Salem’s guided tours offer a practical way to understand this historically significant Massachusetts town. While numerous options exist, the most worthwhile tours focus on three main themes: the 1692 witch trials, maritime history, and local ghost stories.
The best walking tours stick to historical facts, avoiding sensationalism, and typically last about 90 minutes. Daytime history tours efficiently cover key sites like the Witch House and Old Burying Point Cemetery. Evening ghost tours, though theatrical, provide valuable insights into Salem’s darker chapters while visiting allegedly haunted locations.
We especially recommend tours led by local historians who carry period documents and images – these bring authentic perspective to Salem’s complex past. The witch trial tours that include the Witch Trial Memorial are particularly meaningful and well-researched.
Explore these top-rated Salem tours to make the most of your visit.
Good To Know
- The History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour provides a comprehensive 2-hour overview of Salem’s 400-year history and significant landmarks.
- The Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour offers a 90-minute exploration of Salem’s darker past, including grisly tales and ghost sightings.
- The Salem’s Dark History & Witchcraft Hysteria Guided Walking Tour delves into the city’s dark history and the 1692 witchcraft hysteria, covering popular landmarks and hidden gems.
- The Real Pirates Salem Museum With Guided Directors Tour provides a short, family-friendly tour focusing on pirate history and the witchcraft trials.
- The Salem Guided Walking Tour With A Real Witch offers a unique perspective on the witch trials, guided by a practicing witch.
History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour
The “History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour” transports visitors on a captivating journey through Salem’s rich past.
Covering 400 years of history in just 2 hours, this highly-rated tour showcases the city’s significant landmarks, including the Witch Trials Memorial, Witch House, and Bewitched statue.
Led by knowledgeable local historians, the tour provides an engaging and informative experience for up to 40 guests.
Operating rain or shine, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with weather-resistant features like hand warmers.
With an average 4.9-star rating from over 11,600 reviews, this tour offers an immersive exploration of Salem’s captivating history and hauntings.
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Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour
While the daytime “History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour” explores the city’s notable landmarks and witch trial history, the “Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour” takes visitors on a chilling journey through Salem’s darker past.
Over 90 minutes, guides share spine-tingling tales of grisly murders and ghost sightings, leading the group to haunted spots not easily found alone.
The tour ends at the Burying Point, a short walk from the starting location at the Old Town Hall.
With a 95% traveler recommendation and 4.8/5 rating, this tour provides an engaging and informative experience.
Read our full review: Mysteries and Murders of Salem Guided Night-Time Walking Tour Review
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Salems Dark History & Witchcraft Hysteria Guided Walking Tour
One of the most popular guided walking tours in Salem explores the city’s dark history and the infamous witchcraft hysteria of 1692.
The 1.5-hour “Salems Dark History & Witchcraft Hysteria Guided Walking Tour” takes visitors to key sites while an experienced storyteller provides engaging narratives. The tour, which has a 90% recommendation rate, covers popular landmarks like the Witch House as well as hidden gems.
While some guests wished for more haunted elements, most praised the tour’s informative nature and the guide’s knowledgeable and entertaining delivery.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and allows dogs, making it a convenient option for many travelers.
Read our full review: Salems Dark History & Witchcraft Hysteria Guided Walking Tour Review
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Real Pirates Salem Museum With Guided Directors Tour
Situated in Salem’s historic Charlotte Forten Park, the Real Pirates Salem Museum offers a guided directors tour that delves into the city’s captivating pirate history and its connections to the infamous witchcraft trials.
The 93% traveler recommendation and Badge of Excellence highlight the tour’s quality. With a duration suitable for those short on time, the experience includes exploring pirate stories, hearing about historical figures like Sam Bellamy, and receiving a free digital photo and gold coin.
The tour is family-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and limited to 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate and informative experience.
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Salem Guided Walking Tour With A Real Witch
What better way to explore Salem’s captivating witch trial history than with a guided walking tour led by a real practicing witch?
The “Wandering Witches” tour offers a unique perspective, allowing participants to ask questions about the witch trials and modern witchcraft.
With a duration of around an hour, the tour starts at 3:30 PM from the Stardust Salem, Pequot House.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who provide a personal take on Salem’s legacy.
While some noted a lack of interactive content, the tour’s overall rating of 4.4 out of 31 reviews suggests a compelling experience for those interested in Salem’s witchcraft lore.
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Salem Guided Tour About The Citys Dark History
For those eager to explore Salem’s darker history, the Salem Guided Tour About The City’s Dark History offers a comprehensive exploration of the infamous witch trials.
Led by a historian specializing in witchcraft, the tour visits significant sites, including the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Old Witch Gaol, and County Jail.
Providing in-depth historical context, the adults-only tour is praised for its engaging storytelling, historical accuracy, and knowledgeable guide.
With a maximum of 39 travelers, the tour offers a personalized experience starting at $25 per person.
Wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, the tour is highly recommended by 98% of travelers for its informative and entertaining nature.
Read our full review: Salem Guided Tour About The Citys Dark History Review
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The Sum Up
Salem offers a range of guided tours that explore the city’s rich history, from its infamous witch trials to its maritime past. Whether you’re interested in the supernatural or simply want to learn more about Salem’s dark history, there’s a tour that caters to your interests. These guided experiences provide an engaging and informative way to uncover the secrets of this fascinating New England town.