From the mist-clad castles of Transylvania to the party zones of Bucharest, Romania makes for an ideal Halloween destination. Below is a list of events and places to visit on All Hallows’ eve.

Bran Castle (October 29) – A must-see for Halloween, Bran castle offers visitors daytime and nighttime events. The Halloween Tour by Day, which takes place between 9 AM and 4 PM, costs RON 70 (EUR 14) for adults and RON 30 (EUR 6) for children. Kids under 7 years of age can enter for free. Tickets for the Magic Time Tunnel by Day, which can be purchased together with the Halloween Tour tickets, also cost RON 30.

It is on Halloween night, however, that the castle comes alive, with a Halloween Tour by Night for RON 100 (EUR 20) and a Magic Time Tunnel by Night for RON 50 (EUR 10). The latter, the castle staff warns, is only for the bravest visitors. The castle’s restaurant also offers a Vampire Gourmet Dinner (RON 450), where tourists can enjoy a menu that shares a theme similar to the one of the event. For RON 200 (EUR 40.5), visitors can purchase the Combo Pass ticket, allowing them access to the Tour by Night and the Halloween Party in the Royal Park. Only those above 18 years old are allowed in the party. Finally, the Count Special Guest Pass (RON 600 or EUR 121.5) combines the Combo Pass with the Vampire Gourmet Dinner. Those with claustrophobia or sensibility to flashing lights and loud noises are advised to attend the castle’s events with extreme care.

Michael Jackson’s Thriller – Halloween Special / Tribute Show (October 30) – Beraria H will celebrate All Hallows’ Eve by mixing the King of Pop with ghosts. The venue can be found within Bucharest’s Herastrau park. Access is permitted starting at 7:30 PM, while the show begins at 9:15 PM. General access tickets cost RON 39 (EUR 8), while tickets including a seat in front of the stage cost RON 59 (EUR 12).

Maneloween (October 28) – “The spirits of those who don’t listen to manele will haunt us in the dead of night,” according to the organizers of Maneloween, held at Bucharest’s grand Casa Presei Libere. Originally constructed by the communist regime to house the state press, the building will house one of Bucharest’s liveliest Halloween parties. The event features a mandatory dress code consisting of a Halloween-themed mask, makeup, or costume. Tickets start at RON 70 (EUR 14) for the early birds, while those purchased on the night of the event cost RON 100 (EUR 20).

Halloween Party & Fair (October 30) – The Halloween children’s party and fair organized by Bucharest’s Theater of Comedy includes creative workshops, handmade items, and costume contests. The best and scariest makeup will be awarded prizes. Halloween-themed decorations, jewelry, clothes, and makeup inspired by Morticia Addams can be found at the fair. Soda and snacks are on the house and entry is free of charge.

Halloween Brunch (October 30) – After nights of partying, or in preparation for one, tourists in Bucharest can enjoy a Halloween Brunch at the Sheraton Hotel. The event features live music and Chef Ashlie Dias, who will prepare the most exotic Japanese dishes and French recipes in front of the guests. There will also be a fine selection of cheeses paired with wine. Finally, a sweets corner is certain to be the focus of attention for children and adults alike. To attend the brunch, visitors have to pay EUR 75 for an adult ticket, and EUR 35 for children between 6 and 12 years old. A ticket for kids between 3- and 6 years old costs EUR 17. Each ticket includes access to Sheraton’s Skyview Pool & SPA area.

Halloween Party featuring Popas Band (October 31) – A more familiar setting for tourists from across the Atlantic, Hard Rock Café Bucharest is prepared to celebrate the spookiest night of the year with a Halloween Party featuring Popas Band. Aside from live music, the restaurant tempts visitors with Chef Corneliu Cârstea’s Spooky Burger, a steak burger seasoned with spicy sauce, crispy Onion, smoked bacon, tomato, and Cheddar Cheese. Every dish served on Halloween comes with a portion of pumpkin pie.

After the band ends their set, the house DJ will keep the atmosphere lively with an irresistible playlist. Organizers promise prizes for attendees with the most daring or original costumes. Access starts at 7 PM, and the concert begins at 9 PM. General access tickets, which come with a table in the hall, cost RON 25 (EUR 5), while VIP tickets, with tables placed in the front of the stage, cost RON 35 (EUR 7).

Children’s Comedic Opera (October 28, 29, 30) – Bucharest’s Children’s Comedic Opera has put together a Halloween show full of trolls, ogres, and witches. After ballerinas, actors, and musicians took the stage in Night of the Witches on October 21, 22, 23, several runs of Night of Magic are scheduled for October 28, 29, 30, showcasing the best tricks from the theater's magic performances but also new moments.

Halloween Party by Energy Kids Family Center (October 30) – Timisoara’s Energy Kids Family Center is organizing a children’s Halloween Party within the Iulius mall. The event includes a costume contest with prizes and a present for every child in attendance. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to accompany the kids, which will be entertained by fairies, pirates, and witches.

Halloween Steampunk Party (November 1) – Cluj’s Steampunk Transylvania and Planetarium Café are kicking off a series of steampunk-themed parties with a Halloween Steampunk Party on November 1. The party will feature costume dancing and ska music. Tickets cost RON 35 (EUR 7) and the event is limited to 150 guests.

Sighisoara: Candlelight Tour of Dracula's Home Town (ongoing) – Sighisoara, the place where Vlad Tepes, known as Dracula, was born and lived, is a wonderfully spooky destination year-round. The city is the only medieval citadel in Europe that is still inhabited. It is also a UNESCO heritage site. Guided tours allow visitors to enjoy the city, with trips from the Clock Tower to the Stairs of the Scholars. The narrow streets, old towers, and well-preserved buildings lead to Dracula’s own house. The beautiful sights are combined with in-depth descriptions of the city’s history. The tour lasts for 2 hours and costs RON 144 (EUR 29). Comfortable shoes are recommended.

radu@romania-insider.com

(Photo: Bran Castle by Bogdan Țîrdea | Dreamstime.com)