1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: 400 Years of Witch Trial History
Two hours tracing Salem's darkest chapter: the trials, the judges, the 20 victims, and how it all ended
The 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour is a two-hour historical walking tour led by a local historian with over a decade of experience, covering Salem before the trials, what triggered the witch hysteria, the judges and accusers, the 20 victims, and how the trials concluded. The tour visits over a dozen historical sites throughout Salem, starting at the Hermetic Arts Center on Essex Street and moving to the Witch House and beyond. Family-friendly and dog-friendly. Tours run rain or shine.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Salem's 1692 Witch Trial history
- Meet at Hermetic Arts Center
- Check in with guide
- Start tour at Essex and Sewell St
- Walk down Essex Street to Witch House
- Visit historical sites in Salem
- Hear stories about Salem's witch trials
The experience
Two hours walking through Salem with a local historian means you move past the popular version of 1692 and into what actually happened. Your guide covers Salem's 400 years of history, not just the trials: the city before the accusations, what caused the hysteria to take hold, who the judges and accusers were, how residents responded when neighbors turned on each other, and the names of the 20 people who were executed. The tour starts at the Hermetic Arts Center at 272 Essex Street, then moves to the corner of Essex and Sewell, and continues down Essex to the Witch House and over a dozen other historical sites scattered through the city.
The guide is a seasoned local historian, not a performer, so the story stays grounded in what the records show. Because the tour runs rain or shine and the group size stays under 40 people, the pacing holds steady and you hear the guide without shouting. The route covers old Salem sidewalks with some uneven surfaces, so wear shoes built for walking. Wheelchairs are welcome, though the terrain is not perfectly smooth. Strollers work for infants and small children, and dogs are welcome on the tour.
Confirmation arrives when you book. The tour departs on time from Essex Street, so plan to arrive a few minutes early. There are no restrooms at the starting point or along the route, so use facilities before you meet your guide. Parking is not included: Salem has public transportation nearby and street parking, so plan ahead for traffic and where you'll leave your car.
What’s included
- Two-hour walking tour led by a local historian with 10+ years of experience.
- visits to over a dozen historical sites throughout Salem including the Witch House.
- coverage of Salem's 400-year history, the 1692 trials, the judges and accusers, the 20 victims, and how the trials ended.
- family-friendly and dog-friendly format.
- confirmation at the time of booking.
Information
Lasts 2h, runs every day except Wednesday at 19:30, from US$ 35 per person and with a live guide in English.
Prices and times updated yesterday
Operated by 1692 Before and After
Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and delivers the history in a straightforward, documented way: suitable for families with children from age one, and for anyone who wants the full context of the trials rather than a dramatized version. The two-hour pace and group size under 40 mean you hear the guide clearly without a rushed feeling.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 7 years).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.
What exactly happened during the 1692 Salem Witch Trials?
The 1692 Salem Witch Trials were a period of mass hysteria in which 20 people were executed after being accused of witchcraft. The tour covers what triggered the accusations, who the judges and accusers were, how residents responded to the charges, and the names and stories of the 20 victims: the guide walks you through the documented events and the city's response.
How long is the walking tour and what kind of pace should I expect?
The tour runs two hours total. You'll walk through Salem visiting over a dozen historical sites, moving at a steady pace along Essex Street and the surrounding neighborhoods. The route covers old sidewalks with some uneven surfaces, so comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Where does the tour start and how do I get there?
The tour meets at the Hermetic Arts Center at 272 Essex Street in Salem. You'll check in there, and the walk begins at the corner of Essex and Sewell Street. Public transportation options are available nearby, though parking is not included with the tour. Plan ahead for where you'll park.
What if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?
Tours operate rain or shine. The tour does not cancel due to weather. Bring a jacket or umbrella if rain is forecast, and plan your clothing accordingly for the season.
Will I be able to hear the guide clearly in a large group?
Tour groups are kept to a maximum of 40 people, which allows the guide to be heard without shouting and keeps the pacing steady throughout the two hours.
1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: 400 Years of Witch Trial History
2h · EN
from US$ 35 per person