Recently updated on July 18th, 2023 at 02:52 pm
Although Halloween was once considered an American tradition, in recent years Europe has caught on and October 31st has become just as big a cause for celebration in European cities. In 2021, there are plenty of ways to get into the spirit of the holiday across Europe. For morbid historians, seekers of a spooky thrill, or those who simply wish to bask in the cosy colours of Fall, we’ve curated a list of the best European cities to celebrate Halloween in.
Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania is the quintessential destination for Halloween in Europe. Surrounded by dark forests, it is said roaming spirits rise from their graves in search of their victims (though fear not, they can be warded off with cloves of garlic).
The picturesque medieval citadel is the birthplace of history’s real-life Dracula, the tyrannical Vlad the Impaler. Hotels in the area hold a unique charm; many are centuries old and feature antique furniture and period décor. The iconic Bran Castle towers over the city, dating back to the 14th century. It once held Vlad the Impaler captive, though it would later become the notorious inspiration for Bram Stoker’s 1893 novel, Dracula. The castle hosts an annual Halloween party for 1000 guests, with traditional gourmet food, music, a costume competition and optional tours of the winding tunnels.
Experience medieval villages frozen in time and discover the beauty, history and traditions of the Balkan nations with Trafalgar on the Balkan Adventure tour
Paris, France
The world-famous ‘City of Lights’ is not afraid to embrace its dark side, and curious travellers will find there are many reasons Paris is considered one of the best European cities to celebrate Halloween in.
The Grevin Wax Museum transforms its halls to host nightly events amongst the eerie wax figures, while The Manoir de Paris is a hive of activity during the scary season with escape rooms, wild special effects and creepy costumed characters. For those craving something a little less spine-chilling, indulge your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Museum and take part in their Halloween workshops to make your own terrifying treats. For fans of historical horror, descend into the Parisian catacombs, where an estimated 7 million skeletons are entombed in the winding tunnels.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
For a warm and vibrant atmosphere and a cackling good time, Amsterdam is the place to spend Halloween in Europe.
The Amsterdam Ghost Walk will take you through the city’s dark history, led by an experienced guide. For all types of brews to suit the season, stop by the Jacob Hooy apothecary. Established in 1743, the shop retains much of its original décor and curates a selection of herbs, oils, teas and treats. Take a stroll at dusk along the Prinsengracht canal, under the warm glow of windows decorating the tall houses. After dark, the medieval Pathe Tuschinski Theatre plays a Halloween movie marathon of classic horror films, showing until well after midnight.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s centuries-old architecture is the perfect chilling backdrop for All Hallows Eve. Straight out of a Gothic fairytale, Daliborka Tower dates back to the late 1400s. The tower was used as a prison until 1781 and named for its first inmate, Dalibor of Kozojedy. Perhaps you will hear the echoes of his violin, which he played in the tower up until his execution. Macabre historians will be drawn to the Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments, with more than 80 unique torture devices. Of course, Prague isn’t entirely morbid – the city also hosts flamboyant costumed parades, Halloween parties, and themed markets.
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London, England
London is one of the best European cities to celebrate Halloween in for gore-loving historians and petrifying pub-goers.
Discover dark secrets from the city’s gruesome past on Ghost Bus tours, or re-tread the footsteps of the infamous Whitechapel serial killer Jack the Ripper. A journey through London’s bloody history wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Tower of London, where some say the ghosts of executed nobles still roam. Take a break and have a pint in a haunted London pub, like The Spaniard’s Inn or the Grenadier. Once you’ve had your fill of horror and mystery, get into the fall spirit with a stroll through Covent Garden’s annual pumpkin display.
Copenhagen, Denmark
For seasonal displays and merriment abound, head to Copenhagen for a spirited and leisurely holiday.
Tivoli Park is the centrepiece of the city’s Halloween celebrations; for three weeks in the lead up to the holiday, the park is filled with decorations, themed market stalls, and activities like pumpkin carving. Tivoli Gardens also feature a light show on the lake, stage performances, and fiendish costumed characters roaming around. It’s estimated the park displays up to 20,000 pumpkins each year! Pubs and bars in the area also embrace the festivities, with costume competitions and themed cocktails abound.
Derry, Ireland
The origins of Halloween trace back to Ireland and the Celtic festival of Samhain, and the pagan traditions remain very much a part of the celebrations. Derry hosts one of the largest Halloween festivals in the world – it lasts the whole of October and concludes with a massive carnival and fireworks display. The city hosts harvest markets throughout the month and locals decorate the streets with pumpkin Jack o’ Lanterns (which originated from turnip carvings thought to ward off spirits). With zombie nights, witchery workshops, and endless dance parties leading up to the main event, tens of thousands of people travel from all over the world to experience Halloween in Derry. This year’s festival will span two smaller townships outside the city as part of their biggest celebration ever, assuring that Derry will be one of the best European cities to celebrate Halloween in.
Darmstadt, Germany
When deciding where to travel for Halloween in Europe, consider Darmstadt for its spooky structures and thrilling tales. Looming over the city of Darmstadt is one of Europe’s most infamous ghoulish attractions: Frankenstein Castle. Visitors may be surprised to learn that the castle is not named for inspiring Mary Shelley’s famous horror novel of the same name, but rather it was built and occupied by the Frankensteins from the mid-1200s. The castle is shrouded in mystery, with legends of magnetic disturbances, a dragon in the garden, and a fountain of youth that would rejuvenate older women to the age of their wedding nights. Today, the castle is a modest tourist attraction with much of the original structure intact; a yearly Halloween festival invites visitors day and night to roam the grounds, attend small stage shows, partake in meals and interact with the creepy costumed residents.
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Corinaldo, Italy
One of the official ‘Most Beautiful Villages of Italy’, Corinaldo embraces its dark side each year as it is considered the national capital of Halloween. Every year since 1988, the historic centre of the town is transformed for the last week of October when it hosts the Witches Festival. Pass lively street performers and decorated taverns, witness acrobatic displays and fire shows, and visit seasonal attractions like the tunnel of fear. In the evenings it becomes a festival of Italian food, beer, loud music and dancing. During the festival, visitors participate in the election of ‘Miss Strega’ (Miss Witch), who is chosen on the second to last day of the festival. The sight of the medieval town lit by candles and lanterns is truly magical – if you’re wondering where to travel for Halloween, consider Corinaldo!
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the best European cities to celebrate Halloween in to experience a little of the old and the new while enjoying the festivities. Take in the city’s history with a tour of Barcelona’s most famous cemeteries, such as the Montjuic cemetery and Poblenou. For visitors looking to embrace local tradition, Halloween coincides with the beginning of the Castanyada celebration, where Catalans will indulge in warm roasted chestnuts, small marzipan cakes, and a sweet wine known as Moscatel. For a unique themed experience that will take you through the heart of the city, one of the best Halloween activities in Barcelona is the Ghost Hunt, a spooky scavenger hunt ending with a Thriller-style Halloween party.
Follow your bliss and find your pleasure in the vibrant and festive Mediterranean when you travel with Trafalgar on the Mediterranean Highlights tour
Edinburgh, Scotland
This historic city is alive with paranormal activity at Halloween. Experienced guides offer intimate ghost tours through centuries-old attractions, including ancient castles, medieval gallows and haunted vaults. Connect with local personalities at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, where you can discover real stories about witchcraft and the origins of Halloween. Like Ireland, Scotland maintains their connection with the Celtic customs of Samhain. The spectacular Samhuinn Fire Festival, which takes place at the top of Calton Hill, features dancers, acrobats and drum circles as the city gives over to its pagan roots.
Did we leave any hair-raising destinations off our list? Let us know down in the comments! To ensure your travel plans don’t turn into a nightmare, make sure to visit our website to plan your new Halloween traditions with Trafalgar.