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The 16 Best Walking Tours in Salem
Salem isn’t just about witches and spooky stories; this historic Massachusetts city offers a wide array of walking tours that reveal its complex past and lively present. Whether you're interested in the witch trials, haunted spots, or iconic films, Salem’s compact downtown makes exploring on foot both easy and rewarding. The tours we’ve included showcase everything from deep historical insights to ghostly encounters and pop culture moments, all delivered with an engaging local touch.
One of our favorites is the 2.5-Hour Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour—a fantastic introduction for first-timers eager to go beyond the witch hysteria and understand Salem’s broader past. We love how it walks through the historic district, stopping at landmarks like the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and the Pickering House, all while being wheelchair and stroller accessible. This tour offers a balanced mix of history and sightseeing, making it perfect for those who want a rundown without feeling rushed.
If you’re after something with a darker, more supernatural twist, the Requiem for Salem Walking Ghost Tour stands out. It’s adults-only, with chilling stories behind Salem’s haunted locations like the House of the Seven Gables and Proctor’s Ledge. For film fans, the Hocus Pocus Movie Guided Walking Tour takes you to the actual filming sites of the beloved Disney classic, adding fun trivia and a swag bag to the mix. With so many options, Salem ensures every walk is full of surprises.
1. 2.5-Hour Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour
Salem’s reputation as a witch town often overshadows its rich history stretching back to colonial times, and this guided walking tour offers a well-rounded look beyond the trials. Led by a local guide, you’ll visit key sites like the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, the Pickering House, and Ropes Mansion Gardens. The guide weaves stories about Salem’s indigenous peoples, Puritans, and Patriots, giving context to how the city grew from a colonial outpost to a thriving port.
What makes this tour stand out is its detailed narrative and accessibility. It’s rated 5.0 based on over 800 reviews, with visitors praising Kenneth’s storytelling and friendly approach. For $40, the tour balances depth and pace, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting to understand Salem’s broader history. It lasts about 2.5 hours and includes stops with free admission, making it a solid value.
Bottom line: It’s perfect for history lovers who want an engaging, accessible overview of Salem’s past, with memorable stories and prominent landmarks.
2. Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour
This tour combines Salem’s past with its reputation as a spooky town, covering stories of the supernatural along with historic facts. You’ll stroll past the Witch House and Old Town Hall, learning about the witch trials of 1692-1693 and Salem’s seafaring history from your licensed guide. Guests enjoy the balance of ghostly tales and historical context, making it a captivating 2-hour walk rated 4.9 out of 5.
What makes this tour distinctive is its focus on Salem’s eerie tales and architecture, appealing to those intrigued by ghost stories and history alike. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a mix of haunting and history without the adult-only restrictions. For just $36, it offers a compelling overview of Salem’s mysterious side.
Bottom line: A well-rounded tour for those interested in Salem’s ghost stories and historic sites, delivered with a knowledgeable guide.
3. 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour
For a more atmospheric experience, the 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour immerses you in Salem’s witch-hysteria history after dark. Led by a local historian and real-life Witch, you’ll explore key sites like the Witch House and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, all under the cloak of night. This 2-hour tour—rated perfect with a 5.0—delivers storytelling that’s both spooky and educational.
What’s unique here is its nighttime setting, which enhances the haunting stories and historic ambiance. It’s family-friendly but also appeals to adults who love a good ghost story. At $32, it’s an affordable way to experience Salem’s darker side with a local expert.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who enjoy history with a spooky twist and prefer touring after sunset.
4. Requiem for Salem Walking Ghost Tour
If you’re after a no-nonsense ghost tour, Requiem for Salem offers a spine-tingling adults-only experience. For just under $35, you’ll explore Salem’s haunted locations like the Old Burying Point Cemetery and the House of the Seven Gables, hearing stories about paranormal activity and dark deeds. The tour emphasizes real ghost stories with a humorous touch, making it lively and engaging.
Guests highlight guides like Stacey, who are both knowledgeable and entertaining, with some even reporting glimpses of spirits during stops. The 1.5-hour walk is perfect for those who want a focused ghost story without the extra fluff.
Bottom line: An ideal pick for adults seeking a thrilling, no-kid-allowed ghost experience with authenticity and humor.
5. Salem’s Spooky Spectres Walking Ghost Tour
This tour takes you through Salem’s most haunted sites in a 90-minute walk packed with ghost stories. You’ll visit places like the Old Burying Point, Joshua Ward House, and Wicked Good Books, hearing tales of murder and mayhem that have haunted Salem for centuries. It’s rated 4.5 out of 5, with visitors enjoying the entertaining narration and spooky sites.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on Salem’s most infamous locations and its storytelling style—engaging, fun, and sometimes spooky enough to give you chills. It’s a great choice for those wanting a quick but vivid ghostly experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for fans of ghost stories with a taste of Salem’s darkest tales in a short time.
6. The Ghosts of Salem Walking Tour
Rated 4.5, The Ghosts of Salem explores Salem’s reputation as the most haunted city in America. Over 1.5 hours, your guide will take you to haunted landmarks including the Witch House, the House of the Seven Gables, and the Old Town Hall. You’ll hear ghost stories rooted in Salem’s history, with some guests reporting sightings and paranormal activity.
What sets this tour apart is its blend of history, paranormal tales, and storytelling flair. It’s suitable for those curious about Salem’s haunted reputation and interested in ghost-hunting tips. The tour’s moderate price and engaging guides make it a good value.
Bottom line: A balanced ghost tour with a focus on paranormal stories and historic sites, perfect for ghost enthusiasts.
7. Salem, MA: Hocus Pocus Movie Guided Walking Tour
Film fans will love this Hocus Pocus Tour, which visits filming locations from the beloved Disney movie. For 2.5 hours, you’ll see places like Pioneer Village and the Dennison House, with plenty of fun trivia and photo opportunities. A swag bag and a trivia game add to the playful atmosphere.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour is perfect for those who want to combine Salem’s history with pop culture. Many visitors enjoy the lighthearted vibe and appreciate the film-related stops, making it a hit among families and movie buffs.
Bottom line: The best choice for film lovers and those looking for a fun, relaxed way to explore Salem’s sights.
8. Salem: Secrets of Salem Hidden History Walking Tour
This tour offers a lesser-known look into Salem, focusing on stories rarely told. You’ll walk through historic streets, uncovering secrets of the 17th-century witch trials and how Salem recovered afterward. It’s rated 4.5 out of 5 and emphasizes hidden stories and less touristy sites, making it ideal for those wanting a deeper understanding.
The guide is praised for their storytelling and ability to reveal salient details that aren’t in the guidebooks. It’s a good fit for visitors who want to explore Salem’s lesser-known narratives in a 2-hour walk.
Bottom line: For curious travelers interested in hidden Salem stories beyond the usual sights.
9. Best Salem Witch Trials Historical Walking Tour
This tour takes you directly into the core of Salem’s infamous event with the Best Salem Witch Trials Tour. It’s a 1.5-hour journey to prominent sites like the witchcraft memorial and courthouse. The guide shares stories of the victims and the historic context of the trials, rated 4.0 based on over 650 reviews.
Guests appreciate the personal stories and the clear focus on truth and accuracy. The tour’s timing in the late afternoon offers a quieter experience, perfect for those wanting to avoid crowds while still getting an immersive look at Salem’s darkest chapter.
Bottom line: A solid, straightforward tour for those wanting detailed, factual stories of Salem’s witch hunt.
10. Vampire Ghost Adventures and Haunted Objects Walking Tour
For something uniquely different, this Vampire and Haunted Objects tour combines history with the supernatural in Salem’s only haunted building experience. Enter haunted locations like the Chambers of Terror and see collections of haunted objects, learning their stories firsthand. It’s rated 5.0 with only 20 reviews but stands out for its interactive approach.
Guests love the insider access to haunted objects and the storytelling about Salem’s dark past, with some even reporting ghostly sightings. This 1.5-hour adventure is best suited for fans of supernatural tales and those seeking a more immersive experience.
Bottom line: An exclusive, interactive ghost tour for those wanting to see haunted objects and interiors.
11. Salem Day Tour: Historical Witchcraft Hysteria Walking Tour
This daytime tour focuses on the real history of the 1692 witch trials. It covers iconic sites like the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and Old Burying Point Cemetery in 1 hour 20 minutes. The guide emphasizes accuracy and respectful storytelling, with reviews praising the guide’s knowledge and humor.
It’s a good choice for travelers wanting a more serious, educational perspective on Salem’s iconic event, with a slower pace and plenty of space for questions. At $30, it offers solid value for an in-depth perspective.
Bottom line: Ideal for history-conscious visitors wanting a focused, respectful recounting of the witch trials.
12. Best Historic Overview of Salem Walking Tour
If you’re after a broad overview of Salem’s history, this tour covers over four centuries in just 1.5 hours. The guide discusses Salem’s colonial roots, its role in the Revolution, and the impact of the witch trials, tying everything into the city’s modern identity. Rated 4.5, it’s perfect for first-timers or those with limited time.
Guests appreciate the expert storytelling and focus on important landmarks like the Custom House and Salem Common. It’s an economical way to get a big picture of Salem’s development.
Bottom line: A concise, comprehensive history tour for those wanting a solid introduction.
13. Salem Merchants and Mansions Guided Architecture Walking Tour
This architecture tour explores Salem’s stately mansions and merchant history over 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll walk through the McIntire District, viewing sites like Witch House and Ropes Mansion. The guide shares stories of Salem’s prosperity through shipping and commerce, making it ideal for architecture and history enthusiasts.
Rated 5.0 with only 12 reviews, it offers a focused look at Salem’s architectural evolution, with plenty of visual interest and storytelling. It’s a good pick if you enjoy building stories and local craftsmanship.
Bottom line: Great for travelers interested in architecture, history, and the stories behind Salem’s grand homes.
14. History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour
This comprehensive tour combines Salem’s historical facts with terrifying ghost stories in a roughly 2-hour walk. It covers landmarks like Essex Street, the Witch Trials Memorial, and the House of the Seven Gables, with stories that pull from over 400 years of local lore.
Rated 5.0 among nearly 12,000 reviews, it’s the most popular tour, praised for its engaging guide and authentic storytelling. It’s suitable for all weather, making it a flexible choice.
Bottom line: The best all-around history and ghost stories tour for wide appeal and in-depth storytelling.
15. Salem, MA: Mysteries & Murder Guided Walking Tour
For those intrigued by the dark side of Salem, this 1.5-hour tour explores murder and mayhem from the 1600s to today. It covers true crime stories, including stories of torture and victims, which appeal to lovers of true crime and historical horror.
It’s rated 4.7, and guests love the personal stories and local insights. The focus on murder and mystery makes it stand out from more traditional historical tours.
Bottom line: Best for visitors fascinated by Salem’s criminal past and dark secrets.
16. “Witch Trials” Walking Tour in Salem
This walk offers a compact, 1.5-hour exploration of Salem’s witch hysteria. It includes visits to the Witch House, Old Burying Point Cemetery, and the Witch Trials Memorial, emphasizing facts and sites related to the trials. The late afternoon timing allows for a quieter, reflective experience.
Rated 4.0, it’s suitable for those wanting a focused, efficient look at Salem’s most notorious event, with knowledgeable guides providing a respectful narration that respects the victims.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a condensed, informative tour that covers Salem’s witch trial landmarks.
How to Choose Your Salem Walking Tour
When selecting your tour, consider what interests you most. For a broad overview of Salem’s history, the Best Salem Witch Trials Historical Walking Tour offers a solid foundation. If you’re drawn to ghost stories and paranormal phenomena, the Requiem for Salem or The Ghosts of Salem provide spooky, engaging experiences. Movie fans will love the Hocus Pocus Tour, especially suited for families and pop culture enthusiasts.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Witch Trials or Salem’s Spooky Spectres, which are affordable and packed with stories. For those interested in architecture and elite history, the Salem Merchants and Mansions Tour offers a more refined look.
Booking early is recommended during peak season (summer and fall), especially for popular tours like the History and Hauntings. Also, check for tour times that fit your itinerary—many offer evening options for added atmosphere.
From historic landmarks to haunted sites and film locations, Salem’s walking tours cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you want to learn about the witch trials, explore hidden stories, or experience ghostly encounters, Salem delivers memorable walks that bring its past to life. Pick the tour that matches your curiosity, book early, and get ready to walk through one of America’s most fascinating towns.