Anything that gets me up real high
Industry
Drains and sewers

Institutions like hospitals and asylums [never been but they've always enticed me most and its big on my todo list], industrial buildings, and houses where everythings been left untouched. Theres something to say about the feeling you get looking around and feeling like youre a part, al beit distant and disconnected, of this family/individuals story lineage years later when the newspapers still untouched on the table and the fridge still stocked.

1. Ghost Towns
2. Mines
3. Military Ruins/Bunkers

The overwhelming majority of my exploration is rural by choice. I just love the open road, I love driving, I love exploring unfamiliar landscapes, I love the laid back nature of just roaming around in the middle of nowhere scanning the horizon for signs of civilization and then diving in with no context or prior knowledge. I enjoy dissecting the history of a location through newspapers, letters, journals, magazines, photos, and possessions that were left behind. When enough is left behind the personalities of the previous occupants can almost be felt, like it is emanating from the walls.

Ghost Towns are my favorite because it's all of the above on the grandest scale. They have so many stories to tell that I've often found myself spending entire mornings or evenings wandering them. Mines for me are mostly about the rush, the danger, the incredible darkness and dead silence. Military structures are usually a good thrill, carry some intense history, and can often include some wild architecture.

Anything industrial or institutional ranks high on my list - hospitals, prisons, schools, factories, etc. Houses are meh for me - I just find them depressing and lonely. Same with churches, although they at least make for some pretty stunning shots sometimes. Anything super high or underground is off limits, mostly because I'm a sissy

Industrial or anything that reminds me of the Silent Hill Games. Now I obviously don't explore just for those, I love the explore! But getting to see all the old machinery and such always is cool in my book.

On the other hand, I do think I would love to explore an old stone church or something of the sorts, but Ive never been to one. Shouldn't be too hard when you live in the bible belt of America though!

Lots of Industry lovers on here

Posted by indianola309 i see a lot of people on here who tend to seek out a certain kind of place or just like certain ones. or it could be least favorite too. i really like factory's and 1920's schools.

I love exploring hospitals and schools those are always fun, but I love abandoned houses especially when there is junk left behind, its super interesting to see what was left behind and the history. I love places with a crazy or interesting back story to them as well.

My favorites by far are Drains/Caves. Being from the Twin Cities there are plenty to choose from.

I tend to be fickle when it comes to specific genres that I would consider to be my favorite types of places, but my overall preferences tend to remain fairly consistent across all types:

1. Industry losing a fight against nature, especially when nature has done something really remarkable (the huge tree thriving on the roof, the ivy breaking through the cement foundation, and the like). The more photogenic the better.
2. Any place, from modest farm to massive power plant, that leaves behind a compelling history. I love finding personal effects like pictures and letters that tell part of the story.
3. A place with a great view, both rural and urban. Abandoned or active.
4. Something with a relatively rare function or of a subject that I haven't seen before.
5. A location that I found on my own and to my knowledge I'm the first to photograph/explore it. I like the sense of accomplishment that comes with this last one.

I like abandoned houses, its cool finding clues about the people who lived there prior

I have a few different preferences- old industrial spots are great for photography and scenic shots. Power plants are usually guarded, and thus are great for a high risk high reward explore that really gets the adrenaline pumping, and mines are great for larger groups where you can wander around without worrying about security.

Never have had the pleasure of exploring a hospital or school, so for me these two go hand in hand.

All roofs. The higher the better!
After that, industrial sites. Hospitals are cool too, but they can freak me out... at least I can say I'm not afraid of heights ;)

Industry
Warehouses
Offices

It's surreal going to a place that used to generate millions of dollars and providing for hundreds of families simply sitting idle with no real future.

Handful of my favorites: https://imgur.com/a/I2F69Ci

Industrial buildings overrun by nature.

Drains, for the most part. They are reasonably safe and disputably public. It's also borderline impossible to know what you will see until you get down there, so there's a real element of adventure. You don't get as many cool souveniers, though.