Today I have compiled a list of 6 what I consider to be the top 6 places that you should visit if you love Halloween, or if you just love all things spooky. As I have mentioned multiple times I am not the biggest fan of Halloween, or scary things for that matter, so these 5 places were just chosen at random and there was really no reason behind them. I tried to get 3 places that were in North America and then 3 that were international.
Salem, Massachusetts
Halloween in Salem is a month-long event showcasing all sorts of ghoulish happenings, like the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade, ghostly tales, plenty of witches, vampires, and much more. Over two dozen people were once tried and put to death in this town simply for being called a witch. Today, Salem is considered one of America’s top Halloween vacation destinations for its celebration of witches on their most important night of the year. There are lots of haunted spots to explore as well as fireworks and witch’s circles. The Hawthorne Hotel also holds its famous Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is known as one of the most haunted towns in the United States, offering an array of spooky experiences. Ghost hunters across the globe come to Savannah to catch a glimpse of its famous paranormal activity. The Marshall House, in particular, is considered to be one of the most haunted places to stay in the U.S. as a former hospital during the Civil War and yellow fever epidemics. The ghosts of children and other apparitions in the hallways have often been reported. Families can come and partake in the fun at Plant Riverside District, where a dog costume contest called “Costumes on the Woof” and a Halloween party at Electric Moon are held. This area is nicknamed “Savannah’s Entertainment District,” stretching across Savannah’s iconic riverfront to a 4.5-acre entertainment destination. Stay at JW Marriott Savannah and explore the dozen restaurants and lounges, high-end shops, and galleries while you immerse yourself in the spooky city.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans‘ second most celebrated time, after Mardi Gras, is Halloween. Its long history of voodoo, endless haunted spots, and an infamous party scene make it an ideal destination to celebrate Halloween. Explore the French Quarter to wander through voodoo shops and learn more about the centuries-old practice, and take one of the many haunted tours that include visits to the world-famous cemeteries where the dearly departed are buried in tombs above ground. An after-dark tour of Manchac Swamp is a must – the creepy experience includes tales about the hundreds who died in a tidal wave here.
London, England
Perhaps one of the world’s most haunted cities, London is home to a number of places where ghosts are known to roam. Take an after-dark ghost walk and visit graveyards and legendary murder sites, or embark on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Richmond Park for the hour-long special Halloween tour to learn all about the ghosts that haunt its grounds. The Tower of London, once home to political prisoners who were tortured and subsequently executed, also offers rather fascinating tours that include ghostly tales. If you want to stay in the city’s most haunted hotel room, book Room 333 at the Langham Hotel, which has seen numerous literary greats like Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain as well as several ghosts like the apparition of a silver-haired man wearing Victorian attire who makes appearances only in the month of October.
Dublin & Derry, Ireland
Ireland is home to practically an endless number of castles, and with many centuries-old, there are lots of haunted tales to go along with them, making a castle-visiting experience through the Emerald Isle a fantastic trip for late October. Ross Castle, built in 1563, offers overnights in this medieval castle where guests have been known to wake up hearing voices or the sound of doors shutting on their own. Some have even felt the presence of a spirit at the edge of their bed. If sleeping in a haunted castle sounds like a bit much, you can tour Malahide Castle, reportedly home to at least five ghosts, including a 16th-century caretaker known as Puck. By making arrangements with its famous musician owner Sean Ryan, you may be able to tour Leap Castle too, known as one of the most haunted in all of Europe, as the scene of many dreadful deeds in the past, known today for its rather eerie apparitions.
Transylvania, Romania
The Bran Castle, near the city of Brasov, is Romania’s national monument. It may be one of many castles linked to Dracula, but it is definitely the most famous. Ruler Vlad Tepes was known for his brutality where he impaled, skinned, and boiled those who were against him. He became known as Vlad the Impaler. Killing the amount of people that he did this way is a sure way to start a gruesome legend. This is a must visit for those that love the spooky and scary.
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