History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Come and explore the rich, mysterious history of one of New England's most loved destinations Salem, Massachusetts. This ~2 hour walking tour brings to life the true story of Salem's storied past. We are a diverse groups of historians, teachers, professional artists whose passion for Salem's history is truly engaging. You will learn about Salem's rich past as a world-class seaport, hear hauntedly chilling tales of the supernatural, visit one of the most beautiful streets in America and learn of three hundred years of architecture, and find out the truth about the 1692 Salem Witch Trials hysteria. You will leave Salem wanting to plan your next trip back! Come and see why this the *only* tour you need while in Salem.
Dog friendly! Handicap accessible!
Tours run RAIN or SHINE. We do NOT cancel for weather. No refunds for no-shows or for weather.
***Please note, we book up to 40 people per tour***
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
What To Expect
Salem Old Town Hall
All tours depart from Salem's Old Town Hall, on the three steps. A local historian guides you through the cobblestone-lined streets of this 17th century city by the glow of lantern light. Explore the driving factors behind the infamous Witch Trials Hysteria of 1692, meeting real practicing witches along the way. Learn about the rise of Salem as a world-class haunted seaport, creating some of the wealthiest families in its history.
Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
We will be strolling the cobblestoned streets of the Essex St Pedestrian walking mall. This is the very heart of Salem, which once was a Native American trading path. You will visit the site of the First Church of Salem and hear the haunting tale of the Lady in Blue.
What‘s Included
2-hour Hauntings & History Salem Walking Tour
We do not enter any buildings on this tour. This is an outdoor activity only.
See top Salem sites such as Witch Trials Memorial, Witch House, and Ropes Mansion.
Professional/Local Guide
Listen to 400 years of Salem history from a local historian
Walk the cobblestone streets of Salem's historic McIntire District
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Spanish Version Only
Spanish Language Only
English Version Only
English Language Only
Reviews
14,916 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wicked Awesome Tour!
N5654KLdawnf,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great educational tour for the Salem witch trials and history. Meaghan was super knowledgeable and respectful of the rich Salem history. A very hot day for May in Salem with temps above 85, but Meaghan was a trooper and put us in the shade as much as possible.
It was a great and...
Dan P,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great and balanced tour. I highly recommend it. Our tour guide Henry was terrific and very informative.
Our honeymoon
Zach S,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00So fun and the spooky stories were so good. as a bigger person the walk was at a good pace and made me comfortable
Walking tour
APRIL K,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide was very knowledgeable and experienced in the area. The weather was windy and rainy but she stuck it out with our small group.
Freezing Hurricane Couldn’t Keep Me Away!
Lisa G,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a fun and informational tour… even in a super rainy windy freezing day in Salem! I loved it. Thanks for the umbrella too!!!! Aurelia was great! So much more than the witch trials to beautiful Salem Mass.
Michael was very...
Jackie H,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Michael was very knowledgeable and made us laugh along the way. You could tell our tour guide loved his job. Loved learning about the history of the buildings and some of the ghosts that haunt certain places.
Very Educational And Fun
SUBZEROSKIDD10,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The only thing Salem might have more of than little downtown Halloween/witch-related tourist trap shops is guided walking tours of the city. If you search online, there always appear to be new tours popping up. I have been told that there is no regulation regarding who can start their own walking tour, meaning every year more people offer you to pay them so they can walk you around town and tell you the history of Salem. My family booked with Witch City Walking Tours due to their stellar reputation. We booked the “History & Hauntings Of Salem” 2 hour tour. No wonder this tour is ranked so highly on TripAdvisor and has won awards — it was so educational and fun! Our tour guide was knowledgeable and told the history in a way that kept us engrossed and hanging on her every word. The length of the tour itself wasn’t too long, making it accessible for just about everyone. They offer at least two other walking tours of Salem and I wouldn’t hesitate to book with Witch City Walking Tours again.
Fun way to tour Salem
Ed S,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to understand the history of Salem
Really enjoyed the tour...
Debra G,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really enjoyed the tour and guide was great (Dean?) Can't say enough good things and our group was fun.
Learning about More then just the Witch Trials
Hannah F,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was William, he was a Salem native and was very informed about many different parts of Salem. We did get to learn more about the Witch Trials but we also learn about the long history of Salem
From US$36.00
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Operated by Witch City Walking Tours