Exploring the world’s most expensive abandoned structures is like stepping into a time capsule. Each one tells a story of ambition, wealth, and, ultimately, abandonment. Luxurious hotels that never saw a guest and massive stadiums that echo with silence—these places once symbolized hope and progress but now stand as reminders of plans that went wrong.
Ryugyong Hotel, Pyongyang, North Korea
Once envisioned as the tallest hotel in the world, with 105 stories and fancy features like rotating restaurants. Construction began in 1987 but stopped in 1992. Work started again in 2008, and by 2011, the outside was done. Now, it is an unfinished symbol of North Korea’s big plans.
The City Hall Subway Station, New York City, USA
Opened in 1904, the City Hall Subway Station was once the crown jewel of the New York City subway system. But, due to low ridership and its tight curve, which couldn’t accommodate newer, longer trains, it closed in 1945. The station remains preserved, with its elegant design and architectural details intact.
The New South China Mall in Dongguan, China.
Built in 2005 with grand ambitions, the New South China Mall in Dongguan, China, was meant to be the world’s largest shopping center. Despite the $1.3 billion investment, the mall has remained mostly empty since its opening. Its design and lack of convenient transport have failed to attract the anticipated 100,000 daily visitors.
Secret Crimea Submarine Base
Hidden in Balaklava, Crimea, Object 825 GTS was a top-secret Soviet submarine base built to survive a nuclear blast. Designed for up to 14 submarines, it included underground repair and storage facilities. Constructed from 1953 to 1961, it was abandoned and looted before being repurposed as a museum in 2000.
Canfranc International Railway Station, Spain
Once one of the largest train stations in the world, Canfranc was a hub between France and Spain. After a train derailment in 1970, the station was forgotten, with echoes of the past filling the €27 million structure, including the Aragón government’s contribution of €12 million to restore the tracks and develop the surroundings.
Rio Olympic Aquatic Centre, Brazil
Costing $38 million, the Rio Olympic Aquatic Centre was constructed for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. It was meant to be a temporary facility that could be taken apart and used to build new community swimming centers. Instead, the Aquatic Centre was left to decay, with empty pools and crumbling structures.
Haludovo Palace Hotel
The Haludovo Palace Hotel was once a luxurious resort on the Croatian island of Krk. Built in 1971, it gained fame when Penthouse magazine’s founder, Bob Guccione, invested $45 million to open a casino there in 1972. Today, the hotel is abandoned, with its interior destroyed and buildings slowly crumbling.
Sathorn Unique Tower, Bangkok, Thailand
Dubbed the “Ghost Tower,” this 49-story skyscraper in Bangkok was meant to be a luxury apartment. Construction halted in 1997 due to the Asian financial crisis, leaving the tower incomplete. Unfortunately, it is now a haunting reminder of economic downfall, with its incomplete rooms and creepy quiet costing around 40 million euros.
Six Flags Jazzland, New Orleans, USA
Despite plans to fix and reopen, Six Flags declared the park a total loss in 2006. Over time, thrill-seekers and YouTubers have explored the crumbling rides and empty streets. The city has used the park for filming and considered demolishing it, which would cost about $1.3 million.
Spreepark Berlin
It was once a popular amusement park in East Berlin but started to decline after Germany was reunified. Poor management, financial problems, and a lack of care led to its closure in 2002, with €11 million in debt. This park stayed abandoned despite Berlin’s 2014 purchase and plans for restoration, and it has never fully recovered.
