Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour
Meeting point
8 Central St, Salem, MA 01970
Duration
90 mins
Start time
6 pm, 7 pm, 8pm on select days. Nightly lantern-lit tours; check seasonal calendar for exact times
Ticket Price
Adults from $28; Children (6-12) from $20 (under 6 free)
*Please check the official site for current prices, seasonal rates, and add-ons.
Tour Operator
Overview
Walk Among the Restless Spirits of America's Oldest Seaport Step into the shadows of the "Witch City" on the Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour, a lantern-lit journey through the macabre history of Salem, Massachusetts. As Salem's original ghost tour institution since 1997, this experience sets the benchmark for haunted history tours in New England.
While many visitors flock to the city for its 1692 witchcraft trials, this ghost walk explores a different side of the paranormal—tales of documented hauntings, centuries-old murders, and accidental deaths that have left a permanent mark on the city's cobblestone streets.
Led by knowledgeable and charismatic local guides, this haunted Salem walk takes you deep into the historic McIntire District and the shadowy corners of the seaport. This is not a "jump scare" attraction; instead, it is a high-quality paranormal tour near the Old Burying Point that relies on authentic research and chilling storytelling.
Whether you are a dedicated paranormal investigator or a family looking for Salem ghost tours with a historical edge, Haunted Footsteps offers an atmospheric look at the restless spirits that still roam the historic landmarks of this legendary coastal town.
What to Expect
Prepare for a spine-tingling 90-minute adventure that covers approximately one mile of Salem’s most storied neighborhoods. Your tour begins at the tour office on Central Street, where your guide will light a traditional lantern to lead the way.
- Historic Landmarks & Haunted Sites: The route frequently includes stops at the Witch House (the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin), the Ropes Mansion (known for its tragic "fire ghost"), and the Gardner Pingree House, where a high-profile 19th-century murder shocked the nation.
- The Old Burying Point Cemetery: You will visit one of the oldest graveyards in the country. While your guide regales you with tales of sightings among the headstones, you’ll have the chance to capture your own "ghost photos"—many guests report seeing strange anomalies or orbs in this specific location.
- Authentic Storytelling: Unlike tours that focus purely on the 1692 hysteria, this tour highlights documented hauntings from the 1700s through the modern day, including the "spirits" of former residents who refuse to leave their family estates.
- Physical Requirements: Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Salem is a historic city, and the route features narrow, uneven brick sidewalks and cobblestones that can be slippery in the rain.
- Atmospheric Conditions: Tours run rain or shine. In the autumn, the lantern light against the New England mist provides a perfect backdrop for paranormal photography.
No on-site parking; use Museum Place or South Harbor Garages nearby. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
Restrooms available at meeting point only; no stops during the 90-min walk. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Historic terrain with bricks/cobblestones; may challenge some mobility devices. (for more info contact tour operator)
Leashed dogs welcome on streets; restricted from cemetery portions of tour.
No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)
Family-friendly storytelling; kids 5 and under join for free. (for more info, contact tour operator)
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FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas