Quick Salem Guidebook

Amy
Quick Salem Guidebook

Sightseeing

Walk straight out the door one block and tour the The House of the Seven Gables made famous by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The House of the Seven Gables (1851). It's 1668 colonial mansion named for its gables. The house is now a non-profit museum, with an admission fee charged for tours, as well as an active settlement house with programs for children. It was built for Captain John Turner and remained in the family for three generations
93 locals recommend
The House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby St
93 locals recommend
Walk straight out the door one block and tour the The House of the Seven Gables made famous by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The House of the Seven Gables (1851). It's 1668 colonial mansion named for its gables. The house is now a non-profit museum, with an admission fee charged for tours, as well as an active settlement house with programs for children. It was built for Captain John Turner and remained in the family for three generations
Discover the timeless feel of the iconic Hawthorne Hotel located in downtown Salem, MA. Behind the imposing façade, the 93-room hotel reveals its distinct and elegant historic character. An episode of Bewitched was filmed there and many spooky events are held there.
14 locals recommend
Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Square W
14 locals recommend
Discover the timeless feel of the iconic Hawthorne Hotel located in downtown Salem, MA. Behind the imposing façade, the 93-room hotel reveals its distinct and elegant historic character. An episode of Bewitched was filmed there and many spooky events are held there.
The Jonathan Corwin House in Salem, Massachusetts, known as The Witch House, was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin and is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692, thought to be built between 1620 and 1642. Corwin bought it in 1675.
52 locals recommend
Witch House
310 Essex St
52 locals recommend
The Jonathan Corwin House in Salem, Massachusetts, known as The Witch House, was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin and is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692, thought to be built between 1620 and 1642. Corwin bought it in 1675.
This is Witch City - do you want to know how that happened? Salem is best known for the Witch Trials of 1692, and this museum brings visitors details of that infamous event. The Witch History Museum is located on Essex Street, beside the Peabody Essex Museum. Recreated scenes, models of villages, and a dramatic presentation of the events make this museum a popular attraction in Salem. Although the facts and motives of the trials have been questioned in the later years, it has not dented the curiosity and interest of the public even to this day.
120 locals recommend
Salem Witch Museum
19 1/2 N Washington Square
120 locals recommend
This is Witch City - do you want to know how that happened? Salem is best known for the Witch Trials of 1692, and this museum brings visitors details of that infamous event. The Witch History Museum is located on Essex Street, beside the Peabody Essex Museum. Recreated scenes, models of villages, and a dramatic presentation of the events make this museum a popular attraction in Salem. Although the facts and motives of the trials have been questioned in the later years, it has not dented the curiosity and interest of the public even to this day.
Peabody Essex Museum is a prominent art museum and a must-visit attraction in Salem. It was established in 1799 and is considered to have one of the finest collections of Asian Art in the US. The museum is already one of the largest in terms of gallery space. With over half a million square feet - it is one of the largest museums in the world.
207 locals recommend
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex St
207 locals recommend
Peabody Essex Museum is a prominent art museum and a must-visit attraction in Salem. It was established in 1799 and is considered to have one of the finest collections of Asian Art in the US. The museum is already one of the largest in terms of gallery space. With over half a million square feet - it is one of the largest museums in the world.
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site covers about 9 acres along the waterfront of Salem Harbor. The site comprises 12 historic buildings that were associated with the maritime history of Salem in the 18th and 19th centuries. There is also the recreated 171-foot 3-mast Friendship vessel. It is an exact replica of the 1797 ship which made 12 voyages across the globe to India, China, Russia, and South America. The replica is open to the public as a museum.
31 locals recommend
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
160 Derby St
31 locals recommend
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site covers about 9 acres along the waterfront of Salem Harbor. The site comprises 12 historic buildings that were associated with the maritime history of Salem in the 18th and 19th centuries. There is also the recreated 171-foot 3-mast Friendship vessel. It is an exact replica of the 1797 ship which made 12 voyages across the globe to India, China, Russia, and South America. The replica is open to the public as a museum.
This cinematic Monster museum is one of Salem's most unique and sometimes overlooked attractions! If you enjoy monsters, don't miss this attraction! This museum is dedicated to all those who have entertained us in the world of Horror, Fantasy and Sci-Fi! Actors, directors and special effects wizards of the past and present are all honored here with over 60 realistic and life-sized recreations of the horror's genre's most memorable characters. With NEW yearly additions the monsters are quite calm and won't move at all.
13 locals recommend
Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery
217 Essex St
13 locals recommend
This cinematic Monster museum is one of Salem's most unique and sometimes overlooked attractions! If you enjoy monsters, don't miss this attraction! This museum is dedicated to all those who have entertained us in the world of Horror, Fantasy and Sci-Fi! Actors, directors and special effects wizards of the past and present are all honored here with over 60 realistic and life-sized recreations of the horror's genre's most memorable characters. With NEW yearly additions the monsters are quite calm and won't move at all.
Salem Trolley is a sightseeing tour agency offering trolley tours of Salem. The tours are a unique and exciting way to explore the city’s colorful and interesting past. The trollies are also a convenient form of transportation through the city’s cultural and historic attractions. Tour-goers can attend a 1-hour tour that is narrated by a talented local tour guide. The tour travels about 8 miles and passes some of the city’s most significant attractions, such as the Charter Street Burial Ground, Witch Dungeon Museum, the Salem Witch Museum, Chestnut Street, and the House of the Seven Gables. Throughout the day you can feel free to hop on and off the tour at any of the 13 stops.
26 locals recommend
Salem Trolley Inc
8 Central St
26 locals recommend
Salem Trolley is a sightseeing tour agency offering trolley tours of Salem. The tours are a unique and exciting way to explore the city’s colorful and interesting past. The trollies are also a convenient form of transportation through the city’s cultural and historic attractions. Tour-goers can attend a 1-hour tour that is narrated by a talented local tour guide. The tour travels about 8 miles and passes some of the city’s most significant attractions, such as the Charter Street Burial Ground, Witch Dungeon Museum, the Salem Witch Museum, Chestnut Street, and the House of the Seven Gables. Throughout the day you can feel free to hop on and off the tour at any of the 13 stops.
The Samantha Statue is located in Lappin Park at the corner of Washington and Essex Streets in the heart of downtown Salem, Massachusetts. The sculpture celebrates the nose-twitching witch, Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery) from the ABC fantasy comedy series BEWITCHED (1964-1972). The 9-foot tall, 3,000 pound bronze statue is a likeness of actress Elizabeth sitting side-saddle on a broomstick in front of a crescent moon as her skirt flutters behind in a breeze. The statue was unveiled on Wednesday, June 15, 2005, by the folks from the nostalgia cable channel TV Land.
Bewitched Sculpture
The Samantha Statue is located in Lappin Park at the corner of Washington and Essex Streets in the heart of downtown Salem, Massachusetts. The sculpture celebrates the nose-twitching witch, Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery) from the ABC fantasy comedy series BEWITCHED (1964-1972). The 9-foot tall, 3,000 pound bronze statue is a likeness of actress Elizabeth sitting side-saddle on a broomstick in front of a crescent moon as her skirt flutters behind in a breeze. The statue was unveiled on Wednesday, June 15, 2005, by the folks from the nostalgia cable channel TV Land.
A quaint, harbor side village featuring a variety of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. This exciting marketplace is also the home to the Salem Waterfront Hotel and Pickering Wharf Marina. Shop, Dine & Unwind.
33 locals recommend
Pickering Wharf Marina
23 Congress St
33 locals recommend
A quaint, harbor side village featuring a variety of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. This exciting marketplace is also the home to the Salem Waterfront Hotel and Pickering Wharf Marina. Shop, Dine & Unwind.

For Kids

The New England Pirate Museum is a fun-filled museum that appeals to kids and adults alike. It is located on Derby Street, a block south of the Peabody Essex Museum. The Pirate Museum presents exciting stories on some of the most notorious pirates who roamed the waters of Boston and New York. There is an Artifacts Room in the museum which displays real treasures that were once plundered by the pirates. Recreated dockside villages and pirate ships, and costumed actors complete the experience.
7 locals recommend
New England Pirate Museum
274 Derby St
7 locals recommend
The New England Pirate Museum is a fun-filled museum that appeals to kids and adults alike. It is located on Derby Street, a block south of the Peabody Essex Museum. The Pirate Museum presents exciting stories on some of the most notorious pirates who roamed the waters of Boston and New York. There is an Artifacts Room in the museum which displays real treasures that were once plundered by the pirates. Recreated dockside villages and pirate ships, and costumed actors complete the experience.
The Witch Dungeon Museum will transport you to Salem circa 1692 through moving live reenactments of the witch trials. The performances are done by professional actresses in period costumes and are based on actual historical court transcripts from the 1692 trials, which resulted in the death of 19 of more than 150 accused “witches.” The museum also features a replica dungeon that resembles those where accused witches may have been held.
28 locals recommend
Witch Dungeon Museum
16 Lynde St
28 locals recommend
The Witch Dungeon Museum will transport you to Salem circa 1692 through moving live reenactments of the witch trials. The performances are done by professional actresses in period costumes and are based on actual historical court transcripts from the 1692 trials, which resulted in the death of 19 of more than 150 accused “witches.” The museum also features a replica dungeon that resembles those where accused witches may have been held.

Local Faves

Located at 278 Derby Street: Arcade games with a particular focus on the 1980s and 1990s. Elk burgers served on black garlic-glazed doughnut/croissant hybrids. Cocktails named after arcade game characters.
20 locals recommend
Bit Bar Salem
278 Derby Street
20 locals recommend
Located at 278 Derby Street: Arcade games with a particular focus on the 1980s and 1990s. Elk burgers served on black garlic-glazed doughnut/croissant hybrids. Cocktails named after arcade game characters.
Best Breakfast and Lunch place! They have gluten-free. Located in the Old London Coffee House, which dates back to the 1700s, Red’s Sandwich Shop has been visited by many Celebrities, Congressman, Senators and even First Lady Barbara Bush. A relaxed, friendlly atmosphere in a historic building is the perfect place to join Salem locals for the BEST breafkast and lunch menu in town. The food is delicious, all home-style cooking at pricing so reasonable you almost feel guilty.
46 locals recommend
Red's Sandwich Shop
15 Central St
46 locals recommend
Best Breakfast and Lunch place! They have gluten-free. Located in the Old London Coffee House, which dates back to the 1700s, Red’s Sandwich Shop has been visited by many Celebrities, Congressman, Senators and even First Lady Barbara Bush. A relaxed, friendlly atmosphere in a historic building is the perfect place to join Salem locals for the BEST breafkast and lunch menu in town. The food is delicious, all home-style cooking at pricing so reasonable you almost feel guilty.
This popular coffeehouse teems with a motley mix of crunchy artists and trendy young professionals. Salem’s endearing boho vibe is captured through the focus on visual and performance art, while local bands and singer-songwriters play [throughout the week]. And there’s pure art in the food, which focuses on a wholesome, veggie-friendly assortment of soups, sandwiches and – most delightful of all – an expansive crepe menu of sweet and savory fillings.
67 locals recommend
Gulu-Gulu Cafe
247 Essex St
67 locals recommend
This popular coffeehouse teems with a motley mix of crunchy artists and trendy young professionals. Salem’s endearing boho vibe is captured through the focus on visual and performance art, while local bands and singer-songwriters play [throughout the week]. And there’s pure art in the food, which focuses on a wholesome, veggie-friendly assortment of soups, sandwiches and – most delightful of all – an expansive crepe menu of sweet and savory fillings.
197 Derby Street Salem, MA Love coffee? Love tea? Love good food.? If you love sitting in a relaxing café and watching the world go by - this is your place.
10 locals recommend
Jaho Coffee & Tea
1651 Washington St
10 locals recommend
197 Derby Street Salem, MA Love coffee? Love tea? Love good food.? If you love sitting in a relaxing café and watching the world go by - this is your place.
Old fashioned candy, chocolate, fudge and candles. In 19th-century Salem, Massachusetts, no afternoon tea was complete without Gibralters. The first commercially made candies in America, still satisfy your sweet tooth today. The candy is also mentioned in historic documents and the 19th-century novel The House of the Seven Gables. Blackjacks candies are all made by hand just the way they were back in the 1800’s, using the original recipe. Lots of candy, fudge and chocolates too.
14 locals recommend
Ye Olde Pepper Companie
122 Derby St
14 locals recommend
Old fashioned candy, chocolate, fudge and candles. In 19th-century Salem, Massachusetts, no afternoon tea was complete without Gibralters. The first commercially made candies in America, still satisfy your sweet tooth today. The candy is also mentioned in historic documents and the 19th-century novel The House of the Seven Gables. Blackjacks candies are all made by hand just the way they were back in the 1800’s, using the original recipe. Lots of candy, fudge and chocolates too.
Ziggys and Sons Donuts are to die for! A local family run Donut Shop that has been operating in Salem for 50+ years! . Located at the corner of Essex St and Webb St.
7 locals recommend
Ziggy's & Sons Donuts
2 Essex St
7 locals recommend
Ziggys and Sons Donuts are to die for! A local family run Donut Shop that has been operating in Salem for 50+ years! . Located at the corner of Essex St and Webb St.
urner's Seafood at Lyceum Hall Salem is an authentic New England fish house in a beautifully restored historical location with a turn of the century oyster bar, classic full bar, fireplaces and more!
68 locals recommend
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall
43 Church St
68 locals recommend
urner's Seafood at Lyceum Hall Salem is an authentic New England fish house in a beautifully restored historical location with a turn of the century oyster bar, classic full bar, fireplaces and more!

Wine

Healthy Mediterranean and Italian Cuisine. Brick oven pizza, homemade bread and pasta, fresh seafood, organic produce, great cocktails and wine list and outdoor seating.
33 locals recommend
Adriatic Restaurant
155 Washington St
33 locals recommend

Last Minute Places to Make a Costume Inexpensively

THE MAGIC PARLOR This place is pretty much 1/2 witchy and new age supplies and 1/2 gag gifts, odds and ends and random bits. In the first section of the store to the right when you enter though they have a large collection of masks, hats and more. If you wanted to grab an accessory or two or possibly a masquerade mask for the night, this would be a good place to check out. WYNOTT’S WANDS AND REMEMBER SALEM These two shops are located right next to one another and if you wanted to throw together a wizard or witch outfit, these are your go-tos. Wynott’s is a wand shop and Remember Salem carries tons of Harry Potter gifts and accessories. Go from one to the next to dress yourself as a Quiddich player from your favorite house or as a student of Hogwarts. THE ARMY BARRACKS The Army Barracks is at the top of Essex and Washington, on the corner and they have tons of randoms. You could consider an outfit of army fatigues, or a hat and goggles paired with a scientist’s jacket. They have all different accessories and you could probably pull something together from their racks. GRACE AND DIGGS This shop is located in Artists’ Row and in addition to home decor they have a large collection of funky hats. Grabbing one of those with some over-sized sunglasses from The Magic Parlor could be a quick and quirky option if you find yourself without. CVS CVS is almost right across the street from the Magic Parlor. They have costumes and props, as most stores do in the seasonal section, though you’ll have to be quick because it gets picked over fast.
164 locals recommend
Salem
164 locals recommend
THE MAGIC PARLOR This place is pretty much 1/2 witchy and new age supplies and 1/2 gag gifts, odds and ends and random bits. In the first section of the store to the right when you enter though they have a large collection of masks, hats and more. If you wanted to grab an accessory or two or possibly a masquerade mask for the night, this would be a good place to check out. WYNOTT’S WANDS AND REMEMBER SALEM These two shops are located right next to one another and if you wanted to throw together a wizard or witch outfit, these are your go-tos. Wynott’s is a wand shop and Remember Salem carries tons of Harry Potter gifts and accessories. Go from one to the next to dress yourself as a Quiddich player from your favorite house or as a student of Hogwarts. THE ARMY BARRACKS The Army Barracks is at the top of Essex and Washington, on the corner and they have tons of randoms. You could consider an outfit of army fatigues, or a hat and goggles paired with a scientist’s jacket. They have all different accessories and you could probably pull something together from their racks. GRACE AND DIGGS This shop is located in Artists’ Row and in addition to home decor they have a large collection of funky hats. Grabbing one of those with some over-sized sunglasses from The Magic Parlor could be a quick and quirky option if you find yourself without. CVS CVS is almost right across the street from the Magic Parlor. They have costumes and props, as most stores do in the seasonal section, though you’ll have to be quick because it gets picked over fast.