If you’ve already picked out your witch name and your house is filled with magical Halloween goodies, you’re probably in the best mood to plan your trip. Grab your candy corn and get ready to bookmark my favorite places around the world where you can celebrate your inner witch. From the tragic histories of the many innocent people accused of witchcraft, to the real-life ingredients you can collect along your journey, these places will tempt you to stop and enjoy the magic.
Be sure to leave space on the broom for all the charming keepsakes you’re sure to bring home. If you’re packing your bags for a trip, don’t forget to pack one of these witchy rom-com novels to read on the plane.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Between cobbled streets and secret corridors, a trip to Edinburgh will give you all the witchy vibe you could want. Mix up your own powerful potion at The Cauldron, enjoy a candlelit dinner at The Witchery and lay flowers at Witches Well, a small memorial to the thousands of witches killed between 1479 and 1722. Candles, tarot cards or any other magical items can be stored there. Harry Potter fans may recognize Victoria Street as the inspiration for Diagon Alley, and a stroll through Greyfriars Kirk Yard will reveal residents like McGonagall and Riddle.
La Paz, Bolivia
Located high in the Bolivian Andes, at 11,942 feet above sea level, La Paz is the world’s highest capital city. After catching your breath, head to La Paz’s famous witch marketor witches market, local Where are we (Healer) Sells a variety of ingredients, spells, candles, amulets, plants and potions. A visit to the nearby National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore will give you a better understanding tourists and components of Bolivian culture.
Kilkenny, Ireland
Less than two hours by car or train from Dublin, the River Nore winds through the picturesque city of Kilkenny and past the majestic Kilkenny Castle. For those seeking a bit of witch history, head straight to the Kytelers Inn, a pub founded in 1263 by the infamous Dame Alice Kyteler, who was said to be a witch. She escaped before she was burned at the stake, but some say she simply transformed herself into a black cat, which may have been one of the reasons the city’s hurling team became known as the Kilkenny Cats . Immerse yourself in the wizardry of the past (and present) at Kilkenny’s Toil & Trouble Festival. Head to Essie May for a mini broomstick or some herbs, and the Book Center for some mind-body reading material.
Salem, Massachusetts
It goes without saying that Salem, Massachusetts, the official Witch City, is the center of witches, both historically and metaphysically. Head to Crow Haven Corner, the oldest witch shop in town, and get all the life-changing ingredients you need directly from Salem’s love witch, Lorelei. Take a photo with the Samantha statue Obsessed Before getting a reading from a psychic at Hex Old World Witchery, then visit the Witch House and Salem Witch Museum to better understand the Salem Witch Trials and witches today. Want to try and see it all in one visit? Book a guided tour with Witch City Walking Tours.
Benevento, Italy
The town of Benevento is located in the Calabria region, 50 kilometers northeast of Naples, and is full of witch legends. There are many stories of witches performing rituals under a sacred walnut tree near the banks of the Sabato River. Although scholars dispute the exact origins of these legends, many believe it stems from the customs of the Lombards (or Langobards), whose rituals Christians would consider to be cavorting with the devil himself. There is also a known cult of Isis that existed in Benevento around AD 89, which included a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess. Today, the city has an obelisk commemorating the Islamic State. Try espresso at Caffe Strega (witch meaning witch in Italian), then head to the Janua Witches Museum to learn more.
cleveland ohio
Cleveland may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of witches – but thanks to the late Raymond Buckland, the legacy of witchcraft is everlasting in Ohio! Buckland, often called the father of American witchcraft, brought the Gardnerian tradition to the United States in the early 1960s. The Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and Magic has had locations elsewhere, but today you can find it in Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood. While in Cleveland, don’t miss shopping at the October Mystery Shop and Cleveland Curiosity Shop, and be sure to reserve a reading at Goddess Elite, Cleveland’s oldest occult shop.
new orleans louisiana
New Orleans isn’t just for vampires! This beautiful city has many witchcraft scenes, and the area’s voodoo history is second to none. This was the domain of Marie Laveau, known as the Queen of Voodoo, and while it was considered a sign of respect to visit her tomb and leave her offerings, you can no longer Access to the cemetery is allowed. Spend an afternoon at the New Orleans Historical Voodoo Museum, then head to the Omen for a palm reading (book in advance).
Teora, Italy
Teora is located in Liguria, a region in northwestern Italy, sometimes called Italian Salem, in part because of the large number of local women (and at least one man) who were accused of witchcraft in the 16th century. Today, this delightful medieval village embraces its past every August with its annual Stigoria celebration in honor of the witches. Visit the Museum of Triora Etnografico e della Stregoneria (Museo di Triora Etnografico e della Stregoneria) to learn more about the history of the area and head to La Cabotina, the house of the witches.
Iceland
If you decide to visit Iceland during the winter holidays, be warned: Grýla, the Icelandic winter witch, unleashes her 13 Yule pups onto the land, causing mayhem and deception (and sometimes frostbite). The Museum of Magic and Witchcraft in Holmavik will give you a good idea of how witches lived in this part of the world, plus there’s a gift shop to die for. Near Snæfellsjökull, ask around to find The Witches of Búðir, a magical shop selling herbs, flowers, and more.
Mexico City, Mexico
In Mexico City, you’ll find magic and culture intertwined. While you don’t want to miss a trip to the Museum of Anthropology (National Museum of Anthropology) You’d be remiss if you didn’t schedule a visit to the pyramids of Teotihuacan, there’s another place that no self-respecting witch can miss. Mercado Sonora is located in the heart of Mexico’s historic Mercado Merced. It is also known as the Witches Market and is dedicated to brujería (also known as witchcraft). In this lively, colorful market, you can buy statues, potions, herbs, spells, amulets, offerings, ingredients, and more to improve your life.
Which witchcraft location appeals to you the most?
