Halloween has long been established in Europe as a festival where not only children go on a candy hunt, but adults also look for scary-but-beautiful experiences. More and more cities are offering attractions specifically for Halloween that are ideal for a short trip.
Travel company TUI has compiled the top 10 destinations in Europe that are among the best places to spend Halloween night thanks to dark stories, spooky places and scary attractions. From ghost stories in Edinburgh to macabre shows in Amsterdam, Europe's cities have a lot to offer Halloween fans.
London: On the trail of Jack the Ripper
The British capital is probably one of the most famous cities when it comes to dark stories. London is deeply rooted in gruesome chapters of the past, such as the brutal murders of Jack the Ripper in the Whitechapel district. Halloween fans can go on nighttime tours to explore the places where the notorious serial killer wreaked havoc in the 19th century. Another attraction that scares tourists is the London Dungeon. Here, visitors delve into the gruesome aspects of the city's history, from the plague to the infamous fire disaster of 1666. An overnight stay in the four-star hotel The Tower is available for horror fans from 89 euros, while entry to the London Dungeon costs from 36 euros.
Madrid: Horror at Warner Bros. Park
If you would rather get scared at a theme park on Halloween, Madrid is the place to go. Horror labyrinths and ghostly characters from well-known films await visitors at the Warner Bros. Park. Spain's history also has dark chapters: in the escape rooms, visitors can escape the Spanish Inquisition or be frightened by the legend of Empress Eugenie of Montijo, who is said to haunt the Liria Palace. A night in the four-star Riu Plaza Espana hotel starts at just 87 euros.
Paris: The dark side of the city of love
The French capital is not only known for romance, but also for its dark past. Particularly impressive are the Paris Catacombs, a labyrinth of underground passages in which the bones of more than six million people are stored. In addition to the catacombs, the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles offer special Halloween tours that shed light on the bloody and mysterious stories of these historic places. Paris is therefore a must for all those looking for a mixture of art, history and horror. The catacomb tour costs from 109 euros, while you can stay overnight in the three-star Best Western Ronceray Opera hotel for just 63 euros.
Amsterdam: Macabre Exhibitions and Shows
In Amsterdam, the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum will give you the creeps with its strange and macabre exhibits. The Amsterdam Dungeon is also a popular Halloween attraction, where the public can immerse themselves in scary scenes from Dutch history. With overnight stays from 45 euros in the four-star Leonardo Royal Amsterdam hotel and dungeon admission from 23,50 euros, Amsterdam offers an inexpensive Halloween adventure.
Dublin: Halloween at its origin
Dublin, as the birthplace of Halloween, definitely belongs on the list of the best cities for this special night. The Irish capital offers numerous ghost tours, including the famous Gravedigger Ghost Tour, which visits the darkest corners of the city, such as Kilmainham Gaol prison and Glasnevin Cemetery. With an overnight stay at the four-star Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin hotel from 60 euros and ghost tours from 35 euros, Dublin is a paradise for Halloween fans.
Barcelona: Ghosts and Cannibals
Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, with its narrow streets and legends about ghosts, is particularly spooky on Halloween. In Poble Espanyol, the city is transformed into a spooky village, while a new horror house with the Cannibal King awaits brave visitors at Port Aventura theme park. Barcelona also offers affordable overnight stays starting at 62 euros in the three-star Grupotel Gravina hotel.
Milan: Skull and Bone Art
The Italian fashion capital Milan also shows its dark side on Halloween. The monumental cemetery fascinates visitors with artistic graves, while the church of San Bernardino alle Ossa offers an eerie experience with walls made of real skulls and bones. Milan is particularly interesting for travelers who want to combine art and horror. An overnight stay in the four-star Milan Suite hotel starts at 60 euros, while the cemetery tour costs around 30 euros.
Edinburgh: Cursed Places and Paranormal Phenomena
The Scottish capital Edinburgh, with its dark and mystical past, is a mecca for fans of the supernatural. The scariest attractions include the haunted Edinburgh Castle and the South Bridge Vaults, where paranormal phenomena are said to take place. An overnight stay at Prices Street Suites starts at 52 euros, and a spooky walk through the city costs 24 euros.
Rome: Ancient Horror Stories and Film Sets
The eternal city of Rome offers more than just ancient monuments. Things get particularly spooky in the catacombs and the Capuchin crypt, where real skeletons and bones give visitors the creeps. If you're looking for an extra goosebump feeling, you can explore the sets of horror films in the Cinecittà World theme park. Rome offers an exciting mix of history and modernity for Halloween. An overnight stay in the four-star Hotel Marcella Royal starts at 54 euros, and entry to Cinecittà World starts at 27 euros.
Berlin: Ghosts and Dark Chapters of History
In the German capital, the Berlin Dungeon and the legend of the White Lady await Halloween fans. The dungeon offers a journey through Berlin's darkest chapters, from torture to the plague. The White Lady, a famous Berlin ghost figure, also provides the right spooky feeling. A night in the four-star Riu Plaza Berlin hotel costs from 67 euros, and entry to the Berlin Dungeon costs from 24 euros.
Halloween adventures across Europe
For Halloween lovers, many European cities offer unique experiences, from dark historical tours to modern horror houses. Each city offers its own charm and individual ways to celebrate the scariest night of the year. Whether you're scared by ghost stories in Dublin or exploring the dark side of history at the London Dungeon, Europe has the right city for every Halloween fan.
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