Halloween 2025 is just around the corner, and for those who crave more than just candy and costumes, the world offers a plethora of spine-tingling destinations. From haunted cities steeped in history to eerie attractions that promise thrills, here are some of the top Halloween travel spots to consider this year.
1. Salem, Massachusetts, USA: The Witch Capital
Salem’s reputation as the site of the infamous 1692 witch trials makes it a must-visit during Halloween. The entire month of October is dedicated to the Salem Haunted Happenings Festival, featuring ghost tours, haunted houses, seances, and costume balls in centuries-old buildings. By day, the cobblestone streets and colonial houses offer a charming New England escape. By night, the city transforms into a living stage for one of the world’s most famous Halloween destinations.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: Spirits, Jazz, and Shadows
New Orleans thrives on stories of voodoo queens, haunted mansions, and restless spirits. In October, the city leans into its reputation with cemetery tours, haunted history walks through the French Quarter, and festivals alive with jazz and masquerade. It is a destination where a spooky getaway comes with world-class dining, live music, and courtyards that hold secrets of the past.
3. Mexico City, Mexico: Day of the Dead Meets Halloween Magic
While Halloween is celebrated on October 31, Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) takes place on November 1st and 2nd. However, the festivities start early in Mexico City. This deeply spiritual celebration honors departed loved ones with vibrant marigolds, sugar skulls, and dazzling altars. The famous Day of the Dead parade features giant skeleton puppets, painted faces, and traditional music, taking over Paseo de la Reforma with even more flair.
4. Charleville Castle, Ireland: A Gothic Haunting
Charleville Castle in County Offaly, Ireland, has earned a place among the top ten most haunted destinations worldwide. This Gothic-revival 18th-century castle has recently gained widespread attention as a filming location for Netflix’s hit show “Wednesday,” serving as the eerie Nevermore Academy in season two. Set within a forest near Tullamore, the castle has a long-standing reputation for paranormal activity, with ghost sightings centered around the spirit of eight-year-old Harriet, who died tragically in 1861.
5. Efteling, Netherlands: Danse Macabre
Efteling, a renowned amusement park in the Netherlands, offers a unique Halloween experience with its dark ride, Danse Macabre. Opened in 2024, this haunted spinning dark ride is themed around the 1874 symphonic poem by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. The attraction features a ruined medieval Gothic facade and a dynamic motion stage, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that has been well-received by visitors.
6. Savannah, Georgia, USA: Southern Charm with a Haunted Twist
Savannah may be beautiful, but it is also considered one of America’s most haunted cities. Ghost tours wind past moss-draped oaks and antebellum mansions where history lingers in the air. A Halloween visit combines Southern hospitality with eerie intrigue, creating a destination that is as stylish as it is spooky.
7. London, England: Ghosts of a Gothic Capital
With centuries of intrigue, London is one of the ultimate haunted destinations. Join a lantern-lit Jack the Ripper walk through Whitechapel, explore Highgate Cemetery, or uncover dark legends at the Tower of London. Gothic architecture and fog-draped nights create an atmosphere made for Halloween travel, both stylish and spine-tingling.
8. Edinburgh, Scotland: Whispers Beneath the Castle Walls
Edinburgh’s medieval closes and underground vaults make it one of Europe’s most atmospheric cities for October. Guided tours lead visitors through shadowy passageways where ghost stories linger. Pair the experience with a whisky tasting by firelight, and you have a sophisticated way to explore Scotland’s capital, where legend and reality intertwine.
9. New York City, New York, USA: Urban Legends and Haunted History
New York City, with its rich history and bustling streets, offers a unique Halloween experience. Explore haunted sites like the Merchant’s House Museum, take a ghost tour through Greenwich Village, or visit the eerie Catacombs by Candlelight tour. The city’s blend of urban legends and haunted history provides a thrilling backdrop for Halloween enthusiasts.
10. Transylvania, Romania: Dracula’s Homeland
For those seeking a more traditional Halloween experience, Transylvania offers the ultimate gothic adventure. Visit Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend, and explore the Carpathian Mountains. The region’s rich folklore, medieval castles, and misty landscapes create an atmosphere perfect for Halloween.
Honorable Mentions
- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, USA: The Sea Witch Festival mixes ocean air with costumes, parades, and bonfires by the shore—perfect for families who want the fun without the fright.
- St. Helens, Oregon, USA: Transforms into Halloweentown, honoring the Disney movie filmed there. Expect pumpkin-lined streets, costumed performers, and activities for kids who’d rather laugh than scream.
- Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, Long Beach, California, USA: A yearly Halloween haunted attraction at the RMS Queen Mary, featuring mazes, street performances, and a variety of scare performers.
- Nightmare on 13th, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA: One of the largest and longest-running haunted attractions in the United States, offering two haunted attractions and a kid/family-friendly option.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to the cobblestone streets of Salem, the gothic allure of Charleville Castle, or the haunted history of Edinburgh, Halloween 2025 offers a multitude of destinations to satisfy your spooky cravings. From immersive haunted houses to cities steeped in paranormal lore, the world is ready to deliver a Halloween experience like no other. So pack your bags, gather your courage, and embark on a haunted adventure this October.
