Salem’s historic tours offer solid, dependable ways to explore this fascinating Massachusetts city. After testing many options, two standout choices rise above the rest: The “History and Hauntings of Salem” tour hits all the essential sites in 2 hours with knowledgeable guides who separate fact from fiction. The daytime “Historians Guide to the Salem Witch Trials” provides the most accurate, well-researched perspective on the 1692 events.
For evening exploration, the “Salem Night Tour” delivers a perfect mix of historical insight and spooky atmosphere without resorting to cheap scares. Budget travelers will appreciate that these tours cover the key landmarks, including the Witch Trials Memorial and the 17th-century Witch House.
Let’s look at our favorite Salem tours in detail…
Key Points
- The “History and Hauntings of Salem Tour” is highly rated at 4.9/5 and provides a rundown of the Salem witch trials and key historical sites.
- The “Historians Guide to the Salem Witch Trials” offers an in-depth exploration of the trials by a historian, with a smaller group size for personalized discussions.
- The “Salem Night Tour: Haunt and History” focuses on historical sites and filming locations, led by a licensed paranormal investigator, with a rating of 4.6/5.
- The “Mysteries and Murders of Salem Tour” explores grisly murders and ghost sightings beyond the witch trials, with a 95% traveler recommendation.
- The private guided tour experience offers a 3.5-hour personalized exploration of Salem and the North Shore, with the option for culinary experiences.
History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour
The History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration into the city’s captivating past. This 2-hour tour led by local historians takes guests through the historic McIntire District and significant landmarks, including the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Witch House, and Ropes Mansion.
With a maximum group size of 40, the experience provides an intimate look at 400 years of Salem’s history, from the infamous 1692 Witch Trials hysteria to the modern-day fascination with witchcraft.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 based on over 11,600 reviews, the tour is praised for its engaging storytelling and informative content. Guests can expect to learn about the city’s haunted history, see the Bewitched statue of Elizabeth Montgomery, and visit the Old Burying Point Cemetery.
The tour is accessible for wheelchair and stroller users, with hand warmers provided in colder months. While no entry into buildings or cemeteries is allowed, the outdoor experience offers a unique glimpse into Salem’s past.
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Salem Night Tour: Haunt and History Guided Night Tour
A popular nighttime excursion in Salem, the Salem Night Tour: Haunt and History Guided Night Tour provides visitors an immersive journey through the city’s haunted past.
Priced at €25.28 per person, this 1.5-hour guided walking tour takes guests to historical sites and filming locations, including two cemeteries, the Witch Trials Memorial, and the Old Salem Jail.
Led by a licensed guide and paranormal investigator, the tour delves into colonial America’s dark history, sharing ghost stories and insights along the way.
With accessibility for wheelchair users and a flexible cancellation policy, the tour offers a convenient and captivating experience.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour proceeds rain or shine.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended due to space limitations.
Based on over 500 reviews, the Salem Night Tour earns an impressive 4.6/5 rating, with high praise for knowledgeable and entertaining guides.
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Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour
Offering a deeper dive into Salem’s darker history, the Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour invites participants to explore the city’s grisly past.
This 90-minute adult-oriented tour focuses on grisly murders, ghost sightings, and Salem’s history beyond the infamous witch trials.
Led by knowledgeable guides like Samantha and Danielle, the tour takes guests on a journey through the shadows of Salem.
Visiting haunted spots and landmarks, including the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, Old Burying Point Cemetery, and the Old Salem Jail Lot, the experience promises an engaging and memorable exploration of the town’s sinister side.
With a 95% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, the tour has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews for its captivating storytelling and historical insights.
While some have critiqued the overall value, the vast majority of guests have praised the tour’s ability to deliver a uniquely immersive and thrilling experience.
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Salem, MA: Mysteries & Murder Guided Walking Tour
Salem’s macabre past is the focus of the Salem, MA: Mysteries & Murder Guided Walking Tour. Priced at $32.94 per person, this 1.5-hour English-language tour explores true crime stories from the 1600s to the present day.
The tour, which is wheelchair accessible, includes visits to notable locations like the Joshua Ward House, Rockafellas, the Old Salem Jail Lot, and the Gardner-Pingree House, ending at The Burying Point.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 13 and operates rain or shine, with no same-day refunds. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and avoid intoxication during the tour.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 19 reviews, the tour receives high praise for its enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, engaging storytelling, and welcoming atmosphere.
Travelers have described it as the best tour of their trip, highlighting the guide’s personal flair and the opportunity to explore Salem’s macabre history.
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Salems Dark History & Witchcraft Hysteria Guided Walking Tour
Although steeped in Salem’s haunting past, the Salems Dark History & Witchcraft Hysteria Guided Walking Tour provides an enlightening exploration of the city’s macabre history.
Praised for its engaging and knowledgeable guides, the 1.5-hour tour immerses visitors in the dark events surrounding the infamous witchcraft trials of 1692. Covering popular sites like the Witch House as well as off-the-beaten-path locations, the tour offers a comprehensive look at this tumultuous period.
While some reviewers mention difficulties in hearing guides and navigating crowds, the majority highlight the educational value and enjoyable experience.
With a maximum group size of 35, the tour is accessible to wheelchair users, stroller-pushers, and those with service animals.
Though not focused on ghosts or hauntings, the tour emphasizes historical accuracy, providing travelers with a deeper understanding of Salem’s dark past.
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Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour
Step into the shadows of Salem’s haunted past with the Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour.
This 2-hour guided experience takes visitors through the historic town, highlighting its darker chapters. Starting at the Old Town Hall, the tour explores key sites like the Bewitched Sculpture, the Witch House, and the McIntire Historic District, uncovering chilling tales of the supernatural.
Led by passionate historians, teachers, and artists, the tour provides an in-depth overview of the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692-1693. Guests can admire centuries-old architecture and learn about Salem’s rich history as a world-class seaport.
With a 4.9/5 rating based on 248 reviews, the tour offers exceptional value at $32.94 per person. Wheelchair-accessible and with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this outdoor activity is a must for those seeking to enjoy Salem’s haunting past.
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for this tour that operates rain or shine.
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Real Pirates Salem Museum With Guided Directors Tour
The Real Pirates Salem Museum offers visitors a guided directors tour that immerses them in the captivating world of piracy.
Located in Charlotte Forten Park, the 4.8/5-star rated tour provides an informative and entertaining experience for families.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the short tour lasts for a suitable duration, making it ideal for those with limited time.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a maximum group size of 20 travelers.
For €29.73 per person, the tour includes themed presentations, an audio tour to take home, and a free digital photo experience.
Guests can also use a $5 gold coin in the gift shop.
The tour starts at 10:30 am and returns to the meeting point, which is accessible via public transportation.
While some guests have reported mixed feedback on the tour guide’s delivery, many praise the tour’s educational value and engagement.
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Salem: Ghosts, Witches, & Warlocks Guided Walking Tour
Exploring Salem’s haunted past, the “Salem: Ghosts, Witches, & Warlocks Guided Walking Tour” takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s eerie history.
Priced at $34.50 per person, the 1-1.5 hour tour departs from outside the Salem Five Savings Bank, offering a convenient meeting point.
Wheelchair-accessible and running rain or shine, the experience showcases 4-8 haunted sites, including the Salem Old Town Hall and Old Burying Point Cemetery.
The live guide, dressed in a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and equipped with a lantern, provides insightful commentary on supernatural events and the region’s dark past.
Guests can explore locations like Wicked Good Books, known for its eerie ambiance, and enjoy express security check to skip the line.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 from 386 reviews, the tour offers excellent value for money and receives high praise for its knowledgeable guides.
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Historians Guide to the Salem Witch Trials
This Historians Guide to the Salem Witch Trials offers a rundown of one of the darkest chapters in American history.
Focused on the town’s darker past, the tour delves into the infamous witch trials, the Old Witch Gaol, and the tragic fate of the victims. Guided by a historian specializing in witchcraft, the adults-only experience provides an engaging and historically accurate account.
The tour visits key sites like the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and the Witch House, offering a unique perspective on Salem’s haunting legacy.
With a maximum of 39 travelers, the intimate group setting allows for in-depth discussions and personal insights from the knowledgeable guide, Krystina. Her storytelling style, infused with humor, brings the shocking history of curses, witchcraft, and crimes to life, while emphasizing the emotional impact on the victims.
Praised for its informative and well-paced nature, the Historians Guide to the Salem Witch Trials is a must-do experience for both locals and travelers interested in delving into the darker aspects of Salem’s past.
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Boston: Salem and North Shore Private Guided Tour
Explore the rich history and captivating sights of Salem and the North Shore on a private guided tour. This personalized experience offers an in-depth look at the region, including its connection to the infamous Salem Witch Trials.
Over the course of 3.5 hours, you’ll visit key sites like the Witch Trials Memorial, the Salem Witch Museum, and the historic downtown area. Your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights, bringing the past to life.
For those seeking a more immersive cultural experience, the North End Food Tour in Boston is a tantalizing option. Spend two hours exploring this vibrant neighborhood, sampling delicious pizza, meats, and cheeses from local eateries.
Learn about the area’s Italian heritage and culinary traditions from your expert guide.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or a combination of both, these private guided tours offer a personalized and enriching way to discover the charm of Salem and Boston’s North Shore.
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Recap
Salem offers a variety of guided tours that cater to different interests. Whether you’re fascinated by the town’s dark history, haunted sites, or the infamous Salem Witch Trials, there’s a tour to suit your needs. With knowledgeable guides and immersive experiences, these tours provide an engaging way to explore Salem’s rich past and uncover its many mysteries.