Destinations Halloween is more than just a holiday where people dress up to collect candy. It’s become a truly global phenomenon, an opportunity to delve into the strange, the mysterious and yes, the scary! 😱 But why do we love it so much? Simple: it lets us play with our fears in a fun, festive setting. And what better way to do it than in places steeped in history and legend?
I’ve been to a lot of scary places around the world. And believe me, I’ve seen it all! 😅 So today, I’m going to share with you my top 10 scariest destinations for Halloween 2024. We’ll be traveling responsibly, of course, but above all we’ll be having unforgettable experiences!
Ready to thrill? Fasten your seatbelts, we’re taking off! 🚀
- 1. Salem, Massachusetts, USA 🧙♀️
- 2. Transylvania, Romania 🧛
- 3. Edinburgh, Scotland 🏴
- 4. New Orleans, Louisiana, United States 🎭
- 5. Sleepy Hollow, New York, United States 🎃
- 6. Mexico City, Mexico 💀
- 7. London, England 🇬🇧
- 8. Derry, Northern Ireland 🇮🇪
- 9. Oaxaca, Mexico 🇲🇽
- 10. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿
- Conclusion – The scariest Halloween destinations
- Bonus: Practical tips for a successful trip to Halloween destinations
1. Salem, Massachusetts, USA 🧙♀️
Ah, Salem! If that name doesn’t already make your hair stand on end, let me tell you…
In the dark night of Salem, the shadows of the past still dance…
This small Massachusetts town is infamous for the witch trials of 1692. A dark period when paranoia and superstition led to the execution of 19 innocent people. Today, Salem embraces its macabre history and transforms itself into a veritable Halloween capital!
The“Haunted Happenings” festival is THE event not to be missed. Just imagine:
- Breathtaking costume parades 🎭
- Magic shows that defy belief 🎩
- Guided tours that take you back to the 17th century
But the highlight of the show is undoubtedly the haunted hotels. Yes, you read that right! Why not spend the night at the Hawthorne Hotel? Rooms 612 and 325 are said to be particularly… lively. 👻
If you’re more the type who prefers a good night’s sleep (I don’t blame you!), opt instead for a guided night tour. You’ll discover Salem’s well-kept secrets, urban legends and, who knows, maybe even a ghost or two!
Discover our other spooky autumn destinations
2. Transylvania, Romania 🧛
Did you think Dracula only existed in books and films? Think again! Head for Transylvania, birthplace of the most famous of vampires.
The undisputed star of the region is, of course, Bran Castle. Perched on a rock, it dominates the valley in all its Gothic splendor. And for Halloween, believe me, they go all out! 🏰
Here’s what you can expect:
- A night-time candlelight tour (chills guaranteed!)
- A medieval dinner worthy of Dracula’s greatest feasts
- A costume party in the château courtyard
But there’s more to Transylvania than Dracula. The region abounds in fascinating historical sites and captivating local folklore. Why not take a tour of the traditional villages? You’ll discover ancestral customs and, who knows, maybe a few rituals to ward off evil spirits! 🧄
For the more adventurous, I recommend a night hike in the Carpathian Mountains. Under the light of the full moon, the forests take on a whole new dimension… But watch out for werewolves! 🐺🌕
Looking for more adventure in Europe? Discover our top destinations!
3. Edinburgh, Scotland 🏴
Ah, Edinburgh! A city of mysteries and legends, where every stone seems to whisper stories from another time. And for Halloween, believe me, this city transforms itself into a veritable theater of the uncanny!
The highlight? The Samhuinn Fire Festival! 🔥 This is THE Halloween celebration not to be missed. Imagine: hundreds of people marching through the streets, carrying flaming torches, to the beat of tribal drums. It’s both scary and beautiful!
But Edinburgh doesn’t stop there to thrill you. Here are my top 3 experiences:
- The Underworld of Mary King’s Close: Dive into the bowels of the city, where the plague once raged. Ghost stories abound… 👻
- Greyfriars Cemetery: Meet the ghost of Greyfriars Bobby, the faithful dog who watched over his master’s grave. But watch out for the MacKenzie Poltergeist, reputed to be the most violent spirit in Scotland!
- Night walks in the Old Town: Follow a guide in period costume as he tells you Edinburgh’s darkest stories. Chills guaranteed!
Looking for more adventure in Europe? Discover our most beautiful villages!
4. New Orleans, Louisiana, United States 🎭
Welcome to the voodoo capital of North America! New Orleans is like Halloween all year round. But when October rolls around… well, that’s a whole different story!
Do you know anything about voodoo? Here, it’s more than a practice, it’s a way of life. You can visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum to learn more. Who knows, maybe you’ll come away with a voodoo doll 🪄
But the real magic of New Orleans for Halloween is to be found in its cemeteries. And why is that? Because here, we bury the dead above ground! Here are my recommendations:
- Cimetière Saint-Louis n°1: Marie Laveau, queen of voodoo, is buried here.
- Lafayette Cemetery: Less touristy, but just as fascinating.
And what would a Halloween in New Orleans be without a trip to the French Quarter? 🎺 Bourbon Street is transformed into a huge costume party. It’s colorful, it’s loud, it’s New Orleans!
Do you love atmospheric cities? Discover our favorite destinations!
5. Sleepy Hollow, New York, United States 🎃
Do you know the legend of the Headless Horseman? Welcome to Sleepy Hollow, where it all began! This small town in New York State is transformed into a Halloween paradise every year.
TheLegend of Sleepy Hollow festival is a must. On the program:
- Historical reconstructions of the legend
- Giant puppet shows
- Cider tastings and pumpkin donuts (yum!) 🍎
But the real thrill is the nighttime tour of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Imagine walking between the tombs by lantern light, listening to the guide’s stories… What if the gallop of a horse suddenly echoed through the night? 🐎
In the darkness of Sleepy Hollow, every shadow can hide the Headless Horseman…
Do you like out-of-the-ordinary destinations? Discover our favorites!
6. Mexico City, Mexico 💀
Get ready to experience Halloween like never before! In Mexico City, we don’t celebrate Halloween, we celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). And believe me, it’s an experience like no other!
Contrary to what you might think, Día de los Muertos is not a sad holiday. It’s a colorful, joyous celebration of life and death. Here’s what to expect:
- Spectacular parades with giant skeletons 💃
- Beautifully decorated altars in honor of the deceased
- Offerings of food, flowers and personal items
Don’t hesitate to have your make-up done as a “calavera” (skull and crossbones) to blend in with the crowd!
A must? A night-time visit to the cemeteries. They are decorated with thousands of candles and cempasúchil (Mexican marigold) flowers. It’s both moving and magnificent.
And to finish on a high note, take a trip to the festive markets. You’ll find “calaveritas de azúcar” (small sugar skulls) and bread of the dead. Delicious stuff!
Want to discover other fascinating traditions? Explore our top destinations!
7. London, England 🇬🇧
Ah, London! City of fog, mystery and… ghosts! For Halloween, the British capital is transformed into a veritable playground for thrill-seekers. Are you ready for a journey through time and the afterlife? 👻
Let’s start with the Tower of London. This thousand-year-old castle has seen kings, queens and… prisoners! It is said that the spectres of Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey still lurk here. Would you dare to spend the night? 🏰
In the corridors of the Tower of London, history whispers its darkest secrets…
But that’s not all! Here are my top 3 scary experiences not to be missed:
- The London Dungeon: plunge into the depths of London’s history. Beware, it’s not for the faint-hearted! 😱
- The “Jack the Ripper” tour: Follow in the footsteps of London’s most notorious killer. Thrills and chills guaranteed in the alleys of Whitechapel!
- Highgate Cemetery: A romantic, gothic place to be. Who knows, maybe you’ll cross paths with the ghost of Karl Marx? 🤔
Want to discover other European wonders? Take a look at our top destinations!
8. Derry, Northern Ireland 🇮🇪
Did you think Ireland was all about shamrocks and beer? Think again! Derry, Northern Ireland, is home to Europe’s biggest Halloween festival. And believe me, they don’t do things by halves!
The Derry Halloween Festival is four days of pure madness. Just imagine:
- A blood-curdling parade of ghosts and ghouls 🧟♂️
- Concerts and street performances around every corner 🎭
- Breathtaking fireworks 🎆
But the highlight of the show is undoubtedly the grand finale parade. Thousands of costumed people parade through the streets. It’s a spectacle not to be missed!
For families, don’t worry! There are plenty of activities suitable for younger children:
- Giant candy hunt 🍬
- Pumpkin carving workshops 🎃
- Irish tales and legends
9. Oaxaca, Mexico 🇲🇽
Oaxaca is THE place to experience Día de los Muertos in all its authenticity. Here, no pumpkins or candy, but a colorful and joyful celebration of life and death.
The celebrations start on October 31 and last until November 2. Here’s what to expect:
- Night markets: an explosion of colors and smells! Taste the bread of the dead and spicy hot chocolate. Yummy! 😋
- Offerings: In each house, an altar is set up to welcome the souls of the deceased. Beautiful and moving.
- The sand ceremony: In cemeteries, families create magnificent carpets of colored sand. A unique spectacle!
Don’t hesitate to have your make-up done as a “calavera” (skull and crossbones) to blend in with the atmosphere!
10. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Finish your spooky world tour in Prague, city of a hundred spires and a thousand legends. Its Gothic architecture makes it the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable Halloween!
Start with a stroll through the old town. Every alleyway, every building seems to have a story to tell. But the must-see is a visit to theSedlec ossuary, an hour’s drive from Prague. Imagine: a chapel decorated with the bones of over 40,000 people! It’s both macabre and fascinating. 💀
For a truly unique experience, don’t miss :
- Visit Prague Castle by night 🏰
- A “ghost” cruise on the Vltava 🚢
- An evening in an absinthe bar (in moderation, of course!) 🍸
And to round things off in style, take part in one of the many costume parties organized in the city’s clubs. The perfect opportunity to meet local vampires! 🧛♂️
Do you love cities steeped in history? Check out our other European favorites!
Conclusion – The scariest Halloween destinations
Our world tour of the scariest destinations for Halloween 2024 is drawing to a close. From Salem to Prague, Transylvania to Oaxaca, we’ve explored places steeped in history, mystery and thrills.
Each destination offers a unique experience:
- Salem for its history of witches
- Transylvania for the Dracula myth
- Edinburgh for its Celtic atmosphere
- New Orleans for voodoo
- Sleepy Hollow for its legend of the Headless Horseman
- Mexico City and Oaxaca for the colorful Día de los Muertos
- London for its ghost stories
- Derry for its giant festival
- Prague for its Gothic atmosphere
So, which one tempts you the most? 🤔
Bonus: Practical tips for a successful trip to Halloween destinations
- Costumes and make-up: Think light and comfortable. Sugar skull makeup is perfect for Día de los Muertos!
- Reservations: Halloween destinations are a very popular time of year. Book your flights and hotels at least 3 months in advance.
- Respect for traditions: Remember that for many, these celebrations have deep meaning. Be respectful and open-minded.
- Responsible travel: Opt for environmentally-friendly means of transport whenever possible, and choose sustainable accommodation.
Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments. Your stories could inspire other Curious Souls for their next Halloween trip!
So, are you ready to experience the scariest Halloween of your life? Bon voyage, and may the benevolent spirits be with you! 👻🎃
Article mis à jours le 9 October 2024 par Pierre Bouyer
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