The Halloween Travel Destinations in Europe for 2023
As the crisp autumn breeze sweeps through Europe’s streets, the entire continent transforms into a hauntingly mesmerizing destination for those in pursuit of Halloween thrills.
For those looking for a spine-tingling experience, we brought together a list of the top European travel destinations to mark on your calendar for October 31.
Below, you can find seven handpicked European destinations to immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit.
Transylvania, Romania
Starting the list with Transylvania, Romania, because no Halloween compilation would be complete without a visit to the birthplace of Count Dracula. This place is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves spooky stories and is fascinated with vampires, especially the infamous vampire.
One of the top spots to visit in Transylvania is Bran Castle, famously known as “Dracula’s Castle,” where you can explore the eerie hallways, foggy surroundings, and Gothic architecture that make it just the place for a Halloween adventure.
When the sun goes down, Bran Castle transforms into the ultimate Halloween party location. They serve up delicious food and drinks, and the dance floor keeps you moving until the early hours of the morning.
This year, the Halloween party at Dracula’s Castle is taking place on October 28, and you can buy tickets online or at the venue. And it’s not just about the party atmosphere – they have got spooky decorations, creepy music, movie props, and a dance floor that will give you the chills.
If partying is not your thing, you can still soak up the Dracula vibe by dining at his childhood home, which has been turned into a Dracula-themed restaurant. The walls adorned with portraits of the famous vampire make for a unique and slightly eerie dining experience.
Whether for partying or a more laid-back experience, Transylvania has something in store for all this Halloween.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, the birthplace of Halloween, is where the spooky season truly comes alive. Picture this: over 2,000 years ago, the roots of Halloween were planted during a pagan celebration called Samhain. It was a time when the boundary between our world and the spirit realm grew thin, giving birth to traditions like pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, and dazzling fireworks.
From October 27 to 30, Dublin invites you to dive headfirst into the Bram Stoker Festival, a celebration that is as captivating as the creator of Dracula himself. This festival combines a captivating mix of theatrical performances, spine-tingling DJ sets, live music, literary workshops, free parades, and more.
On October 31, as part of the Bram Stoker Festival, the Macnas Sleep No More Samhain Parade takes to the streets, adding an extra layer of mystique to Dublin’s Halloween celebrations.
For those craving heart-pounding scares, Dublin’s Nightmare Realm calls your name. With five bone-chilling mazes that promise to leave you trembling, it’s an experience like no other. It proudly won the title of ‘Best Scream Park in Europe’ in 2022. Every year, the Nightmare Realm introduces fresh, hair-raising ideas to keep each on the edge of the seat.
London, England
The British capital carries the weight of a haunting past and earned its reputation as one of the world’s most haunted destinations, and when October 31 rolls around, this city knows how to thrill its visitors.
Stepping into the underground lair of Jigsaw, you will test your wits as you decipher cryptic puzzles to rescue one of the iconic monster’s captives. Along the way, each can encounter pig-headed creatures and brain-teasing challenges that will leave you feeling puzzled.
If you’re looking for an enchanting Halloween experience, head to The Thin White Duke’s Halloween party at a Soho cocktail bar. Inspired by the legendary Grimm’s fairy tales, this event transports you into a world of enchantment. Burlesque performer Miss Betsy Rose will captivate the audience on Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28, with a mesmerizing show.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The city of bikes and cafes may not have a long Halloween tradition, but it’s a popular October destination. You might have outgrown trick-or-treating in Denmark, but there are still plenty of Halloween events to enjoy. Denmark offers various Halloween activities, from traditional apple bobbing games to lively costume parties. Many restaurants also get into the spirit, adding Halloween-themed items to their menus.
Tivoli Gardens is the star attraction, transformed into a bewitching Halloween wonderland every year. Imagine 20,000 pumpkins turned into jack-o’-lanterns and an open-air market.
The Monster’s Night Out offers a lineup of frightful fun, and the evenings are filled with great music and activities. While there are other fantastic European Halloween destinations, Copenhagen, with Tivoli Gardens, guarantees an unforgettable Halloween experience. So go ahead, treat yourself to a spooktacular time!
Londonderry, Northern Ireland
In the world of Halloween destinations, Londonderry holds a special place. It earned the prestigious title of the world’s best Halloween destination in 2015 from USA Today and continues to draw travellers from around the globe year after year.
As Derry Halloween 2023 unfolds for its 35 edition, the festivities begin on Saturday, October 28, and continue through the night of Tuesday, October 31. During this time, the city itself transforms into a stage where past and present gracefully mesh together.
Yet, the real magic happens during the grand fireworks finale, when the night sky becomes a mesmerising canvas illuminated by celestial flames. As you wander through the city streets, you will discover captivating parades that immerse you in a world of dazzling art, rich history, and ancient folklore.
At the heart of this celebration beats a strong sense of community embodied by the Halloween parade, where hundreds of local performers representing schools, clubs, and groups from across the city and district come together to weave a tapestry of unity and tradition.
The Carnival Parade reaches its highest on Tuesday night, October 31, when the city’s most exceptional performers unite to conjure the tale of Derry Halloween, creating a display that masterfully blends magic and mayhem.
If you are in search of an unforgettable Halloween adventure, one that intertwines history, tradition, and a dash of enchantment into every moment, then Londonderry and its Derry Halloween 2023 festivities await you.
Prague, Czech Republic
Walking down the cobblestone streets of the Old Town on a gloomy day feels like stepping straight into a movie scene, but being there in real life during Halloween itself is undeniably for the brave.
Wandering through the city, one is drawn to some of the most alluring Halloween attractions. The Old Jewish Cemetery, where time stands still, and the Torture Museum invite each into the dark corners of history. Sedlec Ossuary, a hauntingly chapel adorned with human bones, offers a glimpse into the macabre.
As you stroll along Charles Bridge, the statues that line its path become sentinels, bearing witness to centuries of stories.
Marking its fifth year, The Prague Halloween Festival this year starts on October 28 and promises to be a celebration like no other, inviting enthusiasts to join the biggest three-day club mega party under the moon with the top nine DJs on the lineup and an exciting costume contest.
Berlin, Germany
In Berlin, Halloween doesn’t just arrive quietly—it begins in a burst of festivities that promise an adrenaline rush like no other.
At the heart of the action is the Berlin Dungeon, a place where Halloween takes a spine-tingling twist where you will experience an adventure that delves into 600 years of Berlin’s chilling history. With professional actors bringing authentic stories to life, you will journey through ten meticulously recreated sets, including a thrilling raft ride and indoor free-fall tower.
And here’s the kicker: all the stories and characters are rooted in true events and real people, making it an absolute must for true crime enthusiasts.
But Halloween in Berlin is not confined to dark dungeons. As the sun sets and the cityscape turns to night, people dressed as zombies and ghosts emerge from the shadows, trying to bring a wave of genuine terror to the streets. The most anticipated events include the zombie run and the zombie mob flash, accompanied by a backdrop of lively night parties.
