Cape Town has been ranked among the world’s top 50 Halloween travel destinations for 2026, placing 48th on a list compiled by global travel trade platform Travel and Tour World (TTW).
The ranking highlights the Mother City’s centuries-old ghost stories, haunted landmarks and Halloween events, offering visitors a mix of local legends and spooky entertainment.
Although Halloween falls during spring in Cape Town, the city has no shortage of eerie tales, including the legend of the Flying Dutchman, the ghost ship said to sail endlessly off the Cape of Good Hope without ever reaching port.
The Castle of Good Hope, South Africa’s oldest surviving colonial building, is also widely regarded as one of the country’s most haunted locations.
Other local legends include the story of Jan van Hunks, who is said to have challenged the Devil to a pipe-smoking contest on Devil’s Peak, while the Cape Doctor’s notorious south-easter adds to the city’s atmospheric reputation.
Briony Brookes, chief marketing officer at Cape Town Tourism, said the city’s stories were part of what made it special.
“We’ve always known Cape Town has a dark side. It’s mostly the shade under the oaks in the Company’s Garden, but still,” she said.
“From ghost ships to a mountain hosting a long-running smoking contest with the Devil, our stories are part of what makes Cape Town so special. And #48? That feels about right. We like to make an entrance, and we never rush. Come for the ghost stories, stay for the sunsets. And if something taps you on the shoulder at the Castle, smile and say howzit.”
Cape Town events
The city will host several events around Halloween, which falls on Saturday 31 October.
The Cape Town Zombie Walk will take place on Saturday 31 October at 17:00, with participants making their way from the Company’s Garden into the CBD. The free, family-friendly event supports the Lucky Lucy Foundation’s animal rescue work.
Cape Town City Ballet will stage David Nixon’s gothic production of Dracula at Artscape from Wednesday 28 October to Sunday 1 November. Tickets range from R250 to R500. The production returns after a sold-out run earlier this year.
Film fans can catch FAUST at the Labia Theatre on Saturday 31 October at 20:45. The HORRORFEST screening marks the centenary of F.W. Murnau’s 1926 silent classic and features a new live score by the Makabra Ensemble. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for the best looks.
Meanwhile, the Manor of Mischief at Glenhof Manor in Newlands will offer 10 rooms of Halloween-themed experiences across two floors on Saturday 31 October.
Daytime sessions are aimed at children up to the age of 12, followed by a scarier experience for teenagers and adults.
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