The night of Halloween and the following All Saints' Day is the perfect excuse for a short getaway in the Old Continent. It is a time increasingly used for traveling to not very distant destinations, as well as for celebrating the typical costume party.
"The days around October 31st are one of the most sought-after dates for a surprise getaway, because in many cities, events are held for Halloween. Adventurous travelers love to discover these cities in an atmosphere of mystery, terror, and magic that completely transforms the experience," explains Jordi Agustí, CEO of Waynabox, the first company in Europe to offer surprise trips, which has selected the best destinations to enjoy the night of the living dead.
Although few tourists know it, the Marolles neighborhood in Brussels celebrates the Festival of the Dead in a big way every year. For six days, those who visit this area of Brussels can enjoy concerts, fireworks, colorful decorations inspired by Mexican altars, craft workshops, and other Halloween-themed activities, as well as the grand final parade, which will take place on Saturday, November 1st.
In third place is the capital of Ireland, with a strong Celtic tradition. At midnight on October 31st, the New Year -Samhain- is celebrated, a night during which it is believed that the spirits of the dead return to the world of the living for a few hours. It is considered the origin of Halloween, later exported by immigrants from the island to the United States. Those who want an extra dose of fear can visit, an hour from Dublin, Farmaphobia Park, the country's largest terror event.
In the Danish capital, you will find Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. This is the chosen setting to welcome Halloween with themed decorations, over 20,000 pumpkins scattered everywhere, special shows, haunted passages, appearances of magical characters... In short, one of the best experiences to live the tradition of the living dead, also suitable for children.
It's time to travel to the British capital, with countless activities organized from the weekend before October 31st until the following one, ranging from parties, horror movie screenings, activities for children, pumpkin picking, and shows like Dark Arts at Harry Potter Studios. Not to mention terrifying tours like Jack the Ripper or attractions where you can get really scared, such as The London Bridge Experience or The London Dungeon.
Also with a Celtic past, the Scottish city continues to celebrate Samhain, just like in Dublin. During the night of October 31st, its streets fill with costumes, bonfires, and music in a very festive atmosphere. For the most daring, Waynabox recommends booking the escape room experience The Anatomist or visiting the underground crypts of Auld Reekie.
Another interesting proposal is to take one of the terrifying guided tours of Stockholm Ghost Walk during the days close to Halloween to discover more about what the tumultuous history of this city hides, as well as its ghosts and Viking past. Those interested can spend the day at the amusement park Gröna Lund, themed for the occasion.
This small town in Northern Ireland has become famous for hosting for over 40 years the largest festival dedicated to Halloween. During the week of October 31st, visitors can enjoy all kinds of shows and live music, although the most popular activity is The Awakening the Walled City Trail, a themed experience through the center of Derry to discover the history of Halloween and its mythical characters. On the night of the dead, the festival culminates with a grand parade and a fireworks display.
Here, the deceased are honored in cemeteries every November 2nd. However, in recent years, Prague has strongly embraced the Anglo-Saxon tradition of Halloween and the Mexican Day of the Dead, making Prague one of the European destinations with the most eerie and haunted plans during the All Saints' weekend. Among them, the legendary trick-or-treating done by children, parades and concerts, nighttime costume parties, or a themed visit to the city's castle stand out.
Transylvania cannot be missing from this list, the birthplace of Count Dracula. The must-visit is Bran Castle, near the city of Brasov, an eerie experience always, but even more so during October, when it transforms for Halloween with its Spooktacular: shows, performances, decorated stages, costumed actors, special tours...
We travel to Italy, specifically to Naples, to visit the catacombs of San Gennaro, San Gaudioso, and San Severo, as well as the church of San Gregorio Armeno, the Treasure of San Genaro, and the Fontanelle Cemetery. All key sites to visit during Halloween and enjoy a guided tour full of mystery, religion, and esotericism. For those craving more, The Museum of Torture is another essential visit to get scared.