Salem is a historic coastal city that is most infamous for the Salem Witch Trials. A short but dark episode of Salem’s colonial past, that’s turned the town into the epicenter of all things spooky, creepy, and supernatural.
I grew up in the neighboring town and have family and friends living in Salem. So we have plenty of insight on the best things to do here and what tourist traps might not be worth your time.
This guide will share what we think are the best things to do in Salem.
A city that literally celebrates Halloween for the entire month of October with the Haunted Happenings Festival (and part of September).
Something important to mention is that if you visit in October, your experience will be extremely different from visiting at any other time of year.
The benefit of visiting in October is that the city is buzzing with energy, plus events and attractions that are only open this time of year. On the flip side, be prepared for higher prices, limited reservations for attractions, and lots of crowds and traffic in the downtown area.
And there’s a lot to uncover here. Because really, Salem is so much more than just its spooky reputation.
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Go City Pass
Real quick, I wanted to share a really cool way to save money on Salem’s top attractions. The GoCity Pass is a flat-rate exploration pass that gives you discounted entry to places like the Peabody Essex Museum, the House of the Seven Gables, and the Salem Witch Museum, along with many more spots in Boston. You can choose the Explorer Pass, which lets you pick 2–5 attractions to visit within 30 days, or go with the All-Inclusive Pass, which gives you unlimited access to as many attractions as you can pack into 1–7 days
Check out the GoCity Pass.
Witch City Walking Tour
Probably the best way to immerse yourself in Salem is by taking a walking tour, which I would suggest as one of the first things you do to get acquainted with the town.
The local company that we recommend is Witch City Walking Tours. Their History and Hauntings tour will introduce you to a great blend of history, ghost stories, architecture, and other interesting tidbits about town. Or they have other, more specific tours about spooky stories, movie filming locations, and more.
The tour is a great way to get familiar with town. We find that this little bit of background just gives you an added appreciation and curiosity for Salem. And you can even identify more things you might want to revisit after the tour, whether that’s restaurants, historical sites, or something else.
Salem Trolley Tour
Another great way to learn about Salem is via a Trolley Tour. It takes visitors on an 8-mile ride around the city past the Charter Street Burial Ground, the House of the Seven Gables, Witch Dungeon Museum, Salem Witch Museum, the historic waterfront area, and other locations.
Tickets are only available in person. Head toward the east side of Essex Pedestrian Mall to find the ticket booth.
Ultimately, I think you only need to choose either a walking tour or a trolley tour to get a good background of the area. The trolley can take you to a few more places that a walking tour can’t reach, but on the other hand, a walking tour allows you to go in and around some of the buildings, unlike the trolley, which is limited to the roads.
Get Some Seafood
When you’re on the rocky shores of New England, you gotta try some local seafood. Many iconic seafood dishes, literally known around the world, can be found right here. From plump lobster rolls and creamy New England clam chowder, to succulent mussels, and the always polarizing raw oysters.
If you are looking for more upscale seafood restaurants, my favorites are:
- Turners Seafood
- Finz
- Sea Level Oyster Bar
Turner’s is in an elegant historic building right downtown. But some people might appreciate the waterfront locations of Finz and Sea Level on Pickering Wharf.
For a more casual spot, I like the Lobster Shanty, which leans more towards pub food styles like fish and chips, lobster rolls, freshly boiled lobster, and more.
Bella Verona
If you want something other than seafood, then don’t miss Bella Verona. This is a cozy little Italian restaurant located downtown. It’s not very large inside (even though they just updated the space), so we highly suggest booking a reservation.
They have classic Italian pasta dishes that are always delicious, and a whole list of specials every time we visit. And a great selection of wines that pair well with your meal.
Peabody Essex Museum
This is the oldest continuously operating museum in the nation, exhibiting an impressive art collection that’s ever-evolving over the last 2 centuries. With close-to-home exhibits about the Salem Witch Trials and Maritime Art, to distant cultures, and right up through modern creations.
The museum is open Thursday through Monday, and costs $25 per adult. (Discounted rates for seniors, students, and children)
One fascinating exhibit is the Yin Yu Tang House. This original 16-bedroom Chinese house and its contents were meticulously dismantled and reassembled right here in Salem.
The Peabody Essex Museum also plays an active role in preserving some of the most historic buildings in Salem. Like the Yin Yu Tang House, Ropes Mansion, Peirce-Nichols House, John Ward House, and more.
The historic structures often require time-entry reservations, and may be open in a limited fashion for tours or unguided exploration.
Pub Crawl
Salem is full of excellent pubs to check out. A few great pubs in town are Mercy Tavern, Olde Main Street Pub, and All Souls Lounge.
Mercy Tavern is a cozy little bar with American fare, plus great beers and cocktails.
Olde Main Street Pub is a classic Irish Pub that will make you feel like having a Guinness, even if you don’t normally drink them.
And All Souls Lounge is an eclectic chill spot known for their vintage cocktails, and gourmet grilled cheeses & hot dogs.
Hallowed Ground is another excellent cocktail bar, located underground; it’s got a real speakeasy kind of vibe.
Brewery Hop
Salem has a couple of great craft breweries: the Notch Brewery, East Regiment, and Couch Dog. Salem’s breweries are an excellent place to try a New England Hazy IPA, our personal favorite beer style. That hoppy and sweet goodness with a soft mouthfeel. But let’s be honest, you’ve probably tried one before since the style has swept the nation.
The Notch Brewery has an industrial taproom and harbor-side biergarten that specializes in European-style beers.
East Regiment’s taproom is converted from the old fire station, and has a four-season covered patio. They serve a wide selection of different beer styles.
And Couch Dog is the most adventurous of the bunch, with Asian-inspired twists on many popular beer styles.
Bagel World
You’re probably not going to find this on anyone else’s Salem guides. But since I grew up around here, I gotta throw in one of my personal faves.
Bagel World is just a no-frills bagel spot that pumps out absolutely massive and delicious bagels. Whether you like the classics like Everything, Sesame, or Cinnamon Raisin, or want to try one of their more adventurous flavors like Wildberry, Asiago, or Energy Bar.
They have their own cream cheeses and spreads, if you like to keep it simple.
But I usually order a breakfast sandwich or one of their specialty sandwiches. Like the Roast Beef, Smoked Turkey, Lettuce, Tomato, and Havarti.
And this place is crazy affordable. Like, one of these giant specialty bagel sandwiches is around $7. Sometimes it’s enough food to eat half for breakfast and save the other half for lunch.
And a couple of pro tips, this place can get busy most mornings and around lunch time. But you can order ahead online to skip the line. And they also have an express line if you just want to buy bagels and spreads to go.
Once you try it, you’ll see why this place has become such a local staple and spread to 4 locations north of Boston.
Salem Night Faire
This one is only available on select weekend evenings in October. But if it overlaps with your visit, this hidden gem is definitely one of the best spooky experiences in Salem.
A 1600s replica colonial settlement called Pioneer Village perfectly sets the scene for the creepiest fair you’ll ever visit. Wander the grounds discovering ominous characters, fireside ghost stories, photo ops, and more.
Entry tickets are $10 per person.
And to me, the best part is that the Faire doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares like a haunted house, but rather ominous scenes unfolding slowly, with exquisite costume and set design.
They have food trucks, a biergarten, hot apple cider, and other libations to enjoy while roaming the grounds.
And for fans of all things macabre, spooky, and supernatural, there are loads of vendors selling oddities you won’t find anywhere else.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
While things down on Derby Wharf are pretty calm and quiet these days, Salem’s waterfront was once one of the most prolific maritime ports of colonial America. Trade ships from all over the globe were passing through here, making some of the wealthiest people in the colonies.
This fundamental aspect of Salem’s history is preserved by the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. All aspects of this site are free to explore.
Perhaps the most impressive thing here is The Friendship, a replica tall ship whose primary home is right here on Derby Wharf. She’s a fully operational sailboat, and such a cool piece of history to explore.
After many trade voyages around the world, the original Friendship was captured during the war of 1812, never to be seen again. And the replica we see today was only possible because the original ship builder made a perfect scale model, which is on display at the Peabody Essex Museum.
Besides the Friendship, the historic site also maintains historic buildings with exhibits about their significance.
Like the Derby House, Salem’s oldest standing brick building.
The Narbonne House, a historic middle-class home.
Or the Customs House, which was responsible for measuring all the goods coming through the port to be appropriately taxed. And one of the most famous inspectors to work in that role, Nathanial Hawthorne, author of The Scarlett Letter.
One exhibit tells the story of how the Scarlett Letter was the not-so-secret retaliation against Hawthorne’s political adversaries, who got him fired from that job.
History lovers will appreciate the Salem Maritime Site and all its well-preserved pieces of Salem’s past.
Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery
Of all the wax museums, spooky shops, and purveyors of oddities in town, the Nightmare Gallery is the one we’d recommend the most.
It’s full of tons of the most realistic wax figures of the best scary movie characters of all time. Again, no jump scares in here, just impeccably lifelike characters sure to impress horror and thriller fans.
They don’t allow any photos or videos inside the gallery itself. So you’ll just have to experience this one for yourself.
See The Costumes On Essex Street
The Essex Street Pedestrian Mall is pretty much the epicenter of the action in Salem. Year-round, it’s a great place to stroll through some shops and restaurants.
You can see a stray witch hat or costume almost year-round in Salem.
But late September, into October specifically, is when the really insane costumes come out. You gotta stroll through here to see straight-up movie-level quality costumes.
With frightening classics like Pennywise and Predator, to more family-friendly favorites like WALL-E and Jack Skellington! And these are just passionate locals who entertain for free, so it’s nice to tip them if you get a picture with them, or just want to show your appreciation.
Real Pirates Museum
This museum details the story of Sam Bellamy, a real-life sailor, turned pirate. Who led a rag-tag cast of characters aboard the Wida, plundering and pillaging their way around the seas.
The Whydah, originally a London slave ship, was captured and turned into their pirate flagship, until eventually sinking off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, likely to be lost forever.
But in 1984, the shipwreck was discovered, creating one of the greatest archeological finds ever. The pirate treasure, artifacts, and more have provided incredible insights into the mysterious world of real-life pirates.
Many actual pirate shipwreck recoveries are on display here, among informational exhibits and accompanying artwork.
Salem Witch Museum
One of the most famous things to do in Salem is visit the Salem Witch Museum.
Due to its name, advantageous location, and appearance of the building (a converted church), this will forever be a popular Salem attraction. But just know that it’s really not a museum, per se, and reviews are often mixed.
But if you travel all this way to Salem, it’s one way to learn about the witch trials. But personally, I wouldn’t wait in line for it.
And, if you visit in October, it can be difficult to land tickets. And personally, we just think there are tons of other great attractions that make Salem special.
Ropes Mansion
The Ropes Mansion is one of New England’s most significant historic structures and an iconic Salem landmark. Built in the 1700s, it was once home to Judge Nathaniel Ropes, who played a role in the Salem Witch Trials.
The Ropes Mansion is also widely recognized as Allison’s house in the beloved Halloween film Hocus Pocus.
It is managed by the Peabody Essex Musuem and going into the house requires separate time-entry reservations. It is open May-October for self-guided tours, $15 separate, or $5 with purchase of Museum admission.
And behind the house is the Ropes Mansion Garden, which is a nice free place to explore during the warmer months.
The House of the Seven Gables
The House of the Seven Gables is another iconic historic mansion in Salem. This is where Captain John Turner I resided.
This is also the house that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book, “The House of the Seven Gables”.
A & J King Bakery
The best bakery in town is A & J King. An artisan bakery that pumps out some decadent pastries. Two of our favorite must-order items are the Kouign Amann and the Sticky Buns. But once you step inside, there will be plenty of delicious pasties you won’t be able to resist.
They also have tasty coffee drinks and breakfast and lunch sandwiches. So be sure to stop in here for either breakfast or lunch during your stay.
Witch House
The Witch House was once the home of Jonathan Corwin, one of the judges of the Salem witch trials. A dark, roughly one-year period of mass hysteria that led to the executions of 19 people convicted of witchcraft (with over 200 people accused).
You can explore the home and see how the people lived in America’s colonial heritage.
Winter Island
Contrary to its name, Winter Island is not an island, and one of my favorite places to go in the summer. Located on Salem’s eastern waterfront, this peninsula has a beach, boat launch, and campground.
On those hot humid summer days, Waikiki Beach (no, not that one) offers a sandy beach for sunbathing and swimming.
And check out the old abandoned Coast Guard building, as a bit of decrepit Salem history.
Grab a Roast Beef Sandwich
One bit of hyper-local cuisine is a north shore roast beef sandwich. Don’t expect a fancy place, but the local sandwich shops north of Boston are famous for their roast beef sandwiches. It’s rare, thinly-sliced roast beef and an onion or sesame bun. Often ordered as a Roast Beef “three-way” that includes mayo, cheese, and BBQ sauce.
Sadly, our favorite Salem spot recently closed, but other crowd favs are Dina’s, Bill & Bob’s, and Jamie’s.
Photo With Samantha Statue
If you’re a Bewitched fan, then you definitely gotta snap a photo with Samantha Stephens in Lappin Park. There’s a bronze sculpture that stands 9 feet tall, showing Samantha riding a broomstick, which rests on a crescent moon.
You will likely visit this area on a walking tour or at least walk by here as you roam the area. And some mischievous tourists and locals sometimes like to dress her up in hats or scarves.
Understandably, Salem was pretty embarrassed about the witch trails, and for centuries, tried to avoid associating with that past. It is said that the American sitcom Bewitched (1964-1972) was actually a turning point in getting Salem to embrace this side of their history, eventually leaning into the witchy reputation.
The Witch Dungeon Museum
The Witch Dungeon Museum puts on a reenactment play to take you back in time. After the trial, visitors descend into a recreated dungeon where those accused were allegedly imprisoned. The dungeon has life-size scenes showing the harsh conditions.
It costs $13 for adults (discount for seniors and children). And it’s only open seasonally from April to November.
The Pickering House
The house began as a modest farmhouse built by John Pickering Jr. on land obtained around 1659. It’s a First-Period Colonial house, making it one of the oldest surviving houses in Salem, and among those in the U.S.
And it’s still owned by the Pickering Family today! It’s believed to be the oldest house in the United States continuously occupied by a single family (until the late 1990s).
You can book a tour to explore inside the house. Admission costs around $16.60+ tax per person.
Melt Ice Cream
If you have a sweet tooth, then definitely don’t skip Melt. This little ice cream shop in town, pumps out some amazing ice cream flavors. And not just your ordinary flavors, they have flavors like maple bourbon, vegan lychee, oreo, etc.
Plus a few other rotating flavors, so you can always try something new. But don’t worry, if you just like the classics, like vanilla or chocolate, they have those too!
Howling Wolf Taqueria
If you’re craving some tasty Mexican food, then the Howling Wolf Taqueria is your spot. Everything from their large portions, excellent service, and margaritas are amazing.
Far From The Tree Cidery
For cider lovers, check out Far From The Tree Cidery. They make craft hard cider using 100% Massachusetts apples. They have a tasting room where you can sample their local ciders. They offer some year-round flagship ciders and seasonal/specialty ones during different parts of the year. For example, they have a hocus pocus selection during the fall season.
Ugly Mug Diner
A great spot to grab breakfast in Salem is the Ugly Mug Diner. The walls are covered with playful breakfast-themed murals that add to its quirky vibe, and the menu is just as creative. Fan favorites include the Duck Confit and the Apple Cider Mimosa.
Tips For Visiting Salem
Here are some tips if you’re visiting during peak times. Again, visitation to Salem really peaks around weekends in October, leading up to Halloween. And as we mentioned, there are some things that only happen this time of year, so you still might choose to brave the crowds.
But if you visit this time of year, it’s best to plan way ahead.
Prices are higher and some accommodations will book like months to even years ahead. And just expect there to be lines and wait times for attractions, shops, and restaurants.
I wouldn’t even consider driving through or parking in downtown Salem during October weekends. Like it might take you 30 minutes to drive a half mile. Luckily, Salem is pretty well connected with public transportation. And the main touristy downtown is very walkable.
The main commuter train into Salem is the Purple Line that runs from Boston to Rockport, Massachusetts. And the Salem train station is only a 5-minute walk from the action.
And there’s also a Boston to Salem ferry that is the more scenic option, but a little slower and more expensive.
If you do end up driving to Salem during fall weekends, If you get there early, you could try one of the parking garages on the outskirts of downtown. Like the Commuter Rail Garage or the South Harbor Garage.
But you might strike out, so it might just be worth choosing the free shuttle lots and just avoiding the headaches altogether.
Visit Salem.org or HauntedHappenings.org for the most up-to-date parking information.
Helpful Map Of Salem
Where To Stay In Salem
Salem has a great collection of historic and boutique accommodations that you won’t find anywhere else. When visiting, step back in time by choosing one of Salem’s cozy, historic inns or boutique hotels that let you experience the town’s charm and character firsthand.
- The Hawthorne Hotel: One of Salem’s most famous hotels, located right downtown. It has a rich history, elegant charm, and is rumored to be haunted. (Halloween is usually booked years in advance)
- The Merchant: A boutique hotel named after wealthy sea merchant Joshua Ward. Stylish and modern, yet steeped in history, it’s also said to be one of Salem’s most haunted places to stay.
- Daniel’s House Inn: Built in 1667, this historic inn is one of the oldest bed-and-breakfasts in Salem. Staying here feels like stepping back in time, with period-style furnishings and plenty of colonial character.
- Silsbee’s by Daniels House: An extension of Daniel’s House, this property offers cozy accommodations in another historic setting, perfect for those who want a unique and authentic Salem stay.
Or use this helpful map below to search the area for other great places to stay around the Salem area.
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