Edinburgh has a reputation for being a little mysterious and Halloween in the capital is always a chance to lean into that and have fun. With its winding cobbled streets, historic castles and atmosphere, the city is practically built for scares. To help you navigate the best of the city’s seasonal offerings, Edinburgh events experts, The Foxy Hen, have shared their favourite picks this Halloween.

Family-Friendly Fun

Families will find plenty of ways to enjoy Halloween without too many scares. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh often runs autumn-themed trails and pumpkin workshops, perfect for little ones who love to get creative. Dynamic Earth offers interactive exhibits with a seasonal twist, combining fun science activities with Halloween storytelling that keeps kids engaged and entertained. If you want a classic outdoor day, Lauriston Castle and its grounds frequently host family pumpkin picking, themed trails, and safe, friendly costumed characters. The National Museum of Scotland is also a brilliant spot for a slightly spookier but still gentle Halloween experience, with craft workshops and themed displays that make history come to life in a fun, seasonal way.

Thrills for Teenagers and Older Children

For teenagers and older children, Edinburgh is full of properly spooky options. The city’s ghost tours are legendary, taking visitors down dark closes and alleyways in the Old Town while guides share tales of haunted residents, grisly murders, and mysterious happenings. Edinburgh Dungeon and Escape Edinburgh offer interactive, immersive experiences where friends can solve puzzles, navigate eerie settings, and experience the thrill of a timed challenge with just the right amount of scares. Cineworld and independent cinemas across the city will be screening horror classics and modern fright-fests, perfect for groups who enjoy a scream in the dark.

Nearby attractions like Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park sometimes run seasonal Halloween events aimed at older kids, with themed mazes, roaming actors, and spooky activities that make a day out feel adventurous and fun. Groups of teens will enjoy testing their courage together while exploring haunted spaces or tackling interactive challenges.

Grown-Up Ghoulish Nights

Adults will find Edinburgh’s nightlife gets a serious Halloween makeover. The Cowgate, Grassmarket, and Rose Street will be full of themed bars, immersive club nights, and cocktail experiences that lean into the city’s gothic charm. Thriller-inspired dance classes will give groups of friends the chance to learn zombie moves while laughing at themselves before heading out for the night. Horror escape rooms aimed at adults will also be popular, combining clever puzzles, immersive sets, and well-timed scares to test both nerves and teamwork.

For those who prefer a more atmospheric night, Edinburgh Castle and other historic sites offer torch-lit tours and haunted storytelling sessions that blend history with the supernatural. It’s a perfect way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks while getting a thrill from centuries-old tales of ghosts and legends.

Food and drink will be a highlight of Edinburgh’s Halloween too. Independent cafes, restaurants, and pop-up venues will serve themed dishes, creepy desserts, and inventive cocktails that look almost too good to drink. Street food markets like the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market and pop-ups in Leith will offer seasonal treats, ensuring you can snack your way through Halloween while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

Edinburgh’s Halloween is all about mixing atmosphere with fun. Grab your group, dress up in your finest costumes and experience a Halloween in Edinburgh that’s packed with scares, laughs and memories that will last long after the last pumpkin has been carved.