Salem: Night Ghost Tour with Witch Trials Stories & Cemetery

Summary

Walk Salem’s shadowy streets hear true witch trial tales and ghost legends

You’ll wander Salem’s old streets by lantern light, hearing real stories from locals who know every twist of history and legend. Stand outside Charter Street Cemetery as you listen for ghosts, pause at the Witch Trials Memorial where silence says more than words, and maybe laugh with strangers over movie trivia or odd smells drifting by. This isn’t just facts — it’s feeling Salem breathe at night.

What’s the experience like?

We were already huddled near Essex Street when our guide, Matt, showed up in this battered old coat — looked like he’d stepped out of another century. He grinned and waved us closer, and right away you could feel the air shift. There’s something about Salem at night; the brick sidewalks seem to hold onto the day’s warmth, but there’s always this little chill sneaking around your ankles. I kept glancing at the windows above us — some of them flickered with blue TV light, others just reflected our group back at ourselves.

Matt started off with a story about Bridget Bishop that made me shiver (not just from the cold). He didn’t rush; he let the silence hang after mentioning the Witch Trials, almost like he wanted us to fill in the blanks ourselves. When we reached Charter Street Cemetery, we couldn’t go in — city rules — but we pressed up against those iron gates anyway, peering through while Matt pointed out where certain names still linger on crumbling stones. Someone behind me whispered they smelled lilacs even though it was October. Maybe they did. I mostly caught wet leaves and a hint of something sweet from a bakery down the block.

The Salem night tour wound through corners I wouldn’t have found alone. At one point, we passed by a church garden where Matt told us to tread lightly — apparently there are unmarked Puritan graves underfoot (he said it so matter-of-factly I almost laughed). We talked about movies shot here too; “Hocus Pocus” came up and a couple of people tried to reenact a scene right there on the sidewalk. Nobody cared if it was silly — that’s just how it felt, walking these streets together in the dark.

I didn’t expect to feel so much standing at the Witch Trials Memorial. The stones are simple but heavy somehow; people had left little notes and coins along them. It got quiet for a minute — even Matt let it be quiet — and I thought about all those names carved into stone for something they never did. Honestly, I still think about that moment sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Salem night walking tour and history

• Join night walking tour in downtown Salem
• Hear legends and Salem Witch Trials history
• Visit Salem Witch Trials Memorial
• Pass by Old Burying Point Cemetery gates
• Learn about Salem's filming history
• Walk through historic Salem shopping area
• Hear about Salem's famous murder site
• See Hocus Pocus filming location
• Enter church garden with Puritan graves

Top questions

How long is the Salem night ghost tour?

The tour lasts about 75 to 90 minutes.

Is this a walking tour or bus tour?

This is an outdoor walking tour through downtown Salem.

Are reservations required for the Salem night tour?

Reservations are strongly suggested as tours are often well attended.

Does the tour include visiting cemeteries?

You will pass by Charter Street Cemetery (Old Burying Point) but not enter; stories are shared at the gates.

What time does the Salem ghost tour start?

Tours start at 8pm Friday/Saturday or 6pm Sunday-Thursday (April onwards nightly at 8pm).

Where do we check in for the Salem night tour?

Check-in is at 127 Essex St., Remember Salem Gifts shop.

Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers; suitable for all fitness levels.

What happens if I arrive late in October?

Late arrivals cannot be checked in or join tours in October—arrive early as instructed.

What’s included

Your evening includes a 75-minute guided walking ghost tour through historic downtown Salem with stops outside Charter Street Cemetery and time at the Witch Trials Memorial, led by licensed local guides who share stories and legends along every step—just remember to dress for whatever weather New England throws your way.