salem ma drinking tour

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When Beer was Water

The historical drinking tour of salem, massachusetts.

Experience Salem as the first settlers did; with a buzz! For the longest time, beer was one of the only safe and reliable refreshments of New Englanders. Following their example, we'll visit three Salem breweries * a nd reveal how this simple drink influenced the people and decisions that led to the foundation of Massachuset ts, New England and America as we know it today.

After all, there's no better way to know  than by doing!

*your first beer is included at each brewery

The important stuff

We'll stop by 3 local breweries  ( East Regiment, Couch Dog, and Notch)  for a full pour of whatever beer you'd like. I'll be happy to give you suggestions that fit your personal taste and/or historical accuracy. 

Length: 2.5 - 3 hours

Total walking: Less than a mile, mostly flat. Sidewalks may be wonky, it's an old city. 

Adult, 21+ 

Includes Fir st beer at each brewery and tips.

Design ate d D river/Non-Drinker

Non-alcoholic dr ink at e ach brewery included. Mo st breweries in town have a  house-ma de n/a seltzer or selection of local sodas available. 

Availability Calendar

There's also a self-guided version of the drinking tour...

There's no app to download, nothing to sign-in to. Once you purchase the guide, you'll receive an email with the guide attached. You can view and follow it on your phone, tablet or mobile device, or you can print it out at home, at your hotel, or at one of the local print shops in Salem.

what people think:

"I've been on, and taken visitors on, countless Salem tours over the years and this one outshines them all.

Vijay's knowledge and passion for history engaged every member of our group, which included local history buffs and people with only the vaguest knowledge of Salem's history. 

It was great fun visiting different pubs, trying new beers and learning how beer played an integral role in settling Salem and its role in daily life.

I would recommend this enga ging and innovative tour to anyone visiting or living in the area and am looking forward to going on more tours in the future." 

-MLM, TripAdvisor

"Highly engaging Salem tour!"

"Vijay was our guide for the "When Beer Was Water" tour and extremely knowledgable about everything from the specific kinds of alcohol that were typical back in the early days of Salem to the greater trade routes that played a part in these fledgling economies. It was so fun because we were talking about history through the context of taverns and breweries! The best kind of lesson!

I also liked that our group of 6 was small enough to get to know one another around the table. It seemed everyone felt comfortable asking questions or taking the conversation into a bit of architecture q&a when some building was of interest while walking from place to place.

Look forward to trying his other tours when I am in Massachusetts again! "

-Jamie, Facebook

"Well that was fun!"

"Vijay gives a solid overview of what types of beers were brewed in the 16th century along with a number of other "spirits" that were often consumed. He explains why each was a local favorite, what was brewed/distilled where, and where it would most likely have been consumed.

All of this was just a backdrop for him sharing his impressive knowledge of 16th and 17th century Salem (and the North Shore in general). He discusses many aspects of the daily routine and society of the time. There wasn't a question I asked that he did not give a confident (and i suspect correct!) answer to!

Loved the tour and am likely to go on his others."

-Beer Lover, TripAdvisor

"The history was even better than the beer!"

A Sip of History

Welcome aboard the Salem Spirits Trolley!  Join us on our historic trolley ride as we stop and have tastings at some of Salem’s finest crafters – including beer, cider, and spirits. As of 2022: all Salem Spirits Trolleys are for group/team bookings only .  Please visit our Tour Information and  Ticketing Page for more information and to secure your date for your private or corporate team or group!

Raise a glass in historic #SalemMA - with award-winning craft beer, cider, and spirits!

We offer both public and private Tours.

Enjoy fine craft products made locally in Salem, MA

Our excursions are both delicious and informative.

Latest news

17 Best Bars & Breweries in Salem MA: Where to Drink in Salem

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Let’s get boozey or BOO-zy, if it’s October in Salem ! He he, we couldn’t resist! Are you looking for the best bars and breweries in Salem? You’re in luck because you’ve got some awesome choices for where to go to enjoy an adult beverage or three.

Salem is always a fun time, whether you’re visiting looking for spooky things to do or not so spooky things to do ! There are lots of great restaurants and places to kick back and enjoy yourself in Salem whether you’re looking for craft breweries, cideries, or nightlife, you’ll find it here on this list of Salem MA breweries and bars!

Table of Contents

Best Salem Breweries

East Regiment Beer Company

30 Church St #B1, Salem, MA 01970

One of the top Salem MA breweries, East Regiment Beer Company is one of those places that doesn’t try to do too many things at once: they know how to craft a delicious beer, and that’s what they do! 

With a wide variety of solid, yet inventive craft brews on tap like their Good Mews coffee brown ale featuring Lone Gull coffee and served on nitro, beer drinkers will love the selection at East Regiment Beer Company! Non beer drinkers, not so much, as this Salem brewery focuses exclusively on beer and doesn’t offer a food menu, but take out and delivery are allowed.

Oh, and dogs are allowed outside on the patio, as well, and you’ll often find live entertainment and other cool happenings out at East Regiment Beer Company, so be sure to check out their events page !

Notch Brewing

283R Derby St, Salem, MA 01970

Is Notch Brewing the best brewery in Salem MA? If you’re the type of person who likes your breweries to offer fantastic brews, yummy bar bites, and plenty of onsite entertainment, then yes, this might be the best Salem brewery for you!

Offering full pours of their signature European-style brews on tap like their Zwicker Bier, a zesty, floral Bavarian pale lager, with their beer snack menu full of perfect complements like pierogi and sausage boards!

There’s a great beer garden with water views, cornhole boards, skeeball, and tons of cool workshops and events, like their Notch Run Club meets where you can earn free beer just by participating! Notch Brewing is one of the top breweries in Salem and beyond, so if you’re looking for hearty craft beers in a cool atmosphere, this is the spot for you.

Deacon Giles Distillery

75 Canal St, Salem, MA 01970

Located off the beaten path, Deacon Giles Distillery is a must-visit for all spirit lovers in Salem… you know, the type you drink! The distillery fuses modern creativity with solid tradition to create spirits that result in their line of Damn Righteous Spirits, and tours are available onsite for those who would like to get a behind the scenes peek into the art of distilling.

Swing by and enjoy a cocktail at the Speakeasy Lab, the onsite bar, open on select days and times . Locals and tourists alike adore this place for creative and tasty beverages served up in a comfortable, engaging atmosphere. 

The Island Lounge opens for larger events and entertainment, otherwise, you’ll find the Speakeasy Lab to be a comfortable and cozy Salem spot to get a drink!  There is no kitchen onsite, but they do host food pop-ups from time to time and allow take out to be brought in.

Far From the Tree Cider

108 Jackson St, Salem, MA 01970

Somewhere between the strong spirits and the milder craft brews lies delightfully crisp and refreshing ciders, and that’s exactly what Far From the Tree Cider serves up! Their line of hard ciders can be purchased by flight, by the glass, by the can, and by the growler, and they are open throughout the week.

Far From the Tree Cider has a great variety of staples and seasonal blends, including their Apple of my Chai, perfect for warming you up as those chill winds begin to blow each fall, either in their cozy indoor tasting room or their cute outdoor space. 

PS There is no food menu at Far From the Tree Cider, but they do host pop-ups every now and allow take out to be brought in.

Bent Water Brewing Company Lynn MA

180 Commercial St #18, Lynn, MA 01905

Just a quick drive up to the road to Lynn, Bent Water Brewing Company is one of the best breweries near Salem, Massachusetts and should definitely be on the agenda for all craft beer lovers! With an emphasis on brewing quality craft beer – and attributing much of that to the superior water quality found in this area – you’ll find brews that are distinctly delicious!

With twelve rotating taps, Bent Water Brewing Company in Lynn offers up their larger production brews and small batch beers in their comfy taproom. They don’t serve food onsite, but you can bring takeout in, no problem.

Be sure to check out their events page because this popular brewery is always hosting cool crafty project nights and live entertainment!

Best Salem Bars

Not only is Salem Hotel one of the top places to stay in Salem, it’s also one of the coolest rooftop bars in Salem! In fact, The Roof is the only open-air rooftop bar in Salem.

In my experience, The Roof is the perfect place to refuel during the warm weather months in Witch City! Strong drinks and delicious food options, what more could a person want?

Ledger 

125 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970

Ledger is an upscale, sophisticated, and historic bar in Salem; in fact, it is housed in an old savings bank that dates back to 1818, the second oldest in the United States!

This is one of the nicest and most popular restaurants in Salem, and the bar is absolutely gorgeous. The wine list is extensive, with options from around the world, and the beer selection includes local and regional craft brews. This is one of the nicest bars in Salem, so come dressed to impress!

Bit Bar Salem

278 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970

If you’re looking for Salem bars with entertainment of all kinds, you’ve got to check out Bit Bar Salem ! With a retro arcade vibe, you’ll find that not only are there classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Street Fighter, but there’s also skeeball, Dance Dance Revolution, and so much more!

Not only is this a full bar in Salem with just about anything you might want to imbibe, but it also has a great food menu containing all kinds of delicious options from appetizers to full size entrees. This is a great option for anyone looking for Salem bars with games like pinball, and kids are welcome with their adults until 8pm!

Mercy Tavern

148 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970

Mercy Tavern is a cozy neighborhood gastropub with a friendly and inviting atmosphere. The full bar features craft beer, wines, and cocktails, and the food at Mercy Tavern is best described as New England comfort food.

Mercy Tavern has live entertainment often, so check out the events calendar if you’d like to see who’s playing at this cool Salem bar!

All Souls Lounge

282 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970

Looking for a stylish cocktail bar located in the heart of Salem? That’s All Souls Lounge , featuring a great range of creative and vintage cocktails, such as the Boston Sour that hails all the way back to 1892, made of bourbon, lemon, maple syrup, and egg white.

All Souls Lounge also has a carefully curated selection of beer and wine, and a bar food menu featuring some inventive grilled cheese and hot dog creations! Plus, you’re within easy walking distance of lots of popular Salem attractions like The Burying Point Cemetery and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, and the Salem Wax Museum is literally right across the street.

189 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970

The Derby is a laid back, community-centered bar with a friendly staff, and their bar seats up to 30. In addition to their full bar, they also are a scratch kitchen restaurant, so come hungry to hang at The Derby!

You’ll find regular events happening at this Salem bar like Drag Brunches and Taco Tuesdays, and an everyday menu that has not just a great selection of adult beverages, but also some fantastic food options, too!

The Tin Whistle

241 Jefferson Ave, Salem, MA 01970

One of those Blink & You Might Miss It kind of places, The Tin Whistle is a Salem bar that is quaint, cozy, and known for some killer cocktails. 

This local Salem pub is known for more than just their food and drink, too, as it has a dart board, pool table, and regular trivia nights, so this is a great place for those looking for that local dive bar energy with plenty to do (and drink!) onsite.

Village Tavern

168 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970

One of the most popular bars in Salem, Massachusetts, Village Tavern is one of those spots that has something for everyone! The restaurant is full of pub style classics like Prime Rib French Dip, steaks, burgers, and more, and the full bar has just about anything a person might want to wet their whistle.

There’s more to Village Tavern than just food and drinks, as they often host live entertainment and their game room has multiple pool tables, skee ball, air hockey, and more. This is a great place to start or end your night out in Salem as its conveniently located directly across the street from the Peabody-Essex Museum!

Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill

105 Canal St, Salem, MA 01970

Looking for sports bars in Salem? Here ya go! Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill is just steps away from Salem State University, so if you’re looking for college sports bars, this is it. 

With a full bar and the kitchen open daily until 12:30am, this is a very popular Salem bar, especially if you’re in the mood for yummy bar classics like wings, nachos, and potato skins alongside your Sidelines Fishbowl or Booze Bucket!

Gulu Gulu Cafe

47 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970

Looking for cozy, quaint local brewhouses in Salem? Gulu Gulu Cafe fits the bill and them some. This artisan sandwich shop and craft beer bar isn’t just known for its tasty offerings, but also its art scene. 

In addition to the fantastic art gracing its walls, you’ll also find live entertainment, drag brunches, bingo nights, and more, so this isn’t just a cool place to get a drink in Salem… this is also a cool place to spend some time enjoying the local art scene in the Witch City.

O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant

120 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970

Looking for Irish pubs in Salem, Massachusetts? O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant is not just one of the top places to grab a bite and a brew in Salem, but it’s also been voted best of the North Shore! 

On the menu you’ll find staples like bangers & mash, traditional Irish curry, and more, and in addition to the delicious foods on offering, O’Neill’s Pub also has a great draft, wine, bottle, and cocktail selection on hand, too. Whether you’re in the mood for a martini or a Guinness, O’Neill’s has you covered, and they’re even open until 1am!

18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 01970

Located in one of the most haunted hotels in Salem and beyond, The Tavern is a historic, wood-paneled bar that has all the historic charm you might imagine from a hotel built in the 1920s! The Tavern is open for breakfast through dinner and beyond, with drink service stretching through to 11:00.

This isn’t a rowdy Salem bar, but rather a nice bar in a historic hotel restaurant where you can enjoy a cocktail, a meal, and maybe even a ghost story or two!

If it’s Salem nightlife you’re looking for, hopefully you’ve found something you like in this list of Salem bars and breweries! Enjoy your BOO-zy fun in Salem!

P.S. if you are looking for breakfast options for the morning after, check these out!

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Originally published on October 5, 2016. The most recent update took place on April 26 with the following updates and additions: Mercy Tavern has now opened in the former In a Pig's Eye space, and Zipline Tacos is coming soon.

Table of Contents

Introduction

October is by far the most popular time to visit Salem as the city's witch theme gets even more amplified than usual around Halloween, but if that's not your idea of fun, the city is lovely and much less crowded the rest of the year. In any other month, you'll have an easier time getting into restaurants and bars, and you won't have to navigate through throngs of costumed revelers. But whatever time of year you go to Salem, there's plenty to eat.

One quick tip before jumping into the food: Wear comfortable shoes. Salem is a beautiful old city — very old — and you'll find yourself walking on some historic brick sidewalks, which can be quite uneven.

Continue reading for information on where to find various types of food around Salem, including full-service dining, taprooms, coffee shops, ice cream, and more. Keep an eye out for bolded terms , which each link over to a relevant point on a map of Eater's top Salem picks. (You can also skip over to the map  right here .)

Stickwork by  Patrick Dougherty (left); garage mural by Kenny Scharf /Photos by Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Full-Service Dining

Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Seafood's an easy choice when visiting a coastal city, and Salem has a range of options, whether you're looking for moderately priced fried clams or a swankier lobster dinner. For a casual meal in the heart of town, look for the sign advertising "warm beer, lousy food, surly waitresses, rude bartenders, and cranky cooks" — you've found The Lobster Shanty (25 Front St.) , the self-described " local dive bar that secretly has class." I f you can snag a seat at the small, no-reservations spot, you'll find a crowd-pleasing menu that includes dishes like mac & cheese, lobster risotto, the catch of the day (baked or fried), a variety of burgers and sandwiches, and more. Note that The Lobster Shanty closes from January 15 to April 1 each year.

If you head out of the touristy area and over towards Salem State University, you'll find another classic seafood restaurant, Dube's (317 Jefferson Ave.) , which opened back in 1961. This is the spot for when you're in the mood for fried seafood platters but also waiter service and a full bar.

For waterfront views and a steak-and-seafood menu, try Victoria Station (86 Wharf St.) , the last remaining vestige of what was once a 99-unit chain. (In fact, this was the 99th location.) Its newer bar and lounge, Vic's Boathouse, serves a variety of pub snacks and plays host to live music, open mic nights, karaoke, and other entertainment. Go full tourist with the signature drink, The Wharf Rat — a rum, brandy, juice, sour mix, and Bacardi 151 concoction served in a souvenir glass.

A shrimp burger special (and water views) at Finz/ Facebook

Nearby, you'll also get those harbor views at both Sea Level Oyster Bar (94 Wharf St.) and Finz (76 Wharf St.) Sea Level offers a huge menu that has everything from baked oysters, lobster rolls, and fried cod sandwiches to grilled cheese, steak tips, and seven types of pizza. Finz' menu is a little more tightly focused on seafood, with a variety of lobster options, a seafood paella, sole meuniere, and more. At either restaurant, you'll find a full bar and a fairly casual ambiance.

Want a little bit less casual? Your best bet is Turner's Seafood (43 Church St.) , located at Lyceum Hall, serving up bouillabaisse, baked stuffed lobster, mussel and calamari fra diavolo, crab cakes, tuna burgers, and more.

For diners craving sushi rather than New England seafood dishes, try  Opus (87 Washington St.) for sushi, small plates, and creative cocktails — and be sure to check out some live music downstairs, where you can also order from the full menu and play some arcade games. Right across the street, there's also Koto Grill & Sushi (90 Washington St.) , serving a giant sushi menu alongside Chinese and Japanese appetizers and entrees. Koto also hosts live music and other entertainment. Closer to Salem State University, Okea Grill & Sushi (293 Jefferson Ave.) is a popular option for sushi, bento boxes, and bubble tea.

Breakfast & Brunch

Ugly mugs at The Ugly Mug Diner/ Facebook

For an old-fashioned diner ambiance and menu, take your pick of Red's Sandwich Shop (15 Central St.) , Deb's Diner, aka Pilgrim Diner (4 Boston St.) , or Dotty & Ray's (112 North St.). They've all been around for decades, and each serves a range of breakfast and lunch classics, including omelets, pancakes, and beyond. (Red's Sandwich Shop, as the name implies, has a bunch of sandwiches on the menu, including chicken and eggplant parmigiana open face sandwiches, club sandwiches, and more.)

On the much newer side, Ugly Mug Diner (122 Washington St.) — which opened a couple years ago — offers diner classics with a twist (and yes, there are ugly mugs.) There's an Elvis Waffle, for example, topped with peanut butter cup chunks, bacon, banana, and whipped cream; "deluxe egg sammiches" with a variety of toppings; a "dueling crustaceans" dish that features crab cakes topped with poached eggs, hollandaise, and lobster aioli chipotle; a P.E.L.T sandwich ("pork explosion lettuce & tomato"); and more. Plus, there's beer, wine, brunch-friendly adult beverages, and plenty of non-alcoholic options, including NY-style egg creams, coffee, tea, and lots of flavored syrups that can be added to any drink.

And then there's Gulu-Gulu Cafe (247 Essex St.) , which could easily fit into a number of categories on this page, but the artsy restaurant is an especially popular option for weekend brunch crowds. There are flavored lattes, spiked coffee and hot chocolate, mimosas and bloody marys, sweet and savory crepes (gluten-free available), Belgian waffles, and lots more.

Soppressata pizza at Bambolina/Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Eater's top pick for full-service pizza in Salem is  Bambolina (288 Derby St.) , serving up "neo-Neapolitan" pizzas with charred crusts, wood-fired at 925 degrees Fahrenheit. The rest of the menu's not too shabby, either; you'll be happy with any of the starters, from an heirloom tomato caprese to fire-roasted Castelvetrano olives.

Salem residents and visitors alike also rave about Flying Saucer Pizza Company (118 Washington St.) , a funky restaurant with a "space pug" named Charlie for a mascot. The space theme is celebrated throughout the menu, which includes pizzas such as the Admiral Ackbar (clam chowder, cheese blend, bacon, and scallions) and the Mustafar (red sauce, cheese, ghost pepper salami, portobello, spinach, and parmesan).

And as of September 2016, there's another full-service pizza option — the growing Flatbread Company chain  has expanded to the city with a wide range of customizable flatbreads, including gluten-free and vegan options.

Linguine with mussels and clams at Firenze/ Facebook

Beyond pizza, Salem also has some fine options for Italian food. Firenze Trattoria (2 Lynde St.) — owned by Zamir Kociaj, who grew up in Albania before working in restaurants throughout Florence, Italy and eventually opening Trattoria Toscana in Boston — has been open for a few years now, earning love from locals and press thanks to its authenticity and hospitality.

The cozy Bella Verona (107 Essex St.) and Caffe Graziani (133 Washington St.) are also popular picks, as is the larger Adriatic Restaurant & Bar (155 Washington St.) , which can accommodate private events. Adriatic's menu goes beyond Italy, touching on other parts of the Mediterranean region as well.

On the newer side, Trattoria Orsini (26 Congress St.) opened in the former Grapevine space in July 2016 , serving modern Italian cuisine and featuring a seasonal garden-like patio on the water.

Pubs, Gastropubs, and American Comfort Food

Salem's full of comfort food, whether you're looking for a simple burger and beer or something a little bit more creative.  The Naumkeag Ordinary ( 118 Washington St.) — opened by a couple alums of Coda in Boston — is the best-known "gastropub" in town, featuring a solid cocktail selection and dishes such as barbecue pulled pork poutine; Reuben sliders; smoked gouda mac and cheese; and a variety of burgers. (Note: During the off-season, Naumkeag doesn't have a full bar, just beer and wine. Check back in the summer for cocktails.)

Another option is the Olde Main Street Pub (121 Essex St.) , a casual spot that serves dishes such as Korean-style duck wings with kimchi; a flatiron steak with bacon-gorgonzola mashed potatoes; and spicy fried pineapple shrimp with a chilled soba salad.

A special burger at Naumkeag Ordinary/ Facebook

For a no-frills pub experience, try Major Magleashes ( 268 Washington St.) , featuring steak tips, burgers, and Keno; The Tin Whistle (241 Jefferson Ave.) , outside of the touristy area and offering darts, pool, and enthusiastic sports-watching crowds; and Village Tavern (168 Essex St.) , which has pool and other games, a jazz brunch buffet on Sundays, and a prime rib burrito.

And in the former In a Pig's Eye (148 Derby St.) space, Mercy Tavern  opened in April 2017 , leaning more in the gastropub direction, courtesy of former Howling Wolf Taqueria owner Pat Schultz.

A Few Other Restaurants Worth Mentioning

Elk burger on a doughssant at Bit Bar/Courtesy of Beth Swan

Looking for arcade games, game-themed cocktails, and fun snack food with some creative twists? Try  Bit Bar (50 Saint Peter St.) , which opened  in June 2016 in the Old Salem Jail with dishes such as an elk burger served on a doughnut/croissant hybrid glazed with black garlic icing; chorizo corn dogs; and avocado ice cream with a Sriracha caramel drizzle.

For margaritas and big portions of burritos, tacos, and other Mexican food, head to Howling Wolf Taqueria (76 Lafayette St.) — which recently got a takeout sibling in Marblehead.

Down the street, Scratch Kitchen (249 Derby St.) showcases local ingredients in scratch-made sandwiches, soups, salads, and more.

The Bambolina team debuted Kokeshi (41 Lafayette St.) in March 2017 , featuring a spin on Asian street food, with dishes such as fried chicken ramen, octopus hot dogs, and miso aioli street corn.

And while Salem is largely free of big chains, a local outpost of international Korean fried chicken chain Bonchon (299 Essex St.) opened in late 2015 and has been well-received.

Quick-Service Dining

If your day is packed full of museums and other activities, a fast-casual meal may be more your speed. For a simple hot dog (with many options for toppings), try the no-frills  Boston Hot Dog Company (60 Washington St.)

Seafood's always an option, too, particularly if you find yourself at  Salem Willows Park — Cappy's and Clam Shack are both over there, serving up fried clams and the like.

Speaking of the Willows, it's also home to two Chinese restaurants, Genghis Salem and Salem Lowe, which both serve standard Chinese-American fare and one peculiar local delicacy: the  chop suey sandwich . (Both restaurants do takeout; Genghis also has full-service dining available.)

The Thai dog at Boston Hot Dog Company/Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Back in the touristy part of the city by all the museums, other quick-service options include the vegetarian- and vegan-friendly Life Alive (281 Essex St.) ; you may know the self-described "urban oasis & organic cafe" from Cambridge or Lowell. Salem also has a New England Soup Factory (140 Washington St.) , an easy choice for soup and sandwiches.

Depending on your schedule, you might be able to check out a special pop-up or two while you're in Salem.  Rover Bagel appears at Bambolina (288 Derby St.) at various times, serving Montreal-style, wood-fired bagels. (The Rover team is opening a  permanent spot in Maine in late 2017 but will continue popping up at Bambolina for a while;  check Facebook for schedule updates.)

And then there's the mysterious Back Alley Bacon pop-up on Wednesday nights — Salem's porkiest secret. We're not ones to spoil the mystique, so you'll have to dig up the address and password yourself (yes, there's a password, and it changes each week.)

Plus, a pretty new pop-up to join the fray is Goodnight Fatty,  which serves up late-night cookies ("fatties") at various events. The Goodnight Fatty crew recently locked down  its own kitchen space , so expect a more aggressive pop-up schedule and other "top secret" developments soon. Check  Facebook for updates.

One other local pop-up:  Po' Boys & Pies , which serves exactly what it sounds like and pops up at places like Far From the Tree Cider and Opus.

Coffee & Tea

Iced tea and a chocolate-dipped madeleine at Jolie/Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

There are caffeine options aplenty in Salem. Try Jaho Coffee & Tea (197 Derby St.) , a Salem-based roaster that also has two Boston locations and  a new one all the way in Tokyo , for free wifi, baked goods and gelato, and a wide range of beverages, including seasonal specials such as pumpkin lattes.

Front Street Coffeehouse (20 Front St.) is a popular choice, located right by the Old Town Hall. The artsy shop serves up a variety of coffee-related beverages, smoothies, sandwiches, and more. It's the perfect spot to grab a hot chocolate (with whipped cream, of course) to drink while strolling around town.

Red Line Cafe (188 Essex St.) is also a convenient coffee spot; it offers breakfast sandwiches, smoothies and frappes, crepes, and more, along with free wifi.

And Derby Joe (142 Derby St.) is a cozy choice for excellent coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and playing chess.

For those whose need for caffeine skews more in the tea direction,  Jolie Tea Company (105 Essex St.) , located across from the Hawthorne Hotel, offers a huge selection of intriguing teas, hot or iced, along with macaron pairings, tea flights, and high tea service. Plus, the space is adorable (don't miss the bathroom wallpaper.)

Adult Beverages

Salem is home to several excellent producers of booze.  Far From the Tree Cider (102 Jackson St.) has a tasting room that's well worth a visit; get a flight to sample as many of the interesting cider varieties as possible, from  pineapple jalapeño to toasted chai. Children and (well-behaved) dogs are allowed, and customers can bring in food or order delivery. There are also a few small snacks available for purchase. Currently open seven days a week.

The fairly new  Notch Brewery & Tap Room (283R Derby St.) is excellent as well; it includes a great biergarten on the water, Skee Ball, and a long list of beers. Full pours only; no tasting flights. Notch has been contract-brewing for six years now, and this is its first permanent space of its own. Like Far From the Tree, Notch welcomes well-behaved dogs. For the winter, Notch is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and open the rest of the week. Last summer, it was open daily, so stay tuned for expanded hours as the weather warms. By around April 2017, Notch will have  added more space ; the capacity will remain the same, but about 40 more people will be able to find a seat.

Notch Brewing/Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

There's also  Deacon Giles Distillery (75 Canal St.) , which  opened in late 2015 and produces a gin (Original Gin), rum (Liquid Damnation), and spiced rum (Friendship's Bounty). The tasting room — now called the Speakeasy Lab — is open Thursday through Sunday for cocktails (featuring the three spirits) as well as for purchasing bottles to go, and there are tours and tastings on Saturdays and Sundays. Children and dogs permitted, and there are plenty of boardgames available.

For those seeking a full meal along with some beer brewed onsite, Salem has a 20-year-old location of Beer Works (278 Derby St.) , a local brewpub chain with outposts in Boston, Lowell, Hingham, and Framingham. The menu includes burgers and sandwiches, buckets of fries, beer floats, and more.

Baked Goods and Sweets

Kouign amann at Caramel Patisserie/Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Care for a French pastry or a loaf of bread? A doughnut or some vegan baked goods? Salem's got plenty of all of those. For beautiful French pastry perfection, try  Caramel Patisserie (281 Essex St.) , owned by French siblings Dimitri and Sophie Vallier. Inside the charming shop, you'll find macarons in many flavors (try chocolate mint or salted caramel), a variety of pastries, baguettes and croissants, espresso, and more.

A&J King (48 Central St.) is the place to go for breads and pastries of all kinds — sourdough loaves, brioche rolls, walnut sticky buns, blueberry muffins, and beyond. The popular decade-old bakery also serves espresso and sandwiches. Most ingredients are sourced locally, so the pastries change with the seasons — look for strawberry treats in June, for example, but not March.

Other baked goods options in Salem include Jodi Bee Bakes (7 Church St.) , a vegetarian bakery and cafe (with a variety of vegan and/or gluten-free options) that serves pastries, quiche, soup, savory pies, and more; Ziggy & Sons' Donuts (2 Essex St.) , a Salem tradition since 1964, serving up a variety of doughnuts — get there early for the best selection; and Coffee Time Bake Shop (96 Bridge St.) , the place to go for bismarcks and, seasonally, p ączki.

Peanut butter cup sundae at Dairy Witch/Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

On a hot summer day — or any day, really — hit up  Melt (60 Washington St.) for delightful ice cream in flavors such as potato chip toffee; salted caramel and sea salt brownie; and peach with blackberry sauce. It's a very short walk from the train station.

Elsewhere in town, there's Captain Dusty's Ice Cream (143 Derby St.) , over by the House of the Seven Gables; it's part of a small local chain. You'll find classic flavors such as mint chocolate chip and peppermint stick, along with banana splits, ice cream sodas, and more.

At The Willows, E.W. Hobbs (207 Fort Ave.) has been open since 1897, serving various flavors of popcorn, as well as ice cream and saltwater taffy. The shop lays claim to selling the first ice cream cone in America back in 1906.

And if you've got a car,  Dairy Witch (117 Boston St.) is a bit removed from the various touristy sections of the city, but the 60-plus-year-old ice cream stand serves up gigantic sundaes, its signature banana whipped frappes, and more.

Gibraltars from Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie/Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Salem is home to the country's oldest candy company, Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie (122 Derby St.) , which sells the country's oldest commercially made candies, lemon and peppermint gibraltars — which have the taste and texture of the after-dinner mints at your grandparents' house. The cheery shop also has a variety of other sweets, including fudge, brittles, taffy, and more.

There's also Harbor Sweets (85 Leavitt St.) , which dates back to 1973 and features a line of "sweet sloops" — sailboat-shaped almond buttercrunch toffee dipped in white and dark chocolates and crushed pecans. These days, the company does a lot of online business and also distributes to stores all over, but you can still visit the Leavitt Street shop. Plus, tours of the factory are generally offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 11 a.m.

Looking for turtles — hunks of chocolate, caramel, and nuts? Turtle Alley Chocolates ( now at  318 Derby St. ) sells them in a variety of flavors, along with barks, peanut butter cups, fudge, and more.

Salem has a few highlights in the food and beverage retail space as well. Don't miss The Cheese Shop of Salem (45 Lafayette St. ) — even if you're not a cheese lover. The shop carries, yes, a huge selection of cheeses, but there's also a fantastic beer and wine selection, every sauce or condiment you could ever need, assorted candy, and other specialty food items. It opened  in mid-2015 , courtesy of owner Peter Endicott, a longtime cheesemonger for the Concord Cheese Shop in Concord, Massachusetts.

Polonus (176 Essex St.) , a European deli and ice cream shop, is worth a visit as well. It carries numerous Eastern European products, from deli meats to frozen pierogis. There are breads, babkas, and strudels of all kinds, as well as deli sandwiches, cheeses, and lots more.

A cheese plate from The Cheese Shop of Salem/ Facebook

For fun kitchen and house items, as well as beer, wine, and assorted specialty foods, try Pamplemousse (185 Essex St.) — it's the place to go when your shopping list includes items such as madeleine pans, fancy cheese, black lava sea salt, and Hello Kitty spatulas.

Having a specific craving for chicken pot pie? Try Ken's Kickin' Chicken (130 North St.) , a shop full of pot pies, soups, and other prepared foods.

And of course, there's Bunghole Liquors (204 Derby St.) for all your booze needs — and for souvenir t-shirts.

Coming Attractions

• The Ledger (125 Washington St.) — From Matt O'Neil of the acclaimed Blue Ox in Lynn comes a 200-seat restaurant in a former bank. Expect a raw bar, charcuterie, and more. It could open in late spring or early summer 2017.
• Smokin' Betty's BBQ + Bar (94 Lafayette St.) — Slated to open in spring 2017 from the owners of Flying Saucer Pizza Company and Gulu-Gulu Cafe.
• Zipline Tacos (160 Derby St.) — During lunch hour on Tuesdays, a zipline will send tacos from the Sea Level Salem kitchen to a park outside. (You'll put your order and exact change, cash only, in a beach pail that arrives in the kitchen by the same zipline.) Opening any week now.

Other Resources

• Salem Witchcraft Sites and Other Spots to See in Town, Mapped [Curbed Boston]
• Archive of North Shore Restaurant News [Eater Boston]
• Salem Haunted Happenings [Official site for Salem's Halloween festivities]
• Salem [Official site]

A few sights in Salem/Rachel Leah Blumenthal for Eater

Header image of Salem houses: Shutterstock/ edella

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B & H Enterprises, Inc. - Copyright 2012

Full Website

Tammy Harrington, General Manager  
[email protected] B & H Enterprises, Inc. dba Salem Trolley 
8 Central Street 
Salem, MA  01970 
Phone: (978) 744-5469 Fax: (978) 336-0753 
Office Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Feel free to submit the form below.

Mobile Website by blueSWIRLS.com

Our one-hour narrated historical Trolley tour runs daily from April through October Call for our off season schedule. 1-978-744-5469 Tickets are good all day and include a Free shuttle service to our 13 sites and attractions*.

April 1st - November 1st daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm  

2012 Season Rates Adults $18.00 Seniors (60+) $17.00, Children (6-14) $8.00, Children 5 and under are Free (When accompanied by an Adult.)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

Our stops are as follows: 

1. The Visitors Center, Witch History Museum & The Trolley Depot 2. Old Burial Point & Witch Trial Memorial 3. Pickering Wharf & Capt’s Restaurant 4. Salem Maritime Site (flag stop) 5. The House of The Seven Gables 6. The Salem Ferry (flag stop) 7. Winter Island (flag stop) 8. Salem Willows (flag stop) 9. Salem Witch Museum 10. Peabody Essex Museum, Visitors Center & Trolley Depot 11. Witch Dungeon Museum 12. Salem Witch House & Salem Inn 13. Phillips House, Hamilton Hall & Chestnut Street (flag stop) **Courtesy shuttle provided at the MBTA Commuter Rail Station, Washington Street, Salem to the National Park Visitors Center

Flag stop – Trolley stops when signaled by passenger

*Due to visitor volume shuttle service may be limited in October

Plan Your Events with the Salem Trolley.

The Salem Trolley can provide transportation aboard one of our replica turn-of-the-century trolleys. For weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, birthday parties, parades, family reunions, proms and school events, let us help make your event memorable, safe, and stress-free.

Salem Trolley has provided exceptional event transportation for over a quarter of a century. Whether you're planning a personal ceremony or corporate gathering, count on the Salem Trolley to transport your guests in style, comfort and grace.

We can and have provided quality transportation for every event imaginable. We have special pricing for school groups, including proms and sporting events. Our vehicles seat between 32-36 passengers.

When you book an event, you may decorate the trolley ahead of time in accordance with your particular theme, a Victorian wedding, over-the-hill birthday party or old-fashioned San Francisco corporate gathering — it's all possible with the Salem Trolley and your imagination.

Decorations must be attached with the use of string, twist-ties, or other non-damaging items. You will not be able to use tape, tacks, nails, etc. in decorating the vehicle.

Special Tours 2012 Season

Tales & Tombstones

Dusk transforms the city of Salem.  As the city of renown seafarers and distinguished architecture fades into the shadows, a new Salem of the occult and paranormal emerges.

Visit scenes of grisly murders and ghastly executions, hear tales of ghosts, both mischievous and malevolent, of Salem's haunted hotels and restaurants of long forgotten underground passageways, ancient curses and legends of ghost ships and haunted islands.

You will experience all of this and more as you ride the Salem Trolley's Tales & Tombstones Tour and explore Salem of the Shadows.

Tour is approximately 1 hour.  Tour departs from our 8 Central Street office.

Adults $20.00 Seniors (60+) $15.00 Children (6-14) $10.00 Available only in October (Private Group Tours available upon request) Tour times: Thursdays 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM & 8:30 PM       (Thursday, October 4th only 8:00 PM & 8:30 PM shows) Fridays 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM & 8:30 PM Saturday 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM & 8:30 PM Sundays 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM & 7:30 PM       *Tour is not available on Halloween Reservations are required - Tickets are available online as of June 1, 2012 Click here to purchase tickets

Salem Trolley & The Griffen Theatre present:

“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens

Now entering into it's 26th Season, this humorous & whimsical interactive performance reanimates Dickens’ timeless seasonal holiday classic. Experience Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol with a twist. Ride along with Scrooge on the Salem Trolley as the classic tale is brought to life in a completely unexpected way. Shows sell out quickly and seats are limited. Tickets go on sale September 10, 2012.  

2012 Season

Tickets available online on September 10, 2012 at 9:00 am. Tickets are $25 each.

DAILY TOURS How does the tour work? It is a one hour narrated historical tour of Salem with same day shuttle service (Please note shuttle service on weekends in October is not always possible). Hours of Operation? Our tours run daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm with the last full tour departing from the National Park Service Visitors Center at 4:00 PM. What is the cost for the tour? Adults $15.00, Seniors (60+) $14.00, Children (6-14) $5.00 and Children 5 and under are free. What is the cost for a combination ticket for the Salem Trolley and Witch House? Adults $20.00, Seniors (60+) $18.00, Children (6-14) $7.00 and Children 5 and under are free. Are there group discounts? Yes, groups of 20 or more will receive a $1.00 off all Adult and Senior tickets. Do you do private tours? Yes, we do private tours, please contact our office for prices and availability. Where does the tour begin? The Salem Trolley tour starts at the National Park Service Visitors Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem. Where is there parking? There is parking across from the National Park Service Visitors Center at 1 New Liberty Street, Salem. What is the season? Our season is from April 1st – November 1st daily (Closed on Easter Sunday). What is our winter schedule? We run weekends (Saturday & Sundays) in March and November weather permitting. Call our office for our schedule. Does your price include admissions to museums? No our tour prices does not include prices to museums.  We do however offer a combination ticket for the Salem Trolley and the Witch House.   WEDDINGS & OTHER CHARTERS Are the Trolleys heated? Yes our Trolleys are heated – they have three heaters throughout the Trolleys Are the Trolleys air conditioned? No, I am sorry our Trolleys are not air conditioned.  We have open air Trolleys. The front half of the Trolleys have glass windows that open and close and the rear section of the Trolleys have see thru plastic curtains that open in the nice weather and close and zipper shut in inclement weather. What is the cost for a charter? Each charter is different please contact our office by email or phone for prices on your special day.

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Salem Ghost Tours

Salem Ghost Tours | Opening in 2024

The beautiful port city of Salem, Massachusetts will cast a spell over you with its rich Maritime and Puritan History, and of course, the infamous Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692. Join Nightly Spirits as we impart the mysterious past of Witch City and summon up spirits of the distilled and the dead. With ancient lighthouses to guide the way, your costumed guide will share stories of authentic haunted houses, ominous burial grounds, gruesome murder, betrayal, and bewitchment. Salem has nearly four centuries of extraordinarily eerie accounts and there’s no better way to experience them than with Nightly Spirits Haunted Tours!

Why Nightly Spirits?

Hauntingly good service, spooktacular for all ages, affordable prices, explore salem’s top-rated ghost tours, top salem hauntings.

Located in Massachusetts, this coastal city in Essex County is notorious for its unforgiving past. Most notably known for the infamous witch trials that took place in 1692, Salem has since turned over a new leaf in order to create a safe community for all who live there. Or has it? Despite the moves Salem has made to rectify its past, some spirits linger, unable to move on with unfinished business. Some of the most haunted places in Salem include The Witch House , where the gruesome murders of 20 individuals accused of witchcraft took place, and The Salem Witch Trials Memorial, a park dedicated to the memory of those who were killed during the witch trials, and is said to be haunted by the spirits of the victims. Are you ready to encounter this city’s spirited past?

is Nightly Spirits?

With such a history, Salem remains one of the most interesting places to visit. Learn more about this coastal city with the best ghost tour company in Salem. We specialize in providing the best and most authentic ghost tours in the United States. There is a reason we were voted as a top-rated ghost tour in America by USA Today two years in a row, so come experience the best ghost tour Salem has to offer.

What to Expect

Salem is one of the most historically rich destinations in America. Here, legends were formed during one of the most tragic points in American history. With Nightly Spirits, you’ll learn that sometimes things have a hard time staying in the past. Are you ready to explore this city’s legendary tales? Do you like a bit of history with your scares? Then Nightly Spirits Ghost Tour is the perfect place for you!

Get ready to learn all about Salem’s past, forgotten secrets, and the city’s rich cultural heritage. Our most popular tour combines a ghost walk with a pub crawl, so you can enjoy some delicious drinks while learning about the city’s spookiest tales. Along the way, our guides, who are professional storytellers, will take you to some of the most haunted spots in town.

It is important to note that while the tours focus on the haunted side of Salem, we do offer a version that is perfect for guests of any age with our all-ages ghost tour. It’s not a super frightening tour. Instead, guests of all ages will be able to enjoy this entertaining and informative experience.

If you are looking for a fun and unique way to explore the city, Nightly Spirits Salem is definitely worth considering.

In the mood for something spooky? Check out our blog post about Salem’s most haunted destinations, ghost stories, forgotten secrets, and things to do. But beware, you might be in for quite a scare.

The Haunted USS Salem In Quincy Harbor, Boston

The quaint Quincy Harbor may seem like an unlikely place for a paranormal experience at first. It’s calm, blue waters paint the quintessential image of

The Joshua Ward House In Salem

Salem, Massachusetts is undoubtedly one of the most haunted cities in the world. Due to its history, Salem has become a popular destination spot for

The Witch House in Salem

Few places are as ubiquitous as Salem, Massachusetts for tales of witches and the occult. When considering looking for an experience to encounter ghosts, spirits

Frequently Asked Questions

Are drinks included, where does the tour begin, how many people are on the tour, by salem’s best.

Ghost Tours & Pub Tours

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Spooky things are in the making! At this time we do not have a scheduled opening for Nightly Spirits Salem and St. Augustine. Please keep an eye on our website and social media for exciting updates on our newest haunted cities. In the meantime check out our tours in Boston and Tampa

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Welcome to salem's #1 rated ghost tour.

Join a Salem ghost tour for an unforgettable night of terrifying hauntings and real-life ghosts down the hallowed streets of Witch City. Finally discover why Salem is the most haunted city in America. 

Visit the most bone-chilling, haunted locations in Salem for true stories about its lesser-known tragedies, murders, and sordid events that took place here in Witch City. Are you ready to experience the area’s most authentic and nail-biting Salem ghost tour ?

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Choose Your Unique Salem Experience

Tours are held daily, rain or shine, and year-round. Please see a list of available tours below to book your tour today, or for more information.

Salem Ghosts: Witches, Warlocks, & Hauntings

Join Salem Ghosts for an unforgettable night of terrifying hauntings and real-life ghosts

Tour Meeting Location: Meeting Location Outside Salem Five Savings Bank, 210 Essex St, Salem, MA

Tour Times:

Tour Length: Tours are 1 hour across a 1-mile walking distance

Ghost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!

SECRETS OF SALEM HISTORY TOUR

Uncover rarely-told stories of how Salem handled the aftermath of its horrific deeds

Tour Meeting Location: Outside Salem Five Savings Bank, 210 Essex St, Salem, MA

Tour Length: Approximately 2 hours

MAGIC AND THE OCCULT: ORIGINS OF WITCHES AND WITCHCRAFT

Discover the less well-known women of Salem who tested society’s boundaries as well as leaders in various occult movements who have found a place of acceptance here.

Tour Meeting Location: Salem Witch Museum, 19 1/2 N Washington Square, Salem

Salem Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

The Salem Haunted Pub Crawl will quench your thirst for haunted history and ghostly drinks, so join us and have your fill of spirits and spirits on this unique and unforgettable Salem drinking experience.

Tour Meeting Location: Meet your guide at 158 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970

Late Night Ultimate Ghost Tour of Salem

This terrifying tour will reveal Salem's rarely told tales and bone-chilling authentic hauntings of the America's most haunted city.

Tour Meeting Location: All tours meet at 210 Essex St., Salem MA 01970

Tour Length: Approximately 1 hour

THE EXPERIENCES YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT

Read All Reviews

Welcome to Salem Ghosts

The darkest demons of america’s past come to life each night in salem.

Once the sun dips, and the moon sets in, evil and its ghosts come out to play on Salem’s sacred streets. As magic sizzles through the air when twilight breaks on Salem’s shores, prepare to meet the ghosts born of a horrific history that will live on forever in the hauntings of this quaint New England town. 

The charming exterior of this tourist destination holds a veil over a past that’s riddled with gruesome murders, paranoia-fueled executions, and an afterlife on an eternal quest for vengeance. Salem may be lovingly referred to as Witch City, but the barbarity that took place centuries ago continues to manifest itself in terrifying fashions, reminding tourists and locals alike of a time when evil reigned supreme.

Try not to hold your breath as you listen to authentic accounts detailing some of the most chilling hauntings and unexplained events ever to take place in the Western Hemisphere. Experience the true, and truly terrifying, hauntings of Salem and the Salem Witch Trials that birthed them. 

Books and the big screen have done a wonderful job of introducing the popular tales of Salem to the public, but they have yet to capture the true essence of what it meant to live and–if you were lucky–survive a time so violent and horrific, just saying the name stirs recognition, fear, and curiosity on the face of any American.  The Salem Witch Trials.   A time when the lifeless bodies of the innocent were treated as nothing more than ornaments, and when the ungodly determined the fates of the masses.

Get ready for this undeterred odyssey that will divulge the gory details of a past that is so disturbing it will sound too horrific to be true – but it is. Salem’s earliest residents lived every moment of it, and for one night you will too, as you join them when they relive the terrifying crucible of their town told through the hauntings that are so prevalent in the most haunted city in America.

WHAT WILL I SEE

Welcome to salem, the witch city where the forsaken refuse to be the forgotten.

The City of Witches calls to every visitor’s soul. Its necromancy, its Wiccan ways stirring something awake within all who dare enter its borders. Salem is a city that needs no introduction,  with its foul deeds and black sins that mar every history book. This Essex County gable is infamous for what transpired in 1692. Its whole identity and culture revolve around bells, books, and broomsticks. Police cars adorned with witch iconography, a public school known as Witchcraft High, and athletic teams named the Witches. 

There is so much history that even the most authentic books seem to gloss over. That haunted history and those dark deeds are what we will uncover tonight.

The boutiques, attractions, and restaurants dedicated to Salem’s bewitching past offer a picturesque scene that was actually born from pure horror. Turner’s Seafood Restaurant at Lyceum Hall may be known for its delicious cuisine but the building itself harbors a disturbing origin story as it was built on top of the orchard of Bridget Bishop – the first woman to be executed as a witch.

Originally built in 1831, the building has been converted into a series of restaurants over the years with each business having its own reports of unexplained events and sightings. The distinct scent of apples is only the beginning as it sets the stage for the lady in white’s appearance. Her ominous presence is said to raise the hair on the back of anyone’s neck as the paleness of her face is rivaled by the darkness of her eyes and the deep, purples bruises that engulf her neck.

The Unjustly Condemned Reclaim The Night

There is a legacy of bloodshed, madness, persecution, hysteria, and devilish pacts churning impatiently on every cobblestone street of Salem. The Witches’ City overflows with tales meant to freeze your blood and stop your breath at every turn. Walk carefully down the historic streets that define part of our American narrative. 

Dare to tread through the hallowed avenues where something more than a coastal breeze stirs the hair at the back of your nape. If you’re very brave, visit the chilling grounds where the remains of Salem’s victims and sacrifices, their accused and their dead, are interred…but never so deep that they are unable to rise to the surface and reach out to make contact.

Justice Now Belongs to The Otherworldly in the Haunted Cemeteries of Salem

Every cemetery is filled with tales of desolate ends, some of these tales buried with the dead while others continue to resurrect themselves. Visit the Old Burying Point Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Salem where you’ll find the graves of the condemned such as Judge John Hathorne, the magistrate who was responsible for sealing the fates of the alleged witches. 

With over 400 years of buried history, it’s easy to see why the dead are anything but at this mystical hotspot. Hear the true accounts of apparitions carrying on night after night, possibly dancing over the grave of Judge Hathorne himself. 

Feelings of agony and despair fill the air of Salem by the tortured souls of the wrongly accused, each making their presence known in various parts of the city that holds a piece from their past. Discover the tragic and eerie site of the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, a monument dedicated to the 20 innocent women who lost their lives at the hands of an egregious monster.

Find out why a memorial designed as a symbol of peace also serves as a marker for the forsaken. Uncover the terrorizing sightings of the aggrieved that have yet to make peace with their horrific ends. Some are forever tied to the very site of their execution, showing themselves in their gruesome last known human state.

WHY IS SALEM SO HAUNTED?

A community cursed, brethren betrayed: salem sells its soul and is haunted for eternity.

In 1692 evil made its presence felt on this Bay Colony’s shores. The first of many women was accused, tried, and executed in that year. Hanged in her backyard orchard after she was found guilty of transforming into a deformed monster and stalking the streets at night, she became the first sacrifice the town of Salem made when they lost their humanity and seemingly sold their souls with the blood of their neighbors, friends, and families. 

With that blood sacrifice, the cycle of madness, of hauntings, of depravity was set alight. Over 20 women were put to death, and more were tortured at the behest of a dark demonic inquisitor known as Judge Jonathan Corwin and the herd mentality of a spooked populace.

Embark on an unnerving experience through this town’s veins and discover a rich, ghostly history, one that not only haunts its borders but the foundations on which the American Dream was built on. A quaint city constructed on the bones of crimes it will never rid its soul of. Revive this past, watch it come alive, and hear the harrowing tales of the spirits that still haunt this abode and clamor for your attention. 

The Malevolent Spirits Trying to Take Back Witch City

In 1789, our first President, General George Washington, visited Salem. A man that had seen the horrors of war, had fought redcoats from the British Empire, and never feared their gaze or bullets was a man known for his bravery. This general and President who was the lion of the burgeoning states — this man fled the town of Salem as quickly as he had entered, whiter than a handkerchief. Apparitions, eerie encounters, and a bone-chilling dread drove him out of Salem with his tail between his legs. 

The souls of the immorally defamed remain tethered to the very grounds of their foes, forced to coexist in the afterlife. Salem Ghosts will lead you to the ominous and otherworldly Joshua Ward House, the now Merchant Hotel that was once the home of the infamous Sheriff George Corwin who was involved in the torture and execution of several of the casualties of the Salem Witch Trials.

Learn about the vicious role he played in the notorious trials and how his oppressive and violent spirit continues to torment anyone unlucky enough to encounter it. It is said that his vile demeanor can be felt in the hotel continuing his reign of terror and torturing those he considers to be unholy. 

The Living Now Savagely Pay For The Atrocities of Their Dead Ancestors

Sheriff Corwin’s vengeance may be unjustified but there are some that continue to rightfully seek it. Visit the avenging Gardner-Pingree House that was once the residence of Captain Joseph White, a retired sea captain that met a brutal and disturbing end commissioned by his own family.

Hear the wretched tale of greed and solicited murder that led to the captain’s untimely demise. While his murderers were brought to justice, the captain continues to scour the building in search of his revenge, ensuring no one takes from him again – just ask Jordan Deniau.

The Innocent Souls and The Cruel Fates That Forever Keep Them in Salem

Murder wasn’t the only cause of innocent lives lost. Uncover the tragic tale of Abigail Ropes, daughter of Judge Ropes who met a horrid end in unimaginable fashion. While the Ropes Mansion is one of the sites filmed in the wildly popular Hocus Pocus, it also served as the place where poor Abigail met her gruesome demise by being burned alive.

Visitors and workers alike share similar stories of Abigail’s apparition appearing to them, particularly in the winter. One witness’s account includes a manifestation of a reenactment of the judge’s daughter’s horrific death. Should you choose to venture into the building for a tour, beware of the smell of smoke as you just might be witness to Abigail yourself. 

What’s so special about the Salem Ghost tour?

A once-in-a-lifetime experience — an adventure you’ll cherish ‘till the end. .

Our Salem Ghosts Tour is a bone-chilling adventure — One meant to stir the imagination and tell of one of our history’s most famous stories. A Haunting trip into the bowels of this bizarre Massachusetts inlet. One meant to uncover some of the atrocities, hysterics, and specters that haunt it. On this cobblestone streets, past the house of Seven Gables, over its historic district, and ending on the execution mount known as Old Burying Hill, the voices of the dead demand your attention. On our tour, you will hear the tales that made this city into the tourist Mecca it is today. We will narrate the epic struggles behind one of this nation’s biggest crimes — a controversy that haunts its very foundation to this day. 

See a different, darker side of a postcard destination 

Come with local expert guides, as we travel lamp-lid avenues, stand under the shadows of red brick buildings, and photograph iconic statues and places — many featured in some of this nation’s most beloved films. You will hear, see, and experience something unique. Communicate with ghosts, and phantoms, with the dreaded creatures like Judge Jonathon Corwin, and some of Salem’s famous witches. 

Each stop has its magic. Each one is a spellbinding experience and an opportunity for something to make contact with you. A one-of-a-kind, singular, and eye-opening adventure you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. Get ready to feel your skin crawl and, maybe, laugh. 

Be Part of A Growing Ghostly Community 

Journey with us through Salem’s haunted history — a past in plain sight. A past that is deeply embedded in this region’s identity. Book this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and be part of a growing community of investigators of the afterlife — Of ghost hunters. 

If you’d like to walk the haunted streets of Salem and see this Massachusetts community for what it is famous for, book your tour with US Ghost Adventures today.

Experience the unexplained — many of our guests bear witness to the unknown. Become one of them tonight.

* This is a walking tour and we do not enter privately-owned buildings or private property *

Preview The Most Haunted Locations In Salem

The salem witch house.

The Witch House was originally not for housing a witch. Instead, it was home to Jonathon Corwin, the judge in the witch trials who sentenced innocents to death.

Corwin believed in the other side himself and let the townspeople know he would not accept dealings with the devil. But now, locals say his guilt overcomes him in the night, and you can hear his wails emanating from this old 17th Century building.

Ropes Mansion

Does this mansion look a little familiar? Well, it was once in the movie Hocus Pocus. It looks like Hollywood knows a haunted house when it sees one.

This old home built in 1720 has passed hands several times. The original owner had three wives die within its walls. The next owner, Nathaniel Ropes, was a loyalist during the Revolution.

The house of Hocus Pocus, the Disney classic is the best place to learn the tale of why it is one of Salem’s most haunted locations. 

His politics had the house attacked and stoned. Ropes unexpectedly died the day after the stoning. His ire lives on in the house, frightening visitors to this day. Hear about another  tragic specter, the daughter of Judge Rope, and how her spirit haunts its darkened halls in the winter months.

Salem Athenaeum

This library, founded in 1810, has been continuously operating ever since. The free exchange of knowledge is a founding principle of this nation. But the living are not the only curious souls who visit.

Books reportedly fly off the shelves; lights flick, and other spooky happenings make even the bravest quake. They say these are friendly spirits who just want to read, but you can determine that for yourself.

6 Reasons to Book Your Salem Ghost Tour Right Now!

1) you want to immerse yourself in the hysteria-filled history of salem.

It’s not just witches, dark persecutions, and sinister Judges. It’s not just tales of pacts with the Devil under the moon in the cover of the forest. There is more to this New England coastal town. A vivid tapestry that involves pirates, smugglers, and present-day criminals. Our tour is a heavily researched fact-based adventure into the dark history, and reputation of America’s most haunted city. 

2) Come Halloween You Simply Have to rewatch Hocus Pocus and Visit the Film Location

“You know, I’ve always wanted a child. And now I think I’ll have one on a toast!” Winifred Sanderson, perhaps one of Salem’s most famous fictional witches, coined that phrase. Do you dare light a black candle in front of one of Salem’s most photographed mansions? If you’re a horror fan, if you’re a Disney fan, if you’re a Bette Midler fan, this tour is for you. Come fly with us, as “we put a spell on you and now you’re mine.”

3) Time is Short and Visiting the Site of the Salem Witch Trials is on Your Bucket List

Salem is one of the most coveted tourist enclaves in the whole US. It’s a small little town where bread and board might cost you your soul. This is why a huge percentage of visitors like to hit the ground running and concentrate as much as they can in as little time. After all, time is money, and in Salem, it all adds up. Our tour takes you on a fast roller coaster ride through some of the city’s best-kept secrets and most iconic places. Learn to appreciate this city’s cultural identity in a flash. 

4) You’ve Read or Watched The Crucible

“Until an hour before the Devil fell, God thought him beautiful in Heaven.”

  In 1953, American playwright Arthur Miller unveiled to the world one of the canons of modern drama — The Crucible. A partially fictionalized story of the Salem Witch that would soon become an allegory for McCarthyism and unjust persecution. Learn what truly occurred on the shores of this Bay Colony, and what ultimately inspired Miller into creating his Magnum opus.  

5) It’s Halloween Year Round in Your Household

Did you know that Salem is the most visited city in the world come October? It’s a bare-knuckle fight between Salem and Munich — the latter’s Octoberfest beer extravaganza always drawing in the crowds. And there is a reason why Witch City is so attractive come Fall. There’s a magic to it. There’s something otherworldly to what Salem becomes once the lights dim. And this magic can be felt throughout the year. Come join us and explore a city where Halloween is a 365-year-long event. 

6) You’re All About the Witches and Witchtrials in Witch City

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble. Cool it with a baboon’s blood, Then the charm is firm and good.

  “I am that very witch. When I sleep my spirit slips away from my body and dances naked with the Devil.”

—  The Witch, Robert Eggers

There’s no getting around it, you came to Salem for the witches. You came to Salem for the frights. You came to Salem for the ghosts. There’s a reason why this Essex County Hamlet is called “Witch Town” because the portmanteau sells. You go to Disney for the Mouse, you travel to Vegas for the casinos, to LA for the celebrities, and Cancun for the beaches. And, you come to Salem for the witches and the trials. Learn all there is to know about them and their persecution in 1692. Learn the truths behind the fiction and the dark deeds that never made their way into your high school history book. 

Further Reading

• Students & Group Tours
• Haunted Happenings
• Visitor Centers

• Notable Locals
• 10 Free Things to Do in Salem, MA
• The Destination Salem Radio Show
• Education & Community
• Native History & Indigenous Acknowledgement
• Weekend at a Glance
• All Listings
• Museums & Attractions
• Psychics & Spiritual Growth
• Salem Heritage Trail
• Sweets & Treats
• Restaurants
• Witch Shops & Occult
• Chocolate & Candy
• Inns and B&Bs
• Regional Accommodations
• Transportation
• Map of Salem
• Information Centers
• Salem Witch Trials of 1692
• Modern Witch & Occult
• Hocus Pocus
• The Journey from 1692 to Salem’s Modern Witch Community

Home » Blog » Do » April Vacation is No Joke in Salem, MA 

April Vacation is No Joke in Salem, MA 

Salem, MA provides the perfect mix of history, arts, culture, and exploration for your April Vacation trip. Dive into the 1692 Witch Trials with a kid friendly walking tour, unleash your inner artist with the Good Witch of Salem, seek out pirate treasure with Real Pirates Salem, or explore the intersection of arts and science with the Peabody Essex Museum. Grab a delicious bite to eat at one of our local kid friendly restaurants to round out your visit.

Vacation Week Activities 

Image by Salem Kids Tours

Take a tour with Salem Kids Tours 

Finding a tour based in history can be a daunting task when you are trying to cater to a wide range of ages and interests. Salem Kids Tours has got you covered! There is no fear of boredom on a Salem Kids Tour. Their guides are all history teachers, and they understand how kids learn best. Their guides will lead you on a trip through time in a fun and interactive way. Join them through the mysterious and magical streets of Salem as they tell you stories that are well researched, entirely true, and fascinating. The Salem Kids Tours will be running daily April 13-21 with tours at 1pm also: April 13—10:45am 4/15 10:45am 4/17  10:45am 4/18 10:45am 4/20 9:15am

Fairy Spa Da, Adopt A Dino and more with the Good Witch of Salem 

Step into the House of the Good Witch located on 2 North Street here in Salem, MA for a day filled with bows, glitter, and pink galore! For April Vacation the Good Witch herself will be hosting an array of fairy themed classes including her Fairy Spa Day and Fairy Potion Making classes. With an addition of staff to the magical team over at the Good Witch of Salem , they have been able to offer new classes such as Adopt A Dino, and their Flower Power classes. At each class participants will have the opportunity to make their very own art piece to take home with them to spread the Good Witch magic. Make your very own Good Witch of Salem signature pink hat to take home with you for a piece of magic in your everyday life. 

Image by the Peabody Essex Museum

Celebrate Yin Yu Tang this April Vacation at the PEM

Join the Peabody Essex Museum as they continue to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the cultural exchange project that brought Yin Yu Tang  to PEM! For this school vacation week, travel across the world without leaving Salem by learning traditional Chinese paper cutting with local guest artist Zhonghe (Elena) Li on Monday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. Join us for film screenings in Morse Auditorium on Friday, and challenge yourself all three days with a museum-wide dragon scavenger hunt!

Check out our full week of programming HERE

Image by Real Pirates Salem

Explore Real Pirate Treasure with Real Pirates Salem

Immerse yourself in the stories of Real Pirates ! The family-friendly pirate experience features the true tale of “Black Sam” Bellamy – the richest and one of the youngest pirates of all time – and Maria Hallett, the love of his life and so-called “Witch of Wellfleet.” See the world’s only fully authenticated pirate treasure ever discovered – including coins, jewelry, and weapons – retrieved from the wreck, and last touched by the hands of pirates more than 300 years ago. Bring the entire family by to check out the Discovery Lab with real life wreckage from the Whydah. 

Yummy Places to Eat 

Salem has a great selection of kid-friendly restaurants to choose from that both parents and picky eaters will love. Downtown Salem is a great place to start when looking for family friendly dining and treats. Looking for a quick slice of pizza? Try Essex’s Pizza off of the Pedestrian Mall if you’re looking for a slice on the go. Flying Saucer Pizza has Sci-Fi themed vegan pizza options, and American Flatbreads has woodfired pizza along with an indoor bowling alley!

If you are looking for family style sit down service there are a wide range of options to choose from. Red’s Sandwich Shop offers breakfast and lunch with a large selection that makes up their menu. Lulu’s Bakery & Pantry is another wonderful option if you are looking for a large selection of breakfast options and treats that the entire family will love.

Dinner is always a great time to sit down with the family and reconnect about the adventures of the day. There are multiple options to choose from in town that offer both adult and kid friendly menus. Rockafellas , which is located directly across the street from the famous Samantha Statue, is a great place to sit down for a full meal. Choose between an eclectic menu filled with burgers, flatbreads, pastas, seafood, and sides that the entire family will love. The Village Tavern , which is conveniently located on the Essex Pedestrian Mall, is open daily from noon until 1am on weekdays and from 11am to 1am on weekends. Their kid’s menu includes grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, mozzarella sticks, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza, and more! Looking for a playful meal? Bit Bar has vintage arcade games for the whole family! Enjoy games themed foods like their loaded tetris tots, or their fish and chips off of the kid’s menu. 

In between your day jam packed with adventure make sure to fuel up with some sweet treats! Curly Girl Candy Shop features bulk candy for kids and nostalgic classics for parents to enjoy too. Wrap in some history by stopping at Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie , America’s oldest candy company, where the whole family can enjoy historic classics like gibraltars. If candy isn’t your preference the massive cookies at Lulu’s Bakery and Pantry will subside any sweet tooth! 

Make it an Overnight Stay

Make your trip into an overnight stay with accommodations right in downtown Salem. Stay at the Salem Inn , which features family suites complete with kitchenettes, The Hampton Inn Salem which comes with a hot breakfast every morning and a heated pool, or the Salem Waterfront Hotel which includes an onsite restaurant at the Regatta Pub and an indoor swimming pool. View a complete list of Salem’s accommodations here .

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TOUR DETAILS

Location · tickets · info.

Salem Ghost Tour takes you through 8 or 12 different sites around the city, each one spookier than the last. Ghost tours meet outside of Salem Five Savings Bank at 210 Essex St. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour departure time to ensure a prompt start! The tour takes about 60 minutes, so you can rest assured that there will be plenty of time to grab a pint of witches’ brew at one of Salem’s many great local restaurants . Select the extended tour at checkout to add another 30 minutes of haunts to the end if you desire!

The Salem Ghost Tour walking route is a great way to catch all of Salem’s main haunted attractions while also getting a well-rounded view of the city and its history. Our ghost tour makes for a great introduction to Salem for first-timers or a memorable night out for locals!

Salem Ghost Tours is a family-friendly attraction and is suitable for everyone, so bring your kids, your friends, or a date! You will have an informative, exciting, and memorable night. Be sure to reserve your spot early as tours do fill up! Buy tickets directly from our website or contact us .

All Ghost Tours meet outside Salem Five Savings Bank at 210 Essex St, Salem, Massachusetts. Tours are held rain or shine.

Get Directions Find Parking

Standard Tour: About 60 minutes across 1 mile. Includes 8 stops.

Extended Tour: About 90 minutes across 1.5 miles. Includes an additional 4 stops, making 12 total.

The tours are about 60 to 90 minutes. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early and allow time for parking and walking to the location. Tours are held rain or shine.

You do not need to print tickets or have mobile passes. Simply complete your booking by clicking "Buy Now" above. Then, bring your ID so we can verify your reservation before your tour begins.

JOIN US HERE

* This is a walking tour and we do not enter privately-owned buildings or private property *

Refund Policy

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