By the age of 35, Escobar was one of the richest men on the planet, accumulating an estimated $420 million a week through his command of the drugs trade. The drug lord’s wealth was estimated at $30 billion in 2012, making him one of the richest criminals in history. He built this empire through exporting cocaine, to the point where it was estimated that his cartel supplied 80% of the global cocaine market.
Fortunately, if you’re curious about discovering the true facts behind this obscenely rich man’s crimes, there are plenty of ways to learn. Starting with the extremely popular Netflix show, Narcos, there are also a variety of detailed and impressive tours throughout the cartel’s base of Medellín. You can find out more here.
Chicago Gangster Tour – Chicago, USA
During the 1920s and 30s, Chicago saw a huge influx in organised crime. Gangsters roamed the streets, organising lucrative alcohol deals made profitable by prohibition, simultaneously running speakeasy bars of their own to monetize the system even more. Household names like Moran, Dillinger and Capone became infamous during this era, sparking theatre productions, films, books and TV shows centred around their exploits and interactions.
That time in Chicago has faded, but the legacy remains, and you can get back in touch with it through the various walking and driving tours available in the area. One of the most popular driving tours is run by old-school operator Untouchable Tours, who specialise in expert actors and tour guides, taking you back in time through great knowledge and even better roleplay. This is definitely one to consider if you’re headed to Chicago.
Criminal Tour of Rome – Rome, Italy
Rome stands as one of the most historic and impressive cities of the world. Its streets are etched with thousands of years of history, from the cobbled roads to the impressive architecture. But along with history comes to conflict, often based on crime. This is a part of the great Italian city that is regularly forgotten. Rome was a hub of criminal activity and always has been, from assassination plots to all-out rebellion.
If you’re headed to Rome soon, or looking for a unique true crime destination, then it’s a great idea to consider one of their criminal tours. There are countless on offer, varying from sightseeing tours for large groups to private guides through the city. Be sure to research what each tour involves before settling on one.
True crime is fascinating and adds a new level of depth to any holiday. If you want to experience something new, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Do a little research and you’ll likely find some incredible true crime tours nearby that are great for a little educational thrill.
