Salem is a city that’s practically built on stories—some spooky, some quirky, all fascinating. Its reputation as the Witch City makes it a natural place for themed tours, but Salem also offers rich history and ghost stories that keep visitors enthralled. We especially like the Witch City Broom Making Workshops for their hands-on charm, and the Ghosts of Salem tour for those who love a good scare. Whether you want to craft your own broom or hunt for spirits, Salem’s diverse offerings will keep your itinerary lively.
Salem’s compact size and walkable streets make it ideal for exploring on foot, and its unique blend of history, folklore, and craft makes each tour memorable. These experiences help bring Salem’s stories to life in ways that photos or books simply can’t match. Now, let’s look at the three best city tours in Salem—each with its own flavor and appeal.
Quick Overview
Our list features a range of Salem experiences—craft workshops, haunted ghost tours, and historical explorations—each offering a unique way to engage with the city’s character. For hands-on fun, the Witch City Broom Making Workshops let you create your own magical souvenir (see details here). If ghost stories are your thing, the Ghosts of Salem tour takes you to haunted landmarks. And for a broader dive into Salem’s dark past, the Witch City Broom Making Workshop in Salem provides a more intimate, personalized experience (more info here).
1. Salem, MA: Witch City Broom Making Workshop
At number one, this broom-making experience offers a delightful hands-on activity that captures Salem’s witchy vibe. For around $135, you spend 1.5 hours learning how to craft your own Witches Broom with all materials provided. The workshop stands out because it combines crafting with storytelling—you’ll gather your materials and then be guided step-by-step to make a broom that’s truly your own. You’ll get to add personal touches like ribbons and trinkets, turning your creation into a memorable keepsake or gift.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its high rating—5 out of 5 stars from 77 reviews—and the positive feedback about the friendly, engaging instructors. Many mention how the process is fun and relaxing, perfect for families or solo travelers. The workshop’s size allows for personal attention, making it easy to ask questions and get tips on your craft. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a tactile, creative experience that also ties into Salem’s witch lore.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in making a tangible souvenir while soaking in Salem’s witchy atmosphere, this workshop offers a memorable, hands-on activity. It’s best suited for those who enjoy crafting or want a fun, interactive break from walking tours.
2. Witch City Broom Making Workshop in Salem
Sitting at second place, this smaller-group broom-making class offers a similarly immersive experience. Priced just slightly below the first at $134.70 and lasting about an hour, it emphasizes personalized attention with a focus on creativity. The class involves choosing your handle, broomcorn, ribbons, and decorations, allowing you to craft a very personalized Salem souvenir. Many reviews highlight how accommodating and friendly the instructors are, with some mentioning how children and adults alike felt included.
What sets this workshop apart is its small-group setting, making it easier to ask questions and get one-on-one guidance. Guests also rave about the instructor Sabrina’s engaging style and the variety of materials available—ribbons in different colors, trinkets, and more. Several reviewers mention how the experience exceeded expectations, describing it as “SO fun” and “a uniquely fun experience.” This workshop is perfect for those wanting a more intimate, customizable craft session and a memorable story to take home.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a personalized, relaxed setting to make a witch’s broom and enjoy a creative, social activity. Ideal for families, couples, or solo explorers seeking a flexible, friendly experience.
3. Salem: Ghosts of the Witch City Ultimate Extended Tour
For those interested in Salem’s spookier side, the Ghosts of Salem tour offers a two-hour adventure exploring haunted locations and eerie tales. Priced at just $30 per person, it’s a great value considering the depth of stories shared. The tour guides lead you through Salem’s most haunted spots, including the Old Burying Point, the John Ward House, and filming locations for iconic shows like Bewitched and Hocus Pocus. Expect chilling stories of witches, bootleggers, and spirits seeking justice.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of history and paranormal folklore. With a rating of 4 out of 5 from 42 reviews, many guests enjoy the storytelling and the spooky atmosphere. The tour is perfect for anyone wanting to add a bit of mystery to their Salem visit without a huge time commitment. The guide’s storytelling skills help bring Salem’s darker chapters to life, making it a hit for fans of ghost stories, history buffs, or anyone craving some thrills.
Bottom Line: This walking ghost tour is ideal for travelers looking for an entertaining, spine-tingling experience that mixes Salem’s haunted history with fun storytelling. It’s best for those comfortable with a bit of scare and eager to explore Salem after dark.
How to Choose Your Salem Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and time. The Witch City Broom Making Workshops and small-group workshop are perfect if you want a craft activity and a personal touch. They cost roughly $134-135 and provide a creative souvenir. The haunted ghost tour offers a different flavor—more about storytelling and exploring Salem’s spooky reputation—at a very accessible price point.
For families or craft lovers, the broom-making experiences are ideal. If you’re more interested in ghost stories or want to explore Salem’s haunted sites, the Ghosts of Salem tour is a great choice. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time and ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Salem offers a variety of engaging tours that go beyond just sightseeing. Whether you prefer crafting your own witch’s broom or uncovering ghostly tales, these experiences bring Salem’s stories to life in a memorable way. For a hands-on activity that results in a cherished keepsake, the Witch City Broom Making Workshop is hard to beat. If you’re after a spooky adventure, the Ghosts of Salem tour fits the bill perfectly.
No matter which you choose, Salem’s charm and stories will surely leave a lasting impression. Book early, plan your day well, and prepare to connect with Salem’s unique character—whether through craft, history, or ghostly tales.