Halloween is the perfect season to explore destinations steeped in eerie history and haunted tales. If you’re craving a travel adventure with a spooky twist, these Halloween hotspots will satisfy your supernatural wanderlust. From ghostly castles to towns infamous for witch trials, here are the best Halloween travel destinations, along with top activities and where to stay for the ultimate haunted experience.
Key Takeaways
- Wherever you go this Halloween, these destinations will immerse you in history, mystery, and just the right amount of fear
- Whether it’s ghostly castles in Scotland, witch hunts in Salem, or a vampire’s lair in Romania, you’re in for a thrilling adventure
Salem, Massachusetts, USA
Known for its infamous witch trials, Salem comes alive during Halloween, transforming into a mecca for all things spooky.
Top Activities
Start your visit at the Salem Witch Museum for a deep dive into the town’s chilling past. Take a haunted walking tour of sites connected to the 1692 witch trials, including the Witch House, home of trial judge Jonathan Corwin. Don’t miss the lively Halloween parade, where costumes range from classic ghouls to elaborate witchy getups.
Where to Stay
- Hawthorne Hotel: A haunted stay awaits in this historic hotel, where guests report eerie occurrences like moving furniture and ghostly apparitions.
- The Merchant: Once the home of a wealthy sea captain, this boutique inn boasts modern charm with stories of supernatural visitors.
Edinburgh, Scotland
With its atmospheric cobblestone streets, ancient castles, and underground secrets, Edinburgh is one of the most haunted cities in the world.
Top Activities
Brave a ghost tour through the Edinburgh Vaults, a series of underground chambers that have witnessed unspeakable horrors. Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to the infamous “Mackenzie Poltergeist” and other paranormal legends. For a theatrical fright, check out the Edinburgh Dungeon for a spine-tingling interactive show about Scotland’s grim history.
Where to Stay
- The Witchery by the Castle: With its dramatic Gothic suites, this luxury hotel, located near Edinburgh Castle, immerses you in a darkly romantic atmosphere.
- Dalhousie Castle: Stay in this medieval fortress, rumored to be haunted by the spirit of Lady Catherine, the “Grey Lady,” who wanders the halls.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
New Orleans is a city rich in paranormal activity, blending voodoo culture, haunted mansions, and centuries-old cemeteries to create a truly spooky Halloween destination.
Top Activities
Join a voodoo tour and learn about the city’s ties to the mystical, visiting the grave of the famed voodoo queen Marie Laveau at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Explore the haunted halls of the LaLaurie Mansion, where horrifying acts were committed in the 1800s. For a lively celebration, head to the Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade in the French Quarter.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Monteleone: Known for its haunted 14th floor, this historic French Quarter hotel is perfect for paranormal enthusiasts.
- Bourbon Orleans Hotel: Once a convent, this hotel is notorious for its ghost sightings, including Civil War soldiers and children.
Sleepy Hollow, New York, USA
Famed for Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” this small town embraces its haunted heritage with Halloween festivities that bring the legend to life.
Top Activities
Visit Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Washington Irving is buried, and keep an eye out for the Headless Horseman. Attend the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, featuring thousands of hand-carved pumpkins lighting up the night. Experience an immersive performance of Irving’s Legend in the Old Dutch Church.
Where to Stay
- Tarrytown House Estate: A charming and elegant estate just minutes from Sleepy Hollow, offering peaceful accommodations after a day of ghostly adventures.
- Castle Hotel & Spa: A luxurious stay in a real-life castle perched on the Hudson River, perfect for a regal yet eerie escape.
Transylvania, Romania
What better place to celebrate Halloween than in the homeland of Count Dracula? Transylvania is known for its Gothic castles and vampire lore, making it an ideal Halloween getaway.
Top Activities
Visit Bran Castle, the legendary home of Vlad the Impaler, thought to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Take a guided vampire tour of the town of Sighisoara, Vlad’s birthplace, and explore the eerie corridors of Corvin Castle, another of Vlad’s haunts. For a truly memorable experience, attend a Halloween party at Bran Castle, where spooky thrills and traditional Romanian music blend for an unforgettable night.
Where to Stay
- Casa Wagner: A charming boutique hotel in the heart of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, blending history and comfort.
- Count Dracula Club Hotel: For a themed stay, check into this hotel in Bucharest, offering spooky decor and a Dracula-themed restaurant.
London, England
With its rich, dark history, London offers plenty of haunted tours, eerie museums, and ghostly tales perfect for a Halloween trip.
Top Activities
Embark on a Jack the Ripper walking tour, exploring the infamous sites of his gruesome crimes. Visit the Tower of London, where prisoners were tortured, and many spirits still linger. For a more theatrical experience, head to The London Dungeon for live performances and immersive sets recounting London’s darkest moments.
Where to Stay
- The Langham Hotel: London’s most haunted hotel, known for ghost sightings, including that of a German prince and Napoleon III.
- The Rookery: A boutique hotel in Clerkenwell, full of dark nooks and crannies that add to its spooky Victorian charm.
Final Word
Wherever you go this Halloween, these destinations will immerse you in history, mystery, and just the right amount of fear. Whether it’s ghostly castles in Scotland, witch hunts in Salem, or a vampire’s lair in Romania, you’re in for a thrilling adventure. Get ready to be spooked!
