Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and here is our guide to the Ten Best Places to Visit for Halloween: Spooktacular 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 31. 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, visit some scary places, learn about other cultures and traditions in one of the Ten Best Places to Visit for Halloween for a really unforgettable experience.
Ten Best Places to Visit for Halloween: Spooktacular Destinations
Halloween is a time when the mysterious, and supernatural take center stage. For those who love a good scare or want to embrace the spirit of the season, visiting some of the spookiest places in the world can elevate your Halloween experience. From haunted mansions to eerie towns steeped in ghost stories, here are the Ten Best Places to Visit for Halloween and experience the thrill of the unknown.
Whether you’re into ghost stories, haunted buildings, or creepy legends, these top destinations for Halloween offer plenty of spine-chilling experiences. Let’s dive into the eerie atmospheres of these places, perfect for a frightful holiday.
1. Salem, Massachusetts – The Witch City
Salem, Massachusetts, is arguably the most famous Halloween destination in the United States. Known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, this historic town fully embraces its spooky past with haunted tours, witchcraft reenactments, and ghost walks.
The town’s dark history of witch hunts, combined with centuries-old buildings and haunted cemeteries, makes Salem a prime location for supernatural experiences. 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, the businesses and organizations in Salem are proposing Salem Haunted Happenings, and here are a few ideas for what to do.
- 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.
- Witch Dungeon Museum for the live re-enactment of a witch trial, adapted from the 1692 historical transcripts.
- The Pioneer Village, the oldest living history museum in America, designed to represent Salem in the year 1630.
Insider Tip: For a truly unique experience, take the Hocus Pocus walking tour, which takes you through filming locations of the iconic Halloween movie.
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2. Transylvania, Romania – Dracula’s Domain
When you think of Halloween, Count Dracula is one of the first figures that comes to mind. What better way to celebrate the holiday than by visiting the very land that inspired Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire? Transylvania, Romania, is shrouded in mystery and myth, offering an authentic Halloween experience.
As you might expect, Transylvania does not embark on Halloween festivities lightly, and has become famous for its Halloween parties.
The imposing Bran Castle, often referred to as Dracula’s Castle, looms over the Carpathian Mountains, creating the perfect gothic backdrop for Halloween, and visitors can attend a Dracula-themed Halloween party at Bran Castle, complete with eerie decorations, costumed guests, and late-night ghost tours.
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 the strange supernatural beings! Do let me know if you make it back afterwards….
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 reputedly the place where Vlad the Impaler was born) .
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!
Insider Tip: For an unforgettable experience, attend the annual Halloween party hosted at Bran Castle, where costumes and spooky vibes abound.
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3. Edinburgh, Scotland – The Ghostly Capital
With its dark, gothic architecture and deep-rooted history, Edinburgh is a hauntingly beautiful city to visit for Halloween. The city’s underground vaults and ancient graveyards are hotspots for paranormal activity, making it one of Europe’s spookiest destinations.
Explore the haunted Edinburgh Vaults, said to be home to restless spirits, or take a nighttime tour of Mary King’s Close, a series of hidden streets where plague victims were once sealed off.
For those looking to get chills, the Edinburgh Dungeon is full of live-action storytelling of Scotland’s darkest history.
Insider Tip: Book a ghost tour to the Greyfriars Kirkyard, a cemetery known for its paranormal activity, and don’t forget to look out for the Mackenzie Poltergeist.
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4. Sleepy Hollow, New York – The Legend of the Headless Horseman
Home to Washington Irving’s famous tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” this small village in New York transforms into a Halloween haven each October. With the story of the Headless Horseman haunting the town, visitors can enjoy a spooky blend of legend and reality.
Visit the Old Dutch Church and its cemetery, where the infamous Headless Horseman is said to roam, take a haunted hayride, or participate in the annual Sleepy Hollow Halloween celebrations, featuring eerie lantern tours and thrilling retellings of Irving’s tale.
The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze, a stunning display of thousands of intricately carved pumpkins, is a must-see, along with nighttime ghost tours through the haunted cemetery.
Insider Tip: If you visit in late October, don’t miss the Horseman’s Hollow, an immersive haunted trail experience that brings the legend to life.
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5. London, England – The City of Haunts
London is known for its deep history, which includes countless tales of ghosts, murders, and mysteries. From the shadowy streets of Whitechapel to the eerie corridors of the Tower of London, the city is a treasure trove of haunted landmarks.
Whilst London might not immediately leap to mind as a scary place to spend Halloween, I would ask you to consider if the name ‘Jack the Ripper’ means anything to you? Now imagine yourself, walking through the darkest and foggiest streets of East London and you might just think again!
London is a seriously scary place to be on Halloween, and this year the ghosts of some of the most famous serial killers are coming to greet you!
Halloween in London is full of ghostly attractions, haunted sites, parades, club events, spooky walking tours, ghost bus tours and underground dungeon explorations.
If you’re hoping for some supernatural activity, you may want to head to The Tower of London, where legend says that murdered spirits (such as the beheaded wife of King Henry V111, Ann Boleyn), continue to wander through the building.
Or you could opt for a ghost walking tour, which departs from one of London’s abandoned and haunted underground stations, and takes you on a spooky walk through the ancient and haunted ‘City of the Dead’, and you are guaranteed a night of chilling surprises.
If you don’t want to walk, then you can hop aboard a ghoulish bus for a Ghost Bus Tour through some of London’s most spooky and malevolent spots.
Halloween Highlight: The London Dungeon brings the city’s dark history to life with immersive and theatrical experiences, while special Halloween tours delve into the city’s haunted past.
Insider Tip: The Ten Bells pub, one of Jack the Ripper’s haunts, is still open and offers a chilling stop on any ghost tour. It has been claimed that the pub is haunted by the ghost of Annie Chapman, murdered and mutilated by the Ripper in 1888. But, if that’s not spooky enough, then one of the pub’s Victorian landlords George Roberts, who was murdered with an axe, is also said to walk the pub’s upper floors.
With so many spooky sites to explore, Halloween is the perfect time to visit the city.
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6 Savannah, Georgia – America’s Most Haunted City
Savannah, with its moss-draped trees and cobblestone streets, exudes a Southern Gothic charm, but beneath its beauty lies a dark history of hauntings. Often referred to as one of America’s most haunted cities, Savannah is a perfect Halloween destination.
Savannah is renowned for its haunted homes, graveyards, and ghost stories, making it one of the top ghost-tour cities in the U.S.
Visit the haunted Bonaventure Cemetery, take a ghost tour through the historic district, and stay at the Marshall House, a hotel notorious for its paranormal activity.
Sorrel-Weed House is one of the many haunted locations in this historic city, notorious for ghostly encounters.
Insider Tip: Take the “Ghosts and Gravestones” trolley tour, which offers exclusive nighttime access to some of Savannah’s spookiest spots sharing eerie tales of restless spirits and tragic pasts.
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7. The Island of the Dolls, Mexico – A Terrifying Halloween Destination
For thrill-seekers looking to experience one of the creepiest and most bizarre places in the world, Isla de las Muñecas (The Island of the Dolls) in Mexico is a perfect Halloween destination. Located in the Xochimilco canals, just south of Mexico City, this eerie island is notorious for its unsettling collection of weather-worn, mutilated dolls hanging from trees, creating an atmosphere of dread and mystery.
The haunting story of the Island of the Dolls begins with Don Julián Santana, the island’s caretaker. According to legend, in the 1950s, Santana found the body of a young girl who had drowned near the island under mysterious circumstances. Shortly after her death, Santana began to find dolls floating in the canals, which he believed were connected to the girl’s spirit. As a way to appease the ghost, he started hanging the dolls around the island. Over time, the collection grew, with many of the dolls deteriorating, losing limbs, and becoming more terrifying in appearance.
The chilling part? If the above isn’t scary enough, Santana claimed to hear whispers, footsteps, and strange voices coming from the dolls themselves. He continued this practice for over 50 years until his own death in 2001, when his body was found in the same spot where he had discovered the drowned girl decades earlier. Today, many visitors believe his spirit, along with the girl’s, haunts the island.
Locals and visitors claim the dolls come to life, whispering to each other or moving their limbs. The eerie silence of the canals combined with the unsettling appearance of the dolls adds to the island’s ghostly ambiance.
The island’s remote location, only accessible by boat, adds to its mystique. Visitors must journey through the winding Xochimilco canals, which themselves have a haunted reputation, making the approach to the island feel like stepping into a forgotten, haunted world.
For those brave enough to visit, the journey to the Island of the Dolls begins with a ride on a trajinera, a traditional flat-bottomed boat that navigates through the canals of Xochimilco. Once you reach the island, you can explore the eerie doll-covered trees, visit the small museum dedicated to Don Julián Santana, and even leave your own doll as a tribute to the spirits that are said to haunt the island
Whether you believe in the supernatural or just want to explore one of the world’s most bizarre locations, the island offers an experience like no other. The chilling legend, combined with the decaying dolls, creates an unforgettable sense of fear and fascination—making it an ideal spot for a unique and terrifying Halloween adventure.
Insider Tip : Visiting the Island of the Dolls during Halloween amplifies the spine-tingling atmosphere. The setting sun and shadows cast by the dolls make the island feel even more haunted and mysterious.
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8. Bratislava, Slovakia – Ghosts of the Old Town
Bratislava might not be the first place that comes to mind for Halloween, but it has a quietly eerie charm that makes it a great off-the-beaten-path destination for the holiday. Here’s what to expect in Bratislava during Halloween:
Bratislava has a rich history that includes medieval legends and dark folklore. You can explore these stories through haunted tours around the Old Town, where guides share eerie tales of plague victims, ghostly monks, and unsettling occurrences in the city’s historic buildings. These tours often visit iconic spots like Michael’s Gate and the mysterious Bratislava Castle.
The city’s gothic architecture also adds a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for Halloween, especially around landmarks like St Michael’s Tower. You will find this tower on most postcards and tourist itineraries of Bratislava, but if you happen to be in this area at night you might just spot the “Black Lady” who has been living in the tower for centuries.
The legend goes that Ursula and her friend Agata fell in love with the same man, but, unfortunately for Ursula, he chose Agata, and the jealous Ursula accused her friend of being a witch. Poor innocent Agata was burned at the stake, and Ursula was filled with remorse, and since then she has been appearing in the tower tortured by her guilt.
For those looking for a spooky atmosphere, Bratislava’s Ondrejský Cemetery is a peaceful but eerie place to visit, with its overgrown tombstones and winding paths.
Insider Tip: Take a trip to Devín Castle, located just outside the city. The ruins, perched on a cliffside, have an ancient and haunting presence that adds to its mysterious charm, especially on misty autumn days.
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9. Prague, Czech Republic – The City of Bones
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 a new identity when the scariest night of the year falls, and Prague is definitely one of the spookiest 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!
Visit the eerie Bone Church (Sedlec Ossuary), where the bones of over 40,000 people decorate the interior. Explore Prague Castle by night or take a ghost tour through the Old Town, where legends of lost souls abound.
Some of the spooky sites include the Old Jewish Cemetery above, the meandering Old Town and 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.
If this doesn’t give you goosebumps, then try a visit to one of the sites of a spooky legend. Pass by the ‘Daliborka Tower’, 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.
Insider Tip: In October, Prague hosts several ghost-themed events, including theater performances, making it an ideal time to explore the darker side of the city.
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10. Venice, Italy – Haunted Canals and Ghostly Legends
Venice might be one of the most romantic destinations in Europe, but it’s also one of the most mysterious and eerie destinations. There’s a reason why ‘Don’t Look Now’ was filmed in Venice!
This stunningly beautiful city in northeastern Italy has a permanent eerie atmosphere, a disturbing past, lots of shadowy corners, and seriously terrifying legends about sea monsters.
Venice is a city steeped in history, and its labyrinth of canals, crumbling palazzos, and foggy streets lend themselves perfectly to spooky tales. The city is full of eerie legends, from the ghost of the murdered nobleman wandering the Palazzo Dario to the mysterious island of Poveglia, often referred to as one of the most haunted places in the world.
Palazzo Dario is a striking building along the Grand Canal, known for its beautiful architecture and dark legends. It is often cited as one of the most haunted places in Venice due to its history of tragedy and death. Over the centuries, the palace has been linked to a series of unfortunate events, including murders and suicides of its owners, leading to the belief that the building is cursed. The ghost of a nobleman is said to wander the halls, and many believe that staying near or visiting the Palazzo brings misfortune. Despite its dark reputation, the Palazzo Dario is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and visitors can appreciate its beauty from the outside .
Poveglia Island is often referred to as one of the most haunted locations in the world. Located in the Venetian Lagoon, this small island has a dark history that includes serving as a quarantine station for the bubonic plague and as a mental asylum. The asylum operated from 1922 until 1968, during which it was rumored that many patients were subjected to inhumane treatments and experiments.
Today, Poveglia is uninhabited and only accessible by private boat or through organized tours. The eerie atmosphere, combined with tales of hauntings and ghostly apparitions, attracts thrill-seekers and those fascinated by the macabre. Visitors often report feelings of unease and sightings of apparitions, adding to its reputation as a ghostly destination .
Visitors can explore Venice’s haunted past by taking ghost tours through the winding alleyways, discovering hidden cemeteries, and hearing chilling tales of plague victims and tragic love stories. Poveglia, located just off the coast, is especially popular for those interested in ghost hunting, though it’s often visited from afar due to its infamous reputation.
Venice offers a unique, atmospheric experience during Halloween, where the city’s natural mystery blends with its eerie legends, making it an unforgettable place to visit for those seeking a hauntingly beautiful adventure.
For something a little creepy, you might want to consider the Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour, which takes you to parts of the palace that are off limits during the regular visit, including secret passageways, prisons, the torture chamber, an interrogation room, and the infamous Bridge of Sighs.
Another option is visiting San Michele Island, where Venice’s dead are buried. Bear in mind, that this is still a functioning graveyard and Venetians are constantly dropping by to pay their respects to their loved ones buried here; therefore photography and picnics are not permitted
Add to all this the city’s stunning architecture, the sensual Venetian masks, and the spectacular masquerade balls, and you’ll probably have the most sophisticated Halloween of your life.
Insider Tip : When exploring Venice, consider visiting the lesser-known neighborhoods like Cannaregio or Giudecca, and if you’re in Venice during Halloween, don’t miss the opportunity to take a ghost tour in these quieter areas. The lack of tourists makes it easier to immerse yourself in the spooky tales and legends that Venice has to offer.
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Final Thoughts : Ten Best Places to Visit for Halloween: Spooktacular Destinations
Whether you’re drawn to historic hauntings, gothic castles, or vibrant cultural festivals, these destinations offer the perfect backdrop for a spine-tingling Halloween adventure. From the ghostly towns of Salem, Sleepy Hollow and Savannah in the US to the chilling streets of London and Edinburgh in the UK to Transylvania, Prague, Bratislava and Venice in Europe as well as the seriously spooky Island of Dolls in Mexico, each of these places promises a thrilling and unforgettable experience for Halloween enthusiasts.
Embrace the supernatural and immerse yourself in the spooky spirit of the season by exploring one of these hauntingly unforgettable locations.
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