Come and explore the rich, vibrant history of New England's most loved 17th-century city! Witch City Walking Tours is an award-winning, highly rated tour company located in historic Salem, Massachusetts.
Choose from four captivating tours: History & Hauntings, adults-only Mysteries & Murders, Hocus Pocus Movie Locations Tour (October only) or our brand-new architecture stroll, Merchants & Mansions.
With your licensed guide, explore the social, political and environmental influences which spread mass hysteria, causing the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Discover how Salem became a world-class seaport, creating some of the wealthiest families in America. Stroll the cobblestone lined streets, taking in some of the most stunning architecture on beautiful Chestnut Street. The tour ends at the the somber Witch Trials Memorial, adjacent to the 1637 Burial Ground, the oldest cemetery in Salem and second oldest in the country.
Acclaimed as one of Salem's "must-do tours", and a multi-year recipient of Trip Advisor's "Certificate of Excellence", Witch City Walking Tours is suitable for guests of all ages.
Get ready for a mysterious journey through almost 400 years of Salem’s rich and storied history. Your local, well-versed guide and historian is excited to share their passion of this magically quaint city with you. Rated as the top walking tour in Salem, you will experience two hours of chilling tales of the supernatural, captivating history, while being awed by the breathtaking architecture, and fascinated by the truth of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Your guide will take you off-the-beaten path, into a world full of wonder while you experience the lesser known spots of Salem. 2 hrs. Suitable for all ages
History and Hauntings of SalemCome experience the darker side of Salem with our 90 minute Mysteries and Murder tour. We retell the most spine-chilling tales of murder, mystery and macabre. Why did an insane woman in the early 1600s murder her child? Who was the famous hitman who murdered the slave trader in his sleep? Did the Boston Strangler really make a visit to Salem? These tales and much more will unfold on this whirlwind one-hour tour of this mysterious seaside city. Not for the faint of heart. Tours run rain or shine and last approximately 90 minutes
Mysteries and Murders of SalemDo you love architecture? We do! No trip to Salem is complete without a tour of the most beautiful section of Salem, the McIntire district. Come experience over three centuries of architecture from First Period American, to Georgian Colonial and the stately Federal style. Your guide will wind you through the cobblestoned streets of Salem, discovering hidden gems, viewing over two dozen sites, and sharing stories of Salem's rise to becoming the wealthiest city in the country in the 18th century.
Merchants and Mansions of SalemCome relives the magic of Disney's Blockbuster, Hocus Pocus! Starring Better Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, Hocus Pocus has become one of the most beloved movies of the 20th century. The majority of the movie was filmed in Salem in 1993. We will take you to 5 of the locations used in the filming. Your ticket price includes a donation to help preserve Pioneer Village, as well as a special Hocus Pocus gift! Along the way, you will also hear about the Salem Witch Trials, the maritime history, how we became the "Witch City", visit 17th century homes and take in ocean views!
Hocus Pocus Movie Locations of SalemBeth founded Witch City Walking Tours in 2014 as a way to share her passion of the culture and history of Salem. A native of the North Shore, she has traveled all over the country (49 out of 50 states). Beth is a 6th grade teacher, historian, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree. Some of Beths' favorite spots include the Salem Willows, Ledger Restaurant, the Hawthorne Hotel tavern, the Witch Dungeon Museum, Mahi Mahi Cruises and Notch Brewery.
April was born and raised in the Salem area. Her family has long, historical roots in New England, so she's passionate about sharing our local past with our tour guests! Some of her favorite Salem spots are: The Adriatic, Ziggy's and Son's Donuts, and The Landing. Her other interests include fashion, photography, makeup, art, philosophy, working in healthcare, and helping others.
Jon is a professional actor and director, who earned a BA in Theatre Education, a BFA in Acting from Emerson College, and an MFA in Directing from Illinois State University. Having taught high school, university, and adult education, Jon is comfortable performing in front of audiences of all ages. For several years, Jon worked as a tour guide on the historic Freedom Trail in Boston and was a tour guide for the Gangster & Ghost Tour in Chicago.
Justine is a Salem resident and local educator. She is passionate about making education accessible and engaging. In her spare time she enjoys crafting and gaming. Her favorite spots in Salem are the Ropes Mansion Garden, Historic Derby Wharf, and the Peabody Essex Museum.
Kelly is a native Bostonian who relocated from Florida to Gallows Hill, Salem with her two children one October just over 20 years ago. She loves anything and everything to do with the ocean and enjoys sailing, running and traveling with her family & friends. Some of her favorite Salem spots include the Salem Willows, the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) & O’Neils Craic on Sunday afternoons.
Mia is a filmmaker, history nerd, & native New Yorker who has relocated to Salem to fulfill her lifelong dream of living in a real-life Halloween Town. Mia can often be spotted in the wilds of downtown Salem where she is on a quest to try every restaurant, geeking out at the PEM with her husband, or in the park with her familiar, Shadow the black lab.
Paige is a tour guide in Salem ....And all of the facts she can name 'em From the Grand Turk of Derby .....To pirates with scurvy Oh, and something about witches in Salem
Ryan joined Witch City Walking Tours in 2019 and being a history nerd, has loved every minute of it. Moving to Salem for his eighth grade year, he made it a personal mission to learn all he could about the city around him. Giving tours has made him fall in love with every brick in the sidewalk. Each one has a story to tell from years past. Ryan can't get enough of local cuisine and coffee, so he knows where to go for a good bite!
Seán O'Brien is a ginger who does not appear in most pictures and is banned from the state of Oklahoma for reasons the government refuses to divulge. He likes cats and brandy. Also he has a Master's degree in 18th century military surgery.
Stacy Kilb is a professional cat herder with more than 10 years of experience. When not following feisty felines, she can be found stalking the streets of Salem. Having haunted the city since 2005, she is more than happy to eloquently expound upon its not-so-halycon history as well as its contemporary charms.
Vanessa is a talented and captivating story-teller, with a knack for mixing humor with historical fact. Vanessa has lived in Salem since August 2018. Moving here from Pensacola, FL, she fell in love with the rich history and eclectic lifestyle Salem offers. She is an 8th grade Civics teacher and loves sharing her knowledge of history with others. Her B.A. is in History with an emphasis on the witch hunts during Tudor and Stuart England.
I cannot even believe this! WBZ just called me to congratulate me on being the most booked experience in America! I had NO IDEA! They are interviewing me and filming my tour today.... I am blown away! https://www.boston.com/travel/travel/2021/09/22/mass-city-most-booked-experience-in-america-this-fall-tripadvisor/