Spooky Travel Index Reveals the Best Destinations For Halloween Getaways
Spooky Season is upon us, and this frightening time of year is a favourite for many who embrace the dark side.
From the darker evenings to the autumnal atmosphere and the playful fright of Halloween, autumn, and October in particular, transform the world into a sinister space.
Whether you're a paranormal enthusiast or seeking an unconventional city break, Riviera Travel has created a Spooky Travel Index to uncover the top destinations for a spooky getaway.
To uncover the world’s most spine-chilling places, we ranked worldwide destinations based on four factors: the number of cemeteries, ghost tours, Halloween activities, and the average daylight hours in October. We then gave each destination a score for each metric before calculating an overall weighted score to reveal the top 10 spookiest destinations.
The World’s 10 Spookiest Destinations
| Rank | Destination | Number of cemeteries | Number of ghost tours | Number of Halloween activities | Average daylight hours in October | Overall Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Orleans, USA | 10 | 151 | 85 | 11.4 | 42.99 |
| 2 | Bucharest, Romania | 3 | 92 | 84 | 10.9 | 37.61 |
| 3 | Rome, Italy | 24 | 46 | 58 | 11 | 34.24 |
| 4 | Tokyo, Japan | 32 | 4 | 11 | 11.2 | 23.20 |
| 5 | Paris, France | 14 | 20 | 27 | 10.7 | 22.97 |
| 6 | Prague, Czech Republic | 12 | 43 | 20 | 10.7 | 22 |
| 7 | Kyoto, Japan | 30 | 2 | 1 | 11.3 | 20.40 |
| 8 | New York City, USA | 7 | 27 | 19 | 11 | 20.14 |
| 9 | Venice, Italy | 1 | 18 | 25 | 10.9 | 19.58 |
| 10 | Kraków, Poland | 6 | 11 | 22 | 10.7 | 19.47 |
1. New Orleans, USA
Landing the top spot in our index with an impressive score of 42.99, New Orleans is revealed as the spookiest destination in the world. The American city has a haunting reputation, famous for its voodoo history and rumoured vampire sightings in the French Quarter. New Orleans’ paranormal vibe is popular among thrill seekers, so much so that the city offers an impressive 151 ghost tours and 85 Halloween activities, ideal for the ultimate fright. The city’s 10 cemeteries and 11.4 hours of daylight add to the sombre vibe sought after this time of year.
2. Bucharest, Romania
Following behind, scoring 37.61, Bucharest offers a chilling experience, residing in the same country as Transylvania, widely associated with vampire tales. With 3 cemeteries, 92 and 84 ghost tours and Halloween activities, and only 10.9 hours of daylight, this Romanian capital has the ultimate spooky setting. Beyond the Bram Stoker connection, Bucharest's Gothic architecture, tales of strigoi (Romanian vampires), and Vlad the Impaler's historical horrors showcase Bucharest as a spooky destination.
3. Rome, Italy
Rome claims third place, scoring 34.24. The Eternal City has 24 cemeteries and an extensive selection of spooky activities, making it an ideal location for Halloween festivities. From the Capuchin Crypt's bone-decorated chambers to the Colosseum's gladiatorial ghosts, Rome's millennia-old history means there's no shortage of restless spirits. The famous catacombs also provide spine-chilling experiences for brave visitors.
4. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo secures fourth position with 23.20 points, offering a supernatural experience for adventure seekers. The Asian country’s spookiness stems from Shinto and Buddhist traditions, where yurei (Japanese ghosts) and ancient spiritual beliefs create an otherworldly atmosphere amongst ultra-modern skyscrapers. Travellers can discover Tokyo’s spiritual culture while visiting its 32 cemeteries and immersing themselves in 11 spooky activities.
5. Paris, France
Rounding off the top five spooky destinations worldwide is Paris, scoring 22.97. The City of Light, appreciated for its romantic reputation, has, in fact, a darker side. With 14 cemeteries, 20 ghost tours, and 27 Halloween activities, this European city offers spooky travellers a frightful adventure. The Paris Catacombs, holding remains of approximately six million people, are perhaps the city's most macabre attraction. These underground ossuaries, where skulls and bones are arranged in hauntingly artistic patterns, offer one of Europe's most genuinely unsettling experiences.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Despite Prague's fairy-tale architecture, the European city has a sinister quality that earns it sixth place with 22 points. The Czech capital has a gloomy backdrop in October, averaging only 10.7 hours of daylight. Medieval Prague's Gothic spires create the perfect setting for tales of the Golem and the headless Templar knight. The haunting destination is ideal for travellers seeking a spine-chilling experience, thanks to its 12 cemeteries, 43 ghost tours, and 20 Halloween-themed activities.
7. Kyoto, Japan
Japan's ancient capital claims seventh position with 20.40 points. As the heart of traditional Japanese culture, Kyoto's temples and shrines are steeped in ghost stories passed down through generations. The city’s 30 cemeteries, 3 ghost tours and Halloween activities, and minimal daylight hours in October (11.3), provide everything you need for an otherworldly trip.
8. New York City, USA
The Big Apple secures eighth place, scoring 20.14. New York City is synonymous with autumn, with many romanticising the season; however, the iconic destination has a spookier side and is known for going all out for Halloween. From spirits haunting the Dakota Building to ghostly sightings in Washington Square Park's former potter's field, the American city's paranormal pedigree is surprisingly strong. Travellers can get into the spooky spirit with a trip to one of the city’s 7 cemeteries, or perhaps participate in one of its 27 ghost tours, followed by a thrilling Halloween activity.
9. Venice, Italy
Venice lands the ninth spot with 19.58 points. The floating city's maze-like alleyways and fog-shrouded canals create a Gothic atmosphere perfect for getting your spook on. Tales of plague victims, tragic love, and vengeful spirits echo through the narrow calli, whilst the Italian city’s doomed fate adds a melancholy quality. With 18 ghost tours, 25 Halloween activities, and only 10.9 hours of daylight on average, a Venice trip in October promises a frightful experience.
10. Kraków, Poland
Rounding off our top 10 is Kraków, scoring 19.47 points. The Polish city has a medieval charm with genuinely dark historical chapters. Legends include the Wawel Dragon and the St. Mary's Basilica’s watchman, who was killed by Mongol invaders and whose spirit is said to haunt the tower still. If that’s not enough, Kraków’s 6 cemeteries, 11 ghost tours, 22 Halloween activities, and just 10.7 hours of daylight fit the bill of a spooky destination.
Our Spooky Travel Index reveals that the world's most captivating destinations are often those that embrace their shadows. From New Orleans' rich voodoo history to Rome's ancient catacombs, each city offers something beyond typical tourist experiences, an authentic connection to history and the human stories that refuse to be forgotten.
Ready to embrace the spooky side of travel? Explore these hauntingly beautiful destinations and create memories that will last a lifetime, and perhaps beyond.
