Amsterdam is famous for its picturesque canals, world-class museums, and vibrant cycling culture, often best enjoyed by day. But when night falls—especially around Halloween—the city reveals a darker, more thrilling side.
As October’s crisp air descends, Amsterdam transforms into a spooky playground for Halloween enthusiasts. From eerie haunted tours to electrifying costume parties, the city offers many spooky events and activities that cater to everyone—from thrill-seekers and partygoers to history buffs.
Whether you’re intrigued by ghostly legends or eager to dance the night away in your scariest attire, here’s how to make the most of Halloween in Amsterdam.
1. Survive the Nuclear Fallout at the Amsterdam Halloween Festival
The Amsterdam Halloween Festival is the city’s biggest Halloween event, bringing together costume lovers, horror fans, and families in search of some frightful fun. This 2024, the milestone event marks its 15th anniversary, and it promises to be more intense than ever before.
This year’s theme is Nuclear Survival, a unique take on Halloween where partygoers step into a post-apocalyptic world..Instead of being terrorized by ghouls, witches, and werewolves, you’ll face the horrors of nuclear fallout, from irradiated ruins to mutated creatures lurking in the dark.
Get ready for a night of thrilling scares, mind-bending visuals, and pulse-pounding music. Don your most creative post-apocalyptic costume and feel the chilling reality of a world on the brink.
- Date and Time: October 26th at 22:00 – 05:00. The
- Venues: Westerunie, Westerliefde & Westergasterrein
2. Explore the Dark Side: Haunted Amsterdam Walking Tours
Amsterdam’s rich history, with its narrow alleyways and centuries-old buildings, lends itself perfectly to haunted tours. If you’re brave enough, step into the darker side of the city with a Haunted Amsterdam Walking Tour, where you can explore some of the city’s most infamous ghost stories and eerie locations.
- Ghost Walk Amsterdam: This eerie walking tour takes you through the winding canals and hidden corners of the city, sharing stories of ghosts, witches, and ancient folklore. The tour blends historical facts with local legends, giving a chilling glimpse into Amsterdam’s past.
- Red Light District Haunted Tour: Explore one of the city’s most infamous districts with a supernatural twist. This tour delves into the eerie history of the Red Light District, uncovering tales of hauntings, unsolved murders, and ghost sightings.
- Castle Muiderslot: On the evening of Halloween—31 October—this abandoned, 700-year-old castle opens its doors to visitors looking for a good scare. Tales of murder, manslaughter, and torment await you as you explore the castle’s dusty rooms, dark dungeons, and creaking attics.
3. Visit Amsterdam’s Historic (and Haunted) Destinations
Want to level up the thrill? If you’re travelling with friends, book a serviced apartment in Amsterdam and plan your own ghost-hunting tour after dark! Amsterdam’s history is full of mystery and eerie stories, making it an ideal city to explore during Halloween. Among the city’s most haunted sites are:
- Dam Square: This historic square has a dark past as the site of public executions and witch burnings.
- Bloedstraat (Blood Street): This narrow street in the Red Light District is said to be haunted by the ghosts of executed prisoners.
- The Spinhuis: This former women’s prison was used to punish women accused of witchcraft.
- Montelbaanstoren: This medieval tower is one of the oldest buildings in Amsterdam and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a murdered monk.
- The Amstel Hotel: This luxury hotel is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former guests.
- Westerkerk Church: A 17th-century church haunted by the ghost of a Dutch admiral.
- Anne Frank House: A solemn museum filled with history and a haunting atmosphere.
- Oude Kerk: A 13th-century Gothic church in the Red Light District. Legend has it that several crypts beneath the church hold the remains of citizens whose spirits still wander the area.
4. Get trapped in The Amsterdam Dungeon
For a more theatrical and immersive experience, visit The Amsterdam Dungeon. It’s a mix between a haunted house and a live performance, where actors recreate gruesome historical events from Amsterdam’s past. You’ll journey through different themed rooms that highlight some of the city’s darkest moments, from medieval torture chambers to witch trials.
5. Enjoy a Horror Movie Night at Pathé Tuschinski
Planning a Halloween-themed movie night? Skip Netflix and head to the Pathé Tuschinski, one of Amsterdam’s most atmospheric venues. The historic, Art Deco cinema is the perfect setting for enjoying a night of scares. Sit back and (try to) relax as you watch a spine-tingling lineup of horror films, from modern and indie thrillers to classic favourites.
6. Join Halloween Night Parties in Amsterdam
Halloween in Amsterdam, a city renowned for its vibrant nightlife, wouldn’t be complete without its epic parties. The city’s club scene fully embraces the holiday, with some venues hosting extravagant themed events featuring world-class DJs, elaborate decorations, and costume contests.
Check out Amsterdam’s event calendar, event website, or social media for more information and updates. You may also dress up and head to the city’s top nightlife districts for a night of Halloween-inspired bar hopping.
7. Step Inside Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum
Wanna see something slightly creepy in the spirit of spending Halloween in Amsterdam? Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum is home to some of the most bizarre items that ever existed. Shrunken heads, torture devices from Medieval Europe, creepy taxidermies, haunted items, vampire killing kits, mummified mermaids — need I say more? What’s better is it’s open ‘til 10 pm!
8. Enjoy a Halloween-inspired Dining Experience
Several restaurants in Amsterdam get into the Halloween spirit by offering themed dining experiences. From haunted dinners to spooky cocktails, many spots create special menus for the holiday season. Some restaurants even go all-out for Halloween, offering ghost-themed dinners where actors entertain guests with spooky stories between courses.
Whether you want to uncover the spooky history of the city’s oldest buildings or dance the night away in a costume, Halloween in Amsterdam promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with both frights and delights.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a free-spirited writer who hates being locked up at home. She loves traveling, eating, taking food and streetscape photographs, and simply enjoying new experiences and writing about them. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam