Salem, Massachusetts, is a city that lives and breathes its history—and its haunted reputation. No matter whether you’re after ghost stories, witch trial facts, or a blend of both, Salem offers a variety of tours that make exploring its streets an unforgettable experience. We particularly enjoy the Salem Night Tour: Haunt and History Guided Night Tour, which captures the spooky spirit of Salem through local history and ghost stories. It’s perfect for those who love a little fright with their history, especially after sunset when Salem’s shadows deepen.
What makes Salem stand out is its honest approach to both its dark past and the supernatural stories that still swirl around the city. Each tour in our list offers a different angle—some focus on the witch trials, others on ghostly sightings, and a few combine history with paranormal investigation. For those planning a trip, this guide will help you choose the right tour based on your interests, schedule, and budget.
Quick Overview
Salem’s tours are as diverse as its history, offering everything from guided ghost walks to self-guided audio experiences. Whether you want a family-friendly daytime adventure or a late-night scare, there’s something for all. Some tours, like the Salem: Ghosts, Witches, & Warlocks Guided Walking Tour, provide an engaging walk through Salem’s spooky sites, while others, like the Salem: Self-Guided Scary Ghosts & Witch Trials Audio Tour, give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Below, we break down the top nine tours to help you find your perfect Salem experience.
1. Salem Night Tour: Haunt and History Guided Night Tour
Rated 4.6/5 from nearly 600 reviews, this 1.5-hour guided walking tour takes you through downtown Salem’s most haunted sites. Led by a local historian and haunt expert, the tour combines ghost stories with the darker chapters of Salem’s colonial past. Walking along Salem’s historic streets, you’ll visit landmarks tied to the infamous witch hysteria, hearing tales that are as chilling as they are fascinating.
What makes this tour stand out is the expert guide who balances historical facts with spine-tingling ghost stories, creating an immersive experience. The tour’s value is high, given the price of $30 per person and the depth of stories shared. It’s ideal for those who want a balanced mix of history and ghost lore, with a chance to listen to stories that might just send a shiver down your spine.
Guests often comment on the guide’s engaging storytelling and the atmospheric setting that makes Salem’s haunted history come alive after dark. If you’re after a classic haunted evening in Salem, this tour delivers.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for visitors wanting a well-rounded, spooky walk with expert narration and historic insights.
2. Salem: Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour
Holding a top rating of 4.8/5 from 167 reviews, this tour offers a paranormal investigation approach to Salem’s haunted history. At just $25 per person, it lasts about 1.5 hours and is led by local, licensed paranormal investigators. The tour explores Salem’s most haunted locations, including the cemetery famous for witch trials and sites linked to vampire lore that still intrigues Salem residents today.
What makes this tour special is the focus on paranormal investigation techniques, such as learning how to photograph ghost energy. Guests love the personal stories and the chance to witness real paranormal phenomena, making it ideal for anyone fascinated by the supernatural or wanting an interactive experience. The guides’ deep local knowledge and their investigative expertise create a more immersive experience than standard ghost tours.
Many reviews highlight the entertaining storytelling along with genuine paranormal insights, with visitors raving about guides like Mike, who bring the stories to life. If you’re searching for authentic ghost-hunting experiences, this tour is a top pick.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a hands-on paranormal experience with credible, licensed guides.
3. Salem: Ghosts, Witches, & Warlocks Guided Walking Tour
Rated 4.3/5 from nearly 400 reviews, this 1 to 1.5-hour tour offers an engaging narrative of Salem’s eerie streets. Led by a local ghost expert, the tour covers Salem’s haunted landmarks, including Salem Old Town Hall and Wicked Good Books, where spirits are said to linger. The tour is rich in supernatural tales and dark history, making it appealing for those who want a spooky yet informative walk.
Guests enjoy the entertaining storytelling style and the opportunity to explore Salem’s haunted side with a knowledgeable guide. The tour’s value is good at $24 per person, especially for a mid-length, comprehensive ghost walk. It’s a suitable choice for visitors who enjoy a lively, storytelling approach and want to enjoy Salem’s haunted ambiance.
While some reviews mention the need to check availability, most find this tour a fun, spooky way to see Salem’s haunted sites with a friendly guide.
Bottom Line: Great for those seeking an atmospheric, story-rich ghost tour that balances fun and fright.
4. Salem: Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour
At 4/5 stars from 149 reviews, this 1.5-hour haunted walk explores Salem’s cemeteries, buildings, and homes associated with paranormal activity. Local guides share stories of murder, accidental death, and ghost sightings, bringing Salem’s spectral past to life. The tour visits sites like the oldest cemetery in the U.S. and the Witch House, making it a well-rounded haunted experience.
Guests appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the chance to possibly have a paranormal experience firsthand. The tour costs $25 per person and is perfect for those who want an authentic ghost-hunting adventure in Salem, with stories that are both chilling and historically grounded.
Many reviewers mention how the guide read the audience well, making the stories even more compelling. It’s suitable for history lovers and ghost enthusiasts alike.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for an immersive ghost tour that combines history with supernatural stories.
5. Salem 101 General History Tour
Rated 4.3/5 from 41 reviews, this 1.5-hour comprehensive walk covers Salem’s entire history from 1626 onward. Led by Bob, a knowledgeable guide, the tour highlights Salem’s Seaport trade, revolutionary history, and famous film locations. It’s ideal if you want to understand Salem’s broad historical context beyond its haunted reputation.
Guests find the tour engaging and educational, appreciating Bob’s storytelling skills. The price is $25 per person, offering good value for a detailed overview of Salem’s development from early settlement to modern times. This tour suits history buffs and visitors who want a broader perspective on Salem’s past, including its maritime and revolutionary significance.
Some reviews suggest the pace might be quick in crowded conditions, but overall, it’s a well-rounded introduction to Salem’s history.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in Salem’s more recent and colonial history, with a friendly and knowledgeable guide.
6. Salem: Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour
Rated 4.4/5 from 26 reviews, this 1-hour late-night ghost tour offers a more intense, spooky experience. It visits haunted hotels, memorials, and cursed sites like Proctor’s Ledge, famous for its witch hangings. The tour emphasizes America’s most haunted city stories, with a focus on ghostly legends and cursed ground.
Guests love the atmosphere of the late-night ambiance and the stories of famous hauntings, like the Lady in White at the Hawthorne Hotel. For $26, the tour provides a compact, spine-chilling experience ideal for night owls and horror fans. The guide’s personality and storytelling style are often highlighted as a major plus.
If you’re after a scarier, more intense ghost experience, this tour offers a darker, more atmospheric adventure suitable for those comfortable with late-night walks.
Bottom Line: Best for late-night thrill-seekers wanting a more immersive, spooky outing.
7. Salem: Ghosts of Salem Walking Tour
Rated 3.9/5 from 57 reviews, this family-friendly 1.5-hour tour explores Salem’s haunted cemeteries and landmarks. Led by a guide who mixes history and ghost stories, it covers sites like the Witch House, Ropes Mansion, and the Old Burying Point Cemetery. It’s designed for travelers of all ages who want a kid-friendly ghost adventure.
Guests praise the entertaining guide and the detailed stories, including visits to Salem’s oldest cemetery. The tour costs $25 per person, making it a good choice for families or those looking for a more relaxed, educational ghost walk.
The main drawback is that some find it a bit slow or crowded, but overall it provides a balanced, spooky, family-oriented experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families and those seeking a gentle, informative ghost tour.
8. Salem: Witch Trial Walking Tour
This tour, rated 4.1/5 from 32 reviews, offers a focused look at the witch trials in Salem. For $30, it lasts about 1.5 hours and visits sites like the only standing building directly tied to the trials. Led by a knowledgeable local, the tour promises a fact-based journey into one of Salem’s most infamous episodes.
Guests appreciate the clarity and accuracy of the history, often mentioning how the guide shared new insights even those familiar with Salem’s witch trials might not have known. It’s best suited for those wanting an educational, straightforward experience without too much supernatural fluff.
While some found the pace quick, most agreed it was a solid, informative look at Salem’s witch trial history.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history lovers who want a fact-focused exploration of Salem’s witch trials.
9. Salem: Self-Guided Scary Ghosts & Witch Trials Audio Tour
With a rating of 2.8/5 from 8 reviews, this audio tour offers a 7-day flexible experience for $7. It covers Salem’s haunted sites and witch trial stories in six languages, allowing you to explore on your own schedule.
While the price is attractive, reviews suggest the experience can be hit or miss—some people enjoy the flexibility, while others wish for more engaging storytelling. It’s best suited for independent travelers who prefer exploring at their own pace and don’t mind a less interactive experience.
This tour includes learning about shadow people, ghosts, and cursed locations, making it a good option if you’re okay with a more passive, self-led adventure.
Bottom Line: Good for budget-conscious travelers comfortable with an audio-only experience and flexible schedule.
How to Choose Your Salem Tour
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you love ghost stories and spooky atmospheres, the Haunt and History Night Tour or the Dead of Night Ghost Tour might be best. For a more educational approach on Salem’s witch trials, the Witch Trial Walking Tour is ideal. Budget travelers can opt for the self-guided audio tour, while paranormal enthusiasts will enjoy the Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Tour.
Think about whether you want a guided experience with narration, or if you prefer exploring on your own. Also consider the time of day—some tours are nighttime-only—adding to the spooky mood. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak season in October or during weekends.
Final Thoughts
Salem offers a broad spectrum of tours that suit every type of traveler. For a classic haunted evening with expert storytelling, the Haunt and History Guided Night Tour is hard to beat. If paranormal investigation excites you, the Voodoo, Vampires, and Ghosts Guided Tour is a standout.
For those interested in Salem’s deep history, the Salem 101 offers a rundown. Families and casual explorers might prefer the Ghosts of Salem Walking Tour, which balances fun and storytelling.
No matter your choice, Salem’s tours promise a memorable mix of history, hauntings, and mystery. Book early, especially in October, to ensure you get your top pick and enjoy a truly haunting adventure in this spooky seaside city.