Top NYC Neighbourhoods for Halloween Fans and Ghost Hunters
Amid New York City’s ever-evolving skyline, it’s easy to forget the city’s deep, haunted history. This is, after all, a place where countless generations have lived and died, from the earliest indigenous communities to 17th-century Dutch settlers who once called it Nieuw Amsterdam. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly Halloween fun or a journey into the city’s spooky past, these neighbourhoods have something for everyone.
6 Spooky NYC Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring
Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn
For those who embrace all things eerie, Greenwood Heights is a must-see. The neighbourhood borders the historic Green-Wood Cemetery, a 478-acre resting place for Revolutionary War soldiers and iconic figures like artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and composer Leonard Bernstein. One particularly poignant grave belongs to 12-year-old drummer Clarence David McKenzie, the first Brooklyn casualty of the Civil War. This area is not just about history—it’s about uncovering the tales of New York’s ghostly past, making it a perfect Halloween destination.
Upper East Side, Manhattan
Jacqueline Clair, a local photographer, says Halloween brings the Upper East Side to life, especially on 76th Street between Fifth and Madison. This stretch features brownstones decked out with spooky decorations, animatronics, and unique themes like chic black-and-white pumpkins. Another hotspot is 70th Street, where you’ll find stylish and elaborate Halloween setups that stand out from the usual decor.
Ellis Island and Battery Park, Manhattan
Step onto Ellis Island and feel the history seep into your bones. The former immigration centre, which processed over 12 million newcomers between 1892 and 1954, has an unmistakable haunted vibe. For a truly chilling experience, join a hard hat tour of the Ellis Island hospital—now in eerie disrepair. Meanwhile, Battery Park’s historical roots stretch back to the 17th century, when protective cannons lined the shore, adding to the area’s ghostly charm.
Roosevelt Island, Manhattan
Once known for its infamous 1834 mental asylum and smallpox hospital, Roosevelt Island has a dark history that’s perfect for a Halloween adventure. Journalist Nellie Bly famously exposed the horrors of the asylum in 1887, calling it a “human rat trap.” Today, the island’s ruins offer a spine-tingling glimpse into the past, making it an ideal spot for thrill-seekers.
Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Halloween wouldn’t be the same without the iconic Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, a spectacle that has captivated the city since 1974. This annual event features elaborate costumes and a carnival atmosphere that draws thousands. The parade kicks off at 7 p.m., but the surrounding area is worth exploring all day, with festive decorations and plenty of local history.
Fordham and Knightsbridge, The Bronx
The Bronx boasts some of New York’s most chilling tales, including those of Edgar Allan Poe, who lived in a small cottage in Fordham. The house, where Poe wrote some of his most famous works and where his young wife died, remains open for tours today. For a deeper dive into history, visit Van Cortlandt Park, where British Loyalist forces massacred around 40 indigenous people during the Revolutionary War. Paranormal reports at the park’s historic Van Cortlandt House Museum add to its haunting appeal.
These neighbourhoods capture the Halloween spirit in New York, combining eerie history with lively celebrations. Whether you’re trick-or-treating or ghost-hunting, there’s no shortage of spooky spots to explore.
