Celebrate Halloween in one of the cities that we suggest in this post. If you love dark tourism and all things spooky, don’t miss these fang-tastic plans for 31 October (and the days around it!).
Instead of getting frustrated because Halloween is here to stay (as some believe that this tradition has been “imported”), we might as well make the most of all the fun that comes with it. As they say – if you can’t beat them, join them! So what are you waiting for? Grab your scariest costume and get away to one of these cities. Come and celebrate this terrifying night that has become so popular in recent years.
1. Paris, as spooky as you want it to be (France)
Paris will probably be misty and grey anyway, creating the perfect atmosphere to enjoy autumn next to the Seine, so wrap up warm and go for a lovely walk; or you could sign up for one of the special Halloween tours. Want more? You asked for it!
Make a note of this address: 63 Rue de la Fraternité. Here you’ll find The Dark Dreams by a company called Parasomnia, with an immersive show and escape game.
If you’re looking for something a little bit tamer, the most terrible Disney villains gather to scare visitors in Disneyland Paris. Baddies like Maleficent, Cruella de Vil and Jafar will be waiting for visitors, ready to disrupt the celebrations. It promises to be a lot of fun!
Parc Astérix also goes all out for Halloween. Monster parades, haunted houses and terrifying shows are some of the special activities that are organised to celebrate the scariest time of the year.
2. Salou (near Barcelona): Have a totally terrifying time at PortAventura!
In order to get to Salou, you need to fly to Barcelona and then drive down for just over an hour (or catch the train, whatever you prefer). Here you’ll find one of Spain’s biggest theme parks: PortAventura World. The park loves to celebrate Halloween every year. Everything is decorated and there are special monster-filled attractions for children and adults.
Depending on how long you want to stay, there are several hotels around the park where you can really immerse yourself in the Halloween experience. But you can also just purchase a day ticket and spend the rest of the time exploring the coast.
3. The enchanted city of Limoges (France)
Here’s a plan: fly to Bordeaux, spend at least one day tasting the best food and enjoying the contagious joie de vivre, and then drive to Limoges, which is three hours away. This French city loves to go all out for Halloween, with parades, parties, entertainment, children’s shows, themed menus in many restaurants, with witches’ cocktails and lots of activities to celebrate all things scary.
4. The streets of London have never been so scary (England)
A trip to London is always a good choice, because it offers everything we need for any occasion, as we would expect from such a large city. Every year, people don their scariest outfits to celebrate Halloween in style. And in London the mist and cold weather always add to the spooky atmosphere! Some of the things to be enjoyed are a massive parade, tours to follow the footsteps of Jack the Ripper and a visit to the dungeons, as well as many other special Halloween activities.
5. Ghosts and ghouls in Prague (Czech Republic)
The majestic city of Prague, with its huge mansions and architectural sites, seems like a great place for a Halloween celebration. The city comes alive this time of year, many of the residents decorate their houses and there are numerous guided tours to explore the creepiest side of Prague. You can visit dungeons and underground tunnels, and learn about ghosts that used to haunt the city: from Golem to the Headless Horseman. You’ll get goose bumps as you watch these stories being acted out!
6. Edinburgh, land of witches (Scotland)
If there’s someone who knows about witches, spells and paranormal events, that’s the Celts. The city of Edinburgh is as magical as they come, and every year Halloween is celebrated in style. It’s a great time to visit and explore the eerie atmosphere of its cobbled streets. Visit Edinburgh Castle, with its exciting history, hear the ghost stories of Mary King’s Close or discover the haunted graveyard of Greyfriars Kirkyard. If you’re not brave enough to explore the city alone, sign up for one of the special Halloween guided tours.
7. Derry Halloween in Londonderry (Northern Ireland)
To get there, you need to fly to Dublin (where you can maybe stay for a few days and discover its cobbled streets, delicious pints and amazing architecture), and then drive to Londonderry, which is three hours away, in Northern Ireland. Once you get there, you can throw yourself into one of the world’s biggest Halloween festivals: Derry Halloween. The city is already counting down the days to enjoy folklore, feasting, and festivity. Dress up in your favourite spooky costume to keep old ghosts at bay and, at the same time, celebrate that, in spite of it all, they are still around!
