10 Best Places to Go for Halloween Around The World

Calling all Halloween fanatics, myself included! This special celebration has its origins planted in Irish and Scottish traditions. Halloween ushers in a time when people across the world embrace all things spooky and spectacular. 

Halloween is primarily celebrated in the United States and Canada. But other European countries such as England, France, and Germany are picking up the pace.

People from all over the world have embraced the spirit of Halloween, creating unique and thrilling celebrations. Whether you want to take an eerie witch tour in the USA, lock eyes with the iconic fire festival in Scotland, or tour Dracula's castle in Romania, there's an exciting expanse of opportunities!

Where is the best to go for Halloween? I'm ready to dish all the details!

10 Best Places to Go for Halloween

I'll never forget my first Halloween with my Irish neighbors. The Irish take this Celtic-rooted tradition very seriously. I'm proud to have carried on that tradition into my adulthood! 

Having lived in Spain for the past 5 years, I've seen a mix of spine-tingling festivities inspired by All Hallow's Eve. 

Barcelona goes hard on Halloween, so it's a spectacular place if you love to party and dress up. This year, I decided to find more scary places for Halloween. Among cities like Transylvania, Edinburgh, and Prague, I stumbled across some of Europe's best places for Halloween. 

Here are the 10 best places to celebrate Halloween! These destinations offer an unforgettable experience, so let's get planning!

10. Salem, Massachusetts, USA

Let's kick things off in the USA! This colorful country has one of the best cities for Halloween. 

Salem is certainly no exception to that rule. 

This history-ridden city is synonymous with witch trials and eerie stories, making it one of the best towns for Halloween. 

Salem's bewitching charm comes to life during the Halloween season. You can explore history-haunted sites like the Witch House and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Fit in with this fabulous witch costume! 

The month-long "Haunted Happenings" festival boasts parades, costume balls, and haunted house tours, making it a must-visit for Halloween enthusiasts. 

For the full scoop on where to go and where to stay, see this comprehensive guide on Halloween in Salem. 

9. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

New Orleans is known for its vibrant culture and festivities, offering a unique twist as one of the Halloween places to visit. The city's rich history of voodoo, jazz, and above-ground cemeteries sets the scene for enticing festivities. 

Get lost in the magic of the Krewe of Boo parade, explore haunted mansions, and savor Cajun cuisine as you soak up all the creepy tales. As one of the best places to go for Halloween for adults, there are attractions left, right, and center! 

8. Edinburgh, Scotland

Halloween's Scottish roots run deep, and there's no doubt that Edinburgh celebrates it like no other city in the world! Scotland's capital city's Samhuinn Fire Festival brings to life ancient Celtic traditions. 

Woven with a world of fire shows, electrifying drumming, and intricately detailed costumes, this is one of the most scary places to go for Halloween. You can also explore the city's haunted history with a range of ghost tours. Weaving you through dark, gloomy underground vaults and ancient graveyards, you can expect shivers down your spine! 

Edinburgh is easily one of the fun places to go for Halloween! So, if you're interested in sightseeing, you can combine the 2! 

7. Prague, Czech Republic

If you've ever dreamt about traveling to Europe, Halloween could be the perfect excuse for you to do so! Although Ireland and Scotland hone in on a traditional take on Halloween, the Czech Republic is also one of the best places to go! 

Prague's Gothic architecture and mysterious atmosphere make it an unparalleled Halloween-worthy destination. Get lost in the Old Town's cobblestone streets, see the medieval Prague Castle, and get immersed in ghost tours that uncover the city's dark secrets. 

The Charles Bridge and Prague Castle offer a hauntingly beautiful backdrop, making the city one of the best places to celebrate Halloween. 

6. Dublin, Ireland

If your love for All Hallow's Eve goes way back, consider heading to one of the places where that heritage is deep-rooted! 

Halloween's Celtic origins trace back to Samhain and Dublin, the Irish capital. Ireland truly celebrates this history with an enticing spirit. 

The Bram Stoker Festival pays tribute to the author of "Dracula," and you can discover haunted castles and ancient burial grounds. Dublin's vibrant pub culture also adds a spirited twist to Halloween celebrations.

If you're interested in combining a bit of travel with teeming Halloween vibes, explore this guide on Autumn in Ireland. Topped with all the best things to do, you can make the most of your Halloween vacation! 

5. Tokyo, Japan

Didn't know that Japan turned it on for Halloween? Me neither! The bustling streets of Tokyo transform into a captivating Halloween spectacle each year. 

The Shibuya Crossing becomes a hub for costume-wearing revelers, and themed events pop up across the city. Combine your trip with a fun-packed trip to Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, and experience all the magic of the Halloween-themed attractions. 

Top tip: Don't miss the perplexing parades that are nothing short of magical! 

If you want to travel like a pro this Halloween, avoid any unwanted stress with this complete guide on Autumn in Japan. Dive into what it's like, what to expect, and the top things to do. With everything you need to know, you can focus on crafting the ultimate Halloween costume! 

4. London, England

London's rich history and eerie Gothic architecture make it an atmospheric Halloween destination. Explore the Tower of London, home to endless ghost stories, and embark on Jack the Ripper walking tours for a spine-tingling experience. 

The capital city's grandiose theaters often feature spooky plays and performances during the season. So, if you're into the arts, London is a top choice. Whether seeking spine-bending chills, colorful cultural immersion, or lively celebrations, this animated atmosphere is home to endless opportunities. 

I'll never forget my first Halloween in London. The roaring pubs, chatter-filled streets, and captivating costumes made memories I'll never forget! 

3. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico ushers in a vibrant twist on your typical Halloween. Boasting Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, the country lights up with swoon-worthy activities and attractions. 

The city streets come alive with colorful sugar skulls, marigold decorations, and eye-catching costumes. Wander astray in the misty cemeteries, check out the ofrendas–altars, and join parades to celebrate and honor the deceased.

If you're interested in taking it one step further, combine a visit to Mexico City with some time in Oaxaca. To learn everything you need to know, see this post on Oaxaca's Day of the Dead festival. 

2. Sleepy Hollow, New York, USA

If you're looking to keep things casual in the USA, many spooky cities are scattered around. Sleepy Hollow, made famous by Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," fully embraces its creepy reputation during Halloween. 

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze is hemmed in by handfuls of hand-carved pumpkins that truly illuminate the night. 

You can also see the famous Headless Horseman ride during the annual Haunted Hayride. Yikes! The Big Apple goes hardcore for Halloween, offering a slice of something for everyone. 

The Village Halloween Parade is a highlight, offering thousands of costumed participants marching through Greenwich Village. Haunted houses, rooftop parties, and spooky film screenings make NYC a Halloween hotspot.

Undoubtedly, New York is one of the most fun places for Halloween, proving that you don't need to travel far for a fear-packed celebration!

1. Transylvania, Romania

Thanks to Bram Stoker's spooky story of "Dracula," the very name of Transylvania conjures images of blood-thirsty vampires. If you're wondering where to go for Halloween in Europe, this gem is a top choice. 

Romania's Transylvania region is steeped deep in folklore, and medieval towns like Bran and Sibiu provide the perfect settings for a Halloween adventure. 

Take a spellbinding tour of Dracula's Castle, explore the spooky crypts, and immerse yourself in the legends of the undead. Get immersed in the vampire-infused attractions and make a statement with this epic vampiress costume! 

All Hallow's Eve and Beyond!  

Now that you know the best places to visit for Halloween, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.