History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

By Witch City Walking Tours
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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There are many Salem tours out there but few are as compelling as this one, led by a local historian who brings alive the city's history at the time of day you choose. For a spookier experience, pick a nighttime tour led by lantern light. Visit the Burying Point Cemetery, Witch House, and Ropes Mansion garden as your guide tells stories of the haunted history of Salem, Massachusetts.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-95, max of 40 per group
Duration: 120–135 minutes
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
  • A guide brings the history of Salem to life through storytelling
  • Choose a nighttime tour for a spookier setting as you're guided through Salem
  • Pick from multiple tour times, including night tours led by lantern light
  • Visit the Burying Point Cemetery and Witch House and pass through Salem's historic McIntire District
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024

  • 2-hour Hauntings & History Salem Walking Tour
  • Listen to 400 years of Salem history from a local historian
  • Walk the cobblestone streets of Salem's historic McIntire District
  • Professional/Local Guide
  • See top Salem sites such as Witch Trials Memorial, Witch House, and Ropes Mansion.
  • We do not enter any buildings on this tour. This is an outdoor activity only.
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Entry/Admission - The Witch House at Salem

This Salem walking tour meets in Derby Square. Get acquainted with your passionate guide, and from the beginning, feel the excitement for this subject just as much as they do. Your guide takes you to some of the most historic places in the city, including a home that has direct ties to the Witch Trials and ends at one of the oldest cemeteries in Massachusetts: the Burying Point. Also pass through the historic McIntire District and the garden at Ropes Mansion. Your guide tells you tales of the Salem witch trials as well as popular historic and haunting stories. Note: Book the nighttime tour for an even spookier experience; be led around Salem by lantern light.

Start:
  • Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA 01970, USA
    Old Town Hall *Please meet on the side with the THREE staircases We do not have an office
End:
  • Salem Witch Trials Memorial, 24 Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
    Return point: Witch Trials Memorial. Charter St, Salem, MA 01970

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Pushchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 37124P1

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Most travellers can participate
  • Children must be accompanied by ticketed adult
  • Our Tours run rain or shine, we do not cancel for weather. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress accordingly.
  • By choosing to purchase a ticket, you and your ticketed guests will be agreeing to our liability waiver which includes a release of liability on our tours as well as a photo release.
  • Dog friendly!
  • Wheelchairs and scooters are welcome, however, be aware that Salem has brick sidewalks, uneven surfaces and narrow areas. Visitors assume all responsibility with wheelchairs and WCWT will not be held liable.
  • We do not enter any buildings or cemeteries on this tour, this is an outdoor activity only.
  • Tour group size may be up to 40 guests per group during busy times
  • There are no public restrooms on the tour route. Please plan accordingly.
  • The consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on all tours.
  • Smoking and vaping is prohibited on all tours.
  • Please allow at least 2 hours for this tour. Some tours run up to 2 hours and 15 minutes
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travellers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 37124P1

From
AU$52.74
per adult
Select date and travellers
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

Similar experiences

Itinerary
  • 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA 01970, USA
    Old Town Hall *Please meet on the side with the THREE staircases We do not have an office
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  • 24 Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
    Return point: Witch Trials Memorial. Charter St, Salem, MA 01970
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • Witch City Walking Tours
    8,909
    Salem, United States
    Joined in February 2016
  • 286caitlynp
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rain Murder Mystery Tour
    My daughter and I had a great time. The rainy January night added to the experience. Samantha our guide was very knowledgable about the events described on the tour.
    Written 23 January 2025
  • Aaron G
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun in Salem
    The guide was amazing and very full of knowledge. Also had pictures to go with the experience. Definitely worth the time and money.
    Written 19 January 2025
  • Liholmes
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best Tour Co. in Salem!
    This was such a fun, informative tour! Our guide Henry, was very well educated about the local scene, history and had fun little quips for everything! He didn’t just recite information to us like he had memorized a textbook, he did his research and thoughtfully took us around the town to show locations while telling us the stories. In some tragic cases, he would tell us what was considered witch craft, was really certain mental illnesses, or be real about unfair advantages of the time between different genders and classes. He would point out his favorite places along the way, and sneak in other fun facts so it was never dull! Fully recommend witch city over any other tour service AND have had feedback from friends loving their other tour options!
    Written 13 January 2025
  • W120ZIcaseyc
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent tour
    Samantha was great! She gave chilling tales and had photos or videos of nearly all the ghost stories. I think the snow added to the atmosphere. I loved this tour
    Written 11 January 2025
  • stephanielB6363HQ
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mysteries & Murders Tour
    Awesome tour!! Samantha is amazing! She knows so much about the darker history of Salem and she shared several personal experiences and eye witness accounts. She even had photos! We will definitely be booking another tour with Witch City Walking Tours on our next visit to Salem!
    Written 27 December 2024
  • X5145WYdesireeg
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ghost Salem tour with Samantha
    Samantha was amazing! Her vibe is awesome, and she is very knowledgeable, I’ve studied Salem for years and because of Samantha I learnt a lot more than what I knew. We also did the haunted mystery tour and that was off the top amazing, We love Samantha and hope to visit Salem again and have her as our guide. She inspired me to become a historian where I live. Merry Christmas and Happy New year!
    Written 20 December 2024
  • M3923XDrachelf
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Engaging, personal, and informative all while being fun! You get it all!
    This tour was amazing and perfect for the holiday season. We spent a lot of time trying to figure out what kind of tour we wanted to do, given we were in Salem around Christmas. The Ghosts of Christmas Past tour was perfect and our tour guide was phenomenal. He went by “Little Dicky” (after Charles Dickens) and had a wealth of knowledge and expertise of the town and all of it’s fascinating history. The tour was spooky, it was festive, and we learned so much! Our guide approached the tour conversationally instead of as though he was reading from a script, which was an excellent approach and made the entire journey more fun and engaging! More tour guides like him please!
    Written 13 December 2024
  • kelly_roimisher
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent tour
    Tour guide very knowledgeable and interesting! I have been coming here for years and learned many interesting facts I did not know!
    Written 8 December 2024
  • candaces567
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Tour!
    Violet was amazing! She was very knowledgeable, upbeat, and just all around kind. My sister and I had a blast and learned some new information we didn’t know! Highly recommend. Side note: the hand warmers were clutch!
    Written 2 December 2024
  • yadirag626
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun and spooky
    Great tour to do, fun and informative. Would love to do the day one. Henry was awesome and very knowledgeable Thanks for the great experience!
    Written 23 November 2024
  • Dayna M
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spectors and apparition 👻🧹🧙‍♀️🔮
    Samantha was great informative and so friendly.She made our night very engaging even while dealing with a rain cold,windy night.Next time we book another tour we are all hoping we get Samantha again
    Written 23 November 2024
  • travelnuts94
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent tour and wonderful tour guide! Highly recommend this tour for any one of any age!
    This tour is an absolute must for any fan of Hocus Pocus! We had such a blast with our tour guide, Hilary. She was very much a fan of the movie and was able to give us details that others could not. And she provided candy lol! Lots of walking, so be prepared for that. Totally worth it!
    Written 15 November 2024
  • 660kimberleej
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Scary Good!
    Danielle was a fantastic guide. She was full of facts, funnies, and fears. We enjoyed learning more about the history of Salem and hunting for ghosts.
    Written 15 November 2024
  • 122chelseya
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Birthday Brooms!
    Samantha wasTHE BEST broom making instructor! As a Salem resident, I really enjoyed my time making a broom with Witch City Broom making. She helped us make the most beautiful brooms! Throughout the whole process, Samantha told us stories and helped us charge our brooms with the energy we wish to bring to our selves and our homes. She was extremely knowledgeable and kind! This was a birthday party for my friend. The memories we made that evening, will last a lifetime.
    Written 13 November 2024
  • Amm31410
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Witch City Walking tour with Dean!
    Dean with Witch City Walking Tours was great. We laughed and he kept us engaged with his stories. Beautiful day to walk around. Wonderful ending at the witch memorial.
    Written 12 November 2024
See all 8,909 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles7,619 reviews
Excellent
7,223
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224
Average
93
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44
Terrible
35

Joanne A
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Family
We had a great time, the town was lively many dressed up visitors and staff at the local stores, many street vendors and artists. we took the trolley tour which was wonderful and very informative. Highly recommend getting there early because by 1pm it was jammed pack with people. cars could not move and additional streets were blocked off, granted we went the week before Halloween and it was perfect!. Glad we went early. We spent around 4 hours there. Wish we had booked some of the houses and museums before as they were all booked when we got there. Also wish we had the energy to stay until dark, it must have been the best! Definitely visit the maple syrup shop!. Also keep in mind most stores had lines to get into just to window shop or go inside.
Written 30 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We are so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time on the History & Hauntings Tour of Salem ! We definitely make the tour exciting and educational. We definitely appreciate your feedback !! We hope that you will come back and see us again in Salem soon. All the best, Beth
Written 8 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

A J
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
I took my daughter (17) and our dog. Excellent route and info. Our guide Joe was a delight, and very dog friendly, even though our pup was suddenly on edge a couple of times. We wanted to do a nighttime tour, and while it turned cold and a bit rainy (there was a nice warning that came in from them beforehand, along with offered warmers), it really just added to the mood of the subject matter for us. Joe kept it from getting too depressing with well timed jokes, smiles and silver linings. Also, the dark history is balanced with positive stories/accomplishments and some moments of somewhat satisfying karma/justice, if you're into that! Great introductions to architecture of the time as well.

All around, I recommend this tour (maybe a little much for young kids, or the highly emotionally sensitive, aka, many trigger warnings and adult subjects). We look forward to trying another route next time!
Written 28 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We are so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time on the History & Hauntings Tour of Salem with Joe! He definitely makes the tour exciting and educational. We strive to make our tours fun and engaging for everyone! We hope that you will come back and see us again in Salem soon. All the best, Beth and Joe
Written 1 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mobile49254636374
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Friends
We did a small company outing to Salem this past Monday and booked the Guided Walking Tour with Witch City. Our tour guide Dean was excellent - he captivated us with stories of Salem's history and really gave over a much clearer picture of what brought about the witch trials and why they went so far. As we walked through some of the gorgeous architecture that Salem has to offer we peppered Dean with questions and he really knew his stuff. I would definitely recommend this tour to others who want to get the full picture of witch trial history.
Written 29 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We are so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time on the History & Hauntings Tour of Salem with Dean ! We definitely make the tour exciting and educational. We definitely appreciate your recommendations!! We hope that you will come back and see us again in Salem soon. All the best, Beth and Dean
Written 8 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alexis C
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Family
I went on the 8:15 pm evening tour led by our guide Michael and he was excellent. It was the night before Halloween and Salem was very busy and active that night, but he still managed to navigate us perfectly around our tour through the streets of Salem. Michael was very knowledgeable and articulate regarding the history of Salem especially the Salem witch trials. He managed to put a very humorous and modern day take on recounting Salem’s history. He also managed to get our whole tour group involved in the tour in very fun ways! He took to all the major locations and allowed us time to stop for photos and even took pictures of us. I highly recommend this tour because it was very interest and informative and took you thought the heart of downtown Salem and also highly recommend Michael as your tour guide so try to request him!
Written 31 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We are so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time on the History & Hauntings Tour of Salem with Michael ! We definitely make the tour exciting and educational. We definitely appreciate your recommendations!! We hope that you will come back and see us again in Salem soon. All the best, Beth and Michael
Written 5 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mackenzie B
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Family
Dawn was a fantastic guide! She was incredibly knowledgable about Salem and its history, and had a great sense of humor. She shared the perfect mix of history and spooky stories to keep our group both educated and entertained. Despite the weather being a little cold and windy, we all had a great time and would recommend a Witch City Walking Tour to anyone visiting Salem!
Written 18 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We are so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time on the History & Hauntings Tour of Salem with Dawn ! She definitely makes the tour exciting and educational. We definitely appreciate your recommendations, thank you!! We hope that you will come back and see us again in Salem soon. All the best, Beth and Dawn
Written 27 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Departure67597955318
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Friends
I rarely write reviews but feel this one is warranted. Very unprepared, lethargic, quiet, boring tour guide. She would forget what she was talking about, trail off mid sentence, and just give short “fun facts” at each site that everyone already knew. For an $50 ticket I would expect the guide to at least act energized but she kept yawning and taking about how tired she was, and then would mumble through an explanation devoid of any storytelling . About 25% of our very large group left before the end of the tour.

I learned significantly more about the tour guides personal life than the tour itself. She would also frequently ask us questions like “do you know who owned this house? Someone would answer, and then she would just say “correct!” And move on to the next stop with very little context. Bizarre tour style.

This tour seems highly dependent on whatever guide you happen to get. Really disappointed because we came from across the world to experience this. Tour guide seemed nice but truly had no experience in story telling or public speaking. For context, I have done many walking tours and this is the first time I’ve ever left a bad review on one.
Written 16 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TheMopo
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Couples
We met up with our tour guide, Dawn, at the old town hall, one of the first of many movie-site locations we visited in town. She proceeded to take us through the city stopping at roughly 10 different sites where she would tell us very specific details of various haunting stories that allegedly happened at each place, as well as other movie-site locations and historical sites in the area. There was never a dull moment as Dawn kept us completely engaged and interested in each story. You could easily tell how much time, thought, and energy she had put into her preparations for her tours, she was really that good!

I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn more about the history of Salem, the witch trials, movie-site locations, and a few extra haunting stories from the area. If you're lucky enough to get Dawn, she will make sure you have a good time and learn a lot!
Written 14 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We are so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time on the History & Hauntings Tour of Salem with Dawn ! We definitely make the tour exciting and educational. We definitely appreciate your recommendations!! We hope that you will come back and see us again in Salem soon. All the best, Beth and Dawn
Written 15 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

alanafox
Belleville, NJ2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I recently took a tour in Salem, and it was absolutely fantastic! Our guide, Michael, was phenomenal—so knowledgeable about the rich history of Salem and the infamous start of the witch trials. He brought the stories to life with such passion, weaving in fascinating details that truly captured the intensity of that time. Michael’s storytelling made me feel like I was right there in the middle of history, and he answered every question with such depth. If you’re looking to learn about Salem’s past from a guide who knows his stuff and clearly loves what he does, I highly recommend this tour with Michael!
Written 31 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We are so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time on the History & Hauntings Tour of Salem with Michael ! We definitely make the tour exciting and educational. We definitely appreciate your recommendations!! We hope that you will come back and see us again in Salem soon. All the best, Beth and Michael
Written 5 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ashutosh S
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
This was an amazing walking tour with a memorable guide. The tour guide William was passionate about history and shared anecdotes and clear thinking analysis of the events. He told us how Salem came about and its history to the present day including details about the witches trial. He showed us pictures and told us how Salem is bustling with people in October and made us want to visit the city then. He shared his insights into witches trial and kept us engaged throughout the 2 hours despite the windy weather. After listening to one of his haunted story regarding the Rockafellas restaurant, we decided to dine there even though that was not our initial plan. We highly recommend this tour and the tour guide and would definitely recommend this tour to others as well as take more tours with this company when we return.
Written 30 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We are so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time on the History & Hauntings Tour of Salem with William ! He definitely makes the tour exciting and educational. We love to offer recommendations, just ask! We hope that you will come back and see us again in Salem soon. All the best, Beth and William
Written 1 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Daniel M
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Family
Purchased tickets for the History & Hauntings of Salem tour given its incredibly high ratings and awards around the web. It lived up to and exceeded expectations as our tour guide walked us through the lovely, quaint town of Salem recounting its history from its first settlement to its days as a major port and ultimately into the story of the witch trials. Throughout the whole experience the tour guide was incredibly lively, humorous, and interactive with the crowd, highlighting landmarks of particular interest and recommending other sites to see while in the town. I would definitely recommend this tour and will probably try one of their other tour experiences in the future.
Written 27 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We are so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time on the History & Hauntings Tour of Salem with Michael ! We definitely make the tour exciting and educational. We love to share our history with you!! We hope that you will come back and see us again in Salem soon. All the best, Beth and Michael
Written 30 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour provided by Witch City Walking Tours

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