If you’re a lover of fall or Halloween, I bet Salem, Massachusetts. is on your travel bucket list. It’s the setting of the iconic Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus, after all! (Parts of Hocus Pocus really were filmed in town!)

Known as the Witch City, Salem is an ideal destination for Halloween fans. However, there’s so much more to it than its macabre past. Whether you visit in October or another time of year, this Salem travel guide has you covered with the best things to do in The Witch City.

Salem, Mass, is most famous for the 1692 Witch Trials which claimed the lives of over twenty innocent victims. The town really embraces its witch heritage. Witchcraft shops line the streets and witch mascots are used all over, from the local high school to even the police department. Despite the witchy vibes, Salem oozes New England charm.

The town is over 400-years-old and is situated on the Atlantic Ocean, about 30 miles north of Boston. This strategic coastal location makes it one of the most important seaports in America. Salem’s rich maritime history can be felt to this day, and the harbor is a beautiful part of this historic city.

Salem is lined with cobblestone streets and grand colonial mansions. It’s a beautiful and quaint town. Like all of New England, Salem’s foliage lights up in reds, oranges and yellows each autumn, which adds a little extra magic if you visit during the fall.

Beware though that October and fall in general is a popular time to visit the city. Expect more crowds and book everything you can early. The last few years, the city has asked people not to drive in Salem if possible during the busy weekends to help with overcrowding and difficulty finding parking. The beautiful fall leaves and over-the-top Halloween decorations still make it worth the visit though.

GETTING TO SALEM

Salem is about 30 miles north of Boston in the state of Massachusetts. If you’re located in the north east it’s a pretty easy drive, just plan ahead for Boston traffic which can be very heavy!

If you’re flying, book a flight into Boston Logan airport and rent a car or take a reasonably priced Uber into Salem. Once you’re in Salem, you won’t need a car. It’s a very walkable city.

WHERE TO STAY IN SALEM

Salem has many great hotels and there’s something for every type of traveler, from grand historic properties to hotels with a modern twist.

The Hawthorne Hotel – This is Salem’s largest and most iconic hotel that sits right in the center of town. The hotel first opened in 1925 and is on the list of Historic Hotels of America. The hotel has a storied past and was used as a filming location for the television show Bewitched and was the setting of a famous 1990 seance to communicate with Harry Houdini.

The Hawthorn Hotel is also the location of Salem’s annual Halloween Ball. I love this hotel for its rich history, pet friendly policy and great location. It’s also said to be haunted!

The Merchant – This is a boutique hotel located right in Salem’s central historic district. The Merchant is a design-driven hotel that takes a more stylish approach to accommodations in Salem.

But The Merchant is more than just a beautifully decorated hotel, it has an absolutely fascinating history! The Merchant was built in 1784 as the private residence of a prominent Salem merchant, Joshua Ward, who worked in the rum and pepper trade. George Washington stayed at Ward’s house during his visit to Salem in 1789. The room he stayed in has been turned into a suite!

The Merchant has some darker parts to its history too. The land The Merchant sits on is where George Corwin, Salem’s sheriff during the Witch Trials (1692), lived and maintained his jail. Corwin wasn’t a nice guy. He was responsible for interrogating, arresting and sentencing to death anyone accused of witchcraft. Many innocent people were held in Corwin’s jail and died at his hands. And that’s right where The Merchant sits! Needless to say The Merchant is said to be extremely haunted. (I dare you to google image search ‘Joshua Ward House ghost’).

The Hotel Salem – This is a fun, hip hotel that’s owned by the same company as The Merchant. Hotel Salem is located on Essex Street, which is a pedestrian only commercial street in the center of town that’s filled with shops, restaurants and museums. The hotel is home to a lively rooftop bar that’s a great respite for a tasty cocktail.

WHAT TO DO IN SALEM

Whether you want to get spooked, check out whimsical shops or learn about the town’s rich history, there’s something for everyone in Salem!

Walking Tours

Walking tours are incredibly popular in Salem, and there are tours that cover all areas of interests. There are tours dedicated to Hocus Pocus locations, witch tours that focus on scary stories and more educational tours.

I’ve taken Salem witch history tours with both Witch City Walking Tours and Bewitched After Dark and I enjoyed both of them. I recommend checking out all tour options and reviews on TripAdvisor to find one that fits your interests.

Whether you do an official tour or not, I highly recommend just wandering around Salem. Chestnut Street and the Historic District are a gorgeous neighborhoods filled with drool worthy real estate and fun Halloween decor (if you visit in October).

Museum Hop

Salem is home to The Peabody Essex Museum, one of the largest museums in America in terms of gallery space and endowment. The museum holds some of the country’s most important collections of American and Asian art and design.

If you’re looking for something a bit more spooky, check out The Salem Witch Museum which is dedicated to the history of the Witch Trials of 1692. Tickets to enter the museum tend to sell out on busy fall weekends, so plan ahead.

The House of the Seven Gables is a seaside mansion made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne and his gothic novel of the same name. The historic home and its gardens are open for visitors to tour. It’s one of the most popular photo spots in the city too.

The Witch House is a must-visit. This is another beautiful gothic house, and this historic site is the former home of Witch Trial judge Jonathan Corwin. It’s the only building left standing in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. You can buy tickets to tour the original house, or its gothic exterior is perfect for a Halloween Instagram shot.

Shop Around Salem

Salem is home to some great shopping and whether you believe or not, a visit to one of Salem’s many witch shops is a must. Essex Street is the main commercial thoroughfare. It’s a pedestrian only street lined with stores selling crystals and other witchy goodies.

Crow Haven Corner is Salem’s oldest witch shop that also offers psychic readings. Off of Essex, you’ll find many boutiques selling seasonal clothing and home goods.

If you’re looking for something a bit more modern a visit to HausWitch is a must. The aesthetic store sells a beautiful assortment of spell kits, home goods and jewelry (think if Anthropologie was a witch store!).

I also love Oak + Moss (right across the street from Settler) for its wide variety of houseplants, pots and other home decor goodies.

WHERE TO EAT IN SALEM

Settler– This is a new restaurant in town and it’s amazing! Highly recommend for its A+ service and delicious New American cuisine.

Bambolina– This Italian restaurant is my favorite in Salem. It’s a cool rustic spot that serves delicious wood-fired pizzas, small plates and wine.

Adriatic– Wine is the center of the menu at Adriatic. Along with an expensive wine menu this restaurant also serves a variety of small plates, pizza and pasta.

Ledger– This is a former bank turned restaurant that’s the perfect option for a more luxe meal in Salem.

Goodnight Fatty– If sweets are your thing, this is your place. Goodnight Fatty sells delicious cookies and other desserts for a late night treat.

Notch Brewing– This local brewery has a beer garden right in the center of Salem. It’s a great spot to spend a few hours in between sightseeing.