Salem is a place that seems to breathe stories—whether it’s haunted cemeteries, witch hysteria, or vampire culture, walking tours here are packed with intriguing tales and local flavor. What makes Salem particularly special for walking tours is the city’s dense historical sites and the palpable sense of the supernatural that seems woven into every street corner. We especially love the Salem: Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour, which combines paranormal investigations with real witch trials history, offering an authentic and spine-tingling experience. Salem’s walkable layout makes it easy to explore these stories on foot, and local guides bring the city’s haunted past vividly to life.
For travelers seeking ghost stories, witch trial history, or supernatural legends, Salem offers a variety of options. Whether you want a family-friendly experience or a midnight ghost hunt, there’s a tour tailored for you. Below, we’ve listed the top six walking tours in Salem, each with its own distinct flavor and appeal.
1. Salem: Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour
At the top of our list is the Salem: Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 167 reviews, this is the original paranormal tour in Salem, run by local, licensed guides with over 20 years of experience. The tour offers a 1.5-hour exploration of Salem’s haunted sites, including visits to the most haunted cemetery in America and sites connected to the witch hysteria. What sets this tour apart is its focus on not only ghost stories but also the city’s vampire culture, which Salem actively embraces today.
Guides like Mike, a storyteller with a wealth of knowledge, share insights on how to photograph real ghost energy and uncover Salem’s darker corners. The tour is praised for its thoroughness, storytelling flair, and authentic local guides. Visitors love the mix of history and paranormal investigation, plus the chance to see Salem’s most haunted locations. The price is $25 per person, making it a good value for an engaging experience packed with stories and local lore.
Bottom line: If you’re into ghost hunting, vampire culture, and haunted cemeteries, this tour is a must-do. It’s perfect for those who want expert guidance and a genuinely spooky experience.
2. Salem: Ghosts, Witches, & Warlocks Guided Walking Tour
Coming in just slightly cheaper at $24 per person, the Salem: Ghosts, Witches, & Warlocks Guided Walking Tour offers a 1 to 1.5-hour spine-chilling walk through Salem’s most haunted streets. Led by a local ghost expert, this tour emphasizes eerie landmarks like Salem Old Town Hall and Wicked Good Books, where supernatural activity is said to occur. Visitors rave about the storyteller Danielle and Elizabeth, who bring Salem’s spooky history vividly to life with captivating tales.
This tour’s strength lies in its accessibility and engaging storytelling. The dark past of Salem’s witch hysteria is explored through stories of tragedy and tragedy, making it ideal for anyone interested in supernatural legends and Salem’s sinister side. The reviews highlight how entertaining guides make the experience both fun and educational, even if the spooky vibe is the main attraction.
Bottom line: Great for those who want a spooky walk with a personable guide, especially if you’re interested in Salem’s haunted streets and ghostly legends.
3. Salem: 1692 Witchcraft Trials Walk
For $25 per person, the Salem: 1692 Witchcraft Trials Walk takes you on a 1.5-hour journey into the events that led to the infamous witch trials. This tour focuses on the historical context of the hysteria, with visits to key sites linked to the judges and accused. Led by a knowledgeable guide, it emphasizes the personal stories behind the accusations, offering a balanced mix of fact and storytelling.
Rated 4.2 out of 5 based on 271 reviews, this tour is praised for its engaging explanation of how the hysteria unfolded, making complex events understandable. Many appreciate the interactive nature and the chance to see the locations tied directly to the historical events, like where some of the accused were tried. It’s an ideal choice for those interested in understanding the real history behind Salem’s most famous episode.
Bottom line: A solid option for history buffs who want a detailed, factual account of Salem’s witch trials with personal stories and site visits.
4. Salem: Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour
If you’re looking for a late-night thrill, this Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour is the way to go. With a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews, this hour-long tour ventures into Salem’s most haunted spots after dark. It features stories of haunted hotels, cursed grounds, and spirits like the Lady in White near Proctor’s Ledge. The tour’s lively guide adds humor and suspense, making it perfect for a fun, spooky evening.
For just $26, you get an intimate look at Salem’s darker stories, including tales of a haunted speakeasy turned liquor store and the historic Hawthorne Hotel. The reviews mention the energetic guides and the engaging storytelling style that makes the night feel alive with ghostly energy.
Bottom line: Best suited for night owls who want a quick but atmospheric ghost experience with a personable guide and some good laughs.
5. Salem: Ghosts of Salem Walking Tour
A family-friendly option, the Ghosts of Salem Walking Tour costs $25 and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. It’s less intense but still packed with spooky stories that appeal to all ages. The tour visits the oldest cemetery in the U.S., the Ropes Mansion, and The Witch House, making it suitable for families or those new to Salem’s haunted lore.
Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 57 reviews, many visitors highlight the knowledgeable guide who keeps the group engaged without being too scary. The tour’s layout allows for plenty of photo opportunities and a gentle introduction to Salem’s ghostly stories.
Bottom line: Great for families or those who prefer a softer approach to Salem’s haunted history, with interesting landmarks and friendly storytelling.
6. Salem: Witch Trial Walking Tour
Closing out our list, the Witch Trial Walking Tour offers a straightforward, factual look at Salem’s witch hysteria for $30 per person. This 1.5-hour tour is ideal for those who want clear, accurate information without the scare factor. It includes a walk past the only remaining building directly tied to the trials and covers the key facts about what truly happened in 1692.
Rated 4.1 out of 5 from 32 reviews, visitors appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the balanced approach. The tour is suitable for all ages, making it a good option for history enthusiasts who want to learn about Salem’s darkest hour without the dramatization.
Bottom line: A good choice for travelers interested in a factual, accessible history of Salem’s witch trials with a focus on authenticity.
How to Choose Your Salem Walking Tour
When selecting a tour, consider what strikes your interest most—the paranormal, the witch hysteria, or ghost stories. For a spooky, investigative experience, Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts or the Ultimate Dead of Night are excellent options. Families or those new to Salem might prefer the Ghosts of Salem or the Witch Trial tours, which balance history and ghostly tales.
Budget-wise, the tours range from $24 to $30, offering good value given their detailed storytelling and local guides. Check tour lengths and themes to see what fits your schedule and interests best. Booking early is advisable, especially in the busy season, to secure your preferred time.
Final Thoughts
Salem offers a range of walking tours that cater to curious travelers, history lovers, and ghost hunters alike. Popular choices include the Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Tour, for a paranormal thrill, and the 1692 Witchcraft Trials Walk, for history with a factual focus. For a fun, family-friendly experience, the Ghosts of Salem tour hits the right notes. And if you’re after a spooky night adventure, the Dead of Night ghost tour will give you chills.
No matter which tour you pick, Salem’s streets are ready to tell their stories. To ensure you don’t miss out, book early and get ready for a walk through one of America’s most haunted and intriguing towns.