Salem’s walking tours efficiently showcase the city’s rich historical heritage, particularly its connection to the 1692 witch trials. Two excellent options stand out: The “History and Hauntings of Salem” tour, which thoughtfully combines historical facts with spooky tales spanning four centuries, and the “Salem: 1692 Witchcraft Trials Walk,” offering stops at authentic trial-related sites including period jails and courthouses. We especially appreciate these tours for their accurate historical content and engaging local guides who stick to documented facts rather than sensationalism. For travelers seeking evening entertainment, the “Requiem for Salem Walking Ghost Tour” provides a well-researched nighttime experience. These walking tours feature comfortable routes and rarely exceed 90 minutes. Let’s explore the best tour options available in Salem.
Key Points
- Salem offers a variety of walking tours focusing on the town’s rich history, haunting tales, and the infamous 1692 witch trials.
- Popular tours include “History and Hauntings of Salem,” “Bewitched Walking Tour,” and “Salem: Secrets of Salem Hidden History,” with high traveler ratings.
- Unique experiences such as the “Salem Witch Walk” and “Satanic Salem Walking Tour” provide immersive and specialized experiences beyond the standard historical tours.
- Many tours are wheelchair and stroller accessible, catering to diverse participants, with small group sizes for personalized interaction.
- Guests praise the knowledgeable and entertaining guides, as well as the informative and captivating narratives of the walking tours.
History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour
One of the most popular walking tours in Salem, the “History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour” takes visitors on a 2-hour journey through the city’s rich past and spooky present.
Led by local historians, the tour covers over 400 years of Salem’s history, with stops at key sites like the Witch Trials Memorial, Witch House, and Bewitched Statue.
Rated 97% by travelers, the tour offers an engaging and informative experience, with stories about the 1692 witch trials and modern-day witchcraft.
Despite being an outdoor activity, the tour is accessible to all, with wheelchair and stroller access, and service animals allowed.
Nighttime tours are also available for those seeking a spookier atmosphere.
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Salem: Secrets of Salem Hidden History Walking Tour
Although the “History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour” attracts many visitors, the “Salem: Secrets of Salem Hidden History Walking Tour” offers a unique insight into the city’s dark past.
Costing $27.50 per person and lasting 2 hours, this tour takes participants to 9 historic locations, including the Salem Athenaeum and Old Burying Point Cemetery. Guests can learn about the 1692 witch trials and their aftermath, as well as the connections between Nathaniel Hawthorne and Judge John Hathorne.
The knowledgeable guide shares tales of betrayal, murder, and mystery, and there are photo opportunities at filming locations for “Bewitched” and “Hocus Pocus.”
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 166 reviews, this tour is a must-do for those seeking a deeper understanding of Salem’s haunting history.
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Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem
The Bewitched Walking Tour of Salem invites visitors to explore 400 years of history in just a few captivating hours.
Led by professional guides licensed by the City of Salem, the tour covers over 12 significant locations related to the Witch Trials, blending history, legend, and pop culture.
With 1,629 reviews and a 96% traveler recommendation, the award-winning tour has been recognized as a 2024 Viator Experiences Rising Star.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour allows dogs and service animals, making it a flexible and inclusive experience.
Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and engaging storytelling, highlighting the tour’s ability to balance serious history with an entertaining and lighthearted approach.
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Salem: 1692 Witchcraft Trials Walk
While Salem’s haunting history of the 1692 Witchcraft Trials is well-known, the Salem: 1692 Witchcraft Trials Walk offers visitors an immersive opportunity to explore this dark chapter.
Priced from $25 per person, the 1.5-hour guided tour explores significant locations linked to the trials, including jails, courthouses, and homes of judges and accused.
Participants will examine personal stories of those accused, learning how fear, political turmoil, and family rivalries fueled the tragic events that led to the execution of 20 people.
With a 4.1/5 overall rating based on 260 reviews, the tour is praised for its informative and engaging experience, though the organization could be improved.
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Satanic Salem Walking Tour
One of the most popular walking tours in Salem is the Satanic Salem Walking Tour, which offers visitors an immersive and captivating exploration of the city’s dark history.
Priced from $25 per person, this highly recommended tour accommodates up to 40 travelers, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Led by licensed and certified guides, the tour promises an engaging and informative experience, with positive reviews praising the guides’ humor, charisma, and deep knowledge of local history.
Guests can also enjoy discounted admission to the Satanic Temples Salem Art Gallery.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, the Satanic Salem Walking Tour provides a unique and unforgettable way to discover the city’s haunting past.
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Salem: Requiem for Salem Walking Ghost Tour
Priced at $34.99 per person, the Salem: Requiem for Salem Walking Ghost Tour offers visitors a captivating 1.5-hour exploration of the city’s haunting past.
Limited to just 9 participants, the adults-only tour delves into the dark history of the 17th-century witch trials and their lasting impact.
Guests will visit haunted locations like the Old Burying Point Cemetery and the Wicked Good Books Building, while learning about themes of hauntings, witches, and the city’s former Red Light District.
With an engaging tour guide, the experience blends historical facts with paranormal stories, earning it a solid 3.6/5 rating from travelers.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour is wheelchair accessible.
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The Salem Witch Walk
The Salem Witch Walk is a highly recommended and unique walking tour led by a practicing witch. With over 1,200 enthusiastic reviews, it offers an immersive experience where participants learn about the history of witchcraft and modern practices.
The tour includes a full ritual, a bay leaf wishing spell, and herbal magic, as well as a musical light show with thematic elements. Visitors start at Crow Haven Corner, the oldest witch shop in North America, and venture to significant sites like the Old Burying Point Cemetery.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour operates in all weather conditions and is suitable for moderately fit individuals. Despite some complaints about cancellations, the overall experience receives strong praise for its engaging guides and personal connections.
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Salem: Origins of Witchcraft and Magic Walking Tour
For those fascinated by Salem’s storied past, the Salem: Origins of Witchcraft and Magic Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s dark history.
Priced at $32 per person, this 2-hour walking tour delves into the grim details of the European witch hunts and the infamous Salem Witch Trials.
Led by knowledgeable guides, you will reflect at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, learn about classic witchcraft tools, and even take a test to see if they’d have been tried as a witch.
With an overall rating of 3.9/5 from 40 reviews, this tour is recommended for those seeking to uncover Salem’s witch-related stories and history.
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Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour
This thrilling 90-minute Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour immerses visitors in Salem’s sinister past, delving into tales of murder, mystery, and the supernatural.
Led by professional guides, the tour explores the city’s dark history beyond the renowned Salem Witch Trials. Guests will learn about chilling events and hear captivating stories as they stroll through the charming streets of Salem.
With a maximum group size of 40, the tour offers an intimate and engaging experience. Suitable for ages 13 and up, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and dogs are welcome.
Visitors are advised to dress appropriately and prepare for an unforgettable, spine-chilling adventure.
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Salem, MA: Mysteries & Murder Guided Walking Tour
Amid Salem’s charming colonial streets, the Salem, MA: Mysteries & Murder Guided Walking Tour invites visitors to explore the city’s dark and captivating past.
The 1.5-hour tour focuses on true crime stories from the 1600s to present, bringing to life actual murders, ghostly sightings, and historical events.
Stops include the Old Town Hall, Joshua Ward House, and the Old Salem Jail Lot, where you will learn about the insane woman who murdered her child and the Boston Strangler’s rumored visit.
Led by knowledgeable and engaging guides, the tour provides an entertaining and informative experience, earning a 4.6/5 rating from travelers.
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for this rain-or-shine walking tour.
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Requiem for Salem Walking Ghost Tour
The Requiem for Salem Walking Ghost Tour invites guests to uncover the haunting past of this historic Massachusetts town.
Running nightly at 8 PM, the 4.5-star rated tour takes visitors to eerie locations like the Old Burying Point Cemetery and Proctors Ledge. Guides share captivating ghost stories while incorporating humor to enhance the experience.
The adults-only tour focuses on mature themes, with a maximum group size of 40. Accessibility is assured, with wheelchair-friendly surfaces and transportation options near public transit.
While most guests praise the informative and entertaining guides, some note issues with volume or content accuracy.
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Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars, the Salem, MA: History and Hauntings Guided Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of this historic Massachusetts town.
Over the course of 2 hours, guests discover Salem’s past as a world-class seaport and explore tales of the supernatural. The tour highlights the Salem Witch Trials, guiding visitors through the McIntire Historic District and landmarks like the Witch House and Ropes Mansion.
Led by licensed historians, teachers, and artists, the outdoor walking tour provides an engaging and informative experience.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and wheelchair accessibility, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover Salem’s rich history and paranormal lore.
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Salems Dark History & Witchcraft Hysteria Guided Walking Tour
Delving into Salem’s dark past, the Salems Dark History & Witchcraft Hysteria Guided Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the town’s haunting legacy.
Led by experienced storytellers, the 1.5-hour tour takes visitors on a journey through popular sites and off-the-beaten-path areas, uncovering the city’s rich history of witchcraft hysteria.
Guests will learn about the events that shaped Salem’s dark past, with the tour receiving praise for its informative and engaging content.
While some reviewers felt the tour focused too much on current living conditions rather than historical events, the majority of travelers recommended the experience, citing the knowledgeable guides and personalized local recommendations as highlights.
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Salem: Ghosts, Witches, & Warlocks Guided Walking Tour
Enjoy Salem’s haunting past on the captivating Salem: Ghosts, Witches, & Warlocks Guided Walking Tour. Priced at $32 per person, this 1-1.5 hour tour explores the city’s eerie landmarks and chilling tales.
Led by a local ghost expert, the tour visits sites like the Salem Old Town Hall and Old Burying Point Cemetery, uncovering the dark history and supernatural events that have unfolded there.
Guests will experience the unnerving vibes at locations such as Wicked Good Books and the Witch House. With a 4.3/5 rating based on 386 reviews, this family-friendly tour is a must for those seeking a unique connection to Salem’s haunting past.
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Salems Spooky Spectres Walking Ghost Tour
Tucked away in the heart of Salem, the Salems Spooky Spectres Walking Ghost Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s haunting past.
With a 4.5-star rating from 269 reviews, this walking tour offers an informative and entertaining experience. Led by certified guides, participants can expect to learn about Salem’s spooky history through engaging storytelling.
While the tour may not include as many ghost sightings as some might hope, the guides’ exceptional performance and the moderate walking distance have received high praise.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour is a great option for families and individuals seeking a unique glimpse into Salem’s paranormal legacy.
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Salem: Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour
For those seeking a more immersive and thrilling paranormal experience in Salem, the Salem: Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour stands out as a captivating offering.
Priced at Kč 763 per person, this 1-hour tour takes guests on a spine-tingling journey through haunted locations like the Hawthorne Hotel and Proctors Ledge.
Led by experienced local guides, the tour delves into Salem’s dark history, sharing credible ghost stories. Adventurous participants can even rent EMF ghost detectors to track paranormal activity.
While not suitable for those with mobility issues, the tour provides a unique opportunity to walk on haunted ground, immersing guests in the eerie atmosphere.
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1692 Salem Night Walking Tour
Amidst the historic charm of Salem, the 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of the city’s rich past.
Led by local historian and real witch Jeff Page, the 2-hour tour immerses guests in over 400 years of Salem’s history, with a focus on the infamous witch trials.
Participants can expect to visit over a dozen significant sites while learning about the human aspect of this dark chapter through engaging storytelling and personal anecdotes.
With a 5.0 rating from 211 reviews and a 99% recommendation rate, this tour provides an educational and immersive experience that sets it apart from typical ghost tours in the area.
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Private Walking Tour: Spooky Legends of Salem
The Private Walking Tour: Spooky Legends of Salem immerses visitors in the haunting history and enigmatic legends that permeate the city’s storied past.
The 2-hour guided tour takes guests on an eerie exploration of Salem’s most iconic sites. Participants will uncover the mysteries and secrets behind the Salem Witch Trials at the Witch Trials Memorial, stroll through the Old Burying Point Cemetery, and marvel at the bewitching Bewitched Sculpture.
The tour also offers glimpses of the Witch House and Ropes Mansion, providing a deeper understanding of Salem’s haunting past.
With a professional local guide, this immersive experience delivers an engaging and informative journey through Salem’s spooky legends.
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The Ghosts of Salem Walking Tour
Though the sun may have long set over the historic city of Salem, the night is alive with the whispers of restless spirits.
Visitors can experience these chilling tales firsthand on The Ghosts of Salem Walking Tour. Starting at 8 PM in the heart of the city, this 90-minute excursion takes guests through Salem’s haunted past, from the Old Town Hall to other eerie locations.
Led by knowledgeable guides like Martin and John, the tour blends gripping ghost stories with historical context, providing a spooky yet informative glimpse into Salem’s dark history.
While some guests have reported difficulty hearing the guides or disappointment in missing certain advertised stops, the tour remains a highly recommended activity for those seeking a spooky adventure in Salem.
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Salem History Lovers Walking Tour
For those seeking a deeper dive into Salem’s rich history, the Salem History Lovers Walking Tour provides a comprehensive and captivating experience.
Led by the knowledgeable and entertaining guide Ray, this 2.5-3 hour tour focuses on the factual history of Salem, including the infamous witch trials.
Travelers praise Ray’s storytelling abilities and the tour’s small group format, which allows for personalized interaction.
With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour offers an intimate and engaging way to explore Salem’s evolution.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the city’s past, this walking tour is an ideal way to kickstart your Salem adventure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Duration of the Walking Tours?
The duration of the walking tours varies, typically ranging from 1 to 2 hours. Many offer both shorter and longer options to accommodate different schedules and preferences of visitors.
Are the Walking Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The walking tours are generally wheelchair accessible, though visitors should check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure the specific route can accommodate their needs. Many tours offer alternative options for those with mobility challenges.
Do the Walking Tours Include Admission to Local Attractions?
Some walking tours in Salem do include admission to local attractions, allowing visitors to explore sites such as museums and historic homes. However, the details may vary between different tour companies, so it’s best to check with each one for specifics.
Are the Walking Tours Suitable for Children?
The walking tours are generally suitable for children, with guides often providing engaging, kid-friendly content. However, it’s best to check the tour’s specifics, as some may not be appropriate for younger participants.
Are the Walking Tours Available in Multiple Languages?
The walking tours are available in multiple languages, allowing visitors from diverse backgrounds to explore the area. Many tour companies offer tours in English, Spanish, and other popular languages to accommodate international travelers.
Recap
Salem, Massachusetts is a captivating destination for those interested in the city’s rich history and haunting legends. From guided walking tours that explore the infamous Witchcraft Trials to spooky nighttime strolls, there’s no shortage of options to explore Salem’s past. Whether you’re a history buff or a thrill-seeker, these diverse walking tours offer a unique and immersive way to experience the enchanting atmosphere of this New England town.