Lawless Places Where You Can Get Away With Anything

In Tultepec, Mexico you can run among exploding fireworks

Plenty of cities big and small put on fireworks displays, but nothing quite like the National Pyrotechnic Festival hosted annually in Tultepec, Mexico. The event sees many large, bull-shaped frames stuffed with fireworks and set alight, whilst festival attendees are allowed to run freely around with no protection. Thousands attend the festival, and a good portion of these wind up hospitalized with major burns.

In Bogotá, Colombia you can test out body armor – by getting shot

Most people would prefer to avoid getting shot, but in the Colombian capital Bogotá you can legally take a bullet to the torso at point blank range – whilst wearing body armor, of course. Bogotá produces some of the world’s most reliable bullet proof clothing, and at a testing facility willing guinea pigs can find out what getting shot feels like, with minimal risk.

In La Paz, Bolivia you can cycle on the ‘Death Road’

La Paz, Bolivia is home to what is officially named North Yungas Road, but is commonly referred to as Death Road. As this moniker might imply, traversing this route – a narrow, 60km stretch alongside a sheer drop of up to 1km – carries a high risk. Nonetheless, around 25,000 mountain bikers legally take on this route annually, even though at least 18 have died since 1998.

You can run with bulls in Pamplona, Spain

Another staggeringly dangerous activity that many around the world can’t quite believe is legal is Spanish tradition the running of the bulls. The most famous and widely attended such event takes place in Pamplona, where scores of people run the streets from a small group of charging bulls. This results in 50-100 injuries each year, and 15 confirmed deaths since 1910.

Magic mushrooms are legal in the Czech Republic (so long as you live there)

Psilocybe cubensis, popularly known as magic mushrooms, grow naturally but are illegal in much of the world. This is not the case in the Czech Republic, where it is entirely permissible for individuals to own and grow them. There’s a catch, however; this applies to citizens who live there, and it remains illegal for the mushrooms to be bought, sold, imported or exported.

In Japan, you can eat poisonous fish

Fugu is a type of puffer fish which in Japan is considered a delicacy. However, this fish is highly poisonous and may result in a painful death if the wrong part of the fish is eaten. Japan is one of the only countries where the preparation of fugu is legal, although it is also frozen and exported once prepared.

You can ride a board down an active volcano in Nicaragua

We’ve all heard of surfboarding, skateboarding and snowboarding – but if all that sounds a bit too pedestrian for you, how about volcano boarding? At Cerro Negro, Nicarauga, bold tourists can ride wooden boards down the volcanic rock face, hitting speeds of up to 80 kph. Keep in mind that Cerro Negro is very much an active volcano which last erupted in 1999.

Amsterdam is notorious for its legal weed and Red Light District

The capital of the Netherlands is a beautiful city that is rich in history and culture, with no shortage of things for the discerning tourist to see and do. Of course, Amsterdam also enjoys notoriety for the legality of many drugs (although not the harder varieties) and its red light district, making it a popular destination for those down to clown.

All crime is technically legal in Yellowstone’s ‘Zone of Death’

In the Idaho section of America’s vast Yellowstone National Park, there is a 50 square mile area informally dubbed the Zone of Death, as it’s technically possible to get away with murder there. A curious legal loophole in the United States Constitution means that, in theory, no crime committed within that area could lead to a conviction.

Weed is freely available in Christiania, Denmark

Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood, known for its anarchistic sentiments and its open cannabis trade. While the selling of the drug is technically illegal, in Christiania, stalls openly display and sell it, defying the rules of the surrounding city. Authorities have periodically tried to crack down, but the spirit of resistance remains.

You can free-dive amongst crocodiles in South Africa

While diving amongst marine life is a staple for thrill-seekers, South Africa offers an even more extreme version – diving without a cage amongst Nile crocodiles. In select locations, daredevils can free-dive in clear waters alongside these ancient predators. Of course, it’s important to follow safety guidelines and have professional supervision, but it’s certainly an adventure few can claim to have experienced.

Whiskey and guns are used in parallel in Cambodia

In the bustling city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, there are shooting ranges where after having a few drinks, one can fire off rounds from an array of weapons, from AK-47s to rocket launchers. The intertwining of alcohol and firearms is alarming for many, but it’s a shockingly popular activity among some tourists looking for an adrenaline spike.

There are unregulated street food night markets in Bangkok

The bustling streets of Bangkok come alive at night with an array of street food vendors offering delectable local dishes. These unregulated night markets create a sensory explosion of flavors and aromas, drawing locals and tourists alike to savor the authentic tastes of Thailand while embracing the informal and vibrant atmosphere.

At Burning Man in Nevada, you can experience a lawless desert experience

Burning Man, held annually in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, offers a unique blend of artistic self-expression and a temporary city of radical self-reliance. With minimal regulations and a “leave no trace” ethos, participants create otherworldly installations, mutant vehicles, and music stages, culminating in an unregulated celebration of creativity and community in the heart of the desert.

You can take a trip to Witchcraft Market in La Paz, Bolivia

Beyond the Death Road, La Paz, Bolivia, has another lesser-known attraction – the Witches’ Market. Here, you can find an array of potions, talismans, and even dried llama fetuses meant to bring luck or ward off evil spirits. While the market is mostly for tourists now, the ancient Andean beliefs still hold sway for many, and it’s a place where the mystical and mundane meet.

There are uncontrolled patches of international waters

While piracy might be the first thing to come to mind, international waters, areas of the sea not governed by any country, are regions where regulations can be thin. While international maritime law applies, enforcement can be inconsistent. Over the years, some have attempted to exploit these waters for illegal activities, from illicit trade to unregulated fishing.

Some regions of Somalia are ungoverned

Due to political instability over the decades, some regions of Somalia lack a strong centralized authority. This absence of governance has allowed for activities like piracy, illegal trade, and unregulated fishing to flourish off its coast and within its borders.

Experience a Goat Tossing festival in Spain

In the village of Manganeses de la Polvorosa, Spain, a controversial tradition known as Goat Tossing used to be practiced during the annual St. John’s Day festival. Participants would throw a live goat from the church’s bell tower into the crowd below, who would catch it using a canvas sheet. The practice has been officially banned, but reports suggest it sometimes still occurs.

Some daredevils extreme train surf in Indonesia and South Africa

In countries like Indonesia and South Africa, an incredibly dangerous pastime known as train surfing has emerged. Individuals climb and surf on the top of moving trains, performing stunts and evading authorities. Although highly illegal and dangerous, it hasn’t stopped thrill-seekers and youth from engaging in this perilous and defiant act.

The Hinterland of Western Sahara is largely uncontrolled

Western Sahara has been a disputed region for decades. Governed by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and claimed by Morocco, its vast desert expanses are under lax control, allowing for various activities to go unchecked. There have been reports of illicit trade routes, smuggling, and other unchecked activities in these vast terrains.

Thrillseekers compete in outlaw off-road racing in Baja California, Mexico

Baja California’s rugged terrain and desert landscapes become a racetrack for off-road enthusiasts who participate in outlaw races. These events often lack official permits and regulations, attracting daredevil drivers who speed through challenging courses, navigating sand dunes and rocky paths, all in pursuit of the thrill of unregulated competition.

There are unclear laws between some border crossings

There exist small stretches of land between some international borders where jurisdiction can be murky. Known as no man’s land, these regions technically belong to neither country. While they are typically just transition areas, there have been instances where they are used for smuggling or other illicit activities, given the lack of clear oversight.

Experience deserted island camping on Sable Island, Canada

Sable Island, located off the coast of Nova Scotia, is a remote and desolate stretch of land known for its wild horses and untamed landscapes. Though visiting requires permits, the isolation and lack of infrastructure provide an opportunity for adventurous campers to experience untouched nature and a sense of lawlessness amid the untamed environment.

There’s an absence of police in the Darién Gap between Panama and Colombia

This thick, roadless swath of jungle is one of the most notorious and dangerous in the world. Serving as a natural barrier between Central and South America, it’s a haven for guerrilla groups, drug traffickers, and dangerous wildlife. The absence of a reliable policing force in this area has made it a hotspot for lawlessness and illegal activities.

Some residents go black market shopping in Pyongyang, North Korea

In the secretive nation of North Korea, where strict regulations govern daily life, there’s a thriving underground market known as jangmadang. These black markets operate discreetly, allowing locals to trade goods and even foreign currency. While not officially sanctioned, these markets showcase the resilience of North Koreans seeking to circumvent restrictions and engage in informal trade.

Antarctica is an unclaimed continent

With no single country having ownership over Antarctica, it’s often considered a lawless frontier. The Antarctic Treaty System governs the region, focusing on scientific cooperation and environmental protection, but there’s no permanent population, and the frozen expanses leave ample room for exploration and scientific endeavors. This unique environment stands as a testament to international cooperation.

Forbidden city exploration occurs in Pripyat, Ukraine

The abandoned city of Pripyat, near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, holds an allure for urban explorers despite the radiation risks. Roaming through crumbling buildings, amusement parks frozen in time, and empty streets, these adventurers tread the line between fascination and peril, driven by the desire to witness the haunting aftermath of a nuclear disaster.

You can attend underground raves in abandoned spaces in Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s abandoned warehouses, factories, and bunkers have become iconic venues for underground raves. These unregulated parties attract electronic music enthusiasts from around the world who dance till dawn, embracing the lawless atmosphere and contributing to the city’s reputation as a global hub for innovative nightlife.

You can go unregulated treasure hunting in the Caribbean

With its history of pirate legends and shipwrecks, the Caribbean has become a hotspot for amateur treasure hunters seeking sunken riches. The lack of stringent regulations in international waters has allowed enthusiasts to scour the ocean floor for valuable artifacts, occasionally leading to clashes over ownership and legality.

Adventurers explore abandoned theme park attractions in Pripyat, Ukraine

Within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone lies the Pripyat amusement park, frozen in time since the nuclear disaster of 1986. Adventurous explorers venture into this eerie landscape to witness the rusted Ferris wheel and decaying attractions. Though unauthorized, this unregulated journey offers a haunting glimpse into the past and a surreal blend of entertainment and tragedy.

You can climb unregulated peaks in the Himalayas

Mountaineers with a penchant for the extraordinary seek out unregulated peaks in the Himalayas, avoiding the bureaucracy and red tape that comes with climbing on established routes. These adventurers navigate treacherous terrains, extreme weather conditions, and the lack of rescue infrastructure, all in pursuit of an uncharted summit.

Adventurers bungee jump from makeshift platforms in Vanuatu

In Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation, some locals offer bungee jumping experiences from rickety bamboo towers and makeshift platforms, often with minimal safety measures. Tourists seeking an unregulated adrenaline rush take the plunge, experiencing both the thrill of the jump and the unique cultural practices of the region.

There is an anarchist commune in Exarcheia, Athens

Exarcheia, a neighborhood in Athens, Greece, has become an enclave for anarchists and anti-establishment groups. Law enforcement’s presence is limited within its borders, allowing a unique experiment in self-governance. Graffiti-covered walls, autonomous zones, and frequent clashes with authorities define this alternative community.

You can experience lawless drag racing in empty city streets in the Philippines

In the Philippines, impromptu drag races take place on deserted urban roads during the late hours. Skirting the boundaries of legality, these underground races attract thrill-seekers who transform ordinary streets into adrenaline-pumping tracks, with the exhilaration of speed and competition driving them through the night.

People live off-grid in Slab City, California

Slab City, a makeshift community in the California desert, attracts individuals seeking an alternative, lawless lifestyle. With no formal governance or utilities, residents live off the grid in RVs and unconventional structures. This unique outpost is a haven for those who wish to escape traditional societal norms and carve out their own unregulated existence.

See the open-air graffiti in Wynwood Walls, Miami

Wynwood Walls in Miami, Florida, has transformed from an industrial district into an international street art mecca. Artists from all over the world contribute to this open-air museum, using walls as canvases to create vibrant, thought-provoking murals. While officially sanctioned, the unregulated burst of creativity blurs the lines between legality and artistic expression.

You can explore Cappadocia’s underground cities, Turkey

Cappadocia’s underground cities offer a maze of tunnels, chambers, and passages carved into the soft rock. These cities served as refuges for early Christians and later civilizations. Despite the lack of formal regulations, curious adventurers descend into this ancient subterranean world, discovering hidden rooms, churches, and the rich history that lies beneath the surface.

People take part in rooftop parkour in São Paulo, Brazil

São Paulo’s skyline has become a playground for daredevil parkour practitioners who scale rooftops, leap between buildings, and navigate urban obstacles with precision. While not officially endorsed, these “traceurs” defy gravity and challenge their limits in a breathtaking display of athleticism and disregard for traditional boundaries.

Local residents host midnight sun parties in Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland’s proximity to the Arctic Circle grants it the unique phenomenon of the midnight sun during summer months. In Reykjavik, locals and visitors alike take advantage of the 24-hour daylight to throw unregulated outdoor parties that last well into the early morning hours, reveling in a sense of timelessness and defying traditional party curfews.

Varanasi, India is known for its open-air cremations

Nestled along the Ganges River in Varanasi, India, the ritual of open-air cremations is both a sacred tradition and a public event. It’s a deeply spiritual experience that might be shocking for outsiders, but for locals, it’s a sacred practice, blending life, death, and the ever-flowing waters of the Ganges.

Dance the night away at underground techno parties in Belgrade’s abandoned bunkers, Serbia

The pulse of Belgrade’s nightlife can be found within its abandoned bunkers, where underground techno parties rage on until the early hours. The echoing beats in these historical structures form a surreal setting, drawing partygoers from around the world.

There are still many hidden cockfighting arenas in Southeast Asia

While cockfighting is largely against the law globally, it still continues in secret corners of Southeast Asia. Locals gather in discreet venues, placing bets and cheering their chosen rooster. The secrecy surrounding these events draws those curious about an age-old tradition cloaked in modern-day defiance.

Democratic Republic of Congo has many unregulated gold mines

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, numerous gold mines operate, many without strict regulation. Many workers delve into these areas, driven by the promise of gold, but the lack of oversight ensures both challenges and opportunities in equal measure.

The fearless can navigate the volatile Khyber Pass

Stretching between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Khyber Pass has long been a channel for traders, invaders, and explorers. With its history of lawlessness, the region remains a hotbed for smuggling and other unregulated activities. Venturing into this challenging terrain provides a firsthand view of a land where ancient trade routes still pulse with life.

There’s a tiny kingdom off England’s coast named Sealand

Perched on an offshore platform in international waters, the Principality of Sealand claims the unique status of a self-proclaimed micronation. While its sovereignty is disputed, Sealand boasts its own flag, currency, and even offers ‘nobility’ titles for sale.

Jallikattu Bull Festival charges through Tamil Nadu’s traditions

In Tamil Nadu, India, the age-old bull taming festival is hosted annually. Rooted in tradition, the sport carries a unique origin tale: families acquire a bull upon the birth of a daughter. When the daughter is ready to be married, suitors must then take on the challenge of taming the bull. Success not only showcases bravery, but the winner also gets to marry the daughter.

Embassies and Consulates are neutral grounds

Across major cities, embassies and consulates represent patches of sovereign territory. Although situated in foreign countries, these spaces adhere to the laws of their originating nation. Essentially, someone can be in a city yet, by stepping into an embassy, stand within the boundaries of a different country.

Navigate the notorious outskirts of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Known for its harrowing crime rates, the outskirts of Ciudad Juarez stand as a testament to the challenges of unchecked urban sprawl. Amidst the chaos, stories of survival, resilience, and community persist, painting a vivid picture of life on the edge.

Admire the uncharted urban art of Valparaíso, Chile

In the colorful alleys and staircases of Valparaíso, Chile, there is a vibrant art scene outside the bounds of conventional galleries. From political statements to abstract designs, Valparaíso’s unregulated art movement transforms the urban landscape into an ever-evolving masterpiece.

Wander through Hashima, Japan’s ghostly island

Once teeming with coal miners and their families, Hashima Island is now eerily quiet, with its decayed buildings serving as the only remnants of its lively history. Those who venture here experience a place seemingly forgotten by time and untouched by laws, offering a raw glimpse into a neglected part of Japan.

Join the rebellion with guerrilla gardening in urban wastelands

In cities worldwide, some residents take gardening into their own hands by planting without permission. These guerrilla gardeners quietly transform neglected urban spaces into green spaces, breathing life back into barren areas as a subtle defiance against urban oversight.

Experience the vibrant Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca, Mexico

Every year in Oaxaca, the Day of the Dead transforms graveyards into lively venues of remembrance and celebration. While many places honor this tradition, Oaxaca’s unregulated festivities stand out, with families decorating tombs, lighting candles, and sharing meals amidst music and dance, all honoring those who have passed.

Dive into a tomato frenzy at Buñol’s La Tomatina in Spain

Every year, the streets of Buñol, Spain, turn red with the burst of tomatoes during the La Tomatina festival. Attendees from all over the world engage in this playful tomato-throwing extravaganza, washing away inhibitions as they embrace the slippery, saucy chaos.

Tristan da Cunha: where isolation means self-regulation

Located in the vast expanse of the South Atlantic, Tristan da Cunha is the world’s most isolated inhabited island. With no prison and reachable only by a week-long boat journey, the community thrives on self-sufficiency. Its isolation also brings some riches to the resident, with exports of the sought-after Tristan lobster being one of the most profitable.

Explore the surreal unregulated sculpture garden at Las Pozas, Mexico

Located in the lush rainforest of San Luis Potosí, Las Pozas is an unregulated garden filled with bizarre and beautiful concrete sculptures. Created by Edward James, this hidden gem provides a surreal escape for those looking to immerse themselves in an artistic jungle wonderland.

Navigate through the frenzied streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, provide a visual spectacle of chaotic and unregulated traffic. With a sea of motorbikes, cars, and pedestrians coexisting, it offers a thrilling challenge for visitors attempting to cross its thoroughfares and captures the spirit of modern Vietnam.

Embark on an adventure in the isolated Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

Tucked away in Greenland’s eastern coast, Ittoqqortoormiit offers a taste of life on the edge. This remote region, with its vast landscapes and minimal governance, offers an unregulated environment to explore, providing unparalleled views of Arctic landscapes, wildlife, and a taste of indigenous culture.

Snake charming is a common sight in the streets of Marrakech, Morocco

In the bustling squares of Marrakech, some brave residents defy the ordinary with the ancient art of snake charming. Mesmerizing both the snakes and the spectators, these charmers blur the line between danger and entertainment, drawing in many visitors and making the city’s streets a lawless theater of excitement.

The Paris Catacombs in France have many illegal entrances

While the official tour routes of the Paris Catacombs offer a glimpse into the city’s eerie underbelly, the real draw for many are the countless illegal entrances and off-limits tunnels. Undeterred by regulations, urban explorers often sneak into these tunnels, searching for untouched areas and the adrenaline of the thrill of the unknown.

Ilha da Queimada Grande, Brazil, is not for the faint-hearted

There’s adventure, and then there’s venturing onto an island teeming with the world’s most venomous snakes. Ilha da Queimada Grande, chillingly nicknamed Snake Island, is exactly that place. Here, every rustle, every movement could be a deadly golden lancehead viper lurking in the shadows.

The extreme cold of Oymyakon, Russia, redefines vehicle regulations

In Oymyakon, one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth, traditional norms surrounding vehicle usage are reshaped by the harsh environment. According to AccuWeather, cars are either kept in continuously heated garages or left running to ward off the frigid temperatures.

Step into a self-declared republic in Lithuania: Užupis

Tucked away in the heart of Vilnius, Lithuania, is the Republic of Užupis. This bohemian neighborhood declared its independence in 1997 and boasts its own flag, currency, and constitution. A world apart from conventional governance, every 1st April on Užupis Day, visitors can get their passports stamped, use the local currency, and savor beer flowing from the main square’s spout.

In parts of the Australian Outback, rules of the road are largely absent

The vast Australian Outback offers landscapes that seem to stretch infinitely. In these expansive territories, traditional road rules often give way to the discretion of drivers. Unmarked terrains and the infrequent presence of other travelers make every journey a testament to the region’s immense scale.

Unlicensed gold panning occurs in the rivers of Sierra Leone

While the rivers of Sierra Leone might look ordinary to the untrained eye, many are teeming with gold. In numerous spots, hopeful prospectors can be found leaning over the waters, unlicensed, hoping that their pan will reveal a glint of the precious metal.

There are Kava-induced dance rituals in Tuvalu

In the seemingly serene island settings of Tuvalu, residents often partake in traditional dances, their movements enhanced by the effects of Kava—a native drink. This ceremonial drink, made from the roots of the kava plant, is known for its calming effects and elevates the dancers into a trance-like state.

Bull chariots race against time in Tamil Nadu’s heartland

Tucked away in the rural landscapes of Tamil Nadu, adrenaline-charged bull chariot races are quite the sight. Participants, mounted on chariots drawn by powerful bulls, race across muddy tracks, pushing their limits for both honor and pride. While the races are controversial and often draw scrutiny, this tradition continues in the local culture.

Unregulated rooftop camping is a unique urban adventure in New York City

New York City, known for its towering skyscrapers, holds a secret thrill for the brave: rooftop camping. It’s not on the list of typical tourist activities and definitely isn’t city-approved. But some thrillseekers set up their tents high above the city streets, to listen to the distant hum of traffic, and wake up to a sunrise over the Manhattan skyline.

Residents participate in fire-walking ceremonies in parts of Fiji

In parts of Fiji, far from strict oversight and safety regulations, there’s a daring tradition: fire-walking ceremonies. This isn’t a flashy performance for tourists but a deep-rooted cultural ritual. The ceremony serves as a rite of passage for young men to demonstrate their faith and is celebrated with dancing, singing, and feasting.

Rio de Janeiro’s favelas tell a different tale of Brazil

The vast and bustling favelas of Rio de Janeiro are like cities within a city. Favelas are working-class neighborhoods with their own set of rules and minimal government oversight. They showcase a side of Brazil that’s rich in culture, resilience, and the spirit of community – a stark contrast to Rio’s glamorous beach scenes.

In Brazil, sex work is legal and commonplace

Brazil has long been considered both one of the most glamorous tourist destinations in the world, yet also one of the sleaziest and most dangerous. Sex work is almost entirely legal there, and reportedly the most frequent query about Brazil entered into Google is the price range of prostitutes.