Salem Witch Trials, Ghosts and History Walking Tour 2 hr - Image 1
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Salem Witch Trials, Ghosts and History Walking Tour 2 hr

TourTruth score 7.8 out of 10

GoodTop 22% in Salem

116 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score

  • Salem
  • Updated November 2, 2026

Walk Salem’s historic streets with a local historian and uncover witch trial history, ghost stories, filming locations, and hidden tales.

About this tour

Follow Salem’s haunted streets through a history shaped by the 1692 witch trials, local legends, and centuries of change. On this Salem Witch Trials, Ghosts and History Walking Tour, a friendly local historian brings the city’s stories to life, from the Witch Trial Memorial to the historic McIntire District.

Walk about 2 miles over roughly 2 hours, hearing authentic accounts of the trials alongside ghost stories, folklore, and surprising chapters of Salem’s past. Along the way, look for Hocus Pocus filming locations, learn about places connected to the Practical Magic books, and pass familiar landmarks such as the Samantha statue. Stories of Salem’s maritime past, Revolutionary War history, and pirates add depth beyond the city’s haunted reputation. The route also offers photo opportunities and a chance to ask questions. Local suggestions for dining, shopping, and sightseeing are available on request.

The tour meets at the East India Fountain on Essex Street and stays outdoors, with no building entry or bathroom breaks. Expect uneven historic surfaces and prepare for the weather. Join this Salem Witch Trials, Ghosts and History Walking Tour to see the city through the stories its streets still hold.

Highlights

  • Trace the true story of Salem’s 1692 witch trials with a local historian
  • Explore haunted streets, beloved ghost stories, and Salem folklore
  • Spot Hocus Pocus filming locations and sites linked to the Practical Magic books
  • Pass the Witch Trial Memorial, Samantha statue, and historic McIntire District
  • Hear stories of Salem’s maritime, Revolutionary War, and pirate history
  • Get local recommendations for dining, shopping, and sightseeing

What's included

Included

  • Friendly local historian as guide
  • Salem witch trial history and sites
  • Ghost stories and local folklore
  • Hocus Pocus filming locations
  • Stories about sites that inspired the Practical Magic books
  • Photo opportunities

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Entry to buildings and houses
  • Parking
  • Bathroom breaks during the tour
  • Weather-appropriate clothing and gear
  • Mobility devices

Ratings on each provider

The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.

Important information

  • The tour covers about 2 miles over approximately 2 hours at a walking pace, with standing pauses at stops
  • Terrain can be uneven, including bricks and cobblestones; guests using mobility devices should bring their own
  • Most stops do not have seating, and the pace cannot be significantly slowed or include extra rest stops
  • The tour runs rain or shine; prepare for changing weather and wear comfortable shoes
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  • No bathroom breaks are provided; use a restroom before the tour
  • Meet at the East India Fountain, 158 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, between The Village Tavern and the Peabody Essex Museum
  • Tours start on time and cannot wait for late arrivals; late guests can consult the itinerary to join at a later stop
  • Wheelchair accessible; service animals allowed; infants and small children can ride in a stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, with guests responsible for assessing their ability to complete the route

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Walking tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours and covers approximately 2 miles.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at the East India Fountain at 158 Essex St, between The Village Tavern and the Peabody Essex Museum.

Is the tour available in other languages?

No. The tour is conducted in English only.

Does the tour enter buildings?

No. The tour takes place outdoors, and entry to buildings and houses is not included.

Is the route suitable for wheelchairs?

Wheelchair users are welcome, but the historic route has uneven terrain. Bring your own mobility device and assess whether the route is suitable for you.

How this score is calculated

This score is based on one provider. Viator rates it 4.88 from 116 reviews. We place that rating among all Viator ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.

How the score works and rating distribution in Salem
  • Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
  • Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
  • Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
  • The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 7.8. Top 22% in Salem means it ranks in the top 22% of tours in Salem by this score.

Provider rating distribution in Salem

How many tours in Salem have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.

  • GetYourGuide
  • Viator

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