Spellbound Tour
Meeting point
Salem Visitor Center. 245 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970
Duration
90 mins
Start time
2pm & 8pm on most days; check seasonal calendar for exact dates/times.
Ticket Price
Adults from $28
*Please check the official site for current prices, seasonal rates, and add-ons.
Tour Operator
Overview
Discover the "darker" side of the Witch City with the Spellbound Tour, Salem’s premier experience led by professional paranormal investigators. Founded by the renowned Dr. Vitka, this isn't your standard history walk—it is a deep dive into the hidden, the supernatural, and the macabre. If you are looking for a Salem ghost tour that balances academic research with bone-chilling legends, Spellbound offers a unique perspective on the 1692 trials, New England vampirism, and modern ghost hunting.
Voted one of the top ghost tours in the United States, the Spellbound Tour takes you beyond the typical "witch" narrative. Your guide will share exclusive insights into the voodoo roots of the 1692 hysteria and the real-world history of vampire folklore in the region. Whether you're standing on the cursed ground of Giles Corey or analyzing your own "ghost photos" with a pro, this tour is designed to leave you both informed and unsettled.
What to Expect
Your journey begins at the Revere Bell in front of the Salem Visitor Center. Over the next 90 minutes, you will traverse the haunted heart of the city, stopping at locations where history and hauntings collide:
- The Voodoo Roots of 1692: Learn the secret history of Tituba and the Caribbean influences that may have sparked the witch trials.
- The Curse of Giles Corey: Stand on the site where Giles Corey was "pressed" to death and hear why his ghost is still said to appear before major tragedies in Salem.
- Real New England Vampires: Discover the shocking historical accounts of vampirism in New England that predate Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
- Houdini’s Great Escape: See where the world’s most famous escapologist, Harry Houdini, performed a legendary feat at the old police station.
- The Old Town Hall: Visit the site famous for the Halloween Ball in Hocus Pocus and learn about the real paranormal activity reported within its brick walls.
- Ghost Photo Analysis: Bring your camera! Your guides—all professional investigators—will help you examine your photos for orbs, apparitions, or "ghostly energy" at the end of the night.
Public parking nearby; use Museum Place Garage for closest access. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
Restrooms available at meeting point (seasonal hours); no stops during the tour. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Wheelchair and stroller accessible via paved city sidewalks. (for more info contact tour operator)
Pet-friendly! Well-behaved, leashed dogs are invited to join.
No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)
Suitable for all ages; focus on ghost stories and paranormal investigation. (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