Published on
October 31, 2025
Poland unites with France, Italy, Romania, UK, Estonia, Belgium and more as budget-friendly Gothic cities turn into top Halloween travel destinations in Europe because travellers this season are choosing eerie adventures over ordinary getaways. The rise of “spooky tourism” has transformed ancient European towns into magnets for thrill-seekers who crave haunting beauty, medieval charm, and ghostly legends wrapped in affordability. With dimly lit streets, Gothic cathedrals, and centuries-old mysteries, these destinations promise chilling yet budget-friendly escapes. From Romania’s shadowy castles to Poland’s dark alleys and France’s eerie cathedrals, Halloween in Europe has become a celebration of fear, history, and fascination woven together in unforgettable travel experiences.
Halloween season is here again, and across Europe, a fascinating trend is taking over—spooky tourism. Travellers are no longer just looking for sunny beaches or scenic mountains; many are now hunting for eerie charm, Gothic beauty, and centuries-old legends that come alive in ancient streets and cathedrals. A recent study has unveiled Europe’s most spine-chilling and budget-friendly cities for travellers seeking an atmospheric escape filled with mystery, history, and supernatural intrigue.
The study compared multiple factors—hotel costs, car rental prices, population, hours of darkness, and the number of Gothic and medieval buildings—to determine which cities offer the perfect mix of affordability and thrill. Lower populations and longer nights scored higher, along with cities boasting impressive Gothic architecture. Let’s take a closer look at the destinations that made the top list for Europe’s most hauntingly affordable Halloween adventures.
Sibiu, Romania – The City with Eyes
At the very top of the list sits Sibiu, Romania, a city straight out of a Gothic fairytale. With an impressive 88 points, Sibiu claims the title of Europe’s spookiest yet most budget-friendly city to visit this Halloween.
Nestled in Transylvania, this Romanian gem offers everything a spooky tourist could dream of—narrow cobbled streets, shadowy medieval walls, and houses with “eyes.” Sibiu has earned the nickname “The City With Eyes” because of the eyebrow-shaped dormer windows on rooftops that appear to be watching passersby. This unique architectural quirk adds to its eerie allure.
Sibiu also ranks high for affordability. Travellers can rent a car for the weekend for just £3, while a night’s stay at a decent hotel averages around £128. With a modest population of 134,309, the city offers a peaceful yet ghostly atmosphere—ideal for those looking to wander through quiet streets under the soft glow of lanterns.
Gdańsk, Poland – The City of Gargoyles
In second place is Gdańsk, Poland, earning 85 points in the ranking. This historic Baltic city offers one of the longest hours of darkness in the study—14 hours and 4 minutes, making it a perfect backdrop for eerie night strolls and ghostly tales.
Gdańsk combines Gothic architecture and haunting charm with modern comfort. The iconic Mariacka Street, lined with ancient buildings and gargoyles peering from their stone ledges, invites visitors to experience the city’s old-world spookiness. Staying in Gdańsk is easy on the wallet too—hotels cost around £118 per night, and car rentals for a weekend come in at approximately £29.
Gdańsk’s dark alleys, cathedral towers, and shimmering riverside lights make it one of the most photogenic and hauntingly beautiful places to spend Halloween in Europe.
Tallinn, Estonia – A Medieval Time Capsule
Third place goes to Tallinn, Estonia, a city that could double as the set of a Gothic fantasy film. Scoring 82 points, Tallinn stands out for having the longest hours of darkness—an incredible 14 hours and 33 minutes—perfect for long evening walks through its ancient streets.
Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe. The towering St Olaf’s Church, with a viewing deck 60 metres high, offers sweeping views of the city below—a panorama that feels straight from a mysterious legend.
For travellers on a budget, Tallinn is still accessible. A weekend car rental costs around £30, and a night in a hotel averages £285, slightly higher but justified by the city’s haunting beauty and atmospheric charm.
Kraków, Poland – Echoes of the Past
Kraków, Poland, claims the fourth spot with 78 points and delivers an unforgettable mix of Gothic splendour and historical depth. This city breathes legends. Every corner tells a story—from its grand Wawel Cathedral, an iconic piece of Gothic architecture, to the crypts beneath it that hold the tombs of Poland’s most notable figures.
Visitors can enjoy an affordable stay too, with hotel costs averaging £217 per night and car rentals just £14 for the weekend. Kraków’s medieval core, shrouded in misty evenings and lined with flickering street lamps, sets the mood for ghost tours and historical explorations. The city’s romantic yet chilling atmosphere makes it one of Europe’s must-visit spooky destinations.
Brașov, Romania – Shadows of the Carpathians
Rounding out the top five is Brașov, Romania, which scored 76 points. Situated in the heart of Transylvania, this destination is surrounded by the towering Carpathian Mountains—adding natural drama to its eerie setting.
Brașov offers an ideal mix of Gothic charm and affordable travel. Hotels cost around £133 per night, while weekend car rentals are about £22. The city’s centrepiece, the Black Church, is a haunting marvel. Over centuries, its walls have darkened due to age and smoke, giving it a distinct shadowy character that seems perfect for Halloween lore.
With narrow cobblestone streets, charming courtyards, and tales of Vlad the Impaler echoing through the region, Brașov promises one of the most atmospheric Halloween experiences in Europe.
Riga, Latvia – A Northern Gem of Darkness
Coming in sixth is Riga, Latvia, with 71 points. Known for its long winter nights—14 hours and 18 minutes of darkness—Riga offers an excellent setting for those seeking spooky adventures under dimly lit skies.
Its Gothic cathedrals and St Peter’s Church dominate the skyline, while the city’s blend of medieval and Art Nouveau architecture creates an enchanting mix of elegance and mystery. The compact city centre makes exploring easy, while affordable lodging and car rental options add to Riga’s appeal as a budget-friendly spooky destination.
Rouen, France – Whispers from the Past
Rouen, France, scored 68 points and continues to charm travellers with its hauntingly beautiful architecture. This city, once home to powerful medieval rulers, is dotted with Gothic landmarks, including the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen, whose intricate façade inspired countless works of art.
Rouen’s quiet streets and smaller population lend an eerie stillness after dark. The soft light of lampposts reflecting on stone buildings creates an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Gothic novel. For Halloween enthusiasts, Rouen is a must-see for history, architecture, and that unmistakable touch of mystery.
Ghent, Belgium – The Gothic Heart of Flanders
In Ghent, Belgium, which also made the list with 66 points, visitors encounter one of Europe’s richest concentrations of Gothic architecture. The St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and ancient churches transport travellers back to medieval times. Hidden passages and quiet canals enhance the city’s ghostly charm, especially when fog rolls in over the water.
Ghent is both beautiful and budget-friendly—perfect for Halloween tourists looking for affordable yet breathtaking Gothic experiences. The city’s vibrant nightlife and soft evening lights make it a favourite for travellers wanting both chills and charm.
York, United Kingdom – The Most Haunted City in Europe
York, England, also scored 66 points and is often called “the most haunted city in Europe.” This historic English city is packed with medieval buildings, cobbled streets, and centuries of ghost stories.
The iconic York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe, looms over the skyline. Walking through The Shambles, one of the city’s most famous old streets, visitors can easily imagine ghostly figures lurking in the shadows. York combines history, legend, and spooky storytelling like few other cities can.
Venice and Milan, Italy – The Elegant Shadows
Finally, two Italian cities—Venice and Milan—round off the spooky top list, each scoring 61 points.
Venice is a place where beauty meets eeriness. Its labyrinth of canals, dimly lit alleys, and centuries-old palaces create an uncanny sense of mystery, especially on foggy nights. Travellers can enjoy its Gothic marvels like Basilica di San Marco and the Doge’s Palace, both magnificent yet haunting when seen under moonlight.
Milan, on the other hand, mixes elegance with the Gothic drama of its famous Duomo di Milano, a towering cathedral filled with spires and shadows. Both cities offer affordable options for Halloween tourists seeking art, architecture, and that extra thrill of the unknown.
A Budget-Friendly Halloween Journey Across Europe
From Romania’s mysterious mountains to Poland’s Gothic cathedrals, and from the canals of Venice to the misty streets of York, this year’s Halloween travel trends reveal one clear thing—Europe is the ultimate destination for budget-friendly spooky tourism.
The DiscoverCars.com study has shown that travellers can experience eerie adventures without spending a fortune. Whether it’s the quiet stare of Sibiu’s “watching rooftops,” the haunting churches of Tallinn, or the whispering streets of Ghent, each destination delivers a unique mix of affordability, beauty, and ghostly allure.
Poland unites with France, Italy, Romania, UK, Estonia, Belgium and more as budget-friendly Gothic cities turn into top Halloween travel destinations in Europe because travellers are drawn to affordable spooky experiences filled with eerie charm, medieval architecture, and haunting legends this season.
As darkness falls earlier and Halloween excitement builds, these cities are ready to welcome tourists seeking the perfect mix of history, mystery, and thrill—all without breaking the bank. Europe, with its centuries-old castles and cobblestone lanes, remains the timeless stage where legends come to life.
