Salem: History & Hauntings Walking Tour with Local Stories

Summary

Walk Salem’s cobblestone streets, hear witch trial stories, see memorials and hidden corners with a guide who knows the city’s secrets

You’ll walk Salem’s historic streets with a local guide who brings legends and true stories to life—from the Witch Trials Memorial to the infamous Bewitched Statue. Expect laughter, small surprises, and moments where history feels close enough to touch. If you want more than just spooky tales—a real sense of place—you’ll find it here.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway down Essex Street when our guide, Jen, stopped under this flickering old lantern and asked if we’d ever heard of the Lady in Blue. Someone behind me whispered “nope,” and Jen just grinned—she had that way of making you lean in closer. The air smelled like rain on brick (it had drizzled earlier), and I kept noticing how people walked slower here, maybe out of respect or just curiosity. When she pointed to the Witch Trials Memorial, I felt a weird chill—not the ghost kind, more like realizing you’re standing where real fear once ruled.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a history & hauntings walking tour of Salem. But there was this moment at the Bewitched Statue—Jen asked if anyone remembered Samantha’s nose twitch, and half our group tried it. Some locals passing by rolled their eyes (in that “here we go again” way), but one guy actually stopped to tell us what folks really thought when they put up the statue back in 2005. Turns out not everyone was thrilled about it being right there on Essex. I love those little side stories that don’t make it into textbooks.

The cobblestones are uneven—my ankle nearly twisted near Charter Street Cemetery—and honestly, it made me pay more attention to where I was stepping than usual. We didn’t go inside any buildings or cemeteries (rules are rules), but standing outside the Witch House as dusk settled over those black timbers… yeah, I still think about that view sometimes. There’s something about hearing 300 years of stories while your shoes scrape old brick that sticks with you longer than any museum display.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Salem history and haunted walking tour

• Meet at Salem's Old Town Hall
• Walk cobblestone streets by lantern light
• Learn about 1692 Witch Trials hysteria
• Stroll Essex St Pedestrian mall
• Visit First Church site and Lady in Blue tale
• See Bewitched statue and local reactions
• Pay respects at Witch Trials Memorial
• Discuss home history and visit gardens
• Walk through historic district for photos
• Discuss Witch House history outside only
• Guide points out cemetery, no entry
• View Samuel McIntire’s Hamilton Hall outside

Top questions

How long is the Salem history & hauntings walking tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours, sometimes up to 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Does the tour enter any buildings or cemeteries?

No, all activities are outdoors; you won’t enter buildings or cemeteries.

Is the Salem walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchairs and scooters are welcome, but sidewalks can be uneven.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from Salem's Old Town Hall on the three steps.

Are dogs allowed on this Salem walking tour?

Yes, dogs are welcome on this dog-friendly tour.

What sites will I see during the Salem history & hauntings tour?

You’ll see places like Witch Trials Memorial, Bewitched Statue, Charter Street Cemetery (outside), Witch House (outside), and Ropes Mansion Gardens (outside).

What happens if it rains during my Salem walking tour?

Tours run rain or shine; bring appropriate clothing for weather conditions.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby Old Town Hall in Salem.

What’s included

Your evening includes a two-hour outdoor walk through Salem’s most storied spots: from cobbled Essex Street to the Witch Trials Memorial and outside landmarks like the Bewitched Statue and Witch House—all guided by a local historian who shares both legends and facts along every step. No building entries needed; everything unfolds right out in the open air.