Looking for the best places to go at Halloween? Pack your bags (and maybe a costume or two) because Halloween isn’t just an American holiday anymore—it’s a global phenomenon. Whether you’re searching for cool places to go on Halloween or planning a spooky vacation, we’ve rounded up the best Halloween travel destinations across the globe that bring out the supernatural in ways you never imagined.
1. Salem, Massachusetts
When it comes to the best places to visit during Halloween, Salem tops the list. There’s something wickedly perfect about spending Halloween in this historic town. The infamous witch trials of 1692 left an indelible mark, making it one of the most popular places to visit for Halloween in the United States. Throughout October, the city transforms into a supernatural spectacular, making it one of the best cities for Halloween celebrations in America. Don’t miss the Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball—it’s worth every penny.
2. Transylvania, Romania
Among the most thrilling Halloween places to go, Transylvania offers an authentically spine-chilling experience. Want to spend Halloween night in Dracula’s castle? (Yes, it’s a real place!) As one of the best places to go for Halloween in Europe, Transylvania’s Bran Castle opens its creaky doors for special Halloween celebrations that would make Count Dracula himself proud. The medieval architecture and misty mountains create such a perfectly Gothic atmosphere that you’ll swear you hear wolves howling in the distance.
3. Dublin, Ireland
When searching for the best places to go at Halloween, don’t overlook Dublin. Did you know Halloween originated in Ireland? As one of the top places to go to on Halloween, Dublin pulls out all the stops to celebrate its spooky heritage. The Bram Stoker Festival makes this one of the best Halloween travel destinations for literature and horror fans since it’s the birthplace of the author of “Dracula”. Be sure to catch the fire performances in Temple Bar for a magical way to cap off the night.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
Among the spookiest places to visit for Halloween, Edinburgh stands out. This historically haunted city doesn’t need Halloween as an excuse to be spooky—it’s got that covered 365 days a year. Come October, this best city for Halloween celebrations cranks up the creepy factor with the stunning Samhuinn Fire Festival on Calton Hill. The underground vault tours are particularly spine-tingling this time of year. If you want to increase the spook factor, book the late-night tours for extra scares.
5. Anoka, Minnesota
Looking for the best place to go for Halloween in the Midwest? This charming Minnesota town is officially the “Halloween Capital of the World,” and it has the federal trademark to prove it. When considering cool places to go on Halloween, Anoka should top your list for its authentic American Halloween experience. Their Grand Day Parade is the stuff of legends, featuring over 150 floats and drawing thousands of visitors. If you’re looking for wholesome Halloween fun with a dash of Midwest charm, Anoka’s your place.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
Among the most atmospheric places to go to on Halloween, the Big Easy takes Halloween seriously. In a city where the line between the living and the dead seems permanently blurred, Halloween feels like coming home. The Krewe of Boo parade is spectacular, but it’s the authentic voodoo culture and historic cemetery tours that really set New Orleans apart. Anne Rice fans, the Vampire Ball is calling your name.
7. London, England
When exploring the best places to visit during Halloween, London’s dark history comes alive. Jack the Ripper walking tours take on an extra eerie quality in October’s fog, while the Tower of London’s ghost tours will have you jumping at shadows. The London Dungeon goes all out with special Halloween shows that are horrifying and hilarious. To top it off, take a midnight stroll through Highgate Cemetery, one of London’s most famous burial grounds.
8. Hong Kong
Photo from Hong Kong Tourism Board website
For unique Halloween places to go, Hong Kong proves that Halloween knows no cultural bounds. The city embraces the holiday with a unique fusion of Eastern and Western traditions this Hong Kong Halloween 2024. Ocean Park’s Halloween Fest is legendary in Asia, while the Lan Kwai Fong street party gives Times Square a run for its money. Look out for the Ghostly Tram around town and the hidden ghosts at the Central and Causeway Bay MTR stations.
9. Manila, Philippines
Among the most fascinating places to visit for Halloween, Manila blends modern Halloween fun with traditional Undás celebrations. The city hosts numerous costume parties, haunted attractions, and Halloween events in malls, theme parks, and hotels. With the Philippines’ love for festivals, Halloween in Manila is no different—locals fully embrace the holiday with an enthusiasm that rivals any major city. Night walking tours in Intramuros? Check. Traditional Filipino ghost stories that’ll keep you up at night? Double check.
10. Derry, Northern Ireland
When seeking the best places to go at Halloween, Derry doesn’t mess around. Home to Europe’s largest Halloween carnival, this walled city explodes with parades, ghost tours, and enough fireworks to light up the River Foyle. The haunted harvest market is a must-visit—if you dare. For those looking for even more thrills, the Awakening the Walls event offers an immersive experience with illuminated installations, live performances, and spooky storytelling along Derry’s historic city walls.
11. Prague, Czech Republic
As one of the most atmospheric Halloween places to go, Prague seems purpose-built for Halloween. Those Gothic spires and medieval streets are the perfect backdrop for the Prague Halloween Carnival. The city’s underground tunnel tours take on an extra spooky dimension in October. Plus, those medieval dinner shows are deliciously creepy. Don’t miss the Ghosts and Legends walking tour in Prague, where you’ll uncover the city’s darkest legends and haunted secrets under the cover of night.
12. Sleepy Hollow, New York
Among the most legendary places to visit for Halloween, Sleepy Hollow delivers on its promise. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is worth the trip alone—imagine thousands of hand-carved pumpkins lighting up the Hudson Valley night. The Horseman’s Hollow experience? Let’s just say you might want to watch your head. For an extra dose of spooky history, visit Washington Irving’s Sunnyside estate, where the author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow lived.
13. Mexico City & Xochimilco
Photo by Edurado Mogollán from Imágenes de Eduardo ML
When exploring the best places to go for Halloween, don’t miss Mexico City’s unique celebrations. While not technically Halloween, the Día de los Muertos festivities make this one of the most captivating Halloween travel destinations. The grand parade is spectacular, but it’s the haunted canals of Xochimilco and the infamous Island of the Dolls that’ll really get your heart racing. Those nighttime trajinera rides are unforgettable.
14. Tokyo, Japan
For a modern twist on places to go on Halloween, Tokyo makes the holiday uniquely Japanese. The Shibuya Halloween Street Party was once one of the world’s largest Halloween celebrations, but authorities have now restricted it. Fret not because there are still activities that make this an attraction Halloween travel destination. Dress up for Immersive Fort Tokyo’s first-ever Halloween event and encounter zombies on the park’s main street, while Tokyo Disneyland’s Halloween celebration adds that special Japanese kawaii touch to all things spooky.
15. St. Helens, Oregon
Photo from City of St. Helens website
Rounding out our list of best places to visit for Halloween, St. Helens offers movie magic come to life. Remember Disney’s “Halloweentown”? This is where it was filmed, and St. Helens leans into its spooky Hollywood heritage hard. The month-long Spirit of Halloweentown festival transforms the historic riverfront district into a real-life Halloween town, with original movie props and enough Instagram-worthy spots to fill your feed for months.
Takeaway
Most of these Halloween travel destinations celebrate throughout October, with peak activities from October 28th through November 2nd. For the best places to visit during Halloween, book well in advance, as these spots fill up faster than a vampire’s coffin at sunrise.
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