Visiting Salem, MA – best things to do in the Witch City

Last Updated on April 2, 2024

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Salem, a coastal town just 25 miles North of Boston, is easily one of my favorite destinations in New England. It’s picturesque, loaded with history, great food and unique shopping. Best known as the site of the infamous Witch Trials of 1692, Salem is also one of the most haunted places in the US and of course the best Halloween destination. Being a stone’s throw away from Boston, it makes for a great and easy day trip, but if you can swing spending 2 days, I highly recommend it. There are so many great things to do in Salem, MA, that you can absolutely stay busy for a couple of days exploring it.

Salem is best known for the Witch Trials, that took place in 1692, during which 200 locals were accused of practicing witch craft, 20 trialed and ultimately executed for it. After years of trying to distance itself from the tragic events, Salem not only decided to embrace its dark past, but also managed to turn it into one of the biggest draws to the city.

While a lot of Salem’s attractions center around the Witch Trials, the city has a rich Maritime history as well. Back in the day, it was one of the biggest seaports in the United States.

PRO TIP: Make sure to download the Destination Salem, MA app before your visit to get the latest updates on what’s going on in the city. From activities and best things to do in Salem, MA to events, parking, restaurants etc. It’s especially helpful if you plan on visiting around Halloween, as you get updates on special events, street closures, parking availability and more.

Things to do in Salem, MA

Take the Trolley Tour

Taking the Trolley Tour is a great way to start your Salem visit, especially if you’re a first time visitor or you’re short on time. The 60 minute narrated tour has 14 stops at Salem’s top attractions and you can either stay for the entire loop or Hop On and Off and explore what interests you. The ticket is valid all day, so you can also use the trolley as a way to get around Salem.

Trolley Tours are one of the seasonal things to do in Salem and run daily from April 1st to November 1st. Tickets cost $25 ($15 for a child 6-14 years old, kids 5 and under ride free). You can’t get your tickets online ahead of time, they can only be purchased the day of the tour in person, outside of the Visitors Center (2 New Liberty Street). The tours run from 10 am – 5 pm, with the last one leaving at 4 pm.

Join a History of Salem Walking Tour

To get the most out of your visit to Salem, you really need to know the city’s history. Even though that history is dark and tragic, it is what makes Salem the place it is. And there’s no better way to it, than by joining a walking tour.

Choosing a walking tour in Salem can be overwhelming, because there are so many of them. If it’s your first visit, I highly recommend History & Hauntings of Salem Guided Tour. This 2 hour walking tour is a great introduction to the city, as it not only covers the history, but also architecture, Salem Witch Trials, maritime history and spooky ghost stories. It’s led by a long time Salem resident and historian Beth Crowley, who really knows her stuff and her tours continue to be some of the highest rated in the city.

Walk the Heritage Trail

Alternatively, you can take yourself on a self guided tour through Salem, that includes all the historical sites and other tourists attractions. Just follow the red painted line, also known as the Heritage Trail, which starts at the Salem Regional Visitor Center. If you’ve ever walked the Freedom Trail in Boston, it’s sort of the same concept.

Join a Ghost Tour

As one of the most haunted places in the US, it’s not surprising, that ghost tours are one of the most popular things to do in Salem, MA. If you want to experience the city from the darker perspective, definitely add a ghost tour to your itinerary.

Just like the walking tours, there are countless ghost tours to choose from. History & Hauntings of Salem by Witch City Walking Tours, the top rated tour company in Salem is always highly recommended, so is a 90 minute Salem Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour. Ghost tours are especially popular during the Halloween season, so make sure book them early.

Visit Salem Witch Museum

Hands down Salem’s most visited attraction, Salem Witch Museum is one of the places to go when you are either not too familiar with Witch Trials or need to refresh your memory. The visit is split into two parts, starting with a 25 minute interactive presentation telling the story of what happened with the help of 13 life sized figures. After the presentation you enter the exhibit “Witches: Evolving Perceptions”, which is a more in depth guided tour.

Having said all that, Salem Witch Museum is definitely one of the places, that people either love or leave disappointed. The museum first opened in 1972 and hasn’t really changed much since then. Some find the interactive presentation entertaining, others kitschy. I personally think, the museum has a lot of potential, but could definitely use serious updating, especially with today’s technology. I still included it on the list of things to do in Salem, MA, but it’s important to know what to expect. If you don’t mind cheesy, you might enjoy it. Otherwise you can probably skip it and spend your money elsewhere.

Salem Witch Museum is open year round, but opening times vary depending on the season. The ticket costs $17.50 ( $14.50/children ).

Old Burying Point Cemetery

Located right in the heart of Salem is the oldest cemetery in the city, dating back to 1637. It is the final resting place of several notable Salem residents. Among people buried there are Judge John Hathorne, Mary Corey ( 2nd wife of Giles Corey, one the Witch Trial victims ) and Captain Richard More, the Mayflower passenger.

Old Burying Point Cemetery is free to visit, but if you are in Salem in October, you might be required to make a free reservation online prior your visit. This is a way of controlling the crowds during the very busy Halloween season in Salem.

Pay respects at the Salem Witch Trial Memorial

Adjacent to the cemetery is a simple, but beautiful memorial to those who lost their lives in the Witch Trials of 1692.14 women and 6 men were accused of being witches, trialed and executed and there are 20 stone benches representing each one of them. A name of the victim is engraved on each bench, along with the date of the execution. It’s a must stop while visiting Salem and an important reminder of the dark chapter in Salem’s history.

Bewitched Statue

If you are familiar with the 70s sitcom “Bewitched”, you won’t have trouble recognizing the next Salem attraction, a bronze statue of the main character played by Elizabeth Montgomery. Samantha is 6 feet tall, sits on a broom and a crescent moon and fits right in with the witch theme of the city. But that’s not the real reason the statue was placed in the heart of Salem. Part of the show’s 7th season was filmed there, which at the time was a big boost for Salem’s tourism.

The city wasn’t as enthusiastic about it as you might expect it, but the Bewitched Statue ended up being one of Salem’s landmarks. It sits on the corner of Washington and Essex Streets and you will most likely run into it while exploring the city. It’s a fun and quick stop, get your picture taken and move on.

Stroll down Essex Street

Right across the street from the Samantha Statue is the pedestrian only Essex Street, Salem’s main drag, lined with tons of stores and restaurants. If you are into shopping, you definitely want to spend some time there. You will find everything from typical touristy souvenir stores to those selling unique and interesting items. This is the most happening street in the city and a must visit when you are in Salem.

Visit Peabody Essex Museum

I am personally not a big fan of museums, but if you are, Peabody Essex Museum is a must visit. It’s one of the top art museums in the US holding an extensive collection of art from all over the world. From the Chinese Art, American furniture to Maritime Art and Asian Art, there’s definitely something for everyone.

Aside from the permanent collections, Peabody Essex Museum offers special exhibitions throughout the year. You can check what’s being currently offered on the official PEM website. One of the most popular is The Salem Witch Trials 1692 exhibition, with displays of original documents and personal possessions of those involved. This exhibition was offered a couple of times and will most likely be back at the museum for another run.

The museum is open Thursday – Monday 10 am – 5 pm ( closed Tuesday and Wednesday ) and the general admission costs $20. Some of the special exhibitions require a separate ticket.

Visit Historic Houses of Salem

There are a lot of historic houses in Salem, that are open to visitors. You probably won’t have time, interest or desire to spend admission on all of them, but you should definitely visit at least one.

• The Witch House – if you are going to visit only one house, make it the Witch House. It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, and it’s the only house still standing in Salem, that is directly connected to the Witch Trials. You can visit the house on a self guided tour with the admission price of $9. If you visit Salem in October, prior online reservations are required ( tickets become available the morning of ). The Witch House is located at 310 Essex Street ( a short walk from the Bewitched Statue ). Opening hours vary depending on the season, so check the official website for up to date information.

• The House of Seven Gables – this waterfront house, that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorn’s novel by the same name, is now a museum you can visit on a self guided tour. The grounds are also beautiful and perfectly manicured. Make sure to walk around the gardens behind the house, especially if you visit when all the flowers are in bloom. Tickets cost $25 and must be purchased in advance online ( they get released up to 2 months ahead ). The House of Seven Gables is open daily from 10 am – 4 pm.

• The Pickering House – the oldest house in Salem, built in 1660, was owned by the Pickering family for over 3 centuries. The house is located at 18 Broad Street and open for tours on Sundays from June to October ( $10 ) from 10 am – 8 pm. Tours run every hour on the hour.

• The Ropes Mansion – this beautifully preserved two story Georgian mansion is mostly recognized as Alison’s house from the Hocus Pocus movie. The house is part of the Peabody Essex Museum and open to public for self guided tours every Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 4 pm ( from May 27 – October 22, 2023 ). When you visit, don’t miss the gardens in the back, that look especially beautiful in spring and summer. The Ropes Mansion is located at 316 Essex Street and it’s free to visit.

Stroll down Chestnut Street

You rarely find it on the list of best things to do in Salem, MA, but visiting Chestnut Street is a must, especially if you appreciate amazing architecture. The street is lined with beautiful historic homes and it’s one of Salem’s treasures. A walk down this beautiful street is also a nice break from the busy downtown area.

One house that particularly stands out is The Phillips House, which is also the only one open to public. If you are in Salem on Saturday or Sunday, which are the only days when tours are offered, I encourage you to visit. It’s meticulously maintained and beautifully decorated with all the original furniture. Visiting the house will give you a chance to get a glimpse into the life of the wealthy in Salem back in 1800s.

The Phillips House Museum is located at 34 Chestnut Street and admission costs $15

Explore Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Even though it might seem that Salem is all about witches, there’s a whole different side of the city. Back in the day, even before the infamous Witch Trials took place, Salem was one of the most important seaports in the United States.

When you leave the main downtown area and continue down Derby Street towards the water, you will end up at the harbor. There’s a large green area there, that is home to Salem Maritime National Historic Site. It includes several historic buildings, Derby Wharf and Friendship of Salem, a replica of a 1797 East Indiaman ship.

It’s a great place, not just to learn more about Salem’s maritime heritage, but also to get away from the most crowded and touristy part of Salem. Most people tend to stick to the city center, which is a shame, because the harbor is such a great spot. Taking a walk down Derby Wharf towards the Light Station is easily one of my favorite things to do in Salem, MA.

PRO TIP: The House of Seven Gables is just down the street, so if you plan on visiting, it’s easy to stop by the harbor before or after.

Take a boat cruise with Mahi Mahi

If you are in Salem between May and October, taking a harbor cruise is a fun activity. There’s something about being on the water and seeing a city from a whole different perspective. Not to mention, if you visit on a hot summer day, it will be a much welcomed break.

There are several cruises to choose from, from a classic harbor cruise to sunset and even Foliage and Halloween themed cruises in the Fall season. No matter which one you choose, getting out on the water is one of the best things to do in Salem, MA. Check the current schedule here.

Visit the “Hocus Pocus” filming locations

Over the years, Salem provided a backdrop of several shows and movies, and one of the most known ones is a Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus”. The Disney movie first came out in 1993, became an instant hit and continues to be one of the most watched movies during Halloween. While most of the movie was filmed on a set, a lot of the outdoor scenes were filmed at various locations all over Salem.

I always get a kick out of visiting filming locations of my favorite shows or movies, and if you are the same way, this is definitely one of the fun things to do in Salem, MA. You can find most of these spots in the downtown area and within a walking distance from each other. A couple of exceptions are The Salem Village and Max’s house, which is located in a residential neighborhood, a couple of miles away from downtown. Also, keep in mind, that the house is someone’s private home, so make sure to be respectful and enjoy it from a distance.

• Max and Allison’s School – former Philips Elementary School – 86 Essex Street
• Salem Common – the big, green park, next to Salem Witch Museum was where many outdoor scenes were filmed.
• Halloween Party scene – Old Town Hall – 32 Derby Square
• Allison’s House – The Ropes Mansion – 318 Essex Street
• Max and Dani’s House – a private home at 4 Ocean Ave
• Thackery’s Binx House – Pioneer Village – 98 West Ave

Shopping in Salem

When planning your trip to Salem, make sure to save some time for shopping. Besides the typical cheesy touristy stores, there are many unique and interesting shops. Most of them are on Essex Street, but you can also find some cool shops scattered all over the city. Here are some of the ones worth visiting:

• The Coven’s Cottage – my absolute favorite store in Salem, right on Essex Street. They sell a variety of beautiful products from crystals, incents to beautiful candles, books and much more. It’s almost impossible to walk out of the store empty handed.
• Ye Olde Pepper Companie – oldest candy store in the country, dating back to 1806. It’s located right across the street from The House of Seven Gables.
• The Trolley Depot – one of Salem’s most popular gift stores, open since 1991! Lots of unique gifts and a great selection of clothes at good prices.
• Wicked Good Books – independent bookstore with a great selection of both new and used books.

Enjoy the views and a drink from the roof top bar

Take a break from exploring Salem at The Roof, an open air roof top bar in Salem. It’s the only roof top in Salem and it’s located at the The Salem Hotel on Essex Street.

It’s a great spot for drinks and nice views of Salem. There is a small menu of Mexican inspired food, great for appetizers and snacks.

How to get to Salem from Boston

Getting to Salem by car

Salem is located 25 miles north of Boston and it’s an easy 30 minute drive. If you plan to visit for more than just a day trip, most hotels have parking on site, either free or for a fee. But if you are coming to Salem just for the day, there are several parking garages you can use. MBTA parking garage is the cheapest option in the city ( $5 on a weekday and $2 during the weekend for up to 14 hours ). From there you are just a short walk away from the downtown area.

Getting to Salem by train

If you are coming from Boston, getting to Salem by train is the best option. It’s a quick and cheap train ride via Commuter Rail from Boston’s North Station with trains running basically every hour. Just hop on the Newburyport or Rockport line and you’ll be in downtown Salem in just 30 minutes. Check the MBTA schedule and fares here.

Once you arrive in Salem, you are just a short walk away from the historic district and all the action. I especially recommend taking the train if you plan on visiting around Halloween. Driving to and in Salem can be a nightmare, with lots of traffic and many road closures. You really want to avoid it and take the train instead. MBTA even increases the train service the weekends leading up to Halloween and the actual holiday, trying to discourage people from driving in.

Getting to Salem by ferry

If you plan on visiting Salem from Boston anytime between mid May and end of October, you can also get there by ferry. Boston Harbor Cruises runs 4 times daily and gets you to Salem in just under one hour. It’s definitely the most enjoyable way of getting to Salem, especially on a beautiful summer day . Plus you get an amazing view of Boston skyline as you leave the Long Wharf. You can book your Salem ferry tickets here.

Best time to visit Salem, MA

I’ve lived in New England for 20 years and have been to Salem many times, from Spring, Summer to early Fall and was even crazy enough to spend the actual Halloween there. Yes, you can visit Salem year round, but I’d say the best time to visit is late Spring, Summer and early Fall. The reason being good weather, most of the attractions are open ( some are seasonal ) and it’s the most pleasant time to be out and about in New England.

The peak season in Salem, MA is October and Halloween. It’s where the city is the most crowded with the actual Halloween being a complete madness. While I won’t even try to dispute the fact, that spending Halloween in Salem is crazy fun, I would not recommend it, unless you enjoy insane crowds. Good news is, that Halloween celebrations in Salem are not limited to one day only, but last the entire month of October. So if you want enjoy the Fall and Halloween vibes in Salem, try to plan your visit in the first two weeks of October. Weekdays are also less busy than the weekends.

If cold doesn’t bother you, you can absolutely visit Salem in the winter as well. Just keep in mind, that a lot of Salem’s attractions are seasonal and once the busy fall season winds down, a lot places close, especially those Halloween themed ones. Some operate on a limited schedule, so check each attraction’s website before you visit to avoid the disappointment.

Where to stay in Salem, MA

Salem is very walkable and as long as you stay in the downtown area, you’ll be just steps away from most attractions. There are several great hotels to choose from, both historic and modern.

If you plan on visiting Salem in the Fall, make sure to book your hotel WAY in advance. This is a crazy busy season and places book up even up to a year ahead.

Hawthorne Hotel – if you can score a room at this beautiful and historic hotel, do it! It’s one of the best places to stay in Salem for many reasons. Hawthorne Hotel is located in the prime location, within walking distance to all major attractions. The rooms are beautiful and quaint, and some of the amenities include a restaurant, fitness center, free bikes for guests’ use and parking on site. Also, allegedly some of the rooms are haunted, so if you are into paranormal activity, you can request one when booking. Room 612 is one of them.

The Merchant – if you prefer a boutique hotel, the Merchant is a great choice. It’s a very elegant hotel, with just 11 beautiful and unique rooms. One of them, George Washington King Deluxe Room, is where back in 1789 the newly elected president George Washington stayed during his visit to Salem. The Merchant hotel is also in the prime location, right in the heart of Salem, so you’ll be within walking distance to everything.

Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites – a modern hotel, sitting right on the waterfront, in the historic Pickering Wharf area. Close to everything. There are several packages to choose from and parking is free on site, which is not always the case with Salem hotels.

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READ MORE:

• How to plan an epic Halloween in Salem, MA
• Fall in New England – top experiences of the season
• Free things to do in Boston – visiting Boston on a budget
• 13 Best Day Trips from Boston

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