Salem History And Hauntings Walk

This guided 2-hour walking tour covers Salem history and hauntings. Travelers walk with a guide and hear about both themes as they go.

Overview

This two hour walk through Salem is run by Witch City Walking Tours, a group of historians, teachers and artists who lead groups past the Witch House, Old Town Hall and the streets of the McIntire Historic District. The route begins at 32 Derby Square and ends at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, mixing the true story of the 1692 witch trials with tales of the supernatural and a look at the town's days as a major seaport. The whole thing plays out on the sidewalks, with no buildings entered, and the guide carrying the atmosphere.

The tone is a balance of history and lore, and reviewers describe it that way, one calling the mix just right and another the storytelling entertaining. Guides are named again and again in reviews for their knowledge and passion, and one reviewer who took the Spanish language version praised the stories as fantastic. English and Spanish departures are both offered.

It suits travellers who want a solid overview of Salem in a single walk, including the witch trials, the architecture and the maritime past, without interior visits. Bring comfortable shoes, since the tour runs rain or shine and covers several historic districts on foot.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Old Town HallMeet your guide at the Old Town Hall on the side with 3 staircases, at 32 Derby Square, Salem.
2. Old Town Hall stopA guided visit and photo stop at Old Town Hall, about 10 minutes.
3. Essex StreetWalk and sightseeing along Essex Street, about 10 minutes.
4. Bewitched SculptureA photo stop and guided commentary at the Bewitched Sculpture, about 10 minutes.
5. The Witch HouseStop outside the Witch House at Salem for photos and stories, about 15 minutes.
6. McIntire Historic DistrictA longer walk through the McIntire Historic District, about 30 minutes, admiring centuries of architecture.
7. Ropes Mansion and GardenPhoto stop and visit outside Ropes Mansion and Garden, about 10 minutes.
8. Chestnut Street DistrictA final stretch through the Chestnut Street District, about 10 minutes.
9. Finish at Witch Trials MemorialThe tour ends at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this walk.

• Footwear and pace. The listing recommends comfortable shoes, and this is a walking tour through several districts, so plan on being on your feet for the full two hours. Weather appropriate clothing is also advised.
• Rain or shine. Tours run in all weather. One reviewer took the tour in the middle of a storm and still had a great time, so a little rain does not stop the walk. Bring a coat or umbrella if the forecast looks doubtful.
• Group feel. This is a group walk with a licensed guide, not a private tour. One reviewer mentions a guide who projects so everyone can hear, though a few note that hearing can be harder in larger groups, so stay close to the guide.
• Language options. The tour runs in both English and Spanish. A reviewer who took the Spanish version recommended it for Spanish speakers and praised the storytelling.
• Photos and stops. Many of the stops are listed as photo opportunities, from the Witch House to Ropes Mansion and the Chestnut Street District. Since the tour is outdoors only, you will be passing photogenic streets throughout the walk.
• No alcohol. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the tour, and gratuities for the guide are not included.

Common issues. The tour is outdoors only and does not enter any buildings, so anyone hoping for interior visits should look elsewhere. Gratuities for the guide are not included. Tours run rain or shine, so poor weather means walking in it, and cancellations are only free up to 24 hours in advance.

Common Questions