13 Unmissable Halloween Destinations in Europe

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The best time of the year is approaching, and fast… If you love traveling, you still have time to think of where to go for Spooky Season.

And before you say ‘But it’s only the beginning of September’…

That means you still have time to read through all of the best Halloween destinations in Europe and perhaps book a trip to one!

13 Unmissable Halloween Destinations in Europe

Halloween is becoming increasingly popular around Europe, and many cities across the continent offer fantastic themed celebrations and spooky attractions.

I’m personally more of a Halloween rustic and cute/Autumnal kind of gal instead of the creepy costumes and masks/hard-party type.

It’s something that I’ve personally never enjoyed, and mind you, I was born on Halloween. I simply prefer the cute, homey and non-nightlife version of it.

Decorating, cooking and celebrating my birthday without jump scares is more my jam.

However, for those who have been waiting the entire year, rest assured that most of these places are legendary for their parades/parties, and even ghost tours.

So come one, come all and welcome to our guide to the best Halloween destinations in Europe!

PS. In this guide, I’ve included a few of the most beautiful cities in the UK as well – Dublin, London and Edinburgh are some cities still considered part of Europe geographically.

As such, and since they are also some of the best places to visit in Europe during Halloween, you don’t want to miss out on these!

Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: Dublin, Ireland

Allow us to start with the top – the King – the capital of Halloween in the entire world.

The country has very strong historical ties to this holiday. The Bram Stoker Festival celebrates the creator of Dracula with a variety of events and activities you won’t want to miss out on!

Much like Edinburgh, Dublin also carries that Halloween charm making the place get a complete makeover when the time comes around.

After all, this is the place where every Samhain there was the custom to carve turnips (our nowadays equivalent to Halloween) which brings us back to the classic custom of carving Jack O’ Lanterns.

There are events that make Dublin a very cool, exuberant way to celebrate Halloween.

It usually features events such as huge parades, carnivals, traditions, and many others.

Read: The Cutest Pink Places in London

Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: Edinburgh, Scotland

Much like Dublin, and Ireland in general, Scotland also shares a grand connection with Samhain and the olden Gaelic customs and traditions.

There are already lots of instagrammable places in Edinburgh that you can visit all year round, but during Spooky Season is when the city comes alive. The cobblestone streets, gothic architecture, and eerie tales make Edinburgh a perfect backdrop for capturing spooky yet stunning photos. Whether exploring the haunted corners of the Old Town or visiting candlelit cafes, it’s the ideal time to embrace the city’s unique charm. For those who find inspiration in beautiful dining spaces, comparing Edinburgh’s atmospheric spots to the most instagrammable restaurants in NYC adds a creative layer to your travel photography goals.

In Edinburgh, you will find several Halloween events like, ghost tours to the haunted underground vaults, and the Samhuinn Fire Festival, among many more.

Some of the rich history Scotland shares transpires to these events.

There are many pubs, clubs, and venues that host Halloween-themed parties. It usually features costume contests, live music, and themed decorations.

There is a strong vibrant nightlife that offers entertainment for all of those looking to celebrate.

One of the popular attractions is the Edinburgh Dungeon, which provides a spooky and entertaining experience year-round, but it gets extra creepy during Halloween.

You will find some Halloween Markets in Edinburgh, like the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market where they may have special Halloween-themed editions where you can find seasonal treats, decor and unique gifts.

From Spooky film screenings, pumpkin patches, costume shopping, Halloween walks, parades and decorations, you will find many entertaining things to do for all ages around the city.

Just beware of the witchy hour!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Edinburgh

Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: London, England

London is one of the best digital nomad cities in Europe, and whether you’re looking for pink cafes or things to do in London during Halloween, you’ll definitely find lots to do there.

London offers numerous Halloween-themed events, from haunted houses and costume parties to special tours of historic sites like the Tower of London.

The English capital is home to several haunted attractions and haunted houses that pop up during Halloween.

That means places like London Dungeon and the London Bridge experience offer special Halloween-themed shows and tours with a spooky twist.

There are Halloween parties at various clubs, bars and venues all around the city. Some often feature costume contests, themed decorations and live music or DJs.

Some of the most popular areas include Soho, Camden and Shoreditch.

Explore London’s eerie history by attending some of the best-guided ghost tours out there – there, you will be able to visit haunted sites, dark history and chilling tales.

Much like Edinburgh from film screenings, pumpkin carving, Halloween markets, themed afternoon teas, costume shops and Halloween decorations/fireworks, you will have tons of things to do and places to go for all ages.

Lastly, there are quite a few family-friendly events if you’re celebrating with children.

Including Halloween-themed events in attractions and parks, with activities like pumpkin patches, parades and kid-friendly spooky storytelling.

Read: The Digital Nomad’s Packing Guide

Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s Gothic architecture and medieval history make it a perfect Halloween destination.

Here you will be able to attend ghost tours, explore the famous Bone Church, and attend many other parties.

There are many bars, clubs and venues in Prague that host Halloween parties with costume contests, spooky decor and themed drinks. Most tourists and locals search for these parties to celebrate the holiday.

Some places in Prague offer haunted house experiences or escape rooms with Halloween themes.

You will find many costume shops in Prague where you can purchase or rent your Halloween costume, makeup and accessories to create your own spooky look.

There are restaurants and cafes in Prague that organize Halloween-themed menus or special dishes during the holiday, the same way you will find many costumed pub crawls organized by companies throughout Prague.

Between concerts, decorations, walks and tours, and even themed events, you will find a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy during this holiday.

Read: The Most Colorful Cities in Europe

Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: Transylvania, Romania

Well, this one is legendary and mandatory, right?

Halloween in Transylvania is a unique and iconic experience, there are no two ways to put it.

For starters, this historical region in Romania is often associated with the legend of Count Dracula and the entire history of vampire folklore.

Bran Castle, also known as “Dracula’s Castle”, is one of the most famous attractions in Transylvania.

The castle holds themed parties, guided tours and special events during the Halloween Season.

The city of Sibiu in Transylvania hosts a popular Halloween celebration known as the “Sibiu Horror Festival”.

There you will find horror film screenings, costume contests, haunted house experiences, parades and so much more.

There are guided Halloween tours throughout Transylvania’s historical and haunted sites, where you will hear about the legends surrounding the area’s supernatural lore.

So think of all the goodies and incredible spots you will be able to visit!

Those range from Bran Castle, to the Rasnov Fortress and the medieval town of Sighisoara, which is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the Dracula character.

From Vampire-themed activities to their amazing traditional Romanian dishes during Halloween, your stay will be amazing!

Many, many events, and incredible places for you to visit, including the local festivals – don’t miss out!

Read: The Most Colorful Cities in the World

Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam offers a combo of not just Halloween-themed parties, but also costume contests, spooky canal cruises to add up to the season and so much more!

You will find many Halloween parties like bars, clubs, and venues with events for you to enjoy in Amsterdam.

Most events host a costume contest and feature themed decorations and spooky music.

There are several costume shops in Amsterdam for you to find the best Halloween costume for yourself to buy or rent, too.

Some places offer pumpkin carving workshops and events, which makes it a family-friendly place for both adults and children to enjoy.

There are some haunted house experiences or rooms here and there, but it’s not as common when compared to many other places.

Still, some neighbourhoods and businesses in Amsterdam decorate their storefronts with Halloween-themed decorations, pumpkins and eerie displays.

So, make sure to wander around town with your friends and family looking out for the best decorations this year.

Lastly, you will also find Halloween walks and tours, which allow you to explore Amsterdam’s historic streets with guided ghosts or historical tours associated with this city.

There are many events that offer safe and fun activities like face painting, pumpkin decorating or even games if you’re celebrating Halloween with your wee ones in the city this year.

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Amsterdam

Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: Northern Ireland

Halloween in Northern Ireland is a lively and festive occasion filled with heritage and rich history.

Around Belfast, you will hear the words “Derry Halloween” or “Banks of the Foyle Halloween”, perhaps once or twice!

This is the biggest and most celebrated Halloween festival in Europe.

Whilst Belfast itself has some Halloween events, the nearby city of Derry (Londonderry) hosts some of the most renowned Halloween celebrations in Northern Ireland.

The festival takes several days and includes a wide range of activities such as Halloween parades, street performances, fireworks, haunted houses, music, art, food and drinking options and so much more!

Derry often sets up haunted houses and interactive scare experiences to provide a scarier Halloween adventure for all of those who are brave enough!

You can also find live music, concerts, and DJ sets that take place throughout the festival whilst offering a diverse range of musical genres for all to enjoy.

There are also family-friendly activities and events that feature storytelling, pumpkin carving caters to all ages, and face painting too.

However, if you prefer to explore Belfast this year, learn that you will also find Halloween-themed events and activities like costume parties, haunted tours, movie screenings and so much more!

There are also several shops in both places where you can pick up your perfect Halloween costume for this year.

Take a glimpse of the beautiful and stunning Halloween decorations that residents decorate their homes or storefronts that look all cute and ready to welcome Halloween.

Plus, there are some incredible farms and markets in the outskirts of the city, deep in the countryside with pumpkin patches where you can pick your own to carve it later!

Read: Advantages & Disadvantages of Life in a Hostel

Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: Budapest, Hungary

Budapest hosts various Halloween parties, and the city’s ancient architecture provides an incredible spooky eerie backdrop for the themed events and tours of the season.

There are many bars, clubs and venues in Budapest that host Halloween parties, which like in many places also include costume contests, themed decorations, and music.

You will also find several shops and stores in Budapest where you can find the best outfit for this Halloween.

Some places offer pumpkin carving workshops and events, which makes it a fun destination to visit with friends and family.

Make sure to check out the beautiful Halloween decorations and eerie displays at the storefronts of some businesses and also the local neighbourhood.

Some special events like Halloween-themed theatre, performances, art exhibitions, dance parties and even concerts may take place around this holiday, so keep an eye out for them!

There are walks and tours themed for you to meet the historic streets with guided historical or spooky tours of tales and legends associated with the city.

Read: The Best Shops on Oxford Street London

Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: Limoges, France

Limoges, France is the birthplace of Renoir and home to the renowned Limoges porcelain.

Whilst many might look for the bigger cities, the charming medieval city in the historical Limousin region is one of the best Halloween destinations in Europe, especially one of the top destinations to spend Halloween in France.

It is not one of the country’s customary holidays, however, Limoges has embraced the tradition since 1996 when it hosted its very first Halloween event.

Since that day, at the end of each October, the medieval Limoges brighten up for the incredible street shows, costume parades, fairs, festivals, colourful parties and lots of storytelling.

Make sure to give this beautiful place a try – it attracts lots of visitors every year for the unforgettable spectacle that is Halloween in Limoges, France.

Read: The Prettiest Gardens and Parks in Paris

Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: Venice, Italy

Whilst Venice might be one of those cities you wouldn’t think of including in your top places to visit this Halloween, allow me to change your mind.

This super famous, mysterious, roooooomantic destination in Europe actually caries a very eerie atmosphere around this time of the year.

A disturbing past, with lots of strange alleys, and scary legends about sea monsters will make you eager to hear more about the true Venice.

The city is in general extremely beautiful, and with its unique sophisticated masquerade balls and events of such, you will most likely want to aim for a boujee Halloween experience there!

Read: The Best Day Trips from Rome

Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has been growing more and more in the hearts of Halloween lovers over the years.

There are many bars, clubs and event venues in Barcelona that host Halloween parties with costume contests, themed decorations, music and so much more and it usually attracts many locals and tourists.

Between stores where you can get your costume, themed events, walks, tours, and masks everywhere, you will definitely find something for you to do in the city.

There are some cute places in Barcelona that offer pumpkin carving workshops and events, which makes it a safe and fun activity to do with kids.

On the same spectrum, you also have attractions that offer entertainment for families like games, pumpkin decorating and even face painting.

Some neighborhoods in Barcelona organize their own Halloween events/ parades, so make sure to check with the local community to find out the best celebrations this year.

Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona

Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: Oravsky Hrad, Slovakia

This one, even I would have the urge to check out, but I’m way too scared for it!

If you think Dracula’s Castle is not scary enough for you, we suggest you give Nosferatu’s Castle in Slovakia a try.

If you’re not familiar with the title, allow me to explain briefly.

Nosferatu is a silent film made by Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau. It was made in 1922 and it’s a movie inspired by the legends of the famous immortal “Count Dracula”.

What you possibly don’t know is that there was some judicial decision to suppress all copies of the film.

Though it was protected in the end, and I’m glad it did, because this is a brilliant cinematographic study.

At Oravsky Hrad, you will find what is considered to be one of the top destinations to visit in Europe for Halloween.

Get to know the local legends tales and the castle’s history (and their ghosts and supernatural occurrences) by visiting the Orava Castle Night Tour.

The place often hosts special nighttime tours during Halloween, adding lots to the spooky and eerie atmosphere.

Make sure to check the castle events and with the local community for Halloween-themed activities.

There are usually parties or events in nearby towns and villages where people do actually dress up, and you can be a part of the celebration.

However, if you’re looking to get a taste of the region, waltz into local restaurants and old taverns for some traditional Slovak dishes like bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep’s cheese) and some wonderful treats like their famous strudel.

Both the castle and its surroundings provide the opportunity for dark academia photography, and a more moody vibe especially around the foliage season, so make sure to bring your camera!

Read: The Most Unusual Places to Visit in London

Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: Copenhagen, Denmark

Last but not least, we have Copenhagen, which concludes this guide to the best Halloween destinations in Europe.

First and foremost, the Tivoli Gardens are famous for their elaborated Halloween spectacle, which obviously includes decorations and special events.

It’s extremely family-friendly, if you ask me – perfect the most family-friendly European city for Halloween.

There are still many bars, clubs and venues in Copenhagen for grownups to enjoy if you want to travel solo or with your friends, and these parties attract a diverse, lively crowd.

You will find many costume shops around the area and some businesses even decorate their storefronts for Halloween – these make for amazing photo spots, to be honest.

Keep an eye out for Halloween-themed events: live music, performances, parades, theatre, horror movie screenings…

There are some places in Copenhagen that even offer pumpkin carving workshops and events!

Copenhagen is absolutely picturesque in itself and offers beautiful architecture, so whether you’re coming on your own or with friends, make sure to bring your camera!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London