SPONSORED CONTENT | Photographed by Jess Shada, Destination Salem
There’s no better way to get to know Salem than by exploring its historic streets on foot. With centuries of fascinating stories, remarkable architecture, and a few ghostly legends, there’s something to discover around nearly every corner. Witch City Walking Tours brings these stories to life with engaging, historically grounded tours led by knowledgeable local guides.
We recently joined guide AJ for the company’s popular History & Hauntings of Salem tour, a two-hour journey through the city’s past that combines history, architecture, the Salem Witch Trials, and tales of the supernatural. If you’re looking for a tour with a stellar repuation, their “History & Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour” has been named the #1 Cultural & Historical Tour in the United States by Tripadvisor four years in a row!
Beginning at Old Town Hall in Derby Square, the tour takes guests through downtown Salem, exploring the people, places, and events that shaped the city. Along the way, visitors learn about Salem’s rise as a prosperous international seaport, its centuries-old architecture, and the events of 1692 that continue to draw visitors from around the world.
AJ brought an engaging mix of historical knowledge and storytelling to the experience, connecting Salem’s well-known landmarks with the stories behind them. The tour goes beyond the city’s reputation for witchcraft and hauntings, offering a broader look at Salem’s history and the people who lived here. Guests are encouraged to ask questions throughout the experience, making it an approachable introduction for first-time visitors and an opportunity for returning visitors and locals to learn something new.
Of course, no Salem walking tour would be complete without a few ghost stories! History & Hauntings of Salem weaves local legends and supernatural tales into its exploration of the city’s historic streets, balancing the mysterious with the documented history of the Witch City.
One of the things that makes Witch City Walking Tours special is its team of local historians, educators, artists, and passionate storytellers. Their tours emphasize historical accuracy while keeping the experience entertaining and accessible for guests of all ages.
And Salem’s stories aren’t just for October! Witch City Walking Tours operates year-round, giving visitors the opportunity to explore Salem in every season. Whether you’re visiting during the excitement of Haunted Happenings, enjoying the quieter winter months, or planning a summer getaway, a guided walking tour is a great way to experience the city.
Witch City Walking Tours also offers tours en Español, which can be conveniently booked online, making Salem’s history accessible to even more visitors. Private tours and group experiences, including school groups, are also available by request.
The History & Hauntings of Salem tour is approximately two hours long and takes place entirely outdoors, rain or shine. Tours are dog-friendly, stroller-friendly, and wheelchair accessible, although guests should be mindful of Salem’s historic brick and cobblestone sidewalks. The company also offers two assistive wheelchairs that can be reserved in advance.
Whether you’re discovering Salem for the first time or looking to see a familiar city from a different perspective, Witch City Walking Tours offers an engaging way to connect with the stories that make Salem unique.
Ready to explore? Visit Witch City Walking Tours to learn more about available tours and book your experience. Tours meet at 32 Derby Square, outside Old Town Hall in downtown Salem.
