Salem: Witch Trials, Vampires & Ghosts Walking Tour

Summary

Witch trial streets, haunted graveyards & real ghost stories in Salem

You’ll walk Salem’s shadowy streets with a real paranormal investigator, stand on ground where witch trials unfolded, snap photos for ghosts or “orbs,” and hear wild tales of vampires and voodoo. Expect laughter mixed with chills—and maybe a new way of seeing old stones and stories.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the old brick glowed under the streetlights—kind of orange and bruised, like dusk wouldn’t let go. Our guide, Sam (he’s a paranormal investigator, which honestly made me nervous at first), waved us over near the Peabody Essex Museum. He had this stack of weird photos—blurry shapes and what looked like fog with faces—and he asked if we believed in ghosts. I didn’t answer out loud. The air smelled sharp, cold, almost metallic. Maybe just my nerves.

We wandered through these narrow streets where the Salem Witch Trials happened—Sam pointed out spots where people were accused or worse. There’s this patch of grass where Giles Corey was pressed to death (I’d read about it but standing there is different). Sam told us about Corey’s curse on Salem; I caught myself shivering even though it wasn’t that cold. At one point a kid in our group tried to photograph “ectoplasm” in an alley—everyone laughed when nothing showed up except his own breath.

I liked the little stops: a church graveyard with lopsided stones, Bridget Bishop’s old land (she apparently still haunts it), and this bar that creaks when you walk in—supposedly haunted too. My favorite bit was hearing about Tituba, who might’ve practiced voodoo right here before being dragged into the madness of 1692. Sam said she probably never meant for any of it to happen; he sounded sad when he talked about her. We even got to see a spot from Hocus Pocus—the “I Put A Spell On You” scene—which felt lighter after all those heavy stories.

By the end, Sam passed around more ghost photos from past tours. Some people swore they saw faces; I just saw smudges and light—but maybe that’s enough. Walking back past those old gravestones (Hawthorne supposedly hung out there too), I wondered if any place ever really shakes off its history. I still think about that curse sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Salem's haunted history

• Walk haunted Witch Trials streets
• Visit Giles Corey's pressing site
• Stop at haunted church graveyard
• See dungeon of accused witches
• Visit Bridget Bishop's haunted land
• Photo at Hocus Pocus filming spot
• Learn vampire legends and folklore
• Hear about Harry Houdini's escape
• Discover Boston Strangler and Panzram crimes
• Visit haunted bar
• Explore 1636 cemetery and history
• Tour Peabody Essex Museum artifacts
• View ghost photographs from investigations

Top questions

Is this Salem walking tour suitable for kids?

Yes, the tour is family friendly and includes paranormal stories that are great for kids.

Does the tour include stops at actual witch trial sites?

Yes, you’ll visit locations tied directly to the 1692 Witch Trials including execution sites and dungeons.

Are there photo opportunities during the tour?

Yes, you’re encouraged to take photos at haunted sites to try capturing paranormal activity.

Is the Salem Voodoo & Ghosts tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this walking tour are wheelchair accessible.

Will we visit cemeteries or graveyards?

Yes, several stops include historic cemeteries connected to the Witch Trials and famous locals.

Who leads this walking tour?

A licensed public guide who is also a paranormal investigator leads the tour.

How long does the Salem ghost walking tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect several stops across central Salem within walking distance.

Are pets allowed on this guided tour?

Service animals and well-behaved pets are welcome on the tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walk led by an English-speaking local expert who doubles as a paranormal investigator; you’ll stop at infamous witch trial locations, haunted graveyards, historic bars, film sites from Hocus Pocus, and even get tips on photographing possible ghostly energy along the way—all within accessible city streets in Salem.