Haunted Footsteps Best Ghost & Paranormal Salem Tour

Salem , United States

Haunted Footsteps Best Ghost & Paranormal Salem Tour

Active

(442 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience Salem's macabre past on this 1.5-hour walking tour. During your lantern lit stroll, follow your professional and engaging guide down the haunted streets, past ghostly buildings and a chilling cemetery. Listen to authentic tales or murder and accidental death as well as paranormal stories on this thrilling tour of Salem! (This tour does NOT discuss the 1692 Witchcraft Trials; take our other tour for witchcraft history).

Available options

3:00 PM

6:00pm Tour

1.5-hour Haunted History of Salem Walking Tour departing at 6:00pm.

9:00pm Tour

1.5-hour Haunted History of Salem Walking Tour departing at 9:00pm.

7:00 PM

8:00pm Tour

1.5-hour Haunted History of Salem Walking Tour departing at 8:00pm.

What's included

Analytics on any ghost photos you may get

Guide will dress in a costume

All ghost and paranormal stories are exclusive to Salem Historical Tours.

We do not go in any buildings so admission is not included nor necessary

Local, professional and certified local guide

Detailed itinerary

Meet your professional and entertaining guide, who will light the way for your hauntingly historic walking tour of Salem. Follow them into the night to begin your 1.5-hour walking tour. With the light from the lantern, make your way through Salem's streets. Through your guide's storytelling, dark humor, and captivating tales, learn about the paranormal activity in this infamous town. You will visit as many of these locations as time allows, hearing stories of Visit documented hauntings, accidental death and murder.

Enter the backyard of the Ropes Mansion that is replete with paranormal activity and includes stories of several people who died in the house. There have been many sightings in the colonial revival garden so take many pictures and maybe you catch an anomaly.

Stop 3

You will get to see the oldest cemetery in Salem which is one of the oldest in the country. You will hear tales of paranormal activity in the cemetery and the buildings around it. Many anomalies have been seen in our cemetery.

The John Ward house is where accused witches were examined in 1692 when the home was across the street from the jail. It has since been relocated to the grounds of the Peabody Essex Museum, but the activity is still there.

The Witch House is the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was one of the key judges during the 1692 Witchcraft Trials. There is a lot of paranormal activity there that has been captured by our guests. Eight of Corwin's children died in the home and the employees who run the home constantly report weird happenings in the home.

Enter the alleyway behind the restaurant and hear about an incredible murder that happened in the 1830s involving a love triangle between a sea captain, sailor and indentured servant. Sightings of the servant, aka Blue Lady, continue to be seen today by guests of the restaurant and the waitstaff.

The Merchant Hotel stands on the grounds of where the home of 1692 Witchcraft Trials sheriff George Corwin lived. There are stories that Corwin tortured people in the basement. He died in the home from a heart attack or brain aneurysm. Various reports have surfaced over the years of strange occurrences at the brick structure. Let our guide regale you with them and explain the reason why this may be happening. (we do not go in this house).

The Gardner Pingree House was built in 1804 and had a sensational murder there in 1830 involving a complicated conspiracy to get the money of Captain Joseph White. The plan unravelled as the co-conspirators turned on each other resulting in a suicide and the execution of two men.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off

There's no food or drink offered, but snacks, soda and water are available for sale.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.9

276 reviews

5★

156

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.2

166 reviews

5★

116

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Tour times vary by season. Available tour times reflected during checkout. Please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your tour. Check in at Salem Historical Tours Office at 8 Central Street, Salem, MA.

Traffic and parking can be very difficult and October is much worse with "LA Level" traffic. Give yourself extra time to get here and park no matter what your GPS is telling you. Check our website for details on where to park and options to get here..

Our public walking tours can pose challenges for participants with mobility and accessibility concerns. Tours are 90 minutes long and about one mile in length. Each participant must be able to complete the one-mile tour within 90 minutes, providing for frequent stops to view sites and for information from the tour guide. As Salem is a historical city, there are narrow and uneven sidewalks, bricks, cobblestones, and stairs. During events and festivals (and particularly October), with crowds and street vendors, the streets can become difficult to navigate.

Meeting point

We are part of the pedestrian walkway downtown at the corner of Essex and Central Streets. We are next to Emporium 32 and across from the New England Dog Biscuit Company. Look for our purple sign.

Important notes

Check in 15 minutes before your tour time at Salem Historical Tours office, located at 8 Central Street. We are in a large brick building at the corner of Essex and Central Streets. The Trolley Depot store is on the corner. We are the other end of the building next to Emporium 32 and across from the New England Dog Biscuit Company. Look for our purple sign.

About Salem

Salem, Massachusetts, is a historic coastal city known for its pivotal role in American history, particularly the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Today, it's a vibrant destination offering a mix of historical landmarks, maritime heritage, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Visitors can explore museums, walking tours, and the scenic waterfront, making it a unique and captivating place to visit.

Top Attractions

Salem Witch Museum

The Salem Witch Museum offers a fascinating look into the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Visitors can explore exhibits and a dramatic presentation that brings the story to life.

Historical 1-2 hours $12.50 for adults, $10.50 for seniors, $8.50 for children

Peabody Essex Museum

The Peabody Essex Museum is one of the oldest and most respected museums in the country, featuring a diverse collection of art and artifacts from around the world.

Museum 2-3 hours $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $10 for children

House of the Seven Gables

The House of the Seven Gables is a historic mansion made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel. Visitors can tour the house and its beautiful gardens, as well as explore exhibits on the author's life and work.

Historical 1-2 hours $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $10 for children

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

The Salem Maritime National Historic Site preserves and interprets the maritime history of Salem. Visitors can explore historic ships, warehouses, and other structures, as well as learn about the city's role in the Age of Sail.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

The Witch House

The Witch House is the only remaining structure in Salem with direct ties to the Witch Trials of 1692. Visitors can tour the house and learn about its history and the role of Judge Jonathan Corwin in the trials.

Historical 30-45 minutes $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lobster Roll

A classic New England dish featuring fresh lobster meat served on a buttered, toasted roll.

Lunch Contains shellfish, gluten (if using a traditional roll)

Clam Chowder

A creamy, hearty soup made with fresh clams, potatoes, onions, and celery.

Lunch/Dinner Contains dairy, gluten (if served with oyster crackers)

Apple Cider Donut

A sweet, cinnamon-sugar-coated donut made with apple cider and fresh apples.

Snack/Dessert Contains gluten, dairy (if using butter)

Popular Activities

Whale watching Kayaking Hiking Beachcombing Spa treatments Scenic walks Museum visits Art gallery tours

Best Time to Visit

June to October

This is the best time to visit Salem due to the pleasant weather and numerous festivals and events. It's also the peak tourist season, especially around Halloween.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Portuguese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Salem is generally a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid isolated areas and poorly lit streets at night

Getting there

By air

Logan International Airport • 25 miles (40 km)

By train

Salem Station

By bus

Salem Depot

Getting around

Public transport

The MBTA Bus system provides extensive coverage throughout Salem and connecting to nearby towns. Buses are reliable and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Salem The Point Salem Willows

Day trips

Boston

16 miles (26 km) • Half day to full day

Boston is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, offering a wide range of attractions, including museums, historic sites, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Gloucester

20 miles (32 km) • Half day

Gloucester is a historic fishing town with a rich maritime heritage, offering beautiful beaches, scenic views, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Rockport

25 miles (40 km) • Half day

Rockport is a charming coastal town with a rich artistic heritage, offering beautiful beaches, scenic views, and a vibrant arts scene.

Festivals

Haunted Happenings • October Salem Film Festival • March Salem Jazz & Soul Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit the Salem Witch Museum early in the day to avoid long lines and crowds
Take a guided walking tour to learn about the city's rich history and hidden gems
Try a lobster roll or clam chowder at a local seafood restaurant for an authentic taste of New England
Explore the Salem Harborwalk for beautiful waterfront views and scenic walks
Visit the Salem Farmers Market for fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts