Top 10 Spooky Destinations to Discover in Europe for Halloween
Boo! Want to test your nerve at Europe’s most haunted spots? There’s plenty of spooky goings-on to uncover across the continent. We’ll start off with the calmest locations and build up to the spine-tingling spots. See what you can find at our top pick of Halloween destinations, made for October holidays and year-round trips.
Dublin, Ireland
👻 Scare factor: 1/10
A relaxing adventure.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that somewhere like Salem in the United States was the birthplace of Halloween; in fact, the Emerald Isle’s very own Dublin claims that title! Ancient Celts first celebrated ‘Samhain’ as a festival marking the beginning of winter. Nowadays, locals and tourists come together for the Samhain parade. Spooky floats and monsters cross the city, followed by a firework finale.
And if that’s not enough for you, be sure to join one of the many ghost walks to see where Dracula author Bram Stoker is buried at Glasnevin Cemetery. There’s even the Bram Stoker festival that takes place in late October with talks, performances and even a vampire-themed funfair.
Fly from LTN to DUB in 1 hour 10 minutes.
Edinburgh, Scotland
👻 Scare factor: 1/10
Calm adventures in haunted spots.
There are plenty of terrifying tales in Scotland’s capital. Explore Edinburgh’s historic Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery to learn about Burke and Hare, who began as body snatchers before turning to murder; then look out for the ghost of a young girl at St John’s Churchyard, who is said to cry and tug at your clothing. And in Edinburgh Castle, the Lost Piper is said to have disappeared while exploring castle tunnels. Can you find him?
Fly from LTN to EDI in 1 hour 15 minutes.
Prague, Czech Republic
👻 Scare factor: 3/10
Some thrills while still having sweet dreams.
Prague’s iconic Charles Bridge is one of the most haunted places in the city… It's said that deals with the devil, murders and sprites' schemes are just some of the things that have happened there! Don't miss taking a tour of the torture museum before heading to the Old Jewish Cemetery for more spooks.
Head 90 minutes north to Houska Castle, too. It’s said to be built over a gateway to hell, where demons from the bottomless pit escape to roam the city as night falls. You’ll want to watch out for the headless Templar that rides through the street on horseback.
Fly from LTN to PRG in 1 hour 55 minutes.
Bratislava, Slovakia
👻 Scare factor: 4/10
Haunted curiosity will keep you intrigued.
Even the locals think Bratislava is spooky; they avoid the Burg building on Main Square because it’s believed to be haunted. St. Michael’s Tower in the Old Town is rife with paranormal activity. You may even spot the Black Lady, a ghost whose spirit lingers in the building after being caught in a deadly love triangle. For those who want to travel further, drive an hour north to Cachtice Castle. Tradition states Elizabeth Báthory – nicknamed the “Blood Countess” – roams the walls.
Fly from LTN to BTS in 2 hours 20 minutes.
Paris, France
👻 Scare factor: 5/10
Adrenaline will start to kick in here!
Paris, the city of love. Take a few turns in the French capital and you’ll quickly realise it’s a supernatural hotspot. Go 20 metres underground at the Catacombs of Paris in the 14th arrondissement and walk through three-level tunnel systems. Stick by your tour guide – you won’t want to get lost.
Those looking to stay above ground should visit Le Manoir de Paris, a walk-through haunted house mixing the fear factor with fun entertainment. But if you want to sink your teeth into French history, stop at the Musée de Vampires, complete with mummified cats and anti-vampire protection kits.
Fly from LTN to CDG in 1 hour 20 minutes.
Bucharest, Romania
👻 Scare factor: 6/10
Expect a higher heart rate…
Despite losing its bell many years ago, some say that chimes ring out from the ruins of the Chiajna Monastery on a full moon. You’ll find the derelict church on the outskirts of Bucharest. Haunting tales of bubonic plague deaths and murders colour its history.
Ghosts are also said to linger across the Palace of Parliament in central Bucharest. Legend also says that the ghost of Neli Bejan, a student from Eastern Europe, haunts the Hotel Cismigiu. Make sure to watch out if you’re staying there!
Fly from LTN to OTP and BBU in 3 hours 15 minutes.
Kaunas, Lithuania
👻 Scare factor: 7/10
Adventures made for bolder thrill-seeking travellers.
Kaunas Castle isn’t said to be haunted; however, soldiers are said to rest in the tunnels below, so it’s a good spot for ghost hunting. But if you’re after something to take your breath away, travel to Šiauliai, a two-hour drive north of Kaunas. It’s home to the Hill of Crosses, where over 150,000 crosses are perched on one hillside. People have been placing metal and wooden crosses here for almost two centuries, but the origins of this tradition remain unknown.
Fly from LTN to KUN in 2 hours 40 minutes.
Salzburg, Austria
👻 Scare factor: 8/10
Sleep with one eye open…
Salzburg comes alive during Halloween, thanks to its imposing Alpine backdrop, medieval streets and hidden twists on every street corner. Stay in the centre and visit the 11th-century Hohensalzburg Fortress. You won’t want to spot the White Lady – she’s a ghost that’s said to only haunt Salzburg when the city is going through grim times. If you’re visiting Salzburg, you may want to pay your respects at St. Sebastian’s cemetery, the resting place of musical maestro Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s parents. Just don’t visit late at night, the Gothic portraits may give you the creeps.
For those seeking an extra scare factor, drive an hour south of Salzburg to Moosham Castle. Hundreds of people died there during the Salzburg Witch Trials, and in the 18th century, people believed werewolves ran rampant around the castle grounds. Scared yet?
Fly from LTN to SZG in 1 hour 50 minutes.
Faro, Portugal
👻 Scare factor: 9/10
Test your nerve with this intense experience.
The capital of Portugal’s Algarve is home to beaches, golf courses, and… the Bone Chapel? Count over 1,200 skeletons on the walls and ceilings of the Capela dos Ossos. It's found to the rear of the Igreja do Carmo church and is a must-see for any spook-seekers. Once you’ve had your Halloween haunt fix, head into the Old Town with its medieval walls and cobbled streets.
Fly from LTN to FAO in 2 hours 50 minutes.
Venice, Italy
👻 Scare factor: 10/10
Terrifyingly unforgettable, made for nightmares.
In a city known for its masks (albeit ornate, elegant masks for masquerading, not for Halloween purposes!), you will find some chilling stories… The ghost of Luzzo, a 16th-century painter, lingers at Casino degli Spiriti as he pines after the lover he could never have. Find haunted crypts throughout the city, and Poveglia Island, otherwise known as the island of no return.
If you’re feeling extra brave, take the waterbus to Palazzo Dario by the Grand Canal. Don’t be fooled by its unsuspecting appearance; it’s nicknamed “The House that Kills”.
Fly from LTN to TSF in 2 hours 10 minutes.