Salem Witch Trials, Ghosts and History Walking Tour

Duration2h - 2h 15m

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

Walk Salem's most haunted streets and uncover the fascinating true story of the 1692 witch trials — told the way only a lifelong local of old Salem can tell it. Named one of the best Salem walking tours by TripAdvisor in the Top 10 Salem Walking Tours of 2026. Enjoy Hocus Pocus stops, thrilling ghost stories - then be surprised along the way by Salem's lesser known history, and the question nobody thinks to ask: Why are there no Sheriffs in Salem anymore? Enter Salem's stunning McIntire District with Revolutionary War, maritime, and pirate tales woven throughout. This is a historical tour enriched with some beloved ghost stories. Dining, shopping and exploring recommendations on request. Perfect for families, couples, day trips from Boston, solo travelers, haunted history tours, friends, bachelorette parties, bridal parties, and curious kids. This tour is guided in English only. Our meeting point: East India Fountain, 158 Essex St, Salem MA 01970. About 2 hrs. Outdoors only, no entry.

What's included

Hidden Gems many visitors don't find on their own
Get All your Questions Answered!
Practical Magic Book Series - real life sites that inspired the stories!
A friendly local historian as your guide.
Authentic Salem Witch Trial History and Sites
Beloved Hauntings and Folklore of Salem
Harry Potter books - past influences and current presence in Salem today.
Plenty of Great Photo and Video Opportunities
Pass the Warren Museum and possibly glimpse the Annabelle Doll!
Salem's most popular stops such as The Witch Trial Memorial, The Samantha Statue and many more!
OCTOBER: Enjoy Salem without big crowds, book our 8:30am slot (October only) or our 8:00pm slot.
Salem's Iconic Downtown Area as well as a Beautiful Historic District.
Local Insider Recommendations for Dining, Shopping and Site Seeing by Request
Hocus Pocus Filming Locations
Surprising chapters of Salem's "other history".
2 Hours of Salem's 400 Years of Ghosts and History

Gratuities Not Included
Entry Into Buildings/Houses Not Included
Parking not included, tours leave on time so please plan for traffic and finding a spot.
Bathrooms not included along route while tour is running.
Any appropriate clothing or tools for our unpredictable, extreme Salem weather not included.
This tour is in English, other languages not offered at this time.
We can't wait for late guests. If late, see the itinerary to meet us at the next stops
Date/time changes are handled by Viator/TripAdvisor, NOT Witch City Walkabout.

What to expect

5m

The East India Fountain. This will be our meeting point! Get to know your guide, enjoy an introduction to Salem, This is an outdoor only stop. Timing can vary. Due to safety and courtesy, The City of Salem does not allow any walking tour to stop directly in front of doorways or major sites, walking tours can not block sidewalks or doorways. You will still have great views, time to look, and sometimes approach the site closer for photos etc depending on city conditions, which are often changing with our heavy foot traffic and vehicle traffic.
Saint Peter's Episcopal Church
5m · Admission ticket not included

What kind of people were accused of witchcraft? What was done with them? How is Saint Peter's Church tied into the Witch Trials? What happened on nearby property and why do so many people get chills and strange photos here? This is an outdoor only stop. Timing can vary
5m · Admission ticket not included

Did you know Salem looked very different in 1692? We will traverse a large piece of property with special Witchcraft Trial history. Today, many believe it to be haunted by an executed victim. You'll also hear a few other surprising chapters of Salem's history here...this is an outdoor only stop. Timing can vary.
Salem Old Town Hall
5m · Admission ticket not included

The famous Hocus Pocus stop! We discuss the movie's filming and the true history of the building. The founding of Salem and those here before the Puritans are also explored. This is an outdoor only stop. Timing can vary
5m · Admission ticket not included

So much history in one stop! This site is tied to the Witch Trials as well as our rich Maritime history. It's also famous for one of the most famous hauntings in Salem. This is an outdoor only stop. Timing can vary.
Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery
5m

A very iconic stop, great for photos! How are Salem's Witch Trials connected to the classic Bewitched TV show? What sensitive legacy does the statue have today? This is an outdoor only stop. Timing can vary.
The Witch House at Salem
5m · Admission ticket not included

The Witch House is the only thing left standing in modern Salem with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials! What happened here? Further explore how everything went so wrong in 1692. Timing can vary.
Mcintire Historic District
5m · Admission ticket not included

Marvel at Salem's historic residential neighborhood, both spooky and breathtaking! Timing can vary.
10m

Stroll down Historic Essex St and learn it's history - is it haunted? How old are the buildings in Salem? Better understand where the Witchcraft Trial sites are. Hear about Puritans, Pirates, Patriots and more! What is the hidden secret about Central Street? This is an outdoor only stop. Timing can vary.
Ropes Mansion and Garden
5m · Admission ticket not included

Enjoy a sumptuous mansion from Salem's maritime era and another Hocus Pocus filming stop! Who lived here? What happened to them? Timing can vary.
5m · Admission ticket not included

The Old Burying Point. Famous as one of the oldest maintained burial sites in the country. The final resting place of several people involved in the Salem Witch trials and other significant chapters of history. What ghosts are famous for walking the grounds? This is an outdoor only stop. Timing can vary.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
5m

How do we honor the victims of the Salem Witchcraft Trials? What is the symbolism built into it's design? This is an outside memorial, access is free and depends on the amount of people utilizing the memorial (such as October crowds). Timing can vary
Hamilton Hall
5m · Admission ticket not included

This federalist era hall has a captivating and amusing history! Timing can vary

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

158 Essex Street Salem MA 01970. The Fountain between The Village Tavern and The Peabody Essex Museum

End point

24 Liberty Street Salem MA 01970. The Memorial to remember the victims of the Salem Witch Trials

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
MOBILITY DEVICES: Many people take this tour with their own mobility scooters or wheelchairs, BUT PLEASE, keep in mind, we are an old historic city so the terrain is going to be uneven sometimes. Use your own discretion. We are very happy to have people with their own mobility devices on our tour! We will always accommodate you the best we can but visitors assume all responsibility and Witch City Walkabout will not be held liable. We do not provide mobility devices - Guests who need one should bring their own.
HEALTH RESTRICTIONS: Participating in this tour requires being able to physically complete a route of about 2 miles over the course of around 2 hours (on foot OR with your own mobility device) done at a walking pace with standing pauses of approximately one to several minutes at each tour stop. Most stops don't have seating available; guests will either stand or remain seated in their mobility devices (if they have brought their own) during tour stops. To keep the tour engaging and on schedule for the whole group, we're not able to slow the pace significantly or add extra rest stops along the way. We do not provide mobility devices — guests who need one should bring their own. Please keep in mind, while many people successfully take this tour with mobility devices and enjoy themselves, we are an old, historic city, so the terrain is going to be uneven sometimes. Use your own discretion. We are very happy to have people with mobility devices on our tour! We will always accommodate you the best we can but visitors assume all responsibility and Witch City Walkabout will not be held liable.
Tours run Rain or Shine! Prepare for all weather! Salem, MA can have quickly changing weather.
This tour covers about 2 miles in around 2 hours time.
Wear comfortable shoes, we walk 2 miles on uneven terrain, bricks, cobblestone etc.
This tour does not have bathroom breaks, be sure to use a bathroom before the beginning of the tour.
Tours start on time, plan for traffic if driving into Salem. Plan to secure parking/transportation/arrival to the tour early enough to be able to find our starting point at 158 Essex St, Salem MA (The East India Fountain) before the tour begins.
We are unable to wait for late guests, if you are late, we encourage you to look at our tour itinerary to see the next stops of the tour and meet up with us.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (96)