To compile the ranking, 40 major European cities were analyzed based on four criteria.
For most people, autumn leaves, apple picking, and pumpkin latte are quite enough in autumn, but those who want to fully experience the atmosphere of Halloween can head to one of the spookiest cities in the world – this year, Edinburgh has been recognized as such. According to Travel + Leisure, Europe definitely has something to offer for those who like to get their adrenaline pumping.
In September, Iglu Cruise published a ranking of the top 10 European cities for a Halloween trip, creating its own “European Creepiness Index” (European Hauntability Index).
To compile the ranking, experts analyzed 40 major European cities based on four criteria with different weights. For this purpose, they used data from OpenStreetMap, Tripadvisor, and Google Trends. The following factors were taken into account: historical architecture (30%), the number of ghost‑themed tour offers (20%), visitor activity in reviews reflecting the demand for such tours (30%), and the time of sunset on Halloween night (20%). The earlier the sun set, the higher the city’s score.
After normalizing all the indicators for each city, a total “creepiness index” out of 100 points was calculated.
The scariest cities in the world
Edinburgh took first place with a score of 55.5 points. “Edinburgh is well known for its historical architecture, underground storage facilities, and ancient cemeteries,” the authors of the ranking noted.
According to them, the capital of Scotland topped the ranking primarily due to the high demand among tourists: tours dedicated to ghosts received nearly 17,000 reviews. On Halloween night, the sun sets in Edinburgh as early as 16:34, which creates ideal conditions for evening walking tours around the old town.
Among the places worth visiting, Iglu Cruise highlights the Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery, whose history dates back to the XVI century, as well as The Real Mary King’s Close – a complex of preserved underground passages of the XVII century, associated with numerous creepy stories.
London took second place with a score of 55 points. The city received high marks due to its ” rich history and significant interest in gloomy tourism.” Tripadvisor offers more than 120 guided tours dedicated to ghosts and places with a paranormal reputation.
The most interesting of them, according to Iglu Cruise, pass through places such as the Tower of London, Whitechapel-the area where the infamous murders attributed to Jack the Ripper took place in 1888-as well as the West End theater district, where, according to numerous legends, several theaters are haunted.
Rome closed the top three with a score of 51 points. The city has received high marks due to its numerous ancient and medieval underground sites. Rome received the maximum 100 points for historical architecture, but lost ground due to fewer thematic excursions than its British competitors.
“The result in Rome highlights the significant number of historical burial sites that are physically present in the city,” Iglu Cruise noted.
Among the most eerie places in Rome, the authors of the ranking list highlighted the crypt at the Il Convento dei Cappuccini monastery, known as the Capuchin Crypt. This is a 17th‑century underground crypt decorated with the bones of more than 3,000 Capuchins. Tourists are also advised to visit the ancient catacombs along the Appian Way.
The complete list of the spookiest cities in Europe for celebrating Halloween, according to Iglu Cruise:
- Edinburgh (Scotland);
- London (England);
- Rome (Italy);
- Prague (Czech Republic);
- York (England);
- Vienna (Austria);
- Budapest (Hungary);
- Stockholm (Sweden);
- Lisbon (Portugal);
- Brasov (Romania).
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.