Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 40 travelers
Overview
All ages
Spring/summer only
Merchants & Mansions Architecture Tour
Salem has one of the most naturally varied collections of historic structures in the country, spanning nearly 400 years. Come learn about how the inhabitants of Salem have kept their city comfortable, livable, and beautiful for centuries! From First Period to Georgian, Federal to Brutalist, Salem has some of everything. Your guide will wind you through the cobblestoned streets, discovering hidden gems, and viewing dozens of historic buildings and structures, as well as learning the fascinating stories behind them, from Salem's days as the wealthiest city in the country in the 18th century, to the great fire that nearly destroyed it all!
Tours run RAIN or SHINE. We do NOT cancel for weather. For a full refund, you must cancel 24 hours prior.
What's included
Architectural Guide of Salem
Licensed Guide
Gratuity not included
What to expect
Salem Old Town Hall
5m · Admission ticket not included
Start of the tour
Salem
5m
Duration of the tour
The Custom House
10m · Admission ticket not included
This is where we touch on Salem's history of spice trade, her motto (and why we have it), point out where the old ship building yard used to be (near where the Adirondack chairs are located at the far end of the open space) and then discuss the mansions visible from near Derby Wharf.
The Derby House
10m · Admission ticket not included
This is a discussion of Georgian architecture, and how this simple building reflects the burgeoning wealth and power of Salem and New England merchants as a whole.
Narbonne House
10m · Admission ticket not included
a perfect way to show how 17th century (First Period) architecture could be (and was) added to and modified to enlarge it.
The Daniels House Historic Site
5m · Admission ticket not included
Discussion
Salem Common
10m · Admission ticket included
We point out the Hocus Pocus location (the old school) but then talk about how Salem Common evolved, from a series of marshy pools and unusable ground in the 17th and early 18th centuries, to the manicured pleasure park of the 19th century, and how it became the new fashionable district starting in the mid-to-late 19th century, Salem's last gasp of wealth and mansions, with Second Empire and Greek Revival style buildings.
5m
Architecture
Peabody Essex Museum
10m · Admission ticket not included
Variety of collection homes
5m
Architecture
Saint Peter's Episcopal Church
10m · Admission ticket not included
We touch on the unique religious heritage of Salem.
Witch City Mall
5m
Architecture
Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery
5m
Discussion
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
We meet on the side of the Old Town Hall with 3 staircases
End point
Additional information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by ticketed adult
Our Tours run rain or shine, we do not cancel for weather. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress accordingly.
Dog friendly!
Wheelchairs and scooters are welcome, however, be aware that salem has brick sidewalks, uneven surfaces and narrow areas. Visitors assume all responsibility with wheelchairs and WCWT will not be held liable.
By choosing to purchase a ticket, you and your ticketed guests will be agreeing to our liability waiver which includes a release of liability on our tours as well as a photo release.
We do not enter any buildings or cemeteries on this tour, this is an outdoor activity only.
Tour group size may be up to 40 guests per group
There are no public restrooms on the tour route. Please plan accordingly.
Not recommended if not able to stand for long periods of time
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
