Spooky season is officially here, and in case you still have not chosen a destination and wish to travel this weekend, we got your back.
While there are tens of European cities that are perfect for spending Halloween in, SchengenVisaInfo.com has listed just some of them, which have been the highest rated by visitors.
Halloween has grown to be an annual celebration in Europe that must not be missed. Below you may find some of the best places to spend Halloween in Europe.
Derry, Northern Ireland
Known as the Halloween capital of the world, Derry offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Derry’s long history, as well as its famous walls, have made the city the most popular destination for Halloween.
From October 28 until October 31, the Walled City will come alive with ancient spirits welcoming everyone to join the Awakening before the Finale Celebration that will take place on October 31.
A great Samhain gathering awaits everyone at the City of Bones. This year, the Ancients will return to Derry Halloween’s Spirit Worlds, each representing a different spirit of Samhain. The myths of Samhain will be interwoven throughout, this way connecting the city to the World Beyond the Walls.
The main Awakening, the Walled City programme, will be in two areas – the City of Bones and the Forest of Shadows. Installations and illuminations await you in the City Bones. And oh, do not forget to be aware of paths lined with shape-shifting creatures as well as of shadows that disguise whatever the queen Morrigan desires in the Forest of Shadows.
If you think that this is all Derry has to offer for Halloween, let me tell you that you are totally wrong. After a long three years, the famous Carnival Parade will finally return to Derry Halloween. The Carnival Parade will bring the festival to a thrilling close on October 31 as some of the finest performers will bring the story of the ninth Wave to life.
The celebrations will culminate with the fireworks show, which will be suitable for all ages. Pro tip: all eyes on the River Foyle for an unforgettable experience.
Transylvania, Romania
The Romanian region of Transylvania, which is associated with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, is one of the destinations that all those who love celebrating Halloween should visit.
Transylvania offers one of the most authentic experiences, where people, instead of decorating pumpkins and dressing up, get the chance to discover a shadowy past, hear different legends, and celebrate in a magical setting.
Apart from the legend of Dracula, the region is also well known for villages that look like they have been frozen in time and for its Halloween parties.
One of the best Halloween parties takes place in Dracula’s Castle, officially known as Bran Castle. The Castle is located just outside of Brasov in Romania and on the former eastern border of Transylvania. This year, the party is scheduled to take place on October 29, so mark the date.
For those that are not so interested in partying, the region has several other activities to offer. From October 12 until October 16, 2022, the Dracula Film Festival will take place in Brasov, which among others, will host a zombie parade.
Moreover, if you enjoy vampire stories and would like to find out more about vampire stories, make sure to add Dracula’s Birthplace, Sighisoara, to your list. While there, you can climb the Clock Tower and enjoy a fantastic view of the city.
Prague, Czech Republic
Known for its gothic style and outstanding architecture, Czech Republic’s capital is a great place to spend your Halloween. Just like the previous years, this year too, numerous events will take place in Prague, including carnivals, trick-or-treat, storytelling festivals, themed fairs, and pumpkin carving workshops, among others.
As for the attractions, the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Charles Bridge, and the Torture Museum will continue to remain some of the best ones to visit this year, too, during Halloween.
For those that are more into dressing up, going out and partying, different clubs in the city have already started holding different events. Some popular clubs have scheduled various shows with fire eaters, professional dancers, and much more.
On October 30, a Halloween walk will take place in the city, so if scaring the others at Old Town is something you would enjoy, dress up and join forces with a mass of costumed walkers.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Similar to the cities above, Amsterdam remains a very popular destination for the celebration of Halloween. Just like every other year, this year too, on October 31, all the streets of the city will be filled with costumed people, ready for an adventure.
While the cities above offer more public-oriented experiences, Amsterdam is the most known for its parties as well as the tour.
Those interested in learning about the witches and monsters of Amsterdam can choose to do a ghost-walking tour. During the tour, a professional storyteller accompanies you and makes sure to give an authentic experience.
There are also various exciting shows and events that take place in the city in the last days of October. In most cases, they feature professional dancers and well as special effects.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Even though Denmark does not have a long Halloween tradition, the city continues to remain one of the most popular ones to be visited in October.
Of all the places and events that Copenhagen has to offer for Halloween, Tivoli Gardens is the one that must not be missed. The gardens are exceptionally open for Halloween.
Every year, Tivoli becomes the most bewitching place for Halloween, with enchanted gardens, special rides, and many other activities.
One of the fascinating things that happens at Tivoli is the turning of 20,000 pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns. In addition, Tivoli also transforms into an open-air market.
Moreover, there is also a Monster’s Night Out, which is a lineup of frightening things, and in the evening, there are lots of places to spend a night out with great music and activities.
Except for the above-mentioned, there are many other European destinations where you could spend an unforgettable Halloween, and no matter which one you choose, you will have a great time, so trick or treat yourself.
