Salem Ghost Tour
Meeting point
Salem Five Savings Bank. 210 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
Duration
1 hour
Start time
7 pm & 8 pm nightly
Tour Operator
Overview
Uncover the chilling secrets of the "Witch City" on the premier Salem Ghost Tour. While many know Salem for the infamous trials of 1692, the town’s spectral residents extend far beyond the gallows.
This ghost walk invites you to step into the flickering lamplight of historic Essex Street to discover why Salem is consistently ranked as one of the most haunted locations in America. As you embark on this haunted history tour, you will peel back the layers of a city built on maritime wealth, tragic fires, and a legacy of colonial fear.
Our Salem ghost tours are meticulously researched to offer a balance of documented history and bone-chilling paranormal accounts. From the site of the first execution in the Witch Trials to the elegant mansions of the Federalist era that still harbor their original owners, this haunted Salem walk provides an atmospheric journey you won't soon forget.
Led by professional guides carrying traditional lanterns, you’ll visit legendary landmarks and hidden alleys where the veil between worlds is notoriously thin. Whether you are looking for paranormal tours near The Witch House or a spooky evening activity after visiting the Peabody Essex Museum, our tour delivers the authentic, eerie essence of Salem.
What to Expect
Your journey begins outside the Salem Five Savings Bank (210 Essex St), a central hub of the historic district. Over the course of 60 to 90 minutes, you will cover roughly one mile of terrain steeped in nearly four centuries of mystery.
- Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall: Stand upon the very ground where Bridget Bishop, the first person executed during the Witch Trials, once lived. Hear the accounts of her apple-orchard ghost that still roams the premises and the unexplained activity reported by modern-day staff.
- The Witch House (Jonathan Corwin House): Focus on the exterior of this 17th-century structure, the only building in Salem with direct ties to the trials. Your guide will detail the dark energy that lingers here and the tragic personal history of the Judge who presided over the hysteria.
- Ropes Mansion and Garden: Discover the story of Abigail Ropes, whose tragic death by fire in the 1800s left a permanent mark on this beautiful estate. Many guests on this ghost tour report seeing a feminine figure in the windows of the upper floors.
- The Joshua Ward House: Built atop the foundation of the home of "The Strangler" Sheriff George Corwin, this site is reputedly one of the most haunted in the country. Learn about the "Lady in Black" and the restless spirits of those Corwin persecuted.
- Wicked Good Books: Even the local shops have secrets. Hear about the tunnels beneath the floors and the spirits of sailors and merchants that are said to still browse the stacks.
As this is an outdoor paranormal experience, please come prepared for the rapidly changing New England weather. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are essential for navigating the historic brick and cobblestone paths. While we do not enter the buildings, the proximity to these sites provides plenty of opportunities for "ghost photography."
No on-site parking. Nearby garages include Museum Place and South Harbor; arrive early. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No restrooms on route. Use facilities at Salem Armory Visitor Center before the tour. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Uneven brick/cobblestone terrain; not recommended for wheelchairs. Strollers are permitted. (for more info contact tour operator)
Pets welcome if well-behaved; service animals always permitted. Keep leashed and non-disruptive to group
No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)
Family-friendly with spooky history; suitable for older children comfortable with ghost stories. (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