When you hear Salem, the first thing that comes to mind is the infamous witch trials of 1692—but, it’s more than just that. This city that lies on Massachusetts’ north coast is full of character and has several famed landmarks apart from The Witch House at Salem. Steeped in history, travelers will enjoy a visit to the Peabody Essex Museum that houses an extensive collection of artifacts from all over the world. Salem Falls in Essex County and the coastal city was a popular seaport back in the day. Tourists can revel in the majesty of Turner House or the House of Seven Gables, a museum that used to be a colonial mansion. This mansion was made famous in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name. For your trip here, check out our list of the top six things Salem, Massachusetts, is famous for.
1. The House of the Seven Gables
The House of the Seven Gables is a historic, 17th-century mansion that was built for Captain John Turner. However, due to financial constraints, the Turners had to sell the house to the Ingersolls. Over the centuries, a number of sections have been added to the house. The colonial mansion gained popularity in the international community after Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables had been published in 1851. Nathaniel Hawthorne visited the house a few times and got inspired to write a novel after learning about the history of the mansion. In the early 20th century, Caroline O. Emmerton, founder of the House of Seven Gables Settlement Association, purchased the mansion and restored it. The house now serves as a museum.
The House of the Seven Gables
Address: 115 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970
Website: The House of the Seven Gables
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
2. Halloween celebration
If you are in New England during Halloween, never miss a chance to visit Salem. The infamous witchcraft trials of the late 17th century in Salem remains a part of the city culture and draws tourists every year. A visit to The Witch House at Salem is a must if you want to know more about the city’s dark past. While here, you can attend Salem Haunted Happenings or even join a free walking tour. Candlelight Ghostly & Graveyard Walking Tours takes visitors on some of the haunted locations in the city. Apart from the spooky tours and museums, the city is also a great place to just wander around and get into one of the many souvenir shops.
3. Peabody Essex Museum
Peabody Essex Museum is the oldest continuously operating museum in the country. This museum includes a vast collection of 22 buildings and over 1.3 million pieces of art. This museum includes an extensive collection of fine art, from Chinese and American art to Indian and African art. The Native American Art section includes over 20000 objects, while the Maritime Art section features about 50000 objects that consist of model ships, scrimshaw, paintings, and more. A number of tours for everyone are also available at Peabody Essex Museum from time to time. You can also visit the museum’s shop where you will find a collection of unique objects that you can take home as a souvenir.
Peabody Essex Museum
Address: 161 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
Website: Peabody Essex Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
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4. Gallows Hill
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Gallows Hill is undoubtedly one of the top-rated tourist spots in Salem not only during Halloween but also in the other parts of the year. Filled with the city’s history of witchcraft, Gallows Hill is the perfect stop for all visitors. You can join a tour of this place during Halloween that is organized by Gallows Hill Museum/Theatre, or sign up for The Lost Museum tour that is one of the most popular interactive attractions in Gallows Hill in October. The Lost Museum tour takes you underground where you can explore strange rooms, creepy artifacts, and more.
5. Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Salem Maritime National Historic Site consists of a dozen historic buildings that promote the rich maritime heritage of the USA and New England. The site also preserves Salem’s historic waterfront. The structures at Salem Maritime National Historic Site give a glimpse of how the port towns thrived during the colonial period. While visiting this site, check out the replica of the 1797 East Indiaman called Friendship of Salem, a museum ship that was built in 2000 in Scarano Brothers Shipyard in Albany. Other historic structures here include Derby House, Derby Wharf, Narbonne-Hale House, Pedrick Store House, and more.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Address: 160 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, United States
Website: Salem Maritime National Historic Site
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
6. Salem Witch Museum (from USD 14.0)
A tour of Salem Witch Museum will take you back to the 17th century. A trip to this museum will give you more information about the infamous witch trials. This museum features epic stage sets and full-sized figures to narrate the creepy past of Salem. Some presentations are made in a number of languages such as English, German, French, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Russian. Head to the on-site museum store and get your hands on an extensive collection of books about the witch trials.
Salem Witch Museum Admission Ticket
Immerse in the historic past of Salem
Salem is a great place to visit throughout the year, but you will surely have a unique experience if you visit the city during Halloween. Learn more about this coastal city’s historic past, marvel at great architecture, and take home a souvenir to remember your trip by.
History
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