Top Halloween Travel Destinations for Spooky Vacations

Salem, infamous for its 1692 witch trials, is one of the most popular Halloween destinations. The town transforms into a Halloween wonderland with events like historical reenactments, haunted tours, festivals, and witchcraft exhibitions. The Salem Haunted Happenings festival lasts the entire month of October, drawing crowds from all over. Must-visit spots include the Salem Witch Museum and the House of the Seven Gables, both steeped in eerie history.

• Highlights: Salem Witch Museum, local haunted house tours, cemeteries.
• Why visit during Halloween?: To fully immerse yourself in the history of witches, witchcraft, and a town that lives and breathes Halloween all month long.

Edinburgh, with its dark history and haunted legends, is a fantastic choice for a Halloween adventure. The city is known for its ghost stories, gothic cemeteries, and haunted underground vaults. A tour of The Real Mary King's Close, a series of underground streets, is one of the spookiest experiences where it's said the spirits of plague victims still linger. Edinburgh also hosts Halloween festivals and night tours of its most haunted spots.

• Highlights: The Real Mary King's Close, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh Castle.
• Why visit during Halloween?: To explore a city where every corner holds a ghost story, perfect for a chilling yet thrilling Halloween experience.

No Halloween destination list is complete without Transylvania, home to the legendary Count Dracula. This mountainous region in Romania is steeped in vampire lore, gothic castles, and mysterious forests. The Bran Castle, often associated with Dracula, is a major attraction and hosts special Halloween events. You can also visit medieval towns like Sighisoara, Dracula's birthplace, or take part in folklore festivals during this eerie season.

• Highlights: Bran Castle, Poenari Castle, Sighisoara.
• Why visit during Halloween?: To walk in the footsteps of Dracula and enjoy a medieval, mystical atmosphere perfect for a Halloween full of vampires and legends.

Derry (also known as Londonderry) is a city that takes Halloween celebrations to a whole new level. The Derry Halloween festival is one of the largest Halloween events in Europe, featuring parades, street performances, fireworks, and haunted tours through the city’s oldest locations. The historic walls and the ancient streets of Derry make it an ideal setting for a spooky celebration.

• Highlights: Halloween parades, haunted city tours, fireworks display.
• Why visit during Halloween?: To experience one of the biggest Halloween festivals in Europe, full of lively celebrations and eerie adventures in a city with a rich history.

Famed for its voodoo culture and haunted history, New Orleans is a city made for Halloween. The French Quarter, with its narrow streets and old-world architecture, creates the perfect backdrop for ghost tours and Halloween parties. Throughout October, the city comes alive with festivals, parades, and haunted events. You can also explore the city's voodoo roots or take guided ghost tours to learn about the spirits, vampires, and voodoo legends that haunt the city.

• Highlights: St. Louis Cemetery, voodoo tours, haunted French Quarter walks.
• Why visit during Halloween?: To experience a unique blend of voodoo mysticism and lively Halloween festivities in a city known for its haunted history.

London’s dark and complex history makes it an ideal destination for Halloween. From Jack the Ripper tours to the sinister stories of Victorian London, the city offers countless spooky activities. The London Dungeon, a popular tourist attraction, highlights the grimmer aspects of London’s history with special Halloween events. Visitors can also explore eerie spots like the Highgate Cemetery, one of the most haunted places in the city, or take ghost tours around the Tower of London.

• Highlights: The London Dungeon, Jack the Ripper tours, Highgate Cemetery.
• Why visit during Halloween?: To dive into the sinister and macabre history of one of the world’s most iconic cities, where chilling legends and haunted locations abound.

Though not traditionally associated with Halloween, Paris offers several spooky activities for those seeking a different side of the city. The Catacombs of Paris, an extensive underground tunnel network housing the remains of over six million people, is perfect for a macabre Halloween adventure. Disneyland Paris also hosts annual Halloween festivities with parades, themed decorations, and character meet-and-greets, offering a family-friendly way to celebrate the holiday.

• Highlights: Paris Catacombs, Disneyland Paris Halloween, haunted city tours.
• Why visit during Halloween?: To explore the darker, more mysterious side of Paris, whether venturing underground or enjoying Disney’s magical Halloween celebration.

Venice, with its misty canals and gothic architecture, exudes a supernatural vibe, especially at night. The city is steeped in haunted legends and mysterious tales, with several abandoned palazzos rumored to be inhabited by ghosts. In October, special tours explore Venice’s darker history and macabre stories. The atmosphere is elegant yet eerie, providing a perfect backdrop for a sophisticated Halloween experience.

• Highlights: Haunted palazzo tours, Poveglia Island (believed to be one of the world’s most haunted islands).
• Why visit during Halloween?: For a hauntingly beautiful experience in one of the most mysterious and romantic cities, where the fog and shadows create an unforgettable Halloween atmosphere.