Boo! In for a spooky night? Salem, Massachusetts is living up to its name when it comes to celebrating Halloween. The “witch capital” of New England has a lot of hair-raising events stored for all ages. Join the month-long Halloween festivities at Salem and have the most thrilling night to remember! If you don’t want to participate in any events, you can still check out the many spooky attractions of Salem. With such a tragic past, Salem offers abundant urban legends and historic hauntings, and some of its most important ghostly landmarks include Burying Point Cemetery, Proctor’s Ledge, Howard Street Cemetery, House of the Seven Gables, and Pickman House. Some of the more underrated haunted spots include Croisan Creek Road and Zena Church.
Just be sure to secure your accommodations first by choosing one of the best pet-friendly hotels or other vacation rentals in the city. Check out these exciting and spine-tingling things to do for your Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts.
Halloween events to look out for
Salem Haunted Happenings is an annual event that takes place throughout the month of October. If you love Halloween and spooky festivities, this is something you don’t want to miss!
The Salem Psychic Fair and Witches’ Market is conducted as part of the Festival of the Dead and allows you to participate in tarot card readings, palm readings, crystal ball scrying, and more. You can also head to the witches’ market and get some jewelry, trinkets, enchanted candles, magical books, and even voodoo dolls. I’d love to score some interesting souvenirs here!
Most haunted locations in Salem, Massachusetts
There are many haunted locations in Salem, but we’ve picked the ones that we found most interesting, so check them out:
Joshua Ward House: According to Salem Ghost Tours, this house was where Sheriff Corwin ‘interrogated’ his victims as part of the Witch Trials. He employed gruesome methods, and it is said that his victims now haunt the home. One of the most famous spirits believed to haunt the house is that of Giles Corey.
Old Burying Point Cemetery: Many significant figures in Salem’s history, and many infamous figures of the Witch Trials, including Judge John Hathorne, are buried here. It is said that Judge Hathorne still roams the cemetery, barred from the afterlife for the atrocities he committed.
The Witch House (Jonathan Corwin House): As the residence of Jonathan Corwin, one of the judges of the Witch Trials, it would be a surprise if this house wasn’t haunted. Visitors have reported disembodied voices, most significantly the voice of a young girl, presumed to be that of the four-year-old accused of witchcraft.
Ropes Mansion and Garden: Featured in the movie Hocus Pocus, Ropes Mansion has something mystical about it that’s beyond Hollywood magic. It is said to be haunted by its former owner Nathaniel Ropes and his wife Abigail Ropes. According to Ghost City Tours, the former caretakers of the mansion have even claimed to have caught Nathaniel Ropes on camera!
Old Town Hall: Though built way after the Salem Witch Trials in the early 19th century, the Old Town Hall can’t escape the mystic aura of Salem. According to Ghost City Tours, it is said to house a poltergeist who is particularly fond of moving museum exhibits around.
Halloween tours and experiences in Salem
1. Go on a walking tour with voodoo, vampires, and ghosts (from USD 28.0)
Discover the legends and mysteries of Salem on a walking tour guided by expert historians and paranormal experts that will help you differentiate between fact and fiction. Hear the tales of the 1692 witch trials that led to Salem’s most haunting sites.
Escape the tricks and go all in for the treat of real stories of voodoo, witchcraft, vampires, and ghost sightings of New England in this one-and-a-half-hour guided walking tour. It seems to me like a great way to learn more about spooky customs! If you’re a thrill-seeker, go on this tour in the dark night, or opt for an afternoon tour on the weekends.
Haunted stops:
2 New Liberty St (site of the Salem Witch Trials)
The Burying Point
Axelrod Walkway Park
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Mike was an amazing tour guide!! Great stories, history and energy as we looked for and learned more about things that go bump in the night in Salem!! - by Gene B
Salem 'Voodoo, Vampires and Ghosts' History Walking Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
2. Walk through the historic areas of Salem (from USD 26.0)
At the break of darkness, Salem becomes the perfect place to explore the past and hear chilling stories. Take a stroll through the town on a one-and-a-half-hour history walking and haunting tour. Licensed guides and experts are here to give you the most accurate accounts of the town’s history, witchcraft, murders, bedlams, and more, and I think history buffs should miss this tour!
Hear about the famous hysteria of 1692 and other witch trials in no less than the “witch capital” of New England. Experience the nightfall of spookiness while educating yourself about Salem’s dark past and the stories surrounding it.
Haunted stops:
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Salem Old Town Hall
Old Burying Point Cemetery (said to be filled with spooky ghosts)
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Our tour guide April was very engaging and knowledgeable about the history of the Salem witch trials and the town’s historical background overall. It was super interesting and even my daughter put her phone down to listen to the tales and stories.” - by Elena V
Salem Haunted History Tour
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
3. Learn the haunting history of the witch capital (from USD 25.0)
Salem has long been associated with tales of witchcraft and morbid mishaps. Ideal for enthusiasts of haunted history, superstitions, and supernatural stories, this one-hour-and-a-half tour is a dimly-lit journey to haunted sites, cemeteries, and buildings with uninhibited and restless souls. The tour starts from the Salem Historical Tours office on 8 Central Street and ends in the downtown area. The guide can even analyze any potential ghost photos you click on your tour. I think it would be a great experience for amateur ghost hunters!
Hear stories dripping with horror and historical facts of the infamous Salem Witch Trial from your expert guides that will leave your hair-raising and cold sweat trickling.
Haunted stops:
Ropes Mansion and Garden (reported ghost sightings in the colonial revival garden)
Old Burying Point Cemetery (oldest cemetery in Salem)
John Ward House (where accused witches were examined)
The Witch House at Salem (home of one of the judges who presided over the Witch Trials)
Rockafellas Restaurant
The Merchant
Gardner Pingree House
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Allen was amazing!! After all of the years I’ve been going doing different tours, he was in the top 10! I would say that his knowledge of all of the homes was quite intriguing! I am very pleased with how this tour was conducted.” - by Antonio G
Haunted Footsteps Ghost & Paranormal Salem Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
4. Go on hauntings and history of Salem walking tour (from USD 32.0)
Let local historians and experts guide you into the mysterious and dark history of Salem. Follow the trail of the past in this guided nighttime walking tour and be amazed by the architecture of the grand Chestnut Street where prominent families lived. Note that the tour does not enter any of the buildings, it is an outdoor tour. You can take your dogs along as well.
Meet real-life practicing witches and learn about their unfamiliar way of life and of those who came before them. If you’re into witchcraft, I don’t think you’ll find a more enriching experience than this! Your night will end at the Burial Ground, the oldest cemetery in Salem and the second oldest one in the state. Rated as one of Salem’s best and “must-do” tour, this is suitable for tourists of all ages. You can select a nighttime tour for extra spookiness, and I’d love to attempt the tour with some friends.
Haunted and eerie stops:
Salem Old Town Hall
Essex Street Pedestrian Mall (site of the First Church of Salem)
Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Ropes Mansion and Garden
Mcintire Historic District
The Witch House at Salem
Old Burying Point Cemetery
Hamilton Hall
What guests are saying about this tour:
“I drive three hours to attend this walking tour any tour guide was very energetic and informative. It was worth the drive. The walk wasn’t too bad and started on time. Limited parking but I was informed via text of best places to park.” - by Kenya R
Salem History and Ghost Walking Tour
Duration: 120 to 135 minutes
5. Visit the Salem Witch Museum (from USD 14.0)
Gone are the days of witch trials; witch hunts; and burning at a stake, but relive the Salem of 1600s by making your way to the popular Salem Witch Museum. After all, this place is one of the things Salem is famous for. Audio guides in various languages, from Chinese to Russian, are available. I think it’s a great tour to slow down and get back to your pace.
Explore the truth in the stories of the ancient ways of proving one’s innocence through the thirteen life-size settings depicting the past in the “Witches: Evolving Perception” exhibit. And finally, hear the enchanting and thrilling thirty-minute narration portraying the history of trials. Let your curious minds be fed and your thrill-seeking urge be sated by this tour at Salem Witch Museum.
What guests are saying about this tour:
“The initial AV enactment was very good and sitting in the round with the visuals all around us gave a realistic feeling although some characters couldn’t be seen, depending on where you were seated. The museum had lots of artifacts and may be a little long for younger visitors. The gift shop has a variety of items to take home for all ages.” - by Rebecca
Salem Witch Museum Admission Ticket
6. Explore real life filming locations for spooky classics such as Hocus Pocus (from USD 25.0)
If your comfort Halloween movie is Hocus Pocus, you won’t want to miss this tour, which takes visitors through filming sites. You’ll also be able to see filming sites for other popular movies and series such as Hubie Halloween, Paranorman, The Crucible, and Bewitched, and I don’t think you should miss this one if you’re a geek for everything Hollywood!
The guide will also tell you all about how the city’s macabre past has made it an intriguing location for the film industry. In fact, Salem’s first movie was filmed in 1899.
Haunted and eerie stops:
The Witch House at Salem
Various streets and filming locations
What guests are saying about this tour:
“It was quite informative, granted it was a long walk around Salem but that was expected and anyone should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a long trek. Although I signed up for a longer one than this tour but we decided a few days before to change to this one. If you’re comparing or complaining that this is too long or different this tour was only an hour and half, the other tour I originally signed up for is 2 hours and drops you off at pioneer village and then you’re on your own.”
Salem: Hocus Pocus Movies and More Tour
Duration: 1.5 hour
7. Listen to chilling stories of ghosts, witches, and warlocks (from USD 22.0)
This tour will take you through around 12 of the city’s scariest spots, starting with Salem Old Town Hall. Notable stops along the route include Ropes Mansion, said to be haunted by its former owners, and Witch House Salem, which was once home to Jonathan Corwin, who took part in the infamous witch hunts. A tour guide will accompany you to talk about the history of all the sites you visit.
Since you’ll have to move about the city on foot, this tour might not be suitable for pregnant women. You can either go for the standard tour which lasts for an hour or opt for the extended 90-minute tour.
Haunted stops:
Salem Old Town Hall
Old Burying Point Cemetery
Witch House Salem
Ropes Mansion
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Nate was our guide and he was awesome! He’s only been in Salem for a month but he was so knowledgeable about the town, and had great recommendations. We went to 3 of his food recommendations and enjoyed them all. We also loved his storytelling and his jokes. We definitely enjoyed our time.” - by Stefanie
Salem: Ghosts, Witches, & Warlocks Guided Walking Tour
Duration: 1.0 to 1.5 hour
8. Enjoy a haunted pub crawl (from USD 29.75)
What’s better than a little liquid courage while you face off against your worst fears? This two-hout tour, which includes visits to eight historical sites in total, will also take you to four of Salem’s most haunted pubs. I think this is a great tour to book if you’re with friends, or would like to meet fun people!
Guests booking this tour should note that drinks are not included in the price. Be sure to carry some form of payment with you. Also, since you’ll be visiting pubs, remember to pack your ID before you leave!
Haunted stops:
Turner’s Seafood
Rockafellas
Mercy Tavern
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Our tour was fantastic. I didn’t know what to expect going in, and the company certainly went above and beyond! Liam, our guide, was phenomenal. He knew a ton about the town’s history, he was helpful and fun, and he sure knew how to guide a group through the bustling streets of Salem. I loved how the size of our group was small enough to feel like we were part of the action, but big and diverse enough to meet new people! The bars we visited were all excellent, I only wish drinks were included with the price of tickets. But for this current price, you really can’t beat the fun you’ll have, the people you’ll meet, and the history you’ll learn about Salem. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a fun night out on the town. Just dress warmly, and bring some spending money! You’ll want it when you get to Bit Bar! Thanks again, Liam!” - by Graydon
Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl
Duration: 2.0 hour
9. Learn more about Salem's best spooky stories (from USD 762.86)
If you want a tour just for you and your companions, consider this private tour that will introduce you to eight historical sites in the city. Starting from Old Town Hall, you’ll hear all about Salem’s rich past from your guide. Visit spooky sites such as the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Witch House, and Old Burying Point Cemetery for a truly eerie Halloween.
The tour takes two hours and visitors will have to move between attractions on foot.
Haunted and eerie stops:
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Old Burying Point Cemetery
Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
Bewitched Sculpture
The Witch House at Salem
Ropes Mansion and Garden
Hamilton Hall
Private Walking Tour: Spooky legends of Salem
Duration: 2.0 hour
10. Explore Salem on a thrilling night-time tour (from USD 32.94)
This one’s for lovers of intrigue. Hear tales of some of the most mind-boggling mysteries and ghastly crime stories on this 90-minute tour. True crime enthusiasts will be fascinated by stories such as the Boston Strangler’s rumored visit to Salem. The tour is also accessible for guests with disabilities and those who want to bring their pets along. Children below the age of 13 are not allowed on the tour.
Do keep in mind that the tour is conducted outdoors and will continue in any weather, so keep rain gear handy and bring comfortable shoes.
Haunted and eerie stops:
Old Town Hall, Salem
Joshua Ward House
Rockafellas
Old Salem Jail Lot
Gardner-Pingree House
The Burying Point
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Tour guide was amazing. Very thorough, on time, and prepared. She had a microphone/speaker and a latern. She was amazing. Highly recommend.”
Salem, MA: Mysteries & Murder Guided Walking Tour
Duration: 1.5 hour
11. Unravel the mysteries of Salem's witch trials on a self-guided tour (from USD 16.99)
If you’ve ever been curious about the Salem witch trials, this self-guided tour will answer your questions. Using the Action Tour Guide app, you’ll visit various important spots related to the trials, such as Old Burying Point, Joshua Ward House, and Old Town Hall. The tour starts at 1 New Liberty St and can be booked just for your group.
Some important things to bring along for this trip include a power bank, headphones, and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget to fully charge your phone!
Haunted and eerie stops:
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Old Burying Point
Salem Common
What guests are saying about this tour:
“It was awesome. Had a bit of trouble in the beginning to understand the working of it, but once that was figured out, it was a breeze. The stops were nicely paced. Not too much walking from one stop to the next. The narrator made the stories come alive. Thank you!” - by Caitlin (Canada)
Salem Witch Trials Self-Guided Audio Tour
12. Visit witchy artisan shops and historic sites (from USD 28.34)
This unique self-guided tour includes visits to four secret spots, such as an old cemetery said to be home to ghosts and artisan shops selling witchy supplies. Go back in time to the spot where the Salem hysteria began, take incredible photos in scenic places, and visit filming locations.
Both driving and walking are required for this tour, so it’s best for visitors who have their own car or are renting one.
Salem: Witchy Wonders: 4 Mystery Stops
Duration: 365.0 day
13. Choose from hundreds of witchy costumes for a photoshoot (from USD 48.0)
If you want photos to immortalize your time in Salem, choose this fun photoshoot. You can pick from four themes— Olde Salem Village, Pirate Point, Witch Cottage, or Magick Broom—all of which come with over 400 costumes to choose from. The sets for each theme have matching props, such as a magic mirror for Witch Cottage and a broomstick with a green screen for Magick Broom.
Don your favorite garb and enjoy a 45-minute photo session with your companions. The price includes high-resolution images and print options. Infant costumes are also available, and I’m positive you can get some cute family photos here!
Salem: Fantasy Studio Photography Experience
Duration: 1.0 hour
14. Be a witch in the witch capital (from USD 90.0)
Halloween is the best time of the year to play dress up! Superheroes, cats, pumpkins, and of course witches are the typical go-to costumes. Where else is the best place to be a witch for a night than the witch capital itself?
Enjoy a fun photo shoot as a witch or wizard in Salem. Complete with professional makeup artists, broomsticks, cauldron, crystal ball, and a whole lot more! There are over 300 theatrical costumes and backdrops to choose from, so certainly you will find that perfect witch or wizard get up for you! Take home photos and memories that you won’t surely forget.
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Extremely fun! Def a must do, its very busy around Halloween so book as soon as you can. Had tons of costumes and hats to choose from and got all my photos on a jump drive right after. Amazing deal and fun experience” - by Caitlyn B
Witch Dress-Up Photoshoot Experience in Salem
Duration: 45 minutes
15. Walk with the dead in a cemetery (from USD 18.0)
Brave enough to step inside the land of the dead on a Halloween night? Excite and scare yourself as you take part in this 90-minute tour of the oldest documented burial ground in Salem.
Hear the tales of the lives and deaths of the town’s residents who once walked the Earth and are probably walking with you as restless souls. With your expert guide, immerse yourself in the dark past of the town and learn the stories of key people such as the presider of the witch trials- John Hathorne and Richard More, a renowned pilgrim.
Haunted and eerie stops:
Broad Street Cemetery
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church
Howard Street Cemetery
Old Burying Point Cemetery
Historical Salem Cemetery Walking Tour
Duration: 1 hour
16. Witness the history behind the witch trials (from USD 11.0)
Enter the time machine and travel back to 17th-century Salem plagued by supernatural phenomena in this one-hour walking tour. Visit sites where witch trials have taken place, the former location of the First Church, and the Salem Meetinghouse where the accused witches were condemned to death.
The tour concludes at Prison Lane where victims were forcefully incarcerated during trials. Some say their souls are still wandering the haunted place! Feel like reliving the past of watch trials with every step in this walking tour? Book your tour now!
Haunted stops:
First Church of Salem
Town Well
Salem Meetinghouse
Prison Lane
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Very informative and fun!! our guide, Bob, was funny and with his story telling he made parts of the witch trials story feel creepy. He knew what he was talking about and there were no questions I had at all, he covered everything! Also, there’s of walking! Bring comfortable shoes :) Thank you!!!” - by Tania C
1692 Witch Trials Walking Tour in Salem
Duration: 60 minutes
17. Visit a wax museum and witch village (from USD 13.0)
Come face-to-face with eerie and spooky replicas of Salem’s notable figures like Nathaniel Hawthorne at the Salem Wax Museum and check out the interactive area that recreates the witch hysteria era. Walk down the street of the famous Salem Witch Village and see the Witch Trials Memorial that was built to commemorate the innocent victims of the 1692 witchcraft hysteria that confronted the olden Salem. Listen to the stories of your expert guide who is also a practicing witch as you traverse the indoor maze depicting important witchcraft history.
This is a perfect activity for history fans especially on witchcraft and the medieval ages. Ready to have a little adrenaline rush and a lot of new things to learn? Here’s the perfect activity to book!
Haunted stops:
Salem Witch Village
Salem Wax Museum
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Old Burying Point Cemetery
What guests are saying about this tour:
“This was a lot of fun, both the was museum and the witch village. The lady tour guide on the witch village was fun and made the tour more interesting. If visiting the Salem, MA area, something not to miss.” - by Rebecca L
Salem Combo: Wax Museum and Witch Village
Duration: Flexible
18. Go on a midday haunted walking tour (from USD 11.0)
See the dark side of the witch capital and hear the real anecdotes of its history in this one-hour walking tour. Enter the creepiest places in Salem, well-known haunted attractions, and have a little fright in their local cemetery. The tour is wheelchair accessible.
Know the paranormal activities going on in this spooky town and see the places where deaths and murders occurred the most. Go through this spine-tingling walking tour and take home haunted stories and facts with you. Talk about a wholesome tour!
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Tour was interesting. Lots of history to go with the stories. Would encourage Elizabeth to leave her microphone on while traveling between points as her observations were of interest!” - by Randy S
Midday Haunted History of Salem Walking Tour
Duration: 60 minutes
Halloween in the town of the witches
This year celebrate Halloween in a place filled with mysteries, haunted tales, and witchcraft! Salem, the witchcraft capital of New England, has a lot of things in store for you. Be it delving into the dark history of the town through guided walking tours, putting on costumes and having photo shoots, and visiting museums and spooky villages, you will not run out of things to do. So make sure to book one of the activities listed above and make your Halloween memorable.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
Top 14 Things Boston Is Famous ForAnne Marie -
-
-
-
-
Create an account to