13 Best Walking Tours In Salem, MA

Welcome to Salem, MA, where history and mystery meet on cobblestone streets. This charming old town is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in American history, witchcraft, or the paranormal.

Taking a walking tour is a great way to experience the rich history and folklore of Salem, MA. There are a variety of walking tours in Salem, from retracing the steps of the infamous Witch Trials to exploring filming locations of the beloved 1993 movie Hocus Pocus. And with options for both daytime and nighttime tours, you can experience Salem in a whole new light.

If you are visiting Salem on a day trip, taking a walking tour is a great way to experience the city if short on time. I’ve also included some of the best ghost tours in Salem, which are a must when visiting Salem in October. I visited Salem in the fall, just before Halloween, but any of these tours can be taken at any other time of year.

In this post, we’ll delve into the best walking tours in Salem. So grab your walking shoes and let’s explore the fascinating history and spooky legends of this captivating town!

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Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here are my top 3 walking tours in Salem!

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13 Best Walking Tours in Salem, MA

1. History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

Looking to delve into Salem’s haunted history? Explore this fascinating city with this 2-hour History & Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour, ranked as one of the best walking tours in Salem.

Starting from the Old Town Hall, an easily accessible central point, you will be led by a local historian. Be drawn into 400 years of history, from cobblestone-laden streets to centuries-old architecture.

Experience the city in a way that you could not achieve alone. Your guide will enrich your understanding of the 1692 Witch Trials, share chilling tales, and even introduce you to modern-day witches. This tour, a mix of chilling realities and mysterious tales, extends far beyond an ordinary walk around the city.

Tour stops include remarkable locations like the Witch Trials Memorial, the Witch House, and the Ropes Mansion. Walk through Salem’s historic McIntire District and feel the city’s ancient history come alive.

Plus, encounter unique sites such as the Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery, the Old Burying Point Cemetery, and Hamilton Hall. Note that the tour is an outdoor activity and does not venture inside any buildings.

With choices of daytime or a more eerie nighttime tour illuminated by lantern light, you decide the tone of your adventure. I think this tour is an ideal, stress-free way to explore Salem’s rich history, especially for first-time visitors.

2. Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem

If you’ve been on the search for a tour that brings the chilling history of Salem, the Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem is it. As one of the best walking tours in Salem, this tour is an extraordinary blend of history, legend, and pop culture all in one go.

This tour is the most in-depth look at the Witch Trials Salem has to offer, so you’ll get to really immerse yourself in the stories and characters that have shaped this iconic place.

Spanning four centuries of history, you’ll learn about Salem’s colonial roots, its significance as a thriving seaport, and discover how it earned its notorious title as the “Witch City”.

This tour starts from outside the Halloween Museum, where you’ll met your licensed guide, a local historian who has a knack for storytelling.

They’ll take you through over a dozen significant spots in downtown Salem, drawing the eerie past of the Witch Trials into the present. You’ll learn the real story behind the infamous events of 1692, along with other captivating facets of Salem’s rich history.

This tour is limited to 40 spots, so book your spot online and prepare for an unforgettable trek through time!

🤩 Book the Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem online here!

3. The Salem Night Ghost Tour

The Salem Night Ghost tour is perfect for those who thrive on ghost stories and all things spooky. This tour takes you on a spine-tingling journey through Salem’s history, as you walk the lamplit streets guided by a professional local guide.

Over a span of 75 minutes, become acquainted with the city’s sinister past, filled with legends and true tales of witchcraft, murder, and mayhem.

The trip starts at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, where you’ll gain insight into the infamous 1692 Witch Trials. As the night unfolds, your next stop is the Salem Old Town Hall, the filming site for the movie “Hocus Pocus.”.

The walk continues to the Old Burying Point Cemetery and Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, reportedly two of Salem’s most haunted sites. The final leg of your ghostly journey winds down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall.

Join the tour Friday and Saturday at 8pm or Sunday through Thursday at 6pm. From April 1st, tours run nightly at 8pm. It’s a popular choice, so early reservations are highly recommended – book online so avoid missing out.

🤩 Book The Salem Night Ghost Tour online here!

4. Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour

So, you’re a fan of the supernatural, the thrilling, and the downright eerie? If yes, then you’re in luck! The Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour isn’t your typical historical tour, no, this is for the brave and the curious who are seeking to explore the grisly side of this historic town.

The Mysteries and Murder walking tour provides a unique blend of Salem’s bloody history and its chilling ghost sightings. This 90-minute tour beings at the Old Town Hall and is filled to the brim with tales of shocking murders and sinister ghost stories that will have your heart racing.

Your professional guide will shed light on harrowing tales you might have never stumbled upon on your own. From the chilling story of an insane woman in the early 1600s who murdered her child, to the horrifying tale of the famous hitman who took the life of a slave trader in his sleep, this tour leaves no spooky stone unturned.

The tour passes through the heart of Salem on Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, past the bone-chilling Burying Point, right to the gates of the Old Salem Jail Lot. Here, your guide will share the spine-chilling story of unthinkable acts committed within the walls of this historic jail.

As you venture past the ominous Gardner Pingree House, you’ll hear haunted stories that occurred within the confines of the house.

This tour is not recommended for young children. It’s a journey into the unsettling past of Salem, perfect for adults and young adults.

5. Salem Hocus Pocus Movie Locations Tour

If you’re a fan of the cult classic “Hocus Pocus”, then this 2-hour and 15-minute “Hocus Pocus” Movie Locations Walking Tour is simply a must-experience! This isn’t your average tour; it is specially designed for diehard fans who want to relive magical moments from the film.

This tour takes you through the real-life filming locations of this 1993 Halloween favourite. You’ll begin the tour from the Salem Common, where you’ll navigate through the very streets that were once graced by the Sanderson Sisters.

Your next stop will be the Salem Old Town Hall, which you may recognize from the Halloween party scenes of the movie. But that’s not all, you’ll also be visiting the picturesque Ropes Mansion and Garden, instantly recognizable as Alison’s house in the film.

The tour route also takes you to the Broad Street Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in the city, just to add an extra dash of Halloween spirit to the tour. To wrap it all up, you’ll stop at Salem 1630: Pioneer Village, America’s oldest living history museum, which you might remember from the opening scenes of the movie!

Along with all these amazing stops, you’ll also get some intriguing insight into the Salem witch trials and maritime history. Plus, your ticket includes a donation to Pioneer Village and a free Hocus Pocus souvenir to keep.

6. Salem Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour

Do you love the thrill of horror, the chill of a ghost story, and the allure of history? Well, you’re in the right place because this tour is one of the best walking tours in Salem!

The Salem Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour isn’t your run-of-the-mill tour – it goes far beyond the typical sites and into the chilling heart of this town’s haunting history. This tour is uniquely designed for people who love all things spooky, horror and halloween.

This unique tour has two convenient times to choose from; pick the daily evening tour to explore under the eerie cover of night, or opt for an afternoon tour on weekends.

Unlike other tours mentioned in this post, you’ll begin with the unmistakable chime of the Revere Bell at the Salem Visitor Center. Here you’ll meet your tour guide, who is not just a costumed actor, but a real historian and experienced paranormal researcher.

From here you’ll visit the Old Burying Point cemetery, home to the tombstone of John Hathorne, a trial judge during the infamous Witch Trials. Your guide will also share stories about the role the slave Tituba played in sparking the witch hysteria.

This tour covers a lot more than witches though. You will explore the original Witch Dungeon, revealing the shock-inducing tales of New England’s vampire folklore, and then examine your own photos for evidence of paranormal activity.

You even get to stand on the land of Bridget Bishop, one of the witch trial victims, and delve into the dark legends of vampires at Derby Square.

On this 1 hour 30 minute tour, you’ll visit more than 10 unique sites, each with their own harrowing tales, making this one of the most detailed and deeply immersive horror experiences in Salem.

7. Salem Witch Trials, Historical Walking Tour

The Salem Witch Trials, Historical Walking Tour is a deep dive into the history of the Salem witch trials like none other. What sets this tour apart from the rest is it doesn’t just skim the surface. Rather, this tour plunges into the deeper, darker side of Salem’s past that’s gripping and chilling.

This 90-minute tour will transport you back to 1692, where you’ll get an exclusive look into the haunting history of Salem. This is a tour that unravels the true story behind the Salem Witch Trials. Guided by a Salem City-licensed professional storyteller, you’ll experience history like never before.

The tour starts at the historic Salem Old Town Hall, a significant building that also featured in the classic Halloween film, ‘Hocus Pocus’. From there, the tour takes you to iconic locations such as the John Ward House and Rockafellas Restaurant, both crucial sites linked to the trials.

Each stop comes with its own captivating story, from the chilling Salem Courthouse where the trials were held, to the Old Salem Goal, a grim reminder of suffering endured by the accused.

One of our most poignant stops is the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, a touching tribute to the innocent lives lost in the witch trials. Here, you are invited to pay your respects and reflect on the haunting events that unfolded.

8. Black Cat Ghostly Night Tour in Salem

The Black Cat Ghostly Night Tour is not your average ghost tour. This unique experience transcends the usual tourist traps and delves deeply into the haunting history of one of America’s most ghost-ridden towns.

At 1 hour and 45 minutes, this guided evening journey will guide you to the most haunted sites of Salem – and we’re not talking about the typical, over-visited spots. You’ll go off the beaten path, unearthing the tales and secrets of former crime scenes, destinations sure to send a chill down your spine.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the stories of famed authors H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allen Poe, and Salem’s own Nathaniel Hawthorne, whose ghostly tales still echo through the town’s shadowed streets.

You’ll begin your tour at the iconic “Bewitched” statue across from the Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe. Make sure to check in at the shop, and there, you’ll be introduced to your professional guide.

9. Satanic Salem Walking Tour

If you’ve got a burning curiosity about The Satanic Temple, the Satanic Salem Walking Tour is just the ticket! Unquestionably one of Salem’s best and most distinctive walking tours, it offers a fresh, unique perspective on the city’s storied past.

This isn’t your typical ghost walk; in fact, there’s not a ghost story in sight! Instead, you’ll get a comprehensive overview of Salem’s history, straight from The Satanic Temple’s Salem Art Gallery. The tour is completely free from the supernatural or superstitious – it’s all about real, captivating history.

The tour lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, so you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the unique insights and intriguing tales offered by your guide – an expert in occultism and witchcraft, as well as an ordained satanic minister.

Far from being spooky or scary, the tour is actually very family-friendly; perfect for families who like their history served up with a unique twist!

The tour begins right in the heart of the city, at the Salem Old Town Hall. From there, you’ll visit the Old Burying Point Cemetery, pass by the Salem Witch Museum, and stop off at the bewitching Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery.

Before you book, it’s recommend you watch the documentary “Hail Satan?” to get a better understanding of The Satanic Temple and what the tour entails.

Be prepared for a walking tour like no other – this is the weird, wonderful, and utterly unique side of Salem that you won’t find on any other tour.

10. Dark History & Murder, Salem Walking Tour

Want to dive deeper into the darker chapters of Salem’s nearly 400-year fascinating history? If so, the Dark History & Murder, Salem Walking Tour is exactly what you need. It offers much more than just the typical stories of witches, Halloween, and ghosts.

This 90-minute night-time storytelling adventure takes you on a journey where you’ll tread the same grounds as pirates and pepper traders, uncover secrets buried in Salem’s oldest cemetery, learn of brutal historical murders, intriguing legal battles, curses, and even an old tale involving spiders!

The tour begins at Houdini Way, a historic site where the acclaimed escape artist once performed a death-defying act in 1906. From there, you’ll visit landmarks like The Burying Point, Gardner-Pingree House, 10 Federal St, Salem Old Town Hall, and the reputedly haunted Joshua Ward House.

You’ll hear of infamous dead, lost corpses, one of the most talked-about murders in American history, and the spot where Giles Corey was brutally tortured. Plus, you’ll also stop by one of the filming locations of the loved Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus.

So, if you’re ready to see Salem from a different, more thrilling perspective, book the Dark History & Murder Walking Tour online, and learn why the shadowy past of Salem is far more mesmerizing than any fiction you’ve ever heard.

11. Black Cat Historical Day Tour

The Black Cat Historical Day Tour unearths the lesser-known tales of Salem’s past that go beyond the infamous Witch Trials. It’s one of the best walking tours in the city that’s tailor-made for you.

The tour begins at Lappin Square, the home of the iconic “Bewitched” statue and right across from the charming Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe. Be sure to pop into the shop and check in, before being introduced to your guide.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill history tour! The Black Cat Historical Day tour delves deep into Salem’s gripping past, bringing to life thrilling stories of Pirates and Puritans, Witchcraft and War.

Your guide, bedecked in period costume, will take you on a journey around the city where you’ll marvel at stunning 400-year-old architecture and learn about Salem’s influential role in American history.

Discover how Salem, originally established with a vision of peace, spiraled into the cradle of the largest witchcraft hysteria in the modern world and transformed into the first site of spilled blood in the Revolutionary War. Hear about notable authors who once walked the same streets and uncover some of the city’s best-kept secrets.

What sets our tour apart is its flexibility. It’s unscripted and can be tailored according to your interests, making it a perfect introduction to Salem for first-time visitors. This tour typically lasts a few hours, making it a must-do for history buffs visiting Salem.

12. The Salem Witch Walk

If you have an interest in the supernatural, or are curious about witchcraft, then the Salem Witch Walk is right up your alley! It’s got all the mystery, enchantment, and history that make for a spellbinding experience!

What makes this different to other walking tours in Salem? Well, it’s not every day you get to be led by a real, practicing witch. Yes, you read that right. Your guide will be someone who knows their way around witchcraft.

The tour kicks off at a central meeting point, where you get the rare opportunity to meet and interact with a practicing witch. Here, you’ll participate in casting a Witches Magic Circle. This isn’t just your average history tour, you get to actively participate in real witchcraft rituals, connect with collective energies, and receive a blessing.

The tour takes you to key sites such as the Old Burying Point Cemetery, where you’ll participate in a blessing for the wrongfully accused. As you walk, you’ll learn about the Salem Witch Trials and gain insight into the history of witchcraft as well as how it’s practiced today.

Your Salem adventure doesn’t stop there. You’ll actively participate in three spells, including a full ritual and herbal magic. Plus, experience a captivating musical light show featuring thematic elements like dragons and cauldrons, that just adds to the enchanting aura of the walk.

The tour wraps up at the original meeting point. By the end, you’ll be well-versed in the dos and don’ts of witchcraft, witch sabbats (holidays), esbats (full moon rituals), and the core principles of Salem witches’ beliefs and practices.

The tour last 1.5 hours and as a bonus, all participants get a discount at Crow Haven Corner – North America’s oldest witch shop.

13. Requiem for Salem Walking Ghost Tour

Are you looking for a ghost tour that really immerses you in the chilling history of Salem? Then look no further than the Requiem For Salem Walking Ghost Tour. This is truly one of the best ghost tours Salem has to offer, and let me tell you why.

On this tour your expert guide will deliver the creepiest tales and sinister stories right where they happened, ensuring you get an authentic experience full of spookiness and intrigue.

The tour lasts a good 80 minutes – a perfect length to visit Salem on a day trip, while also having time to explore Salem on your own. It’s a well-paced walk that visits some of the most haunted places in all of Salem.

You’ll start by visiting the Old Burying Point Cemetery, long known to be the most haunted cemetery in Salem. Here, your guide will tell you about its chilling connections to the Witch Trials and share the spine-tingling ghost stories that have made it so notorious.

Next, you will make your way to Proctor’s Ledge, the infamous site where historians believe most of the Salem Witch Trials hangings took place. As you stand at this tragic site, it won’t take much imagination to understand why rumours of hauntings have persisted for over 200 years.

Following that, you’ll visit the iconic Ropes Mansion, made famous by the movie ‘Hocus Pocus’. But there’s a darker side to this beautiful mansion that makes it a hot point for spectral activity.

Your tour will conclude at the House of the Seven Gables, another well-known haunted house in Salem. Your guide will dive into the mansion’s history and share who they believe might be haunting it today.

A unique thing about the Requiem For Salem Walking Ghost Tour is that it’s for adults only. Why is this cool? Well, mature themes deserve mature audiences. This way guides ensure that the chilling details and dark deeds of Salem’s history are treated with the reverence they deserve.

Thanks For Reading!

And there you have it, a sneak peek into the magic, mystery, and maybe a couple of goosebumps awaiting you in Salem, MA.

Whether you’re here to explore the history of the Witch Trials, take a selfie at the Ropes Mansion, or maybe catch a glimpse of something supernatural, Salem promises an adventure that’s as enriching as it is thrilling.