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Not everyone’s perfect holiday is made of sunny beaches, city breaks and gourmet quests. If you prefer to step into the shadows for a more spooky getaway, then read on. From haunted castles to eerie villages, we’ve curated eight destinations that combine chills with charm, all ready and waiting to be enjoyed by thrill seeking couples, friends, or even adventurous families.

At DW Travel, we can help you plan the ultimate spooky itinerary for a frightfully good getaway. There are a lot of frightening and fascinating haunts to choose from, here are our top seven spinechilling spots. 

Explore the home of horror, Transylvania

Nestled in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, Transylvania is famed for its association with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Explore the myth and magic of Bran Castle, often linked to the Dracula legend, with its looming turrets and gothic charm. Tours of the 14th castle include access to the Medieval Torture Chambers and the Time tunnel experience.

Vampires and villains aside, the castle is one of Romania’s most significant landmarks having acted as a defense against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century before being used as a customs point. Romania is known for its gothic architecture, the largest of which is the Black Church in the heart of Brasov. But in truth, the country is awash with stunning gothic castles and churches that have become synonymous with the classic horror movie genre. 

Uncover stories of restless spirits in Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is one of Europe’s most atmospheric cities, where gothic architecture, misty lanes, and centuries of history combine with chilling tales. The iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city, is said to be haunted by restless soldiers and prisoners who once filled its dungeons. Beneath the city, the Edinburgh Vaults offer a maze of underground chambers, notorious for ghostly activity.

Greyfriars Kirkyard, a 16th-century graveyard home to stories of wandering spirits, most famously Greyfriar’s Bobby, is often described as one of the world’s most haunted cemeteries. History lovers can also explore the grim tale of Burke and Hare, the 19th-century body snatchers who sold corpses to medical schools, leaving behind a legacy of infamy.

With plenty of halal restaurants and mosques in the city, UAE travellers can explore in comfort while enjoying this spine-tingling side of Scotland.

Brave the dungeons in London

For travellers who love both thrills and history, the London Dungeons bring England’s darkest stories to life. Step into Sweeny Todd’s legendary barbershop, listen to Waldren recant the haunting tale of Jack the Ripper and get to grips with other chilling episodes of London’s past through a series of interactive performances and exhibits. The Dungeons also offer a calendar of special events and exhibits to keep an eye out (not literally) for.

Perfect for couples or older children, this attraction combines fun with frights. London is also very halal-friendly, with countless halal restaurants and mosques, making it easy for UAE travellers to enjoy a comfortable stay. 

Discover what lies beneath in Paris

Beneath the romantic streets of Paris lies something much more sinister, the Catacombs. A labyrinth of tunnels lined with the bones of millions, this is one of the city’s most chilling yet fascinating attractions.

Above ground, the eerie atmosphere continues at Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris’s most famous graveyard and the resting place of legends like Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Edith Piaf. Visitors often speak of ghostly sightings and a haunting stillness among its grand mausoleums and winding paths.

Another must-see is the Palais Garnier Opera House, a lavish 19th-century theatre said to be haunted by the “Phantom of the Opera.” Its underground lake and opulent halls add to its mysterious reputation, blending high culture with ghostly lore.

Step into the shadows of Salem

Across the pond, on the shores of Massachusetts lies Salem. A town forever linked with the infamous witch trials of the 17th century. Once a sleepy colonial spot, it became the stage for accusations, hysteria, and executions that have echoed through history. Today, visitors can uncover this chilling chapter at the Salem Witch Museum or wander through the Witch House, home of one of the trial judges, preserved with eerie authenticity. 

For families, themed walking tours bring the history to life with storytelling that balances education and suspense. Boston, just 45 minutes away, provides excellent connections, halal dining, and mosques, making Salem a spooky yet accessible addition to a US trip.

Dare to explore the haunted corners of Asia

Asia offers its own spine-chilling stories, where history and legend intertwine. In Rajasthan, India, the ruins of Bhangarh Fort stand silent under government order to remain closed after sunset, a place locals whisper is cursed. Families can visit by day, exploring crumbling temples and ramparts with sweeping views. 

Further east in Indonesia, the grand colonial building of Lawang Sewu, “a thousand doors”, carries the scars of its past as a wartime prison. Stories of restless spirits are woven into its echoing halls, making it both a heritage landmark and a site of eerie fascination. 

For UAE travellers, both India and Indonesia are familiar and welcoming destinations, with abundant halal dining and prayer facilities meaning you can safely combine culture, relaxation, with just the right amount of supernatural intrigue.

Wander the gothic streets of Prague

The Czech capital is a city made for ghost stories . With its medieval lanes, looming towers, and gothic architecture, Prague has long been associated with eerie legends. By day, the magnificent Prague Castle tells tales of emperors and alchemists. By night, the city’s cobbled Old Town comes alive with stories of restless spirits, mysterious golems, and secret passages. 

Walking tours reveal myths of the Astronomical Clock and chilling accounts from the city’s turbulent past. Couples can soak in the city’s romantic yet shadowy charm, while families will find Prague’s legends presented in engaging, atmospheric ways. Halal restaurants and mosques in the city make it a practical and comfortable destination, allowing UAE travellers to enjoy its spooky side without compromise.

More hair-raising haunts around the globe

If you’re still hungry for more haunted adventures, there are plenty of other spine-tingling spots around the world. Branched Oak Lake in Nebraska is said to echo with ghostly whispers whilst England’s Alnwick Castle blends Harry Potter magic with chilling legends of its “Grey Lady”. 

Venice’s forbidden Poveglia Island is steeped in eerie and uneasy quarantine history and Japan’s Aokigahara Forest, at the base of Mount Fuji, is as beautiful as it is unsettling. Each offers its own mix of folklore, history, and atmosphere, perfect for travellers who love a little shiver down the spine with their sightseeing. 

Discover spooky adventures with DW Travel

At DW Travel, we know not every holiday is about sunshine and shopping, sometimes the most unforgettable memories are lurking in the dark, underground or behind ancient crumbling walls. Whether it’s Dracula’s Transylvania, the witch trials of Salem, or the ghostly catacombs of Paris, our travel experts can design a frightfully fun itinerary that balances spooky sightseeing with comfort and ease. 

From halal-friendly dining and prayer-friendly stops to family-focused stays and seamless transfers, we make sure every eerie escape is also stress-free. And if you can’t decide on just one destination, why not let us curate a multi-city itinerary, linking together haunted castles, ghostly cemeteries, and spooky undergrounds into one unforgettable journey?

With DW Travel, you can explore the world’s spine-chilling spots with confidence, knowing every detail has been carefully crafted for you. All that’s left is to pack your courage and get ready for a holiday that’s as chilling as it is charming.