If you’re like us, you believe Halloween deserves more than a single night of candy and costumes — it deserves a full-blown adventure. From haunted towns and spooky festivals to pumpkin-strewn streets and centuries-old traditions, these destinations take Halloween to the next level.
Whether you’re after ghost tours, gothic castles, or all-out parties, here are 10 of the best places to travel for Halloween this year (or start planning for next!).
1. Salem, Massachusetts, USA
Let’s start with the obvious — Salem is the Halloween capital of the world! Known for the infamous witch trials of 1692, this coastal town transforms every October into a spellbinding celebration.
What To Do: Take a haunted walking tour, visit the Witch Museum, or check out the month-long Haunted Happenings Festival, which fills the streets with parades, psychic fairs, and ghostly entertainment.
Traveler Tip: Salem gets busy in October, so book hotels early or stay nearby in Marblehead or Boston and take the commuter train in for the day.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
No one does spooky quite like New Orleans — a city where every day already feels a little haunted. Between its voodoo history, ornate cemeteries, and nonstop energy, Halloween here is next-level.
What To Do: Join the Krewe of Boo Parade, sip cocktails in the French Quarter’s haunted bars, and explore the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (home to Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau).
Bonus: Costumes are basically required — it’s New Orleans, after all!
3. Transylvania, Romania
For the ultimate vampire vibes, it’s hard to beat Transylvania. This rugged region in Romania is home to Bran Castle, famously associated with Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
What To Do: Tour Bran Castle by candlelight, stay in a medieval village, and join one of the Halloween parties held in the castle’s shadow — yes, that’s a thing!
Traveler Tip: Base yourself in Brașov or Sibiu for easy access to the castles, cobblestone charm, and plenty of local wine.
4. Mexico (for Día de los Muertos)
While not “Halloween” in the traditional sense, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of the most beautiful celebrations of life (and death) you’ll ever witness.
What To Do: Head to Mexico City, Oaxaca, or Pátzcuaro, where the streets are filled with marigolds, candlelit vigils, and intricate altars honoring loved ones.
Don’t Miss: The Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade, inspired by the opening scene of Spectre — it’s colorful, cultural, and unforgettable.
5. Sleepy Hollow, New York, USA
If the Headless Horseman had a favorite hangout, this would be it. Sleepy Hollow oozes small-town autumn magic — and ghostly lore.
What To Do: Visit the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, wander through the historic cemetery by lantern light, and check out the Old Dutch Church made famous by Washington Irving’s legend.
Fall Bonus: It’s prime apple cider and pumpkin donut season in the Hudson Valley!
6. Edinburgh, Scotland
Few cities do eerie quite as effortlessly as Edinburgh. Between its misty cobblestone streets, underground vaults, and gothic architecture, the city is practically a movie set for Halloween.
What To Do: Take a ghost tour through Greyfriars Kirkyard, explore Mary King’s Close, and join the Samhuinn Fire Festival, a Celtic celebration marking the transition from summer to winter.
Traveler Tip: Stay in the Old Town for easy access to all the hauntingly good fun.
7. London, England
From Jack the Ripper to haunted towers, London has centuries of spooky stories to tell. Halloween here is a mix of historical chills and modern thrills.
What To Do: Tour the Tower of London after dark, visit Highgate Cemetery, or try the London Dungeon for a theatrical scare.
Don’t Miss: End your evening with a moody martini at The Ten Bells — one of Jack the Ripper’s rumored haunts.
8. Dublin, Ireland
Ireland is where Halloween actually began — the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain started here thousands of years ago. Today, Dublin brings that heritage to life with a mix of folklore and fun.
What To Do: Join the Bram Stoker Festival, watch spooky outdoor performances, and check out Ireland’s oldest haunted castle in nearby Malahide.
Don’t Miss: The street performers and light shows along the River Liffey — it’s hauntingly beautiful.
9. Tokyo, Japan
If you want a different kind of Halloween (one that’s more electric than eerie) Tokyo is it. The city has embraced Halloween as an all-out costume extravaganza.
What To Do: Head to Shibuya Crossing, where thousands of people gather in costume, or visit Tokyo Disneyland for seasonal parades and themed treats.
Traveler Tip: Expect more cosplay and creativity than scares – it’s the perfect destination for travelers who love a good spectacle!
10. Savannah, Georgia, USA
Last but not least – Savannah. This Southern charmer is often called America’s most haunted city, but it’s also stunningly beautiful in the fall.
What To Do: Take a haunted trolley tour, visit Bonaventure Cemetery, and enjoy a cocktail in one of the city’s many haunted mansions (yes, really).
Stay: The Marshall House or The Gastonian for history, ambiance, and maybe a ghostly guest or two.
Ready to book your next spooky escape?
Whether you’re after gothic castles, haunted cities, or vibrant celebrations of life, there’s a Halloween destination out there calling your name.
We’re already dreaming up next year’s haunted getaway – and you can bet we’ll be doing it in style (and probably with a themed cocktail in hand) 👻
Where would you go for Halloween?!
