Witch City: Things to Do, Places to Be, People to See

Michaela
Witch City: Things to Do, Places to Be, People to See

Food scene

Fresh locally sourced seafood and other American classics. Very trendy cocktails. Baked Haddock is a can't miss, as well as the Cioppino. For adult beverages, the Bees Knees is an amazing seasonal gin cocktail, and the Purple Rain is a refreshing lavender vodka drink. If tequila is your speed, the Smoke and Mirrors is not to be missed. All drinks can be made without alcohol, and there is a decent selection of NA beers as well.
77 locals recommend
Sea Level Oyster Bar
94 Wharf St
77 locals recommend
Fresh locally sourced seafood and other American classics. Very trendy cocktails. Baked Haddock is a can't miss, as well as the Cioppino. For adult beverages, the Bees Knees is an amazing seasonal gin cocktail, and the Purple Rain is a refreshing lavender vodka drink. If tequila is your speed, the Smoke and Mirrors is not to be missed. All drinks can be made without alcohol, and there is a decent selection of NA beers as well.
Delicious local favorite Mexican eatery in town. Good delivery and pickup options, but highly recommend if you're doing so to order online. Be sure to be on the Salem location's menu if ordering online, there's a smaller "Express" restaurant by the same name in Marblehead (a neighboring town). Best dishes if sitting down at restaurant are: Grilled Fish Tacos The Good Wolf Burrito (can also make it a 'bowl' over rice) Tres Amigos Carne Asada Chips & queso, curly fries & queso Best dishes to get for takeout: Any of the quesadillas (note the wing fiesta quesadilla is very spicy!) Any burrito made into a bowl/over rice Chips and Queso The margaritas are pretty great here, but make sure to ask for it "skinny!" They use no sour mix and they taste a lot better and more fresh. The bar usually makes them this way, but if sitting at a table ask for skinny or no mix.
46 locals recommend
Howling Wolf Taqueria
76 Lafayette St
46 locals recommend
Delicious local favorite Mexican eatery in town. Good delivery and pickup options, but highly recommend if you're doing so to order online. Be sure to be on the Salem location's menu if ordering online, there's a smaller "Express" restaurant by the same name in Marblehead (a neighboring town). Best dishes if sitting down at restaurant are: Grilled Fish Tacos The Good Wolf Burrito (can also make it a 'bowl' over rice) Tres Amigos Carne Asada Chips & queso, curly fries & queso Best dishes to get for takeout: Any of the quesadillas (note the wing fiesta quesadilla is very spicy!) Any burrito made into a bowl/over rice Chips and Queso The margaritas are pretty great here, but make sure to ask for it "skinny!" They use no sour mix and they taste a lot better and more fresh. The bar usually makes them this way, but if sitting at a table ask for skinny or no mix.
Historically located in the old Salem Savings Bank circa 1818, Ledger restaurant boasts fine dining right in the heart of Downtown Salem. Perched just away from some of the most hopping nightlife in town but quiet enough to feel like a mini town center getaway, enjoy raw bar options, mouth watering starters and delectable mains. We like this spot because it feels like a more elevated dining experience as compared to many of the other casual fare eating in town. It's a great occasion restaurant with a bit more of a fancy feel, or a weekend spot just if you're on vacation or you're just a person who enjoys some of the finer things life has to offer! :)
62 locals recommend
Ledger Restaurant
125 Washington St
62 locals recommend
Historically located in the old Salem Savings Bank circa 1818, Ledger restaurant boasts fine dining right in the heart of Downtown Salem. Perched just away from some of the most hopping nightlife in town but quiet enough to feel like a mini town center getaway, enjoy raw bar options, mouth watering starters and delectable mains. We like this spot because it feels like a more elevated dining experience as compared to many of the other casual fare eating in town. It's a great occasion restaurant with a bit more of a fancy feel, or a weekend spot just if you're on vacation or you're just a person who enjoys some of the finer things life has to offer! :)
This place is literally a hop, skip and a jump from our townhouse and as such makes the ideal breakfast or brunch spot. Hangover cure, anyone? This establishment has probably the best eggs benedict you will ever indulge yourself in, and better yet you can get vritually any type of benny you want at that. They are a newer restaurant revamped from a previous spot called "Leslie's Retreat" which was called that because just before The "Shot Heard 'Round the World," the Salem militia found out they were gearing up for the war's start- so they notified General Leslie by boat that he and his troops needed to take up arms in preparation. Leslie had the idea of putting up the drawbridge which is now North St Bridge, in order to create a stand-off for a few days. The whole story can be found here: https://historicipswich.org/2022/02/12/leslies-retreat-or-how-the-revolutionary-war-almost-began-in-salem/ A can't miss breakfast joint just a short walk from our spot! I think they stay open most of the day if you want a quick drink, coffee, lunch or to catch a game.
Salem's Retreat
96 North Street
This place is literally a hop, skip and a jump from our townhouse and as such makes the ideal breakfast or brunch spot. Hangover cure, anyone? This establishment has probably the best eggs benedict you will ever indulge yourself in, and better yet you can get vritually any type of benny you want at that. They are a newer restaurant revamped from a previous spot called "Leslie's Retreat" which was called that because just before The "Shot Heard 'Round the World," the Salem militia found out they were gearing up for the war's start- so they notified General Leslie by boat that he and his troops needed to take up arms in preparation. Leslie had the idea of putting up the drawbridge which is now North St Bridge, in order to create a stand-off for a few days. The whole story can be found here: https://historicipswich.org/2022/02/12/leslies-retreat-or-how-the-revolutionary-war-almost-began-in-salem/ A can't miss breakfast joint just a short walk from our spot! I think they stay open most of the day if you want a quick drink, coffee, lunch or to catch a game.
49 locals recommend
Notch Brewery & Tap Room
283R Derby St
49 locals recommend
35 locals recommend
Maddie's Sail Loft
15 State St
35 locals recommend
27 locals recommend
Goodnight Fatty
1 Washington Square
27 locals recommend
36 locals recommend
Bambolina
288 Derby St
36 locals recommend

Neighborhoods

Derby Street Neighborhood is a must-see area of Salem. It's got a gorgeous, slightly elevated, yet homey and historical feel to it. Enjoy local bars and dining at The Derby, delicious sandwiches and pastries at Front Street Coffeehouse, or a refreshing pick me up Boba Tea at Sweet Boba. Don't forget to support local brewing at Notch Brewery right on Derby St in the heart of the neighborhood. Sightsee at the historic S.S. Friendship boat or meander out to Derby Wharf Lighthouse for pretty views of the water and overlooking city (and not to mention, a moment of peace amidst the chaos). Passing this area continue down the street to a must-see local pub called Mercy Tavern. This joint has unsuspectingly amazing steak tips, and they pour a stiff drink. It's a pure Salem feel in there.
Derby Street
Derby Street
Derby Street Neighborhood is a must-see area of Salem. It's got a gorgeous, slightly elevated, yet homey and historical feel to it. Enjoy local bars and dining at The Derby, delicious sandwiches and pastries at Front Street Coffeehouse, or a refreshing pick me up Boba Tea at Sweet Boba. Don't forget to support local brewing at Notch Brewery right on Derby St in the heart of the neighborhood. Sightsee at the historic S.S. Friendship boat or meander out to Derby Wharf Lighthouse for pretty views of the water and overlooking city (and not to mention, a moment of peace amidst the chaos). Passing this area continue down the street to a must-see local pub called Mercy Tavern. This joint has unsuspectingly amazing steak tips, and they pour a stiff drink. It's a pure Salem feel in there.
This area of Salem is known as Pickering Wharf, made famous by generations of a family by the last name of Pickering. Very vibrant, lively and entertaining area of town that not everyone knows about and is known for its beautiful views, awesome eateries, and fun bars. Don't miss a game or draft at Longboards sports bar, Enjoy an outdoor cocktail or appetizer at Finz Grille, or revel in a sunset view from the balcony at Sea Level. There are also plenty of attractions closeby, the aforementioned SS Friendship, Derby Light, sightseeing the historic district and more.
Wharf Street
Wharf Street
This area of Salem is known as Pickering Wharf, made famous by generations of a family by the last name of Pickering. Very vibrant, lively and entertaining area of town that not everyone knows about and is known for its beautiful views, awesome eateries, and fun bars. Don't miss a game or draft at Longboards sports bar, Enjoy an outdoor cocktail or appetizer at Finz Grille, or revel in a sunset view from the balcony at Sea Level. There are also plenty of attractions closeby, the aforementioned SS Friendship, Derby Light, sightseeing the historic district and more.
Fort Ave is the street which brings you into the Salem Willows Neighborhood. This is a renowned area of Salem that when you visit, you never want to leave. It is very rare that a home goes up for sale here, because families keep the homes they own in the family. It's an absolutely stunning and peaceful area that is almost unexpected that it's a part of Salem, because it's such a serendipitous retreat that the city has to offer. Try your luck at on some games at the Salem Willows Arcade, relax with an ice cream or picnic in Salem Willows Park, or peruse the many shops around the cove. Winter Island is one additional section of the Willows and is also a can't miss tourist attraction. It boasts Fort Pickering, which served as a real live functioning military fort during the revolutionary and civil wars. Not to mention, there are beautiful ocean views and copious hiking trails around the island for the nature-lover in your group. :)
Fort Avenue
Fort Avenue
Fort Ave is the street which brings you into the Salem Willows Neighborhood. This is a renowned area of Salem that when you visit, you never want to leave. It is very rare that a home goes up for sale here, because families keep the homes they own in the family. It's an absolutely stunning and peaceful area that is almost unexpected that it's a part of Salem, because it's such a serendipitous retreat that the city has to offer. Try your luck at on some games at the Salem Willows Arcade, relax with an ice cream or picnic in Salem Willows Park, or peruse the many shops around the cove. Winter Island is one additional section of the Willows and is also a can't miss tourist attraction. It boasts Fort Pickering, which served as a real live functioning military fort during the revolutionary and civil wars. Not to mention, there are beautiful ocean views and copious hiking trails around the island for the nature-lover in your group. :)

City/town information

29 locals recommend
Marblehead
29 locals recommend
9 locals recommend
Beverly
9 locals recommend
51 locals recommend
Gloucester
51 locals recommend
249 locals recommend
Boston
249 locals recommend
25 locals recommend
Essex
25 locals recommend

Sightseeing

7 locals recommend
New England Pirate Museum
274 Derby St
7 locals recommend
207 locals recommend
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex St
207 locals recommend
93 locals recommend
The House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby St
93 locals recommend
28 locals recommend
Salem Common
North Washington Square
28 locals recommend
Essex Street
Essex Street
Proctor's Ledge is the actual Salem Witch memorial. It's the actual site of burial of the supposed "witches" during the Salem Witch Trials. There are plenty of other areas throughout the city that are fabled as "Witch Dungeons," or "Witch Cemeteries," but the exclusively accurate grounds where some witches were buried remains as Proctor's Ledge. The reason people don't know about this often or don't look into it is because it isn't situated in a flashy or touristy area of town, it's literally behind a Walgreens and isn't downtown at all. This is a local insider-only tip that not everyone knows :-)
Proctor's Ledge
7 Pope St
Proctor's Ledge is the actual Salem Witch memorial. It's the actual site of burial of the supposed "witches" during the Salem Witch Trials. There are plenty of other areas throughout the city that are fabled as "Witch Dungeons," or "Witch Cemeteries," but the exclusively accurate grounds where some witches were buried remains as Proctor's Ledge. The reason people don't know about this often or don't look into it is because it isn't situated in a flashy or touristy area of town, it's literally behind a Walgreens and isn't downtown at all. This is a local insider-only tip that not everyone knows :-)
15 locals recommend
Salem Wax Museum of Witches & Seafarers
288 Derby St
15 locals recommend

My favorite bars

Instantly transport to a vibe like Norsemen in Dublin, or The Red Lion as you step into this charming neighborhood watering hole. Featuring an extensive list of enticing brews on tap, and house-made cocktails-- O'Niell's is a spot not to disappoint neither locals or tourists alike. Enjoy Fridays through Sundays at 5p EST-on for an authentic Sessions band who come together to grace the space with instrumental bliss for the ears. Don't forget to ask for bartender Augie to order with upon your arrival.
21 locals recommend
O'Neills Pub & Restaurant
120 Washington St
21 locals recommend
Instantly transport to a vibe like Norsemen in Dublin, or The Red Lion as you step into this charming neighborhood watering hole. Featuring an extensive list of enticing brews on tap, and house-made cocktails-- O'Niell's is a spot not to disappoint neither locals or tourists alike. Enjoy Fridays through Sundays at 5p EST-on for an authentic Sessions band who come together to grace the space with instrumental bliss for the ears. Don't forget to ask for bartender Augie to order with upon your arrival.