Most Haunting Cities to Visit for Halloween
Imagine wandering misty cobblestone streets with the sound of distant footsteps behind you... or dancing through candlelit cemeteries during a parade of marigolds and music. Halloween isn’t just a day y’all— it’s a global vibe. Whether you’re a haunted history nerd or just here for the costumes and chaos (or to be honest… a mix of all three), these destinations deliver eerie energy, ghostly legends, and the perfect place to unleash your spooky side.
👻 And yes, while Salem is the queen of Halloween, we wanted to shout out other places that serve spooky realness in their own unique ways. You might just find your new favorite haunt. 👇👇
🪦 Sleepy Hollow, New York
Legendary chills in a small-town setting.
Step into the pages of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow where the Headless Horseman looms large every October. This Hudson Valley town transforms for spooky season with haunted hayrides, dramatic retellings of the tale, lantern-lit cemetery tours, and an actual Horseman riding through town. It’s classic, cozy, and creepy in all the best ways.
Tip: Book your hayride tickets early—they sell out fast!
🪦 New Orleans, Louisiana
Where voodoo meets vintage Halloween.
In the French Quarter, spirits don’t just haunt—they party. New Orleans is rich in ghost stories, voodoo history, and cemeteries that look straight out of a Tim Burton film. Take a haunted pub crawl, visit Marie Laveau’s tomb, or attend a costume ball in a historic mansion. You’ll get chills and jazz.
🪦 Savannah, Georgia
Southern charm with a haunted twist.
Beneath the moss-draped oaks, Savannah hides centuries of spooky secrets. Known as one of America’s most haunted cities, its cobblestone streets, haunted inns, and ghost tours in places like Bonaventure Cemetery make this genteel city a perfect Halloween escape.
Tip: Some ghost tours are 18+ due to creepy content—double-check if you're bringing little goblins.
Savannah is also one of the more walkable and accessible haunted cities, with a range of tours available—including trolleys, wheelchair-friendly routes, and even ASL-interpreted storytelling on select dates.
🪦 Orlando, Florida
Spooky fun on a blockbuster scale.
If you prefer your Halloween with a side of adrenaline, Orlando is your haunt. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is world-famous for a reason (scream-worthy haunted houses + epic production value), and Disney’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party offers a family-friendly option with villains, parades, and costumes galore.
Orlando also sets the standard for accessibility in spooky season. Both Disney and Universal provide wheelchair-accessible experiences, sensory guides, and Disability Access Service programs to help more guests experience the fun.
🪦 Anoka, Minnesota
America’s “Halloween Capital” goes all out.
Anoka has been celebrating Halloween since 1920—and they never stopped. Expect costume contests, house decorating competitions, ghostly storytelling, and parades that stretch for blocks. It’s charming, nostalgic Halloween at its purest.
🪦 Yorktown, Virginia
Revolutionary ghosts and haunted history.
This historic battlefield town offers more than just history buffs a thrill. With ghost tours that dive into its war-torn past, haunted taverns, and eerie graveyards, Yorktown is a lesser-known haunt with real colonial-era creep factor.
🌍 Edinburgh, Scotland
Europe’s gothic masterpiece.
Edinburgh looks like Halloween year-round, with its misty alleys, towering castle, and centuries-old vaults beneath the city. Ghost tours here are next-level scary, and you can even visit Greyfriars Kirkyard—where poltergeist sightings are common.
🌍 Transylvania, Romania
Yes, Dracula is basically your tour guide.
Halloween in the land of Vlad the Impaler? Iconic. Visit Bran Castle (a.k.a. Dracula’s Castle), wander through eerie forests, and explore medieval towns shrouded in mist. It's as spooky and surreal as it sounds.
Tip: Visit in late October for peak fall foliage and fewer crowds.
🌍 Dublin, Ireland
The birthplace of Halloween, literally.
Halloween traces back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, and Dublin celebrates with fire festivals, spooky tours, and ancient traditions brought to life. Walk haunted streets, visit underground vaults, and experience the roots of Halloween with a modern twist.
🌍 Mexico City, Mexico
A vibrant, meaningful take on the afterlife.
While not Halloween in the traditional sense, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a beautiful and moving celebration of loved ones who’ve passed on. Expect marigolds, altars, calaveras (sugar skulls), and colorful parades honoring ancestry and life beyond.
Many of the events take place in public plazas and streets, making them more accessible than private tours—with free or low-cost experiences and strong community support for those with limited mobility.
Tip: Celebrations peak Nov 1-2, but you’ll find altars and festivities up to a week before.
🌍 Prague, Czech Republic
Where fairy tales meet dark folklore.
Prague’s gothic architecture, shadowy alleys, and ghost stories make it feel haunted even on a sunny day. Add in night tours of medieval dungeons, chilling legends, and fog rolling over the Charles Bridge, and you’ve got a Halloween fantasy-turned-nightmare (in the best way).
🌍 Vigo, Spain
A Celtic Halloween in Spain? Yes, please.
Vigo’s Samhain celebrations connect Spain to its ancient Celtic past, with bonfires, spooky processions, and eerie legends brought to life. It’s witchy, unexpected, and ideal for travelers looking for a unique Halloween abroad.
✨ At Peachy Passports, we believe spooky travel should be for everyone. From free public parades to theme parks with accessibility programs, many of these destinations offer experiences that welcome all kinds of travelers. Always check for updated info on mobility access, sensory-friendly options, and inclusive tours when planning your haunt!
👻 Save this for your future spooky season planning
Wherever you decide to haunt this Halloween, remember: spooky season is what you make it. Whether you’re deep in Dracula’s castle or watching Halloween movies with your ride-or-die crew, there’s magic in exploring new traditions and old legends.
Have a favorite Halloween destination we missed? Let us know—we’re always planning our next ghostly getaway. 👻️✈️
