My top 5 Spooky Halloween Destinations

Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and here is my guide to my top 5 Spooky Halloween Destinations. Read on if you dare!

It’s almost Halloween, the spookiest night of the year : the night when the ghosts of the dead return to earth, and the line between this world and the next becomes blurred. 

Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31st, and Halloween 2022 occurs on Monday, October 31st.

Despite popular belief that Halloween originated in the US, it actually began in Ireland and has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off wandering ghosts. 

The Celts believed that on ‘All Hallows’ Eve’, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred, and the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.

So, if you are thinking about celebrating Halloween this year, why not use the opportunity to travel, take a weekend trip, visit some scary places, learn about other cultures and traditions and visit one of my top 5 spooky Halloween destinations for a really unforgettable experience.

At Halloween, the otherwise charming and romantic cities, such as Sighisoura and Prague, are transformed into cities of horror, terror and fear. The ancient castles make for spooky natural backdrops, and  the medieval histories of torture, ghosts and real-life accounts of paranormal activity will chill you to the bone.

If you’re brave enough, read on for my top 5 Spooky Halloween destinations, but beware : it may be your last travel Adventure! 

My Top 5 Spooky Halloween Destinations

Transylvania, Romania

No review of spooky Halloween destinations would be complete without a mention of the home of Dracula (or at least Vlad the Impaler, the bloodthirsty ruler the character was based upon).

As you might expect, Transylvania does not embark on Halloween festivities lightly, and has become famous for its Halloween parties. 

You can visit Dracula’s castle in Bran, and be ‘treated’ to a midnight tour of Dracula’s lair. However, there’s no escaping once you’ve arrived, as the drive back into Bucharest will take roughly 3.5 hours!

This year, Bran Castle celebrates Halloween on Saturday October 29th, through to Sunday October 30th.

I have been told that entrance is free if you don’t have a reflection in the mirror, decompose in sunlight, are over 200 years old or you can fly (using your own bat wings) directly into the castle! Any takers??? 

Other Spooky Activities in Transylvania

Visit the Hoia-Baciu Forest, if you dare!

Even before the Dracula novel brought about Halloween in Romania, the region of Transylvania has for centuries had its own legends about the undead called Strigoi that (like vampires) rise from their graves at night to drink blood.

The Hoia-Baciu Forest, near Cluj-Napoca, is reputed to be the most haunted forest in Romania – a place where strange things happen, where you will be surrounded by whispering trees, and strange supernatural beings! Do let me know if you make it back afterwards…. 

Visit Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler

You could also visit Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, aka, the real Dracula. This old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and even boasts a Dracula themed restaurant, named (not surprisingly) Vlad Dracul Restaurant (and is reputedly the place where Vlad the Impaler was born) .

Or, you could take a trip to Sibiu, and dare to cross the Liars’ bridge.

In the Middle Ages, it was rumored that the bridge would come crashing down if those with a lying tongue crossed. So, take the bridge across….. if you dare!

Visit the haunted Corvin Castle

And, if you are looking for another Dracula themed castle and a spooky Halloween destination you might want to consider the less well-known, Corvin Castle.

Built in the 14th century in a Renaissance-Gothic style, Corvin Castle is not only one of the most stunning citadels in Transylvania, but also one of its most haunted.

Rumour has it that Vlad the Impaler was held captive here, and eventually went mad.

Have a look below for places to stay in Transylvania.

Booking.com

Salem, Massachusetts

Located just 45 minutes north of Boston, Salem is best known for the witch trials of 1692 and definitely merits a place as one of the top spooky Halloween destinations.

The trigger for the Salem witch trials happened in the spring of 1692, when a group of young girls claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused several local women of witchcraft.

A special court was convened in Salem to hear the cases and the first convicted witch, Bridget Bishop, was hanged in June 1692. Eighteen others followed Bishop to Salem’s Gallows Hill, while more than 150 men, women and children were accused over the next several months. 

The trials came to an end when Governor William Phipps disbanded the court, after his wife was accused of being a witch herself, and the newly formed court released those awaiting trial and pardoned those awaiting execution.

This October, Salem is getting ready for a very spooky Halloween with the Salem Haunted Happenings celebrating its 40th anniversary and here are a few ideas for what to do.

Visit the Salem Witch House

The Salem Witch House is definitely one of the top Salem attractions, and a great place to find out more about the witch trials. The house was once home to Jonathan Corwin, who served as a judge in the witchcraft trials of 1692, and is now a museum.

Watch a re-enactment of a witch trial

Head to the Witch Dungeon Museum for the live re-enactment of a witch trial, adapted from the 1692 historical transcripts.

Visit the Pioneer Village and the Salem Night Faire

Visit the Pioneer Village, the oldest living history museum in America, designed to represent Salem in the year 1630.

Tours are self-guided with staff throughout to chat and answer questions. Tickets are a combo with the Witch House or by donation upon arrival.

The Pioneer Village is also home to Salem Night Faire on Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd, Friday 28th and Saturday 29th October.

Visit the House of the Seven Gables

If you are a literary fan, you may want to visit the House of the Seven Gables, and the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne (author of “The House of the Seven Gables”), which was originally located on Union Street. It was purchased by The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association and moved to the museum campus in 1958 under the guidance of Abbott Lowell Cummings, a noted architectural historian and conservator.

Enjoy the Haunted Happenings Events

Take a walking tour of Salem, discover all the festive Halloween decorations and get in the Halloween Spirit! Enjoy the Haunted Happenings 40th Anniversary as the city of Salem gets into the spirit of the season, with lots of events and celebrations each day.

And end the Salem Haunted Happenings experience with fireworks over the North River on October 31st from 22h15 to 22h30.

Find our more about Salem here, or take advantage of the Destination Salem App that centralizes info on events, restaurants and lodging.

You can also have a look below to book some of the Salem Halloween events and to book accommodation.

Booking.com

Derry, Northern Ireland

Derry (otherwise known by the locals as the ‘City of Bones’ (because of the skeleton on its coat of arms) is home to one of Europe’s biggest Halloween events, and is one of my top Spooky Halloween Destinations.

The celebrations – where the entire town of Derry and beyond – is transformed into a Halloween-themed street carnival – are colourful, vibrant and intense.

Following on from their 35th anniversary event in 2021, they have again extended the festival footprint beyond the confines of the City Walls to create their most ambitious programme to date entitled: ‘Awakening the Walled City’.

This year’s celebrations will see an array of unforgettable sights, characters, and displays take place over Halloween weekend, from Friday, October 28th until Monday October 31st, with a final parade and firework display on Monday, October 31st.

Derry Hallowe’en 2022 will unfold across the city, in the City of Bones & Forest of Shadows, whilst also stretching to Donegal and Strabane. 

The history of Derry will pour out from the city’s iconic buildings unveiling the myths and mischief of Samhain and introducing you to some of our favourite characters from beyond the veil.

Have a look below for some of the wonders that await you, including Walter the Skeleton from Derry’s own coat of arms

The main Halloween parade in Derry takes place on Halloween night at 7pm, with over 40,000 people expected to attend. The Fireworks Finale over the Foyle then takes place at 8pm.

All Photos courtesy of Derry City and Strabane District Council)

Have a look below to find accommodation.

Booking.com

Prague, Czech Republic

The stunning gothic architecture of Prague, with its winding medieval lanes, narrow streets, medieval bridges and mysterious alleyways, ensure that the normally beautiful and romantic town of Prague takes on a new identity when the scariest night of the year falls, and Prague is definitely one of my top 5 spooky Halloween Destinations.

It’s easy to lose your way in the maze-like lanes or stumble across a hidden passageway and although stunningly beautiful, Prague has a dark past and has its share of terrifying legends. 

When the night falls and there’s a chill in the air, you just can’t help looking back over your shoulder ….. but beware of what you might find! 

Spooky Halloween Activities in Prague

Visit the Old Town (Staré Město)

Although all of Prague’s old town seems to be haunted by spirits, the two main areas where you’re most likely to see spirits are the Old Town Square and the Jewish Quarter.

If you walk down Celetná Street at night, you might just come across a priest and a prostitute arguing. The priest killed the prostitute with his cross and then promptly died of a heart attack, and they are now doomed to haunt Celetná Street together every night.

The Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

Although the Jewish Quarter is home to over a dozen spirits, the most renowned is the Prague Golem.

During the reign of Rudolf II, Rabbi Judah Loew created the golem out of clay to protect the Jewish quarter of the city and its citizens, and it is believed the Golem still lives in the attic of the Old-New Synagogue in Josefov. 

Another spirit is the wandering organist who travels between the Old Jewish Cemetery and St Vitus Cathedral – where he played when he was alive. As a baptised Jew who converted to Christianity and back to Judaism at death, he travels back and forth between the two places, playing the organ, accompanied by a skeleton ferryman.

Visit the Old Jewish Cemetery

The exact opening date of the Old Jewish Cemetery is unknown. The oldest visible gravestone dates back to 1439.

However, the cemetery is buried on levels, and it is believed to rest on over 100,000 additional graves. Because the oldest burial date is unknown, it is possible that Prague’s Old Jewish Cemetery could be the oldest remaining Jewish cemetery in Europe.

Take a walk over Charles Bridge

There are several legends associated with Charles Bridge, including the fact that its rebuilding was made possible by a pact with the devil! After the death of St. John of Nepomuk some of the arches of the bridge collapsed many times and what was built during the day, fell during the night……..until an ambitious young architect made a pact with the devil.

The devil would help him by fixing the bridge but in exchange he would take the soul of the first human being to cross the bridge.

The architect tried to trick the devil by getting a rooster to cross the bridge, but the devil tricked the architect’s wife into making the fateful journey. The wife died soon after in childbirth, along with her child, who was unbaptized.

For years, people crossing the bridge could hear a baby crying. One cold, wet day when the baby was crying, it also sneezed, and a passerby reflexively said, “God bless you.” . With that blessing, the baby was released from its torment and was never heard crying again. However, the devil kept the souls of the architect and his wife.  

It is also rumoured that the statues of saints lining the bridge (which are only copies, the originals are kept in Lapidarium and Vysehrad), come alive at night and roam around the city in the cover of darkness.

Visit Prague Castle

Prague Castle was most likely founded in around 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty (Přemyslovci), and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is also home to its fair share of ghosts!

Near the castle steps you might see the ghost of a noblewoman who fell in love with a commoner. Her father was furious when he found out and had the young man conscripted. The woman froze to death waiting for him one night and she can still be seen at the castle waiting for him to come home.

If this doesn’t give you goosebumps, then pass by the ‘Daliborka Tower’, (located in the Prague Castle complex) named after one of the prisoners who was executed there. If you listen carefully, you may even hear his violin notes ringing throughout the building. 

Prague has so many macabre offerings, from ghost tours, witch tours and and creepy underground tours, and a few of them are shown below.

And a spooky Halloween trip to Prague wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Sedlec Ossuary, the church of bones, in the suburbs of Kutna Hora (about an hour from Prague).

Whilst unimposing from the outside, the church houses the skeletal remains of over 40,000 people.

Although most are merely stacked, many of the bones have been used in designs created by woodcarver, František Rint, including a royal family crest (pictured above) and a larger, ornate chandelier that lies in the center of the Church of Bones, and contains at least one of every human bone.

Have a look below for some accommodation in Prague.

Booking.com

Virginia City, Nevada

To say everything is haunted in this old mining town is not too far from the truth. Virginia City, Nevada, renowned as one of America’s most haunted towns, takes it a step further by officially dubbing October as “Hauntober” and offering numerous ways for visitors to “get their spook on“.

Haunted places to stay, saloons to have a cold one, creepy tours and even lighted evening trains make Virginia City one of my top 5 Spooky Destinations.

Spooky Halloween Activities in Virginia City

Bats in the Belfry Guided Ghost Tours

If you want to know where the most haunted locations are in Virginia City, this is the tour for you! Take a walk around this historically haunted town and learn about the lively souls that still occupy it today. Find out more here.

Paranormal Investigations at St. Mary’s Art Center

Explore the halls of the historic St. Mary’s Art Center with paranormal investigations led by one of the area’s leading ghost experts. Reportedly one of the most haunted buildings in Virginia City, the Art Center was originally built as the  town’s hospital. You can also stay in one of the 16 ghostly guest rooms for artists retreats.

Haunted Virginia City Escape Room & Haunted Ghost Town

All month-long thrill-seekers have the opportunity to try their hand at the Haunted Virginia City Escape Room. For more thrills, take a stroll, or maybe run, through the Haunted Ghost Town. The Virginia City Escape Room must be booked online in advance.

Mackay Mansion Haunted House and Paranormal Tours, Oct. 29-31, 7 p.m

Be immersed in this haunted house, set in a 1950s hospital inside the historic Mackay Mansion. The doctor and staff will tour you through the facility where attendees will meet the many patients. Advance reservations are required. Cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children under 12. 

Washoe Club Haunted Tours

Featured multiple times on “Ghost Adventures,” The Washoe Club and Haunted Museum offers daily ghost tours. Private, overnight investigations can also be booked here.

Spooky Halloween Weekend Events 

Electric Halloween Steam Train of Lights, Oct. 29-31, 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m

Get in the haunted spirit with a ride on a spooky evening steam train from Virginia City to Gold Hill. A special adult only train departs at 7:30 p.m. and provides adult beverages to enjoy on the way. Tickets available online.  

Fourth Ward School Museum’s Victorian All Hallow’s Eve Ball, Oct. 29, 7 – 10 p.m.

Disneyland’s  European Haunted Mansion is a copy of this historic building. Explore it on the eve of Halloween with this adults-only evening, including music and dancing, a costume contest, flashlight tours, a fortune teller, light snacks and drinks.

Halloween Ghost Investigation and Sleepover at St. Mary’s Art Center, Oct. 28-31

St. Mary’s Art Center is offering an opportunity to spend the night in this beautiful 1875 building. Originally built as a hospital for the Comstock miners, then abandoned for many years, St. Mary’s was saved from demolition by Father Meinecke in 1964. Spend the evening with the ghost investigative team, W.I.G.S. (Women Investigating Ghost Sightings) and explore the possibility of connecting with those who have walked the halls in the past!

Halloween Tricks, Treats and Art for Kids, St. Mary’s Art Center, Oct. 31 (5-8 pm)

Bring the kids for fun games, prizes, fun art projects and treats in the spookily decorated halls of the historic hospital property. Find out more here. 

Hauntober Parade,  Oct. 31, 4 to 5 p.m

Goblins of all ages dressed to scare are invited to participate in the Hauntober Parade on Halloween night. Check-in and costume contest starts at 4 p.m. at the Virginia City Jerky Company. 

Hauntober Safe Trick-or-Treating, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m

Stick around after the parade for safe trick-or-treating at the many shops along the boardwalk.  

Virginia City Cemetery,  Oct. 31, 5:30 to 11 p.m.

Once a year, on Halloween, the gates to the old Silver Terrace Cemetery stay open for visitors to stroll past dusk. Here, souls rest in peace but their stories live forever. Take a self-guided tour with the downloadable audio tour, available online. Proceeds benefit the Comstock Cemetery Foundation.

Where to Stay

For the ultimate thrill-seekers, there’s no better way to experience Hauntober in Virginia City than stay the night in one of  Virginia City’s haunted hotels. There’s plenty to choose from, including: 

• Gold Hill Hotel – Nevada’s oldest operating hotel with abounding stories of the ghosts of children running the halls and the scent of roses that appears randomly when a spirit is said to be present. 

• Silver Queen Hotel – allegedly haunted by one or more of the working women who did business in the hotel, this establishment was built in 1876 and is considered one of the most haunted locations in town.

• Tahoe House Hotel – Dating back to 1859, this property, which was renovated in 2020, offers plenty of tales of paranormal encounters from guests over the years.

Or if you prefer to sleep without a ghostly presence, have a look below.

Booking.com

Spirit-Filled Saloons 

Looking to get your fill of spirits of a non-supernatural kind? Then, check out Virginia City’s plentiful saloons. During its heyday, more than 100 saloons lined the streets of the mining town. Today a solid 12 remain, not bad for a town with a population of fewer than 900 residents!

Take home a bottle of Cemetery Gin, Virginia City’s own distilled spirit. Bottles can be purchased at the Visitors Center and locations throughout northern Nevada. Drinks featuring the tasty gin spirit are  available at the Virginia City watering holes or stop by the Visitors Center for a sample.  

Haunted Adventure Pass: Spooky adventures in Virginia City start at the Visitors Center where visitors can get their Haunted Adventure Pass for discounted access to Virginia City’s Hauntober attractions. (All images courtesy of Virginia City Tourism commission. )

Final words

If you are planning to stay at home this year, then have a look at this feature about How to have a Stylishly Spooky Halloween for decor inspiration.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about my top 5 Spooky Halloween Destinations, and have a look here for more travel inspiration.