Salem: Haunted Pub Crawl with Ghost Stories & Local Bars

Summary

Haunted Salem pubs, ghost tales & eerie laughter over drinks

You’ll wander Salem’s haunted streets with a local guide, sipping drinks in bars where staff whisper about ghosts and glasses shatter for no reason. Hear chilling tales at spots like Joshua Ward House and a bookshop that feels alive with history. Expect laughter, goosebumps, and moments when everyone goes quiet—especially after one last story in a tavern where the past feels close.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I signed up for the Salem haunted pub crawl mostly for the drinks — but by the second stop, it was the stories that had me hooked. We started in this old bar where the bartender swore glasses sometimes just shatter on their own. I could smell something sharp, like cleaning solution and old wood. Our guide, Jamie, had this way of pausing right before a punchline or a creepy detail — made me spill half my beer once from laughing and then jumping. There was a weird comfort in being surrounded by strangers all leaning in to listen.

We wandered through Salem’s streets (it was colder than I expected — my jacket wasn’t enough), stopping outside the Joshua Ward House. Jamie told us about staff who’d seen things they couldn’t explain. Someone behind me whispered they felt goosebumps; honestly, so did I. The next bar was louder, full of locals who seemed to know each other — one guy at the end of the bar winked and said “watch out for Bridget Bishop tonight.” Not sure if he meant it as a joke or not.

At some point we ducked into this tiny bookshop that smelled like dust and coffee grounds. Jamie spun another story about death and hauntings; I tried to pronounce one of the witch trial names and Li (from our group) laughed so hard she almost snorted her cider. After that it got blurrier — maybe the drinks or maybe just all those stories swirling around. There’s something about hearing about people begging for mercy right where you’re standing that sticks with you. I still think about that last tavern, how quiet everyone got when Jamie talked about what happened on that ground.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Haunted Salem pub crawl and stories

• Visit haunted bar with shattered glasses
• Pass by Joshua Ward House paranormal site
• Stop at haunted bar with unexplained happenings
• Pass by small book shop with ghost tales
• Enjoy tavern with chilling hauntings stories

Top questions

Is this Salem haunted pub crawl wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are drinks included on the haunted pub crawl?

The tour stops at several bars but does not specify if drinks are included; you can purchase your own at each stop.

How long does the Salem booze & brews tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect multiple stops across central Salem—plan for an evening outing.

Will there be a local guide telling ghost stories?

Yes, a knowledgeable local guide leads the tour and shares chilling tales at each stop.

Are children allowed on this haunted pub crawl?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers.

What kind of places will we visit during the crawl?

You’ll visit historic bars, taverns, a bookshop, and pass by famous haunted sites like Joshua Ward House.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near tour stops.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided storytelling from a local expert as you move between historic bars and sites like Joshua Ward House and an atmospheric bookshop; along the way you’ll hear firsthand accounts of hauntings while enjoying time for drinks (not included), with full wheelchair accessibility throughout.