History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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

Options

6:45pm Spanish Version Only

Spanish Language Only

History & Hauntings Tour

Reviews

4.89

14,692 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

13825

468

186

103

110

Awesome tour
amib448,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ryan was amazing! It was a very cold and rainy day, he made sure we had hand warmers and umbrellas. He was very knowledgeable about Salem and we had a great tour with him. Highly recommend.
Fantastic walk through Salem witch history !!!!!
Olga O,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Super informative, entertaining, and engaging!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great day trip!
Lucia V,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Tour guide was awesome! Very informative. Great storytelling. Would definitely take again!
Fun and informative
X640JRdeborahp,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Justin was our tour guide. He was very informative and funny. Seem to really enjoy his job and enjoy leading our group. Would recommend.
Michael was the best! Fully of knowledge and energy.
Jessica O,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This two hour tour was fantastic and led by Michael. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and energy kept us so entertained. We would highly recommend booking with them, you won’t be disappointed.
Great tour, well worth it!
KenilworthH,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A good but dry afternoon in Salem was brightened up by Dawn our tour guide who was a wealth of knowledge and fun facts about Salem. Without a tour guide many of the places to see in Salem look like regular places and self guided sight seeing wouldn't have the same impact. We are a family of 4 with two being teenagers and we all enjoyed it.
Great activity with teens!
Michele B,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Engaging nighttime tour filled with Salem facts and lore. Our guide, Justin, was charismatic and personable. He made us forget that it was a quite chilly evening!
Great tour for our big kids
Terence W,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Ryan gives a great tour! He strikes a balance between humor, empathy, history, and spookiness that we really appreciated. There are many angles to take with a tour like that, and we thought he did a great job of giving the lessons we don’t want to repeat, as well as recognizing the struggles of those involved, instead of sensationalizing them for more effect/exploitation. He answered every one of our questions thoughtfully. The kids are 10, 11, and 14. Fun was had by all!
Micheal was so kind and...
Dia H,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Micheal was so kind and nice! He gave us an amazing and very informational tour. It was very fun and engaging. We really learned so much. This was the perfect tour.
Salem history tour
Garyt M,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great tour of the history of Salem. Guide was fun and knowledgeable. Went over with trials and other history.