5 Halloween City Breaks to Shake Off Hometown Blues

Updated On: April 22, 2024 by   Yasmin Elwan

Halloween, the one time of the year when ghouls, ghosts, and all things eerie come out to play, is at the door. But here’s the twist – we’re not just talking about your ordinary pumpkin-spiced latte and candy corn affair. No, we’re diving deep into the heart of Halloween in vastly different corners of the globe with five outstanding Halloween city breaks.

From the bewitching streets of Salem, USA, to the ghostly alleys of Edinburgh, Scotland, and the vibrant celebrations in Buenos Aires, Argentina, we’ll travel the world, discovering unique and bone-chilling traditions. So, pack your costume and your passport because it’s time for a Halloween like no other.

Scare Up Some Fun: Best Halloween City Breaks

Who says Halloween is only about trick-or-treating in your own neighbourhood? It’s time to take your spooky celebration to the next level with Halloween city breaks that promise thrills, chills, and memorable adventures.

Forget the usual haunted house or costume party – we’re talking about exploring the spine-tingling history of a city, attending ghost tours in atmospheric alleyways, and enjoying eerie-themed events you’ll remember forever in the following five stunning cities:

North America — Salem, Massachusetts, USA

Salem, Massachusetts, is a city steeped in history, infamous for its dark past related to the Salem witch trials that unfolded in the late 17th century. As the Halloween season approaches, Salem transforms into a bewitching destination where history and hauntings converge. 

The infamous witch trials, where numerous innocent people were accused of witchcraft and faced harrowing consequences, are an integral part of Salem’s identity. Visitors can delve into the historical background of these trials through the city’s many witch-themed attractions and museums.

One such place is the Salem Witch Museum, where life-sized sets and dramatic presentations take you on a journey through the trials, bringing the past to life in an eerie and educational way. The Witch House, once owned by Judge Jonathan Corwin during the trials, is now a museum that offers a chilling glimpse into the events that took place there. Visitors can explore rooms where accused witches were examined and the eerie atmosphere that still lingers.

Salem’s streets come alive with spooky tours and events that both tourists and locals eagerly anticipate. The Bewitched After Dark walking tour allows you to explore the city’s darker history, featuring haunted houses and other paranormal occurrences. For those seeking a more interactive experience, the Salem Haunted Magic Show combines history and spine-tingling magic tricks.

Local traditions and festivities add a unique charm to Salem’s Halloween celebrations. The Festival of the Dead, a month-long series of events, includes séances, psychic fairs, and ritual performances, all aimed at connecting with the spiritual world. On Halloween night, the Salem Common hosts a grand celebration featuring a costume parade and a giant bonfire, embodying the communal spirit that makes Salem’s Halloween festivities truly special.

What Else Can You Do in the City?

Aside from the Halloween-related vibes, Salem offers tourists a wealth of attractions and activities to complement their journey. History enthusiasts can delve into the city’s rich maritime past at the Peabody Essex Museum, where an extensive collection of art, artefacts, and maritime treasures awaits. Exploring the House of the Seven Gables is a literary pilgrimage inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous novel.

If you’re in the mood for scenic beauty, stroll along Salem’s historic waterfront, where you can savour fresh seafood at one of the many charming restaurants. From lobster rolls to clam chowder, the dining options are a seafood lover’s dream. Or venture to downtown Salem, where you’ll find eclectic eateries serving a range of international cuisine, from Italian to Thai.

For shopaholics, Essex Street offers a variety of boutiques, antique stores, and quirky shops selling everything from vintage clothing to handcrafted jewellery.

Europe — Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, with its ancient and eerie charm, becomes a captivating cauldron of haunting stories and chilling experiences when Halloween approaches. The city’s medieval streets, gothic architecture, and a history steeped in ghostly legends create an atmosphere perfect for those seeking a bone-chilling adventure. Ghost tours are a highlight of any visit to Edinburgh during this season, and there’s no shortage of haunted locations to explore.

One of the most renowned haunted attractions in Edinburgh is Mary King’s Close, an underground street where plague victims were quarantined. Delve into the city’s grim past with guided tours that reveal stories of the plague, paranormal occurrences, and the sinister characters that once walked these forgotten streets. Visitors often report eerie encounters and unexplained phenomena in these underground catacombs.

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, exploring historic sites like Edinburgh Castle can send shivers down your spine. The castle, perched atop Castle Rock, has seen its share of battles, betrayals, and ghostly apparitions. The chilling tales of the Headless Drummer, the ghostly piper, and the haunting spectre of a dog make this historic fortress a must-visit for those with a fascination for the supernatural.

Halloween in Scotland is celebrated with a blend of tradition and modern festivities. The Scots have a rich history of celebrating Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. This tradition has evolved into Halloween, and you’ll find various events, such as the Samhuinn Fire Festival, where participants don otherworldly costumes and celebrate the changing of seasons with fire and music.

What Else Does Edinburgh Offer its Visitors?

The Scottish capital city offers tourists a delightful blend of history, culture, and captivating landscapes. One of its most iconic attractions is the Royal Mile, a historic and bustling street that takes you on a journey through centuries of history, dotted with shops, cafes, and landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral.

For a more serene experience, a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden provides a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. The National Museum of Scotland is a treasure trove of art, history, and science, offering an engaging look at Scotland’s heritage.

When it comes to dining, Edinburgh caters to a wide range of tastes. From traditional haggis and Scotch whisky to international cuisine, the city’s culinary scene is diverse and vibrant. Explore the charming bistros, traditional pubs, and contemporary restaurants for a taste of Scotland’s gastronomic delights.

Asia — Hong Kong, China

Halloween in Hong Kong is a thrilling and unique fusion of ancient traditions and modern celebrations. While it may not have the same historical roots as Salem or Edinburgh, the city has embraced the spooky season with open arms. 

Ocean Park Halloween Bash is a major highlight. This amusement park transforms into a haunted haven, offering hair-raising rides, haunted houses, and chilling live performances. Tourists can revel in the Halloween spirit while enjoying the spectacular ocean views.

For a different twist on the fright night, pay a visit to the Man Mo Temple. While it may not seem like a typical Halloween destination, this historic temple offers a unique blend of spirituality and celebration. The temple’s giant incense spirals release an aromatic cloud that fills the air with a mystical ambience.

Visitors can light their own incense and offer prayers, seeking blessings and protection from the spirit world. The temple’s fascinating combination of ancient rituals and the modern Halloween celebration is a testament to Hong Kong’s diverse culture.

Halloween customs in Hong Kong are an intriguing mix of tradition and contemporary trends. While you’ll find the usual costumes and trick-or-treating in some areas, the city also has its own unique customs. For instance, some locals light small lanterns made of lotus seedpods to guide spirits back to the afterlife. You may even spot families offering food and incense at ancestral gravesites to honour deceased relatives.

As Halloween grows in popularity, there are a variety of events and celebrations for tourists and locals to enjoy. Lan Kwai Fong, a bustling nightlife district, hosts one of the city’s most famous Halloween street parties. Streets are packed with revellers in creative costumes, and bars and clubs throw extravagant parties that last into the early hours.

Pro Tip

For a less raucous experience, visit the Western District Promenade, which transforms into a mesmerising outdoor art gallery with themed installations, sculptures, and light shows during Halloween. It’s a more family-friendly option, allowing you to take in the spooky atmosphere while strolling along the waterfront.

Extra Fun You Shouldn’t Miss

When visiting Hong Kong, there’s an abundance of attractions and activities to explore that go beyond Halloween festivities. Start your journey with a trip to Victoria Peak, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Discover the rich history at the Hong Kong Museum of History and delve into the bustling street markets like Mong Kok, where you can shop for everything from electronics to clothing.

To sate your culinary cravings, Hong Kong boasts an array of dining options. Be sure to sample traditional dim sum, featuring delectable dumplings and buns, at Tim Ho Wan or Lin Heung Tea House. For a fusion experience, indulge in a cup of milk tea at a cha chaan teng (traditional tea restaurant). Or, for the more adventurous, sample street food delicacies at Temple Street Night Market.

While you’re here, take a scenic ferry ride across Victoria Harbour and explore the temples and traditions in Kowloon. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the serene Nan Lian Garden, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

South America — Buenos Aires, Argentina

In Buenos Aires, Halloween takes on a uniquely Argentine flavour, blending the spooky allure of Halloween with the rich traditions of Dia de los Muertos. Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a significant celebration that honours deceased loved ones with colourful and vibrant offerings, paying homage to their lives.

The streets come alive with intricate altars, marigold flowers, and the irresistible aroma of sugar skulls, pan de muerto, and other delicious treats. Tourists and locals alike can partake in this remarkable cultural event and pay respects at the famed La Chacarita Cemetery, where the atmosphere is both sombre and celebratory. Here, you can find ornate mausoleums, beautifully adorned with candles and marigolds, which is a sight to behold.

While Buenos Aires does not typically go all out with the costume and trick-or-treating aspects of Halloween, the city embraces thematic events and cultural experiences. In recent years, Halloween parties and events have started to emerge in response to global influences. 

Bars and clubs host costume parties, and venues get decked out in eerie decorations, offering a blend of Halloween spookiness and Argentine revelry. Even the city’s theatres and cultural centres get in on the act, hosting special screenings, theatrical performances, and interactive events for those looking to immerse themselves in the season’s spirit.

More Things to Do in Buenos Aires

Alongside the Halloween celebrations, Buenos Aires, Argentina, offers a rich tapestry of attractions and experiences for tourists. Start your exploration at the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, renowned for its cobbled streets and tango dancers in the square. Wander through the colourful La Boca district, where you’ll find the iconic Caminito street lined with artistic displays and restaurants.

For culture enthusiasts, the Teatro Colón is a must-visit, considered one of the world’s best opera houses. Stroll through the elegant Recoleta Cemetery, home to the final resting place of Eva Perón, and explore the impressive Palermo Soho, a hub of trendy boutiques, cafes, and street art.

Dining in Buenos Aires is a delight, and don’t miss a traditional asado (Argentinian barbecue) at a parrilla. Savour empanadas, alfajores, and indulge in a dulce de leche dessert. For a unique experience, try a bodegón, a neighbourhood bistro serving local comfort food.

Sydney, Australia

Halloween is making its mark down under, with Australia embracing this “spooktacular” holiday with enthusiasm. The spooky holiday in Sydney, Australia, has rapidly evolved from a relatively unknown event to a thriving and festive celebration that appeals to both locals and tourists. 

For those seeking a bit more intensity during their Halloween adventures, Spirit Ghost Tours has a chilling array of experiences. These tours take you to Sydney’s most notorious haunts, such as The Rocks. A night spent with ghost hunters is an eerie, unforgettable way to celebrate the season. It’s a potent mix of historical storytelling and a dash of the supernatural.

The Manly Quarantine Station, with its dark history of housing passengers suspected of carrying contagious diseases, offers ghost tours that will send shivers down your spine. Visitors can explore its haunted buildings, and the stories of apparitions, unexplained phenomena, and tragic tales will leave you wondering if you’ve truly experienced the supernatural.

Families looking for a less scary Halloween can visit Taronga Zoo for their “Boo at the Zoo” event. This family-friendly extravaganza offers an exciting blend of education and entertainment. Kids can participate in a trick-or-treat trail, admire the animals, and learn about conservation efforts. It’s a fantastic way to engage with wildlife while indulging in Halloween fun.

Australia’s Halloween customs are as diverse as its landscapes. The land’s indigenous cultures have also made an impact on how the holiday is celebrated. Local traditions often merge with Halloween, creating a unique and eclectic atmosphere. Pumpkin carving, dressing up in spooky costumes, and hosting costume parties are common. However, it’s not uncommon to see trick-or-treaters in everything from classic ghostly attire to various Australian-themed outfits.

What Other Activities a Tourist Can Do in Sydney?

You can’t visit Sydney without exploring the iconic Sydney Opera House, a marvel of architecture and a hub for world-class performances. Bondi Beach attracts all beach bums with its golden sands and surf culture, making it the perfect place to catch some waves or just soak up the sun.

Sydney Harbour Bridge offers breathtaking views, whether you’re walking across it or climbing to the summit. For a taste of Australian cuisine, don’t miss trying the classic meat pie or a hearty serving of kangaroo steak. Seafood lovers can indulge in fresh Sydney Rock Oysters or a plate of Moreton Bay Bugs.

Sydney is also a melting pot of global flavours, with Chinatown being a top destination for Asian cuisine. A casual walk along the streets will reveal mouthwatering dumplings, spicy laksa, and sizzling stir-fries. For a classic Aussie experience, tuck into a “shrimp on the barbie” or savour some vegemite on toast.

So there you have it, dear wanderer. City breaks, especially during the bewitching season of Halloween, are like a treat for the traveller’s soul. Whether it’s haunted history in Salem, eerie adventures in Edinburgh, spooky surprises in Sydney, or any other destination you dare to explore, these urban getaways are simply fang-tastic. So pack your bags, grab your broomstick, and fly off to some thrilling Halloween city breaks. Happy hauntings, my fearless friend!