Austria
- Analysis: A study based on Google search volume reveals the most popular European cities to enjoy this time of year.
- Spooky Experiences: From exploring iconic horror movie settings in Rome to venturing deep underground in Paris, these are some of the recommended Halloween adventures.
Halloween is just round the corner and for travellers seeking a terrifying experience, TUI Musement, a leader in Tours & Activities, has compiled a list of the most popular European cities to visit this Halloween, based on Google search volume*. The list highlights 10 destinations where travelers can explore catacombs, cemeteries and dungeons, or follow the trails of vampires and ghosts on the spookiest night of the year.
London: Thrill-seekers can relive the most macabre episodes in London’s history and meet eerie historical figures, such as Guy Fawkes and Sweeney Todd at the London Dungeon. They can also follow Jack the Ripper’s trail in Whitechapel or learn chilling facts about the city’s landmarks on a ghost bus tour.
Madrid: The horror mazes at Warner Bros. Park and exploration games set during the Spanish Inquisition are two must-visit experiences for a spine-chilling time in Madrid. Art lovers and ghost hunters can also visit the Liria Palace collection, where it's said that the ghost of Empress Eugenie of Montijo, wife of Napoleon III, still roams its halls.
Paris: Besides exploring the Paris Catacombs – home to more than 6 million skeletons, or strolling through Père Lachaise Cemetery, the resting place of artists like Jim Morrison, adventurous travelers can discover the darker side of the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles on a murder and mystery-themed tour.
Amsterdam: The Dutch capital is vibrant year-round, and it doesn't disappoint during Halloween. Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum houses an impressive collection of bizarre and unsettling oddities, while visitors craving more horror should not miss the shows at the Amsterdam Dungeon, where witches, torture, and executions take centre stage.
Dublin: Halloween’s origins lie in Ireland, and Dublin is the perfect place to immerse oneself in the holiday’s spooky traditions. The ghost bus tour is one of the highlights, beginning at Trinity College, where Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, once studied, and then taking passengers to historic sites such as the Kilmainham Gaol prison and The Glasnevin Cemetery, before ending at The Gravediggers Pub, a fitting final stop for this eerie journey through Ireland’s haunted past.
Barcelona: The Gothic Quarter is steeped in mystery, making it the ideal place to encounter the city’s spectral inhabitants. For Halloween, the city takes on an even spookier atmosphere with Poble Espanyol transforming into a haunted village, and those looking for an adrenaline rush can explore the terrifying new haunted house at PortAventura, featuring the fearsome Cannibal King.
Milan: The city is not only known for fashion but also for its eerie necropolis, the Monumental Cemetery, often described as an open-air museum due to the intricate artistry of its tombs. Other spooky options include San Bernardino alle Ossa church, where walls are decorated with skulls and bones, and the city’s Piazza San Ambrosio, which hosts an ancient imperial column with mysterious holes allegedly made by the devil himself.
Edinburgh: Famed for its dark past, visitors can explore the haunted Edinburgh Castle and hear the tale of the lone piper, the castle’s most famous ghost. Alternatively, the South Bridge Vaults offer a glimpse into some of the city's darkest moments, from witch hunts to the notorious Burke and Hare murders, with many tales of paranormal activity adding to the chilling atmosphere.
Rome: The city’s rich history has left behind more than just monuments. Its catacombs and the Capuchin Crypt are home to eerie relics, while Cinecittà World offers movie lovers a tour through the sets of iconic horror films. Brave souls can also take a nighttime ghost walk to uncover the hidden mysteries and supernatural legends that continue to haunt the Eternal City.
Berlin: For a terrifying experience in the vibrant German capital, nothing beats the Berlin Dungeon, where visitors can test their nerves of steel in the torture chamber or face the ghost of the White Lady.
