self guided tour in salem

Capture the historic spirit of America’s most bewitching city by the sea.  Discover Salem Massachusetts’s witchcraft trials, tall ship, literature, beautiful architecture, and connection to Hollywood by choosing from two self-guided walking tours or visit the Hocus Pocus 1993 movie locations with our free mini tour. All three tours give you the freedom to discover Salem’s historical charm and hidden secrets on your schedule and at your pace! Click on the Learn More buttons below for detailed information on Salem’s Grand Tour or The Essence of Salem tour.

Salem's Grand Tour

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The Essence of Salem

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It's Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus Locations

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Salem Witch Trials Tour: Self-Guided Walk

Tour Details

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Welcome to the salem witch trials tour.

Uncover the truth behind the infamous Salem Witch Trials with this self-guided walking tour of Salem, Massachusetts! This quaint and picturesque town hides a seriously dark history, and you’ll dive deep into that past as you explore these hallowed grounds. Hear how the panic began, get to know the major players in this harrowing tale, and visit grim reminders of this deadly period of history. This walking tour of Salem is the best way to see, explore, and understand this haunting true tale.

About the Tour

This harrowing tour begins at 1 New Liberty St, Salem, MA. From there, you walk to the 1692 Memorial, where the victims of the witch panic are memorialized. Here, you’ll get to know many of the key figures who were swept up by the plague of fear and paid the ultimate price.

Next, you’ll see the Old Burying Point, where many of the trials’ victims and aggressors were laid to rest. As you walk through the gravestones, listen to the tragically heroic tale of Giles Corey, a man who refused to bow to the nightmare overtaking his town and was immortalized in The Crucible .

After that, you’ll pass by some of Salem’s spookiest architecture, including the Joshua Ward House and the Old Town Hall. You’ll also hear of the secret tunnels that run beneath some of these buildings, many of which still exist today!

Continue past the old jailhouse, where innocent people were subjected to cruelty so terrible that some suggest their spirits never really left. By this point, you’re bound to think some of these things look familiar, so it’s time to hear about Hollywood’s many forays into Salem, including hits like Hocus Pocus and Bewitched .

On your way back, you’ll pass by the Witch Museum and hear about how all the madness finally ended. The final stop is Salem Common, where you’ll discover some things you probably didn’t know about the aftermath of the trials.

But your tour doesn’t have to end there! If you want to keep the adventure going, you can continue toward the House of Green Gables. Along the way, you’ll hear all about author Nathaniel Hawthorne and his family’s connection to the witch trials, plus a few extra stories about some 18th-century kidnappings!

The tour also features an additional optional detour to a few more landmarks, like the Witch House, the Ropes Mansion, and Hamilton Hall. There’s no shortage of things to see on this walking tour of Salem, so buckle up your boots (and your Pilgrim hat) and get to walking!

Speak Spanish?

Hola, su recorrido Freedom Trail también está disponible en español.

Looking for a restroom?

Click here for a list of all of the local restrooms.

Important! Do not tour at night!

• This is a daytime-only tour. Do not begin after dusk.
• Cemeteries are off-limits after dusk.
• Use crosswalks and cross only when safe to do so.

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Where to start?

Starting Address: New Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970

How does it work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome to salem witch trials.

Your tour of Salem begins just outside the Salem Visitor Center.

Salem Armory: The Bell

Take a closer look at the old armory's historic bell and find out how it connects to a Revolutionary War hero.

Salem Armory: The Arch

Visit the site of the Salem Armory, find out what purpose it once served, and learn what became of it.

Samuel Pickman House

Stop by a historic house which was also the site of a grisly crime... the effects of which some locals swear linger to this very day.

The 1692 Memorial

Pay your respects at a memorial to the innocent victims of the Salem Witch Trials and find out how all the madness began.

Bridget Bishop

Visit the memorial to Bridget Bishop, whose irreverent ways drew the ire of her neighbors.

See the memorial honoring Sarah Good, whose arrest and trial were particularly brutal for more than one reason.

Rebecca Nurse

Learn about Rebecca Nurse and how she went from respected member of the church to accused witch.

George Burroughs

Hear about the trial and execution of one of the few male victims of the Witch Trials.

Revisit the mistakes and heroism of Giles Corey, who was immortalized in the famous play The Crucible.

Old Burying Point

See the burial site of one of the primary perpetrators of the Witch Trials and find out how neighbors could turn against one another so easily.

The Peabody Sisters and the Grimshawe House

Visit a historic home renowned not for any horrors that took place therein, but for the art its one-time residents produced.

Do What Is Right

Step into the shoes of the frightened Salem settlers as you stroll these storied streets.

Old Town Hall

Find out where you might recognize this iconic building from and hear a harrowing tale of why parts of it have been sealed off.

Joshua Ward House

Stop by a house where once sat the home of the sheriff who oversaw most of the hangings during the Witch Trials.

Hollywood in Salem

Uncover Salem's more recent history on the silver screen, including why Hollywood seems to adore this picturesque location.

Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall

Learn why this seemingly unassuming restaurant actually hides a complex history behind its walls.

St Peter's Episcopal Church

Get to know the previous owners of the land on which this church is situated, as well as what they did when accused of witchcraft.

Old Witch Gaol

Visit the corner that once held Salem's infamous and inhumane prison, where accused witches were held.

Old Salem Jail

Stop by a luxury apartment building with unlikely origins as Salem's newer jail. Plus, hear about the jail's most infamous former occupant.

Martha Corey

Hear the tragic tale of Martha Corey, Giles Corey's wife and one of the last victims of the Witch Trials.

Howard Street Cemetery

Pay a visit to Salem's oldest cemetery, believed to be where Giles Corey was killed all those years ago.

Roger Conant & Witch Museum

Admire this impressive sculpture of Salem's founder and pop into the Witch Museum to learn more about Salem's past.

Discover how a few young girls inadvertently kicked off the witch panic in Salem.

Ann Pudeator

Revisit the life and untimely death of Ann Pudeator at the former site of her home.

Aftermath of the Trials

Walk the Salem Common and hear how all the panic and murder of the Witch Trials finally came to an end, as well as what followed in their wake. The tour concludes here, though there are optional stops beyond this one.

Hawthorne Hotel

Stop by the supposedly haunted Hawthorne Hotel if you're feeling brave.

Nathaniel Hawthorne Statue

Snap a selfie beside a statue of one of America's greatest authors and find out how he was connected to the Witch Trials.

Visit a uniquely Salem institution: A funeral home that became a speakeasy!

Mercy Tavern

Check out this upscale pub which was once a grim, unsavory establishment with a terrifying reputation.

Nathaniel Hawthorne's Birthplace

See the home where author Nathaniel Hawthorne was born.

The House of the Seven Gables

Arrive at the House of the Seven Gables, a dour building which inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's supernatural Gothic novel of the same name.

Preview The Tour

  what were the salem witch trials.

The Salem Witch Trials, also known as the Salem Witch Panic, were a series of bogus trials resulting in the conviction and execution of 20 men and women during the late 1600s. These trials were fueled by a mass panic about witchcraft in the village, despite no concrete evidence ever being presented.

  Who was executed during the Salem Witch Trials?

The 20 victims executed as part of the Salem Witch Trials ranged in age from 30 to 77, and included 14 women and six men. Five others died in prison. One of the most famous victims was Giles Corey, who famously refused to plead guilty to witchcraft and was crushed to death via a torture method known as “pressing.”

  How many people were accused in the Salem Witch Trials?

Over 200 men and women were accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials . Most were able to beat the accusations, but those without social influence or who had angered those in power were not so fortunate.

  How did the Salem Witch Trials end?

The Salem Witch Trials ended as abruptly as they began. When someone accused the wife of Massachusetts Governor William Phips of witchcraft, the governor himself intervened and put an end to the madness. He ordered a halt to the trials, demanded an end to the admission of so-called “spectral evidence,” and brought the nightmare to an abrupt conclusion.

  When did the Salem Witch Trials end?

The Salem Witch Trials ended in October of 1692, the same year they began. Some trials would continue, but this time under the watchful gaze of Governor Phips, and they would result in no further executions.

  How many people died as a result of the Salem Witch Trials?

Official numbers put the total death toll at 25. 19 were executed, five died in jail, and one was tortured to death in an attempt to elicit a confession.

  Can you walk around Salem?

Salem is an excellent town to walk around. The town center is quite compact, having been built well before the invention of the automobile, and there’s plenty to see and do as you stroll through this historic district.

   How do you spend a day in Salem?

The first thing to do during any visit to Salem is to go to the cemetery where the Witch Trial victims are memorialized. After that, perhaps visit the Witch Museum, stop by one of the many cafes for a pick-me-up, and admire the historic architecture. Plus, visit important landmarks like the site of the jail where accused witches were once held. And be sure to end your day at one of Salem’s many excellent restaurants!

  What happened in the aftermath of the Salem Witch Trials?

Five years after the trials , a day of fasting was called to honor the victims. In 1702, the trials were officially declared unlawful, and in 1711 some of the victims’ families received £600 as compensation for their suffering. But it wasn’t until 2001 that the last of the victims were finally exonerated of their supposed crimes.

  Why is Salem, MA important in American history?

Besides the Witch Trials themselves, Salem has huge historical importance as one of the earliest settlements in New England. It was incorporated in 1626 and was at one time the home of Roger Williams, who later went on to found the state of Rhode Island.

  When did the Salem Witch Trials take place?

Salem’s infamous witch trials started in February 1692 and ended quite suddenly in May of the following year.

  How did the Salem Witch Trials begin?

The witch trials of Salem, MA, began in February of 1692. It all started with two young girls: Abigail Williams and Betty Parris. The two children suffered from fits of screaming and convulsions. Nobody knows for sure what the reason for their behavior was; it could have been food poisoning, sleep paralysis, or any number of other psychosomatic disorders. But the pious townsfolk of Salem immediately suspected the devil was involved.

  What caused the Salem Witch Trials?

Modern historians might point to any number of medical conditions, but at the time, there was only one explanation: the girls were possessed by the devil. Nobody can say for sure, but the prevailing theory is that paranoia and mob mentality are to blame.

  Can you visit the site of Salem Witch Trials?

A trip to Salem wouldn’t be complete without taking in its haunted history. A Salem walking tour is the ideal way to experience the witch trials.

  Is Salem worth visiting in October?

One hundred percent yes! Salem, Massachusetts, home to the infamous witch trials of the 17th century, is a spooky place to visit any time of year. But Halloween is when Salem truly comes to life!

  Were the Salem Witch Trial victims burned at the stake?

Despite popular conception, none of the victims of the Salem Witch Trials died by fire. How did they die instead? Mostly by hanging.

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Historic Sites

• African American Heritage
• Architectural
• Contemporary / Pop Culture
• Salem Witch Trials
• Women’s History

Salem Heritage Trail

The Salem Heritage Trail guides visitors from around the corner and around the world through over 400 years of Salem history. The themes of the trail bridge connections from the land’s earliest settlement to the Salem we see today with focuses on local Indigenous Peoples, Colonial Salem and the Witch Trials, the Age of Sail, Industrial Heritage, Abolitionism and African American Stories, Immigrant Experiences, Religious Diversity, and Contemporary Salem.

Created in the 1980s, the Salem Heritage Trail was developed to be a self-guided walking trail to help visitors experience Salem’s historic sites and navigate the downtown district. Intended to evoke a brick line like Boston’s Freedom Trail, the Salem Heritage Trail was painted as a red line on the sidewalk. Over time, the trail became known as “The Red Line.”

Click HERE to see the Salem Heritage Trail Mobile App

Today, we recognize the phrase, “Red Line,” has a negative connotation and evokes a dark period in our history when redlining was a discriminatory practice that denied financial services to people based on race, ethnicity, or demographic. As a community that strives for inclusion, maintaining a component of our downtown that makes members of our community uncomfortable is not acceptable.

In 2020 the City of Salem, Destination Salem and partners in the community began a strategic revisioning of the Salem Heritage Trail that will include repainting the line in a new color, removing references to “The Red Line” from publications and digital media, and developing inclusive interpretation of sites along the Salem Heritage Trail. We believe the Trail is an excellent way to introduce visitors and residents to the many layers of Salem’s rich history and look forward to improving on the trail’s original goal: to help people experience and learn about Salem.

For more information, contact Destination Salem at [email protected]

The Salem Heritage Trail is a tool for exploring historic Salem on foot. Hop on the trail in the middle or on one of the ends, and follow it through historic downtown Salem to the edge of the McIntire Historic District and along the Essex Street Pedestrian Way to Derby Street and the Salem Waterfront District.

Salem Witch Museum

During the Salem witchcraft trials in 1692, this site was home to Reverend John Higginson, the minister of Salem’s First…

Corwin House

Essex Street, which runs beside you, was once an indigenous pathway along the peninsula of Salem from the woods to…

Charter Street Cemetery

The oldest settler cemetery in Salem, the Old Burying Ground was begun by 1637. The town selected a point that…

Charlotte Forten Park

Built on land reclaimed from the South River, this plot has historically been the site of many wharves and warehouses,…

Derby Square

Old Town Hall, built in 1816 and 1817, is the oldest surviving municipal building in Salem. This desirable stretch of…

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

On March 17, 1938, Salem Maritime National Historic Site was the first national historic site established by the National Park…

Salem Common

This eight-acre park was originally a swampy piece of land dotted by five ponds. Early English settlers in Salem drew…

East India Marine Hall

The venerable granite façade of the East India Marine Hall, erected in 1825, is the nucleus of the Peabody Essex…

Witch Dungeon Museum

The English settlers knew that their presence in Salem immersed them in a web of global conflicts. Fearing reprisals from…

The House of The Seven Gables

“Half-way down a by-street of one of our New England towns, stands a rusty wooden house, with seven acutely-peaked gables...”…

The Salem Witch Museum

Year-Round: 10AM-5PM July and August: 10AM-7PM October: Extended Hours

During our winter months, should we be expecting inclement weather, please call prior to your visit. Also note that we close for several weeks at the beginning of January for painting and maintenance. Contact us prior to your visit to ensure that we are open.

Adults: $17.50 Seniors (62+): $16.00 Children (Ages 3-14): $14.50

Plan to Visit

Salem Witch Museum 19 1/2 Washington Square North Salem, Massachusetts 01970 978.744.1692

Upcoming Events

Author Signing with Janice Thompson

We’re delighted to welcome author Janice Thompson for a book signing at the Salem Witch Museum on Friday, May 24, 2024. Thompson’s first novel is a historical fiction work titled… - Learn More

Witch Trials Self Guided Tour

History & Education

Witch Hunts

Salem Witch Museum Store

The museum store offers a wide assortment of items from educational materials to attractive apparel. With an extensive collection of books on the Salem witch trials and many locally made treats, we offer tried, true and quirky products to appeal to young and old alike. Visit the Museum store onsite or online. We’re open year round.

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Home » Blog » Do » Which Salem Walking Tour Should I Take?

Which Salem Walking Tour Should I Take?

One of the best ways to see Salem, Massachusetts and learn about local history is on foot with a guided walking tour around town. Salem has a tour for everyone, with a variety of historical and ghost tours, tours just for kids and families, and even food tours! Learn more about each of Salem’s walking tours, and find links to book in the post below.

Historical Tours

Bewitched After Dark Walking Tours covers the Salem Witch Trials in the larger context of 17th century Salem with stops at relevant historic sites and locations around town. Repeat visitors love Bewitched After Dark for their mix of historical knowledge and local insight into how best to see and experience Salem and make the most of your time downtown. Tickets for afternoon and evening tours are available at BewitchedTours.com .

For a daytime walking tour, Black Cat Tours offers a historic day tour focusing on “Pirates and Puritans, and Witchcraft and War.” The tour stops at sites that share Salem’s history of seafarers, architectural genius, and the spice trade with insight into how Salem became one of the most prominent ports in the US and home to one of the most famous American authors. Book online at BlackCatSalem.com .

Guide Kenneth Glover leads an in-depth look into Salem’s past and present with his 2.5-hour-long Salem Morning & Afternoon Stroll . The tour covers the history of Salem from the 17th to 20th centuries and is memorable thanks to Kenneth’s humorous anecdotes and a deep personal interest in Salem’s stories. This longer tour also means time to stop in little-known historic districts and sites, making it a great way to see more of Salem on foot. Book online at SinisterStoriesOfSalem.com or at the Coven’s Cottage on Essex Street.

Salem Day Tour includes a journey around town with stops at relevant historic sites minus the ghost stories you may encounter on a Salem Night Tour. The tour covers all areas of Salem’s history from the Salem Witch Trials to the Spice Trade, and beyond, and is geared toward guests ages 13 and older. The tour is offered daily, but advanced tickets are recommended. Book at SalemDayTours.com .

Salem Historical Tours cover the general history of Salem along with tours devoted entirely to the Witch Trials of 1692. They also offer both a daytime and evening version of their Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour allowing for some flexibility in when you take in Salem’s haunts and history. Just be sure to book your tour early to ensure you’re spot at SalemHistoricalTours.com .

For tours on the Salem Witch Trials, we also recommend:

• Spellbound Tours
• Witch City Walking Tours
• Salem Witch Walk

Salem Food Tours is Salem’s original food and cultural walking tour with stops at local shops and restaurants and background on the history of the Spice Trade and Salem as a culinary destination. Each tour starts with a spice tasting and includes tastings of traditional New England staples like clam chowder along with innovative new dishes by local chefs. Learn more at SalemFoodTours.com .

You could also opt to start your day with an AM Coffee Walk by Salem Food Tours . Enjoy coffee or tea from a local coffee shop then take a stroll around town to take in some of Salem’s history earlier in the day. Information and booking for AM Coffee Walks are also available at SalemFoodTours.com .

Ghost Tours

For a spooky walk through Salem by candlelight, plan your visit in the late summer or fall to take a Candlelit Ghostly Walking Tour . The tour departs from the side street adjacent to the Salem Wax Museum for an evening walk filled with Salem history and ghost stories. The tour also includes tips for those learning ghost photography, and tickets are available when in season at CandlelitGhostlyTour.com .

If you are searching for a tour that tells the history of the Salem Witch Trials and other local lore alongside tales of potential ghost stories, consider taking a Salem Night Tour . Offered nightly at 8 pm when in season, the tour covers the history of Salem through the centuries with stops at sights related to local history and hauntings. Advanced tickets are recommended, but it doesn’t hurt to check availability in person at Remember Salem (Salem’s Harry Potter shop!). Book online at SalemGhostTours.com .

Spellbound Tours offers guided tours around Salem with professional paranormal investigators. In addition to covering the major parts of Salem’s history like the Witch Trials, the tour dives into stories of vampire folklore and voodoo. Spellbound’s Guides also share photos they’ve captured of paranormal activity themselves to help their guests learn when their photos are evidence of a haunting and when they may be a simple camera function. Advanced tickets are recommended and available online for the whole season at SpellboundTours.com .

For additional evening walking tours, we recommend:

• Black Cat Tours
• Bewitched After Dark Walking Tours
• Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour
• Better Than Fiction Tours

Modern Witch

Tours for kids.

Salem Kids Tour is specially designed with kids and families in mind. The tour takes Salem’s history and makes it more accessible for younger guests, making this tour the perfect addition to a family vacation or school vacation week activity. The tour runs most days while in season, and tickets are available at SalemKidsTours.com .

Movie Tours

Love Hocus Pocus ? Witch City Walking Tours has an entire tour devoted to the locations where this cult classic family Halloween movie was filmed. Learn trivia and history behind the movie and stop at Salem Common, Old Town Hall, and Allison’s house just to name a few. Witch City Walking Tours also offers a variety of historical tours covering everything from the Salem Witch Trials to Murder and Mysteries. Find what interests you and book online at WitchCityWalkingTours.com .

For a self-guided tour, try Salem On Your Own , a new mobile app by Hocus Pocus Tours. The tour offers a self-guided exploration into Salem’s past that can be done whenever you want, at your own pace.

Prefer to see Salem by trolley? The Salem Trolley runs daily with hour-long tours April-October, 10 am-5 pm. The last full tour departs at 4 pm, and complete information is available at SalemTrolley.com .

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Tags: After 5PM , Family , History , Outdoor , Salem Witch Trials , Seventeenth Century , The Modern Witch , Things To Do , Walking Tours

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The Salem Witch Trials Walk

Enjoy our self-guided audio walking tour.

Buy museum tickets

It takes you inside the galleries and outside the museum to learn more about the infamous events of 1692. As you view authentic documents and objects and stop at key sites around Salem, PEM curators and experts share a behind-the-scenes perspective of some of the most compelling stories in Salem.

Tour starts in the museum and takes approximately 1 hour. Included with admission and available during regular museum hours.

Please note: A Wi-Fi enabled device is needed and use of earbuds or headphones is recommended. Some of this material is difficult for younger audiences.

The Salem Witch Trials Walk is generously supported by the George S. Parker Fund.

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Inactive Tour 1

• Live GPS Map
• Works Offline
• Audios, Images, and Text
• Family-friendly
• Flexible Planning
• Email, Chat, Call Support
• Entrance Ticket
• Food, Drinks & Parking
• Entry/Admission - Salem Witch Trials Memorial
• Entry/Admission - Old Burying Point Cemetery
• Entry/Admission - Salem Old Town Hall
• Entry/Admission - Salem
• Entry/Admission - Gedney House
• Entry/Admission - Broad Street Cemetery
• Entry/Admission - Ropes Mansion and Garden
• Entry/Admission - The Witch House at Salem
• Entry/Admission - Saint Peter's Episcopal Church
• Entry/Admission - The House of the Seven Gables
• Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970, USA The Visitor Center was originally the Salem Armory, constructed between 1890 and 1908. The Armory was the headquarters and training facility for the Second Corps of Cadets, which formed in the late 1700s.
• The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA Halfway down a by-street of one of our New England towns stands a rusty wooden house, with seven acutely peaked gables.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• How it works: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions. Download the Action Tour Guide app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. To begin touring, go to the Starting Point and launch the Action tour guide app. The audio starts automatically. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience. Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Good value Purchase one tour per person. If you are a couple and prefer to share, purchase one tour and remember to bring headphones you can split.
• Flexible Schedule: Once the app/tour is on your phone, you can use it any day and at any time. You can use it over multiple days. And, also use it on your next trip here. This tour never expires.
• Preview the tour: You can use it before the trip at home (highly recommended), use it during the trip, and use it after you come back.
• Don't miss a thing: You will get everything with the app - a complete itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated audio stories, story script, images, videos, deep dives, hidden gems, exciting locations, recommendations for hikes, adventure, activities, treks, and stop-by-stop direction.
• Private tour: You can use it in your car or rental car. No worries about groups or crowds. Start the tour app on your phone. And it will direct you step by step. You can stop for as many breaks as you like. Take a break for Instagram photos, and take a break for lunch/snacks. Go on a hike. The tour will wait for you and start when you start again. You can even do the tour over multiple days. Go at your own pace.
• Easy to use: The stories play themselves as soon as the GPS is activated. It requires no use of your hands at all. You can get HELP by calling, chatting, or emailing any time of the day.
• Offline: There is no need for a cell signal or Wi-Fi while touring. App’s GPS map works offline.
• Expiration/go again: The tour will last for the rest of your life on your phone. It is available for use on any day of your next trip.
• Use pictures for a photo book: Create a photo book using clean (no crowd) app images of each spot to make a memorable trip. All the photos and the correct sequence is ready in the app for you to use.
• Social media: Share clean (no crowd) images with friends/family.
• Devices supported include iPhones with iOS 13 & above, Android phones with version 9 & above and all cellular-enabled tablets & iPads.
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center 2 New Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970, USA The Visitor Center was originally the Salem Armory, constructed between 1890 and 1908. The Armory was the headquarters and training facility for the Second Corps of Cadets, which formed in the late 1700s. See address & details
• 1 Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 2 Salem Witch Trials Memorial Stop: 10 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 3 Old Burying Point Cemetery Stop: 5 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 4 Salem Old Town Hall Stop: 10 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 5 Joshua Ward House Stop: 5 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 6 Gedney House Stop: 5 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 7 Broad Street Cemetery Stop: 5 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 8 Hamilton Hall Stop: 5 minutes See details
• 9 Ropes Mansion and Garden Stop: 5 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 10 The Witch House at Salem Stop: 10 minutes - Admission excluded See details

• bradandnicoleb 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great addition to your Boston trip! Enjoyed having information all by the way. Some really fun facts and no crowds with a regular tour. We were able to move around at our own pace and really immerse ourselves into other stops by going into some of the museums, etc. only problem is that the audio cues weren’t perfect. Some played after passing a spot such as the Benjamin Franklin statue at the Latin School. Other than that, we were so glad to have this as part of our trip! Read more Written March 12, 2024
• jessicacH2073GN 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great audio tour if you don't have 2.5 hours for the guided walking tour. A great self-guided audio tour of the Freedom Trail. My daughter and I didn't have a lot of time as we were doing college visits, but the audio your gave us autonomy to decide how far we could go along the trail while still being able to listen about the sites that we did not get to. Read more Written November 6, 2023
• A9035ZNlorraines 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good experience - learned a lot The tour was great but it was difficult to know which direction to go for each stop. There should be better signage. Read more Written November 4, 2023
• jillwX9708ZP 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles A lovely way to exercise and learn at the same time. Once we found the start it was relatively easy to follow except for a couple of places where it was not so clear which way to go. Read more Written October 19, 2023
• Sunshine172 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Easy to follow tour Good narrative. Easy to follow. Automatically starts when you arrive at the next location. Campus is much larger than the self tour narrative. I would recommend Read more Written October 18, 2023
• Izzy E 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Facts, history and fun stories about the campus Gave us a complete tour and thoroughly dove into each building with fun facts. Explaining who all lived there as well as findings about the building and it’s history all in the tour. Read more Written October 13, 2023
• jenniferaW4365HP 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Audio Tour offers a no rush tour I used the audio tour in conjunction with the Hop on Hop off bus, so I got the narrative about areas around the stops. No rush, no fuss. It was a good solution and much less expensive then an escorted tour with a bunch of people. Read more Written October 9, 2023
• 146debbier146 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good walk around the yard! Enjoyed the guided walking tour. We were able to go at our own pace. Only drawback was there were a few spots where audio did not match up with location. Overall, well worth the money. Read more Written October 3, 2023
• 213carolined 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience! I loved it and it was great for a solo travellers- the GPS triggers meant things played at exactly the right moment and the marked path made navigating easy (for the most part). If you would permit a suggestion however, it would be good if the "next up" text included the location name. Just sometimes the route wasn't clear due to forks or disruptions and this would help clear up where to head without manually triggering the next audio clip or navigating away to the list of locations just to check you were headed the right way. Also, the embedded map didn't work off line for me. Minor points- I loved it and have recommended it to multiple people Read more Written September 19, 2023
• Maps14232733712 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good quality to price ratio. Very good historical comments. It is however disappointing that it was not available in other language. French should definitaly be an option. Read more Written September 7, 2023
• D2727UMaprilb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Loved the tour perfect for our family who needs lots of breaks and rest . Lots of information. Would use again Read more Written September 5, 2023
• Mfg6don 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great historical App The self guided app worked perfectly. I would of missed out of so much historical information without it. Read more Written September 5, 2023
• V5579USdeniser 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour of Harvard It was covert easy to use. Wonderful tour. Took lots of pictures and had lunch in the area. I even saw students checking in their rooms Read more Written August 26, 2023
• rdtwin 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour Informative and interesting. Thought my grade 8 kid would find it boring but she loved seeing the new campus Read more Written August 22, 2023
• tfermin 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Educational and easy to follow at your own pace Educational and easy to follow at your own pace. You can easily start anywhere and go in any direction you want to go. Start and stop anytime, listen or read the info, or even do the whole thing at home. Read more Written August 13, 2023

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Inactive Tour 1 provided by Stories With Action

As seen on HGTV

The Salem Witch Trial House Season 2, Episode 8

Find it on discovery+.

Click here to see a preview

Salem at your Pace

Salem history self-guided tour.

Salem turns 400 yrs old in 2026 (founded in 1626)

There's so much originality packed into this ancient city. This self-guided tour of Salem will lay it all out for you to pick and choose what to see, or see it all; it's up to you! 

Witch Trials Memorial

Witch House

Witch Trials victim's house s

Charter St Cemetery (one of the oldest in America)

Howard St Cemetery

Broad St Cemetery

Derby Wharf 

Chestnut Street

and many more...

The Witch Trials are experienced through the sites that still stand, the Maritime Age comes alive by exploring amongst the old wharves, shipyards and mansions. All of Salem's nearly 400 year history is just under your feet, this guide makes sense of it all. A map route, photos and detailed descriptions are all part of the package. 

There's no app to download, no accounts to create, nor any sign-ins. 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 engaging and innovative tour to anyone visiting or living in the area and am looking forward to going on more tours in the future."

"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!"

"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."

Choose the stop you want to listen to

Examinations of Sarah Good

Trial of George Jacobs Sr.

Valuables cabinet

Turned chair

Salem Stories

Hocus Pocus

Witch Spoons

Wooden poppet

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Charter Street Cemetery

John Ward House

The Witch House

The Ropes Mansion

The Bewitched Statue

Let's explore

Exploring the Salem Witch Trials

T h e    s a l e m w i t c h    t r i a l s w a l k.

A self-guided walking tour

About the tour

Welcome to a self-guided audio tour about the Salem witch trials, produced by the Peabody Essex Museum. Our museum has the largest collection of original Salem witch trials materials and serves as a leading authority on the tragic events in 1692. More than 300 years after the Salem witch trials, we seek to provide a more complete story of what happened. This curator-led tour takes you inside the galleries and to six key sites in downtown Salem. Start inside the museum. The tour is free with admission.

The "Number One Cultural & Historical Tour in the United States" ~ Trip Advisor 2023

Book it. walk it. fall in love with it..

Murder through a New Lens:

The anniversary of the  joseph white murder, explore a historical journey in salem massachusetts.

Walk With Us

Come take a stroll with us down a historical journey through the streets of Salem. From the beginning, our past has been notoriously labeled from the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 to modern day. With almost 400 years behind us, "The Witch City" has lots of wicked stories to tell.

Witch City Walking Tours offers many captivating tours: - History & Hauntings of Salem - Mysteries & Murders of Salem - Hocus Pocus Movie Locations - Specters & Apparitions: A ghost hunting tour in Salem - Merchants & Mansions of Salem - Spirits, Sinners & Scandals Adulteress Tour - PopSalem! A pop culture walking tour - Spirits & Supersitions: a Friday the 13th tour - Salem Through a New Lens: Anniversary of Joseph White Photography Tour

With your licensed professional tour guide, explore the social, political and environmental influences which spread mass hysteria, causing the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Discover how Salem became a world-class seaport, creating some of the wealthiest families in America and America's first millionaire. Stroll the cobblestone lined streets, taking in some of the most stunning 17th and 18th century colonial architecture. Or, if you like to be scared, get chills down your spine hearing ghastly tales of ghosts, macabre murders and true crime stories in Salem's history. Witch City Walking Tours 'History & Hauntings Tour' was named the "Number One Cultural & Historical Tour in the United States" by Trip Advisor in 2023. Other accolades: - "Best Historical & Cultural Tours in the World" by TripAdvisor 2022. - One of the "Best Historical & Cultural Tours in the United States" in 2022. - "Trip Advisor's Most Booked Fall Experience in America" for 2021. - Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards and a multi-year recipient of TripAdvisor's "Certificate of Excellence". ‍ So.... come take a walk with us and see why our tours are simply magical! ‍ Please note: OUR TOURS OPERATE RAIN OR  SHINE! 24 hour cancellation required for a full refund. All sales are final September 10 - November 11.

History & Hauntings of Salem

History, hauntings, the Salem Witch Trials, architecture and hidden gems. Suitable for all ages. Get ready for a mysterious journey through almost 400 years of Salem’s rich and storied history. Your local, well-versed guide and historian is excited to share their passion of this beautiful quaint city with you. Rated as the top walking tour in Salem, you will experience approximately two hours of captivating tales of our city's history, chilling tales of the supernatural, while being awed by the breathtaking architecture, and discover the fascinating truth of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Your guide will take you off-the-beaten path, while you experience the lesser known sights and history of Salem.

Mysteries & Murders of Salem

For those who prefer a slightly *darker* historical perspective of Salem. Your guide brings to life the true crime stories of murder, myth and macabre. (Ages 13+ only.) Come experience the darker side of Salem with our 1 hour 45 minute Mysteries & Murder tour. We retell the most spine-chilling true crime tales of murder, mystery and macabre that happened in Salem's past. Why did an insane woman in the early 1600s murder her child? Who was the famous hitman who murdered the slave trader in his sleep? Did the Boston Strangler really make a visit to Salem? These tales and much more will unfold on this whirlwind tour of this mysterious seaside city.

Hocus Pocus Movie Locations of Salem

Brisk 4 mile walk. Come relive the magic of Disney's Blockbuster, Hocus Pocus! Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, Hocus Pocus has become one of the most beloved movies of the 20th century. The majority of the movie was filmed in Salem in 1993. We will take you to 5 locations used during filming. Your ticket price includes entry to Pioneer Village, as well as a special Hocus Pocus gift! Along the way, you will also hear about the Salem Witch Trials, the maritime history, how we became the "Witch City".

Specters & Apparitions: A ghost hunting tour.

Have you ever been curious about the spirit world? Or are you a ghost denier? This tour dives into Salem’s paranormal activity using actual professional ghost hunting equipment. This hour long tour may change your mind if ghosts are real or not? We visit some of the most haunted locations in Salem on this journey to connect with the spiritual world. Our guides walk you through Salem using professional ghost hunting equipment and techniques to seek out the spirits who haven’t departed yet from Salem. You may catch a glimpse of a ghost peering through the windows at you. You may hear voices. Or you may catch an anomaly with photo/video on your cell phone with something quite peculiar or unexplainable. Come take a tour in search of the spirits of Salem with us. ***We cannot guarantee ghost sightings or unusual phenomena or paranormal activity of any kind. Results may vary. *Professional Ghost Hunting equipment is only available during the tour and must be returned to the guide at the end of the tour with a credit card deposit. We will be using professional ghost hunting equipment including A Spirit Box, EMF reader, Temperature Sensors, and laser grids. *** We recommend bringing a fully charged cell phone for pictures and video for the duration of the tour. Please note: We will NOT be entering any cemeteries or buildings during the tour. This is an outdoor activity only. It is illegal to enter a cemetery after dusk.

Merchants & Mansions of Salem

Suitable for all ages. Spring and summer only. Do you love architecture? We do! No trip to Salem is complete without a tour of the most beautiful section of Salem, the McIntire district. Come experience over three centuries of architecture from First Period American, to Georgian Colonial and the stately Federal style. Your guide will wind you through the cobblestoned streets of Salem, discovering hidden gems, viewing over two dozen sites, and sharing stories of Salem's rise to becoming the wealthiest city in the country in the 18th century.

PopSalem! A Pop Culture Walking Tour

Curious how Salem became the Witch City and the Capitol of Halloween? From Witchcraft to Lovecraft, the PopSalem tour is for you. Salem's journey to the Witch City couldn't have happened without popular culture. Discover how Bewitched, Hubie Halloween, author H.P. Lovecraft, video games, textbooks and other types of media all influenced the way we experience Salem today. · A guide brings the history of Salem to life through storytelling. · Learn about the people and events that made Salem the "Witch City" and Capitol of Halloween. · Visit some of Salem’s most iconic sites – including the Witch Museum, Burying Point, and Bewitched Statue - in a fun, festive, one-hour tour. · Brand-new tour from Salem’s number one walking tour company – only in October!

Spirits, Sinners & Scandals Adulteress Tour

Get ready for Salem's spookiest, haunted *adults only* tour, which will take you on a whirlwind journey through the cobblestoned streets of this 17th century city....This tour is unlike anything else in Salem. You will hear tales of murder, deception and despair as you cross paths with the supernatural. Your costumed guide will bring stories to life as they pass by cemeteries, haunted sites and visit dark corners as you relive some of Salem's most terrifying tales. Adults only, 18+.

Spirits & Superstitions: a Friday the 13th Tour

This is the only tour in Salem which focuses on Friday the 13th, superstitions and local ghost stories. On this 90-minute tour, learn the secrets behind some of the most mysterious superstitions. Hear ghastly tales of hauntings and the paranormal. Discover for yourself some of the most shocking secrets of Salem's chilling past. This limited edition tour is only available on Friday the 13th.

Murder Through a New Lens: Anniversary of Joseph White Murder

A walking tour and photography workshop in one! Experience a fascinating, in-depth exploration of Salem’s most notorious murder with a local guide. Along the way, a local photographer will help you get some great images of the beautiful historic sites you visit. Join award-winning photographer Chris Padgett and experienced tour guide Rebecca Johnson for a fascinating exploration of Salem’s most notorious murder. The death of aged sea Captain Joseph White was not just a personal tragedy to the families involved. It was a sign of the times that Salem’s identity as a wealthy and successful seaport was sinking into the horizon. The story of the murder became an international sensation and influenced authors Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. **Bring your DSLR camera or Cell phone with extra batteries for this tour! Dive deep into the details of a true crime murder mystery. Dive deep into the details of a true crime murder mystery Get personalized help taking beautiful photos of iconic Salem sites Gain understanding of a pivotal time in Salem history Discover how to use new settings on your camera or camera phone to take spectacular photos in Salem.

We had a brilliant tour with Dawn on a very, very rainy night, Monday 9/11. The content of the tour was interesting, it gave me a very good overview of Salem’s history. The tour was more history than hauntings in my opinion. Dawn really brought the stories to life and was very generous with her time and encouraged the group to interact and ask questions.

I am a long-time resident of Salem and had forgotten how amazing our town is, thank you Violet for awaking my interest in Salem's history again! Violet is a fantastic tour guide, and our group is extremely impressed by her. Violet spoke well, charming and is clearly knowledgeable. She was able to change a muggy dreary rainy night into very pleasantly memorable evening.

During a day trip to Salem, I participated in the History and Hauntings tour provided by Witch City Tours. This walking tour was so informative and beautiful! Our tour guide, Michael, knew quite a bit about the history of Salem and the witch trials. His summary of Salem's dark past piqued our interest into learning more about it, which led to the purchase of a history book in a local shop.

Recent Activity

Witch City Walking Tours is proud to be the sponsor for this year’s Salem Education Foundation’s raffle for “Dinner for Two” anywhere in the world! 🌎

From barbaric tortures and occult dessert dishes to unwinnable trials by ordeal, find out more about seven unusual tests once used as evidence of supernatural misconduct.

When visiting Salem, where should you go to eat? Here are some suggestions from our guides:

Destination Salem

Good Morning America

National geographic.

Travel AAA Guide

Travelers choice, travelers' choice™ best of the best.

Charities We Sponsor

Witch City Walking Tours proudly gives back to the community of Salem, Massachusetts! Every month, one of our guides chooses a local non-profit that is important to them and we donate $1000 to support their missions. In turn, these worthy organizations work diligently to lift the members of our community. 

Recently, Witch City Walking Tours has supported:

• Salem Education Foundation and their raffle for “Dinner for Two” anywhere in the world! 
• Northeast Animal Shelter for blankets, towels, and food for the animals.

We’d like to thank all of our tour guests for helping us make this possible, and for helping us keep Salem a vibrant and beautiful city where we, along with our neighbors, live and work.

Who We Sponsor

Charitable Contributions

Working Hours

Sunday to Saturday   09:00 AM to 11:00 PM

32 Derby Square Salem, MA 01970 (Outside on the 3 staircases of the Old Town Hall)

Life at Cloverhill

Autumn Fall Travel Halloween Road Trip Travel

Salem, Massachusetts – A “Hocus Pocus” Self Guided Walking Tour

Update: This is a self-guided walking tour that I put together after our trip to Salem in October 2013, which just happened to be the 20th anniversary of Hocus Pocus . You can read more about our trip The Witch City and Historical Town . We are not running a tour (although I would love to spend all of October in Salem talking to people about film!). If you’d like to take a tour of Salem, there are many great guides out there. You can also check out my post on the Canadian town where Gilmore Girls was first filmed and the house built for  Practical Magic . Happy Hauntings!

Hocus Pocus is one of my all-time favourite Halloween films. It was the right mix of funny and scary when I was a kid and I can still appreciate it to this day. From the outstanding costumes to the beautiful locations and spectacular sets – it really is a great film to watch this time of year. It’s hard to believe that 2013 marked its 20th anniversary!

While Garrett and I were in Salem, Massachusetts this weekend , we took our own little  Hocus Pocus tour, visiting many of the real locations that were used in the film.

The “Hocus Pocus” Self-Guided Walking Tour

Max & Dani’s House  – 4 Ocean Avenue

You can’t do a  Hocus Pocus tour and not go see Max and Dani’s house. Built in the 1870’s, this house has become a tourist attraction of its own since the release of the film. We weren’t the only ones on the street that day taking pictures.

 I think that every kid who grew up in the 90’s wanted their own lookout tower like Max.

The stairs were in his room, leading up to the tower. Perfect place to be a sulky teenager full of angst. Nice tie-dye t-shirt too.

Later in the film, after seemingly destroying the witches in their high school’s kiln, Max and Allison open the Sanderson sister’s creepy spell book in his room. Before you know it, a beam of light shoots into the night sky, lighting a beacon for the witches to come and find them.

 The tower was destroyed as the witches fly off into the night with Dani.

A painting of the house can be seen in the background of this scene with Max and Dani’s parents.

I always wonder where props like that end up!

Allison’s House – 318 Essex Street

The exterior scenes of Allison’s house were filmed at the Ropes Mansion. Built in the 1720’s, this Georgian Colonial mansion is rumored to be haunted. It’s now owned by the Peabody Essex Museum and open to the public.

In the film, the house was decorated for Halloween with pumpkins, hay bales and candles.

We didn’t go into the house when we were there, so I’m not sure if it was used for the interior shows of Allison’s parents’ party. Often the interior shots of films are done on a sound stage made to look like the house.

Old Town Hall – 32 Derby Square

Used as the exterior location of the party that Max and Dani’s parents went to, Old Town Hall dates back to 1816 and is the oldest surviving municipal building in Salem. The hall currently houses the Salem Museum . and productions of the plays  Cry Innocent  and  History Alive.

During the end credits, all the parents in town can be seen leaving the building, exhausted after dancing all night under Winifred’s spell.

Thackery’s Village  – Forest River Park

The opening village scenes from 1693 were recreated in the Salem Pioneer Village in Forest River Park, just one block away from Max and Dani’s house.

The village was built in the 1930s as a set for a play series in the park, but after the interest in it continued, the city reopened it that year as a museum. It was the first living history museum in the United States and gave visitors a look into the lives of early settlers.

In the opening credits, you can see Thackery Binx (not yet turned into a black cat) walking through the village looking for his sister.

He and his friend go running out of the village into the woods, looking for his sister who they find at the Sanderson sisters’ cottage, which was built on a Hollywood sound stage. (More on that below)

There were a couple more locations in town that we missed while we were there, but are worth checking out if you visit Salem.

John Bailey High School  – Phillips Elementary School, Salem Commons

A year before filming began, Phillips Elementary School shut down, making it the perfect location for the fictional John Bailey High School.

This is where we’re first introduced to Max and Allison, and where they later try to burn the witches in the art room’s kiln.

The park across the street, Salem Commons, was used for the scene where Allison pretends to give Max her phone number.

Daytime Cemetery Scenes – Old Burial Hill, Marblehead

Old Burial Hill, in neighboring Marblehead was used for the day time exterior scenes. Nighttime scenes such as the resurrection of Billy Butcherson, the friendly zombie, were done on set.

Old Burial Hill is one of the oldest cemeteries in America, founded in 1638 and contains many historic Puritan graves including the remains of a victim of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials.

The Sanderson Sisters Witch Cottage (Sound Stage)

The scenes in the Sanderson Sisters Cottage were filmed on a sound stage in Burbank, California:

If you haven’t seen  Hocus Pocus  in a while, it’s worth a revisit. Perfect for this spooky time of year! I also recommend a trip to Salem  – it’s a great town rich in American history, ghost stories and great people. I hope we can go back there again soon!

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October 23, 2013 at 6:15 pm

Very cool. My Mom lives in Salem, MA and loves it. So many cool (and spooky) places to visit. It’s super crowded right now so we will plan to visit AFTER the big day…plus it’s a little scary for the kids.

October 25, 2013 at 5:46 pm

I actually have ancestors from the Salem Witch trials and am currently starting a screenplay on another aspect of the trials. The witch hysteria had a lasting effect on the United States. During 1692, there were about 600 inhabitants in Salem Village and eventually 200 of them were accused – mostly by disturbed young girls wanting to stand in the spotlight, and by landowners hoping to grab the land of the accused. it wasn’t even safe being called to testify at the trials – the girls would be apt to accuse anyone within their eyesight! My ninth-great-aunt was on record refusing to testify against her sisters-in-law. Another elderly farmer in his eighties refused to testify (they would have legally grabbed his large farm if he confessed or was convicted), so Giles Corey was subjected to the procedure called “Presse-Dire” – they loaded boulders onto him over two days to press him to testify. But he refused and his last words before he died were: “More weight.” The name of Salem Village was changed to Danvers to try to erase the stain of this shameful period of American history.

October 28, 2013 at 9:37 pm

We met an awesome tour guide (mentioned it in my first post on Salem) who told us the same theory on the witch trials. So interesting that you have an ancestor from that part of history. I’m so glad we made the trip to Salem and learned more about it.

October 30, 2013 at 9:29 am

This is the coolest post ever.

April 5, 2014 at 4:29 am

It would be awesome if they made the Sanderson Sisters house as well, it could be a gift shop/attraction. Make it a replica of the one in the movie, during October they could have hayrides that lead to it, maybe have a showing of the movie. I got to see the creepy eyeball book and Winifred’s outfit at a Disney exhibit in Chicago last fall it was awesome!

April 6, 2014 at 10:31 pm

I agree! It would be a great tourist attraction. That is so cool that you got to see the props in Chicago.

March 15, 2015 at 5:31 pm

As the first licensed tour guide in Salem (1964) and as my namesake arrived in Dec 1630 with Roger Williams, I have always been interested in the actual history of the city. Salem was destined to be the capital but when the Arbella arrived with Gov. Winthrop the same day his son Henry attempted to swim across the North River to an Indian village (where a junk yard soon to become new condos resides) and drowned. His father was so filled with grief that he refused to stay in Salem and founded Boston further south along the coast. The actual location where the “witches” were hung and thrown from the small cliff behind which is in back of the current location of Walgreen Drug Store on the corner of Boston and Bridge Streets. If you read the first person accounts in Samuel Purley’s History of Salem, MA you can learn why I know the exact location: It’s on line: http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/006784546 Also the so called “Witch House” was the actual home of Roger Williams and this was proven way back in the 1800’s but of course in the 20th century it became popular to associate it with the second owner, Judge Jonathan Curwin and his participation in the witch trials. I could go on and on of course, but anyone interested just copy and paste the link to a collection of FIRST PERSON accounts which Samuel Purley compiled into the early history of the city of Salem, MA. I hope you will enjoy it. It’s a shame tour guides today have little actual historical knowledge other than a few brochures and an occasional article or two which is an immense loss. Thanks for your blog which I stumbled across, I never knew Hocus Pocus was filmed in Salem until now! 🙂

September 9, 2015 at 3:49 pm

Roger Conant?

August 25, 2015 at 12:44 am

Just noticed this lovely site. I was just starting to think about Halloween, and wanted look up Hocus Pocus stuff. I was the Production Designer on the film. I picked all those locations you talk about. I spoke at the 20 yr. screening at Disney a few years ago. We all agreed it was the most fun you can ever have on a film. I love that it plays on T.V. every year. Anyway, just wanted to say how much the film means to me.

August 31, 2015 at 10:27 pm

My husband and I just looked up your credits on IMDb – we’ve seen at least 75% of the films that you’ve worked on and loved them all. As a former film school student and small-time producer, it’s so inspiring to see such an impressive legacy you’ve had. I’m flattered that you’d take the time to comment on the post. It was a really fun trip to Salem and made us feel like kids again to see all those iconic locations. Thanks for making one of my favourite childhood movies so magical. I love catching it on TV every year too.

September 9, 2015 at 6:29 pm

How fun for you Mr. Sandell, my youngest daughter was born the year HP came out. We watched it every season, bought the “tape” and then the DVD and it’s her favorite movie of all time now. We visited Salem in early 2000, but at that time didn’t think to look up the sites used in the movie. Actually I think we thought they were just stages somewhere else. So glad you posted here. And I hope the rumors of a HP 2 are true and you can be involved for more fun!

September 17, 2016 at 11:53 am

You did a GREAT job! Thank you for helping to make a classic! <3

September 13, 2017 at 11:37 am

My Mom and Dad still live in the house and are 87 and 91 years old, respectively. They still get visitors just about every day wanting to see Max and Dani’s house. In October the number of visitors gets so large that they almost need crowd control personnel. The movie is obviously a favorite of many people.

We all (my family) remember you fondly. I specifically remember how much you loved New England and that, shortly after you left, we were experiencing a hurricane and you called us to see if we were okay.

I am so glad that your memories of making the movie are as happy as ours are. It was a wonderful experience for all of us.

September 19, 2017 at 10:38 am

Hi Patti! I’m so glad to hear that your family has enjoyed being a part of this great movie experience for so many people. Thank you 🙂

September 9, 2015 at 5:40 pm

It’s funny that I live in the next city over from Salem and never visited these sites. I guess I take for granted what is in my backyard. I go into salem every year for Halloween to check out the cool costumes. Now I’ll have to check out these sites. Loved the movie!

September 13, 2015 at 10:44 am

It was such a sight to see it all done up for Halloween – so fun! I hope you check out the filming locations this year Krissy 🙂

September 9, 2015 at 6:10 pm

Was born and raised in Salem, MA, graduated from Salem High in 1975. Lived in Salem until I moved to Mesa, AZ in 2009. I remember them doing the filming of Hocus, Pocus and loved the movie. My grandmother stood on the hill of the old Salem High and watched as the Salem Fire burned half the city in the early 1900’s. My Grandmother was born in Canada late 1800’s and moved to Salem with her parents and her home was one of the few that were on the edge of the fire and survived. One of the courses that they taught at Salem High in the 70’s was History of Salem and I was so into Salem’s history that I took that course and was so glad I did. I am looking forward to returning to visit someday to see my hometown. Thank you for posting this and I am so grateful for having this to read and reminisce.

September 13, 2015 at 10:50 am

I’m glad that my post could bring back some nice memories of Salem for you. We thought it was such a charming town and I can see why you loved it.

September 9, 2015 at 7:04 pm

I grew up in Lynn which is right next door to Salem. My oldest brother and his family live in Salem. Best place to visit on Halloween! The whole town goes crazy! All the places were this movie was done are places I went to as a child! Best movie ever! ?

September 13, 2015 at 10:51 am

That’s cool that you grew up so close! It definitely gets you in the Halloween spirit when you’re there!

September 9, 2015 at 11:06 pm

When will this be in Salem, MA???

September 13, 2015 at 10:52 am

Hi Sarah – this is just a self-guided tour that I put together after our trip to Salem. Anyone can walk to themselves and see the locations first hand!

October 6, 2018 at 12:52 am

These locations listed are they in the order as they should be visited?

October 26, 2018 at 2:33 pm

They’re not in any particular order. You may want to look them up on a map and plan out a route that works best for you.

September 9, 2015 at 11:50 pm

Being from Leominster mass. Seeing all this is just so intriguing I miss mass. so much

September 10, 2015 at 9:19 am

Can some one tell me the prices and times for this tour and any others for the month of October 2015

September 13, 2015 at 10:53 am

Hi Teal – this is just a self-guided tour that I put together after our trip to Salem. Anyone can walk to themselves and see the locations first hand!

September 10, 2015 at 10:13 am

Are the houses decorated around Halloween like in the movie? Is there a special event planned for the 20th anniversary? I would love details. I didn’t see any on the site.

September 13, 2015 at 10:54 am

The 20th anniversary was in 2013, which is when we visited Salem. This is a self-guided walking tour that anyone can do themselves!

September 10, 2015 at 11:27 am

Hi I love this post !! This is exactly what I plan on doing when I go visit this October !! Do you recommend a particular place to stay ?! Is there anything nearby that I could look into staying almost walking distance?! You’re response is very much appreciated thank you so much !!

September 13, 2015 at 11:14 am

You must go Maria! It’s such a fun town to visit in October. You can read more about our trip to Salem here and here . We stayed at a hotel in Peabody and drove in each day, mainly because the hotels in Salem were either booked up or too expensive. There was lots of public parking and we’d just find a central location to park and walk around all day. We also went to the Keene Pumpkin Festival in New Hampshire that weekend and stayed at a B&B in Vermont . It was a great trip!

September 10, 2015 at 2:29 pm

I’m wondering when these tours are, and how to make sure we have a spot on it if we’re taking the trip. Is there a number I can call? I want to make sure to get to Salem and see all of it!!

September 13, 2015 at 11:10 am

This is a self-guided walking tour that I put together after our trip to Salem in 2013. Anyone can do it themselves and it’s free!

September 11, 2015 at 4:42 am

The opening credits is a fly over of Plymouth Plantation. We met one of the staff who had to keep everyone maning the chimney fires so it looked like an active village.

September 13, 2015 at 10:58 am

I love that scene. Until we looked it up, I had always assumed it was a village set that they’d made for the movie, but I love that it was actually a historic reenactment location that you can still visit. I wish we’d been able to go inside while we were there.

September 11, 2015 at 7:56 pm

How much does it cost to take this tour!?!?

September 13, 2015 at 10:56 am

This is a self-guided tour that I put together after our trip in 2013. Anyone can go to the locations themselves and it’s free 🙂

September 11, 2015 at 8:08 pm

I’m totally interested in this Hocus Pocus tour on October 23. How do I sign up to attend?

September 13, 2015 at 10:55 am

This is a self-guided walking tour of the locations that I put together after we visited in October 2013. Anyone can visit the locations themselves and learn more about the history at each site.

September 25, 2015 at 10:12 am

I went to Salem ad Boston this summer. The interior used for Alison’s was filmed in a mansion in MarbleHead. The outside was used just when they are staring at it and Dani lays on the haybail.

September 25, 2015 at 11:44 am

Cool! I hadn’t heard that before. I love the interior of the house in that scene. Thanks for sharing!

September 29, 2015 at 2:06 pm

when is the tour????

October 1, 2015 at 12:56 pm

This is a self-guided tour that I put together after our trip in 2013. Anyone can go to the locations themselves and it’s free

October 11, 2015 at 8:51 pm

Don’t know if this was mentioned in the comments I didn’t read them all. But the Forest River Park you can only see the village from June through September and its scheduled tours only. We went today without knowing this and were very disappointed we couldn’t go in.

October 14, 2015 at 10:44 am

Thanks for the update Kara. When we went in 2013 they did have it open on weekends.

February 25, 2016 at 6:02 am

I love hocus pocus, one of my favourite films! Visiting new York October this year and looking at getting the train to salem for Halloween as I have always wondered what it would be like I’m so excited that you can visit all these places I can not wait, me my sister and best friend dressed up as the sanderson sisters Halloween 2014 it was amazing. I loved ready all these comments fantastic

July 6, 2016 at 9:22 am

We moved to Salem in April 2015 and our house overlooks Forest River Park. I take my son there nearly every day. I’m writing this because we just had our July 4th block party with our lovely, friendly neighbours right outside the Hocus Pocus house but I had no idea of its history! I walk past the Hocus Pocus house all the time on the way to town and the old couple who live there are usually sitting on the porch. We always say hello to them. My son’s preschool is also right next to the Ropes Mansion. I’ll definitely be renting the movie soon so we can cheer every time we see a location that’s familiar to us now.

Thanks for the interesting article!

p.s. I won’t ask when your tour is, how I can sign up, or how much it costs 😉

September 13, 2017 at 11:46 am

Paul, that old couple are my parents. They love sitting on that porch and talking with the people who pass by. We moved into that house when I was three months old, 54 years ago already. It was an incredible place to grow up and I am thankful every day that my dad decided to buy it (without even consulting my mother first!).

September 11, 2018 at 1:55 pm

Hi Patti! What a wonderful history for your childhood home! I would LOVE to see this house in person, but I doubt I will ever get to visit Salem unfortunately If I ever do, I will definitely walk by and see it! I absolutely love that movie …it has become a tradition in our home to watch it! 😉

September 13, 2016 at 11:13 am

This movie has been a family favorite ever since it was released! I am looking forward to watching it soon, even if the kids are all grown up and moved away LOL

Our neighborhood in Bath, ME resembles the opening scene of swarming children trick or treating, where we have over 500 kids that come for treats. Thankfully, very little trickery!

I am a descendant from one of the judges near the end of the trials. I believe he is the one that stopped them. I also will not ask about a spot on the tour! LOL … Amazing how people don’t read for comprehension anymore ?

September 13, 2016 at 12:31 pm

Is this an all year round thing or just in October?

September 18, 2016 at 8:29 am

I’ve been to Salem, Ma many times and didn’t know this until my last trip in 2014 when we got a guide from the Haunted Footsteps tour who took us and told us of it!! I’ve also stayed in Danvers (old Salem) and visited the Bridget Bishop house, which is a must see for Salem history enthusiasts! Unfortunately I am not able to go this year but I can’t wait to go back next year!

September 18, 2016 at 10:21 pm

The inside of the school was filmed at East Whittier Middle School located in Whittier, California.

September 21, 2016 at 12:40 pm

Did you walk this whole tour and did you go in this order? I am planning on visiting next month and am trying to plan my route. If you could help with any of this it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for sharing your experience!

September 22, 2016 at 3:52 pm

Hi Rosa! We did the locations in the downtown area while walking around to see Salem, but we drove to the pioneer village and other spots. If you look up the locations on Google Maps using the addresses I’ve provided, you’ll be able to map out a route that works for you!

September 23, 2016 at 10:36 am

My daughter is currently a freshman at Salem State University. She is also a self taught special affects make up artist and looking forward to her first Halloween in Salem. Thank you so much for this awesome post. We love the movie and watch it any time it is on. Maybe if there is a Hocus Pocus 2 she can put her skills to use and show off her KillaKaeSFX make up on set !! 🙂

July 17, 2017 at 6:39 pm

I went to Salem in April 2017 and took a picture of Max and Dani’s house. I didn’t notice anybody in the “lookout tower” of the house, but after checking out my pictures, it looks like there is a man sitting up in the window. It’s pretty cool!

Love Salem!

September 21, 2018 at 3:04 pm

This is wonderful. I LOVE this movie and dedicate one night every October to watching it with my family.

Here’s an interesting fact for those of us who live on the South Shore of Massachusetts. While the bulk of the filming was done north of Boston, the opening credits—which begin with a “witch’s flyover” we’re to believe of the New England village below—is actually Plimouth Plantation in Plymouth MA.

September 26, 2018 at 10:41 am

Thank you so much for writing this!! I am going to Salem, MA October 13th – 15th and saw that the Hocus Pocus tours were all booked =/ it is also partly my fault for not looking sooner, but it didn’t occur to me. So this option is second best, and I love all of the detail and history that you have provided us with. Looking forward to hitting these spots while here 🙂

July 2, 2019 at 8:33 pm

Wow, This was great I Just was on the page because I’m a huge Fan of Hocus Pocus And I love the movie but I was Trying to find out if the Sanderson sisters house cottage was actually real but sadly it was made at a Hollywood studio but yhea this page helpt me find my search. : D

[…] are buried here. For more information about Hocus Pocus film locations in Salem, check out it out here. I have been to a bunch of these locations including Old Burial Hill and it’s fantastic! You […]

[…] to be respectful of their property! Side note: If you want to see more Hocus Pocus spots, check out this blog that a wonderful woman put together of her “Hocus Pocus Walking Tour” of […]

Massachusetts  > ‎ Salem > ‎‎ Free Salem Walking Tour Map ‎

• Free Walking Tour
• Hocus Pocus Locations

Free Salem Walking Tour:

Walking Tour Location : Old Town Munich ( Altstadt ) Cost : Free, Self-Guided ( Museum and sight costs below ) Style : Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided ) Start : Karlsplatz Stachus Square & Metro Stop End : Hofbräuhaus Beer Hall & Restaurant Walking Distance : 2.5 miles Time :  90 Minutes for Walk ( Full tour 6+ hours with all stops ) Fun Scale : 9.5 out of 10

Munich’s compact Old Town is one of our favorite places to walk in Europe. Primarily geared toward pedestrians, the neighborhood truly is where old meets new and is a perfect setting for a free walking tour.  Originally surrounded by a series of Medieval walls, you still enter Old Town Munich through the mighty city gates.  Once inside you’ll experience great shopping mixed in with historic beers halls, amazing museums, and even a royal palace.  The Bavarian atmosphere is very predominate everywhere you turn which adds to the fun of our free Munich walking tour.

To help you maximize your time in this wonderful city we have put together the perfect self-guided walking tour of Old Town for you.  We go to Munich often, and this walking tour will make sure you hit up all the must-see attractions along with a couple of hidden gems.  Enjoy our free Munich walking tour map!

Historical Overview of Old Town:

Settled by Benedictine Monks in the 700s, Old Town Munich is full of rich history.  While Munich ( München ) means “by the monks”, you’ll see a lot of Lion Statues on this Old Town Munich walking tour because it was officially founded in 1158 by Henry the Lion.  Early-day Munich was less than 1 square mile centered on Market Square and was surrounded by a gated Medieval wall.

As a growing trading power, Old Town Munich tripled in size by the 1300s and was surrounded by a larger wall with a wide moat to protect the booming city.  The expansion of Old Town was largely fueled by Munich’s Wittelsbach family who took over ruling Bavaria in 1180 and quickly moved the capital from Regensburg to Munich.  The powerful family formed an imperial dynasty through the year 1918 and even produced multiple Holy Roman Emperors along the way.  Old Town Munich quickly became known around Europe for its museums, its beauty, and of course its festive beer halls.

Dark days came upon Munich after Hitler helped form the Nazi Party here starting in 1919 which eventually led to Old Town being heavily bombed in World War 2.  Luckily as the new modern Munich rose out of the ashes, many of the historic sights were persevered or rebuilt.  Today, Old Town Munich has a ton of great attractions and an unbeatable atmosphere to keep you coming back again and again.  The sights on this free Munich walking tour will help you experience true Bavarian charm as you fall in love with Munich.

1. Karl’s Square – Stachus ( Karlsplatz ):

About Karlsplatz : We love to start our free Munich walking tour by entering

2. Citizen’s Hall Church ( Bürgersaalkirche ):

Other sights near central salem:, 28. english garden walking tour :, featured article.

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Disclaimer: Information on this page and in our walking tours were deemed accurate when published, however, details such as opening hours, rates, transportation, visa requirements, and safety can change without notice. Please check with any destinations directly before traveling.