It’s almost that time of year again: Halloween! The season where getting a good fright is actually fun—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a bit of excitement? Although Halloween didn’t originate in the Netherlands, the celebration has been fully embraced by Amsterdammers over the past few years. In October, the city transforms into a spooky paradise, filled with legendary parties, trick-or-treating, and chilling decorations. Amsterdam is the place to be for anyone who loves a good scare. Here are the best tips to make Halloween 2024 in Amsterdam unforgettable.
What’s happening in Amsterdam for Halloween 2024?
1. Ready for a bizarre experience? Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Looking for a totally different Halloween experience? Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is the perfect place to give yourself a heavy dose of bizarre surprises. From shrunken heads to torture devices, this museum has it all. During Halloween (25th October to 3rd November), the museum is decorated in creepy style, and you never know what might be waiting around the next corner.
On 30th October, Ripley’s will host a special kids’ party. Children can join a scavenger hunt through the museum and paint mini pumpkins in the lounge—a fun and relaxed way to celebrate Halloween with the family!
2. Coffee with a witch’s best friend: cats!
Okay, let’s be real, what’s a witch without her trusty cat? Cats were once believed to be the helpers of witches, and while those times are long gone, they still hold a mysterious and magical charm. You can enjoy a relaxed Halloween in Amsterdam by visiting Kattencafé Kopjes. Here, you can sip on a delicious ‘catuccino’ surrounded by eight adorable cats, all lovingly rescued from shelters.
For true cat lovers, this is a great place to unwind during the hectic Halloween season. Who knows, you might even leave feeling a bit of magic yourself!
3. Dare you enter? The Amsterdam Dungeon
For true thrill-seekers, there’s The Amsterdam Dungeon, and trust us, this place gets extra spooky during Halloween. Located on a site that was once a 16th-century cemetery, the Dungeon takes you deep into the city’s dark past. Some say it’s still haunted…
Throughout October, expect even scarier shows, extended opening hours, and a torturer who’s even nastier than usual. Experience interactive performances with live actors, special effects, and plenty of frightening surprises. Ready to get the fright of your life?
4. Go on a ghost walk through the city
Amsterdam may seem down-to-earth, but when it comes to Halloween, there are plenty of ghostly stories floating around. During a Ghost Walk, you’ll discover the dark side of the city, wandering down streets like Spooksteeg (yes, really!) and Bloedstraat, and learning all about Amsterdam’s gruesome history, including tales of witches, demons, and ghosts.
This tour of Amsterdam’s history is packed with authentic stories that will change the way you see the city. Do you dare to take the walk?
5. Halloween Party Time!
Of course, no Halloween is complete without a good party. Amsterdam is full of epic Halloween events, and for the ultimate spooky night out, there are plenty of clubs that go all out. Put on your scariest costume and hit the dance floor!
- Melkweg will host a Drum & Bass Halloween Special on 25th October, and a Brazilian Halloween party on 1st November.
- Panama will hold a Stephen King’s IT-themed party on 26th October, featuring creepy clowns and all things terrifying.
- Westerunie is going bigger than ever for the 15th edition of their iconic Halloween party on 26th October. This year’s theme is “Nuclear Survival,” an apocalyptic nightmare filled with mutants and radiation. Are you brave enough?
6. Friday Night Skate: Halloween edition
For something completely different, join the Friday Night Skate on 25th October for a special Halloween edition. Starting in Vondelpark, you’ll skate through the city, past iconic spots, bridges, and tunnels. The best part? Everyone’s in costume! Dress up in your spookiest outfit and enjoy a creepy skate night. Bonus points if you win the prize for the best costume!
7. Sint-Maarten: Dutch trick-or-treat
Trick-or-treating may not be an official Dutch tradition, but on 11th November, we do celebrate Sint-Maarten. This festival is marked by children walking door-to-door with homemade lanterns, singing songs for sweets. It’s kind of like a Dutch version of Halloween! Be sure to have some treats ready for the lantern parade, which is always a cheerful sight in Amsterdam’s streets.
In short: Halloween in Amsterdam is not to be missed!
Whether you’re looking for a terrifying party, a thrilling ghost walk, or just want to relax with some magical cats, Halloween in Amsterdam has something for everyone. Put on your scariest costume, dive in, and let the city’s spooky vibes take over.
Happy Halloween! 🎃