History & Hauntings of Salem. MA

History & Hauntings of Salem

Meeting point

32 Derby Square Salem, MA 01970

Duration

2 hours

Start time

Multiple tours daily. Check seasonal calendar for exact times

Ticket Price

Adults from $36.16; Children (6-11) from $32.86 

*Please check the official site for current prices, seasonal rates, and add-ons.

Tour Operator

Witch City Walking Tours

info@witchcitywalkingtours.com

tel:781-608-6986

Overview

Step beyond the myths and into the authentic heart of Massachusetts' most mysterious city with the History & Hauntings of Salem tour. Frequently ranked as one of the top cultural experiences in the United States by TripAdvisor, this Salem walking tour offers a comprehensive 2-hour journey through nearly 400 years of colonial history. 

Whether you are a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or a fan of the cult classic Hocus Pocus, this tour blends the scholarly with the supernatural to provide the perfect introduction to the "Witch City."

Unlike tours that focus solely on the 1692 hysteria, this haunted Salem walk explores the city's evolution from a wealthy world-class seaport to a modern-day epicenter of witchcraft. Your guide—a local historian or artist—will lead you by lantern light through the cobblestone streets of the McIntire Historic District, sharing verified accounts of the supernatural alongside the architectural triumphs of Samuel McIntire. 

If you are looking for an educational ghost tour in Salem that respects the victims of the past while celebrating the legends of the present, this is the definitive experience.

What to Expect 

Your journey begins in Derby Square, in the shadow of the historic Old Town Hall. From there, you will traverse approximately one mile of Salem’s most storied terrain.

  • The 1692 Witch Trials Hysteria: Gain a deep, empathetic understanding of the factors that led to the trials. Visit the Witch Trials Memorial to pay your respects and view the Witch House (the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin).
  • Paranormal Legends: Hear the chilling tale of the "Lady in Blue" at the site of the First Church of Salem and learn why the spirits of the merchant elite still linger in the brick mansions of Chestnut Street.
  • Hollywood in Salem: See the iconic Ropes Mansion, famously known as Allison’s house from Disney’s Hocus Pocus, and discover why Salem is a favorite backdrop for filmmakers.
  • Maritime Wealth & Architecture: Marvel at the Federal-style grandeur of Hamilton Hall and the McIntire District, hearing stories of the sea captains who made Salem the richest city per capita in early America.
  • The Old Burying Point: Stand at the edge of the oldest cemetery in the city and learn about the "ghostly residents" who reside within its gates.

No on-site parking; Museum Place Garage (1 New Liberty St) is recommended. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information

No public restrooms on route. Use facilities at 2 New Liberty St before checking in. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information

Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers; contact ahead to reserve a mobility device. (for more info contact tour operator)

Dog-friendly! Leashed pets are welcome to join the walk.

Outdoor tour only; views the exteriors of the Witch House, Ropes Mansion, and more. (for more info contact tour operator)

All ages welcome. A perfect mix of history and light ghost stories for families. (for more info, contact tour operator)

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FaQ's

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.

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.

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.

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.

When choosing what to wear on a ghost tour, comfort and practicality are key. Most ghost tours involve walking through historic streets, uneven paths, or dimly lit areas, so opt for comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Dress in weather-appropriate layers, as tours often take place at night when temperatures drop. A light jacket or hoodie works well year-round.

Avoid loud or reflective clothing that can distract from the experience, and choose dark, neutral colours to blend into the spooky atmosphere. If you’re joining an outdoor tour, consider bringing waterproof layers, a hat, or gloves in colder seasons. A small crossbody bag is ideal for carrying essentials without weighing you down.

For added comfort and safety, bring a fully charged phone, but keep it on silent to avoid interrupting the tour. With the right clothing and gear, you’ll stay comfortable, safe, and fully immersed in the ghostly experience.

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.

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

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