Celebrate Halloween in Dracula's hometown.

Perhaps there's no better place to celebrate Halloween than Transylvania (Romania), the birthplace of vampire legends for centuries. Among countless chilling and spooky stories about nocturnal, blood-sucking creatures, the most famous is the novel.DraculaBy author Bram Stoker.

Stoker (ironically, never having been to Transylvania) wrote Dracula in 1897, drawing inspiration from Transylvania folklore and the historical figure Vlad the Impaler – a 15th-century Romanian nobleman (real name Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia) known for his bloodthirsty tyranny. Although not a vampire, Vlad the Impaler's cruel acts of terror have become notorious in Transylvania, as has his bloodlust associated with the fictional Count Dracula.

Thành phố Oradea vùng Transylvania — The city of Oradea in the Transylvania region.

Today, visitors to Transylvania can enjoy the peaceful and quaint countryside without fear of encountering vampires. However, if you prefer a bit of a scare, you can visit Transylvania during Halloween. At this time, there are quite a few vampire-themed events and tours organized throughout Transylvania.

Visit the hometown of Vlad the Impaler.

Sighisoara, thị trấn thời Trung cổ của xứ Transylvania — Sighisoara, a medieval town in Transylvania.

If you want to visit the birthplace of vampire legend, a trip to Sighisoara, in central Romania, will allow you to visit the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. The house where he lived as a child, at 5 Cositarilor Street, is not a haunted castle – but it is still an interesting destination for visitors. Sighisoara also has a beautiful old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Come and see where Vlad the Impaler's son was murdered.

Phố cổ Sibiu ở Transylvania nhìn từ trên cao — The old town of Sibiu in Transylvania, seen from above.

The medieval village of Sibiu boasts a magnificent Protestant church, where the son of Vlad the Impaler, Prince Mihnea the Devil, was murdered on the church's exterior staircase in 1510. With the title "The Devil," Mihnea was certainly not a benevolent figure. Like his father, Mihnea inflicted incredibly cruel punishments on his enemies, such as nose mutilation, ear cutting, and impalement.

Enjoy a meal at vampire-inspired restaurants.

Bắp cải và thịt lợn hun khói — Cabbage and smoked pork

You won't be offered dishes made from human blood, but these restaurants still offer an experience.cuisineQuite unique. With meat-heavy menus in the tradition of Romanian cuisine, many restaurants throughout Transylvania serve vampire-inspired dinners – sometimes with a performance, for example at Casa Vlad Dracula Restaurant, located in Sighisoara.

Visiting the grave of Vlad the Impaler

Tu viện Snagov ở Transylvania vào lúc hoàng hôn — Snagov Monastery in Transylvania at sunset.

It wouldn't be a complete Halloween in Transylvania without a visit to a crypt or cemetery. The Snagov Monastery is believed to be the tomb of Vlad the Impaler – though this hasn't been officially confirmed. Nevertheless, the crypt behind this charming little church is a worthwhile visit, with its ancient architecture and typical Central European gardens.

Visit the ruins of Poenari Castle.

Lâu đài Poenari đổ nát trên núi Cetatea — The ruined Poenari Castle on Mount Cetatea

The ruins mark the former site of Poenari Castle, a favorite retreat of Vlad the Impaler, to the point that he later chose the castle as his primary residence. Perched atop a cliff, it is also where his first wife committed suicide during a siege. For a particularly adventurous experience, climb the approximately 1,400 steps to the summit and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Take a look at Bran Castle, the home of the fictional Count Dracula.

Lâu đài Bran ở Translyvania — Bran Castle in Translyvania

Perhaps it needs little introduction.Bran CastleThis is the most popular "vampire" destination in Transylvania. However, this is not the actual castle owned by Vlad the Impaler. It became famous for being the inspiration for Bram Stoker's depiction of a vampire castle in his novel.DraculaFamous for its spooky atmosphere, this place, built in the 1300s, still retains its eerie corridors and staircases. It often hosts special events every Halloween, sure to attract thrill-seeking visitors.

Spend the Halloween night at Corvin Castle.

Toàn cảnh lâu đài Corvin ở Transylvania — A panoramic view of Corvin Castle in Transylvania

If you want a chance to show off your best costume, book a six-day tour with Transilvania Travel, which includes tickets to the Halloween festival at Corvin Castle, where Dracula himself was once imprisoned. Not only will you be invited by Dracula himself to tour the castle, but you'll also get to stroll through the Romanian countryside and hear local vampire legends.