Before Your Trip

What to Bring

• Comfort Items - Any comfort items you might want for the day.

• Cash - Cash on hand can be helpful as well for things like tipping buskers and some stores are cash only.

What to Wear

• Shoes - Comfortable shoes are a must as there is a lot of old cobblestone ground to cover!

• Have Fun - Dress for the season or the occasion! Many people even wear costumes during the month of October.

What to Expect

• Theme Park or City? - A common expectation is that the city of Salem is a theme park when it is actually a city that people work and live in. Please be respectful of the city and its inhabitants.

• Wait Times - During peak season expect that everything will take longer than you might want and that this is normal in a city that has over a million tourists visiting annually.

• Reviews - Due to the overwhelming amount of people visiting the city, is considered bad form to complain on public forums for something like a wait for a table or because of another minor inconvenience. These things are simply the reality of visiting an old city like Salem. Positive reviews of good experiences are always encouraged. Please treat the people who service you in any setting with kindness and respect.

Bathrooms

Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center is a great place for a restroom stop. Otherwise there are not a lot of public restrooms available so I would recommend timing your bathroom needs with pit stops like lunch or a beverage. The bathroom inside Witch City Mall is to be avoided at all costs.

Located At: Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center located at 2 New Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970

Website: https://www.nps.gov/sama/planyourvisit/salem-armory.htm

Seasonal Considerations

• Off Season - Things in Salem can be slow from January until March / April with many stores and attractions being closed during this time. Check to make sure everything you want to visit will be open before you make the trip!

• Peak Season - From the beginning of September until about mid November things in Salem can get crazy! Parking can be hard to find, lines and waits can be long, everything is CROWDED! So before you make your trip DO YOUR RESEARCH! Many things are booked a year in advance for this time of year so plan accordingly.

Historic Considerations

• Witches?! - The people executed in Salem were innocent victims and NOT actually witches. There were 19 people executed by hanging, one person was pressed to death under large rocks during interrogation, and no one, not a single person, was burned at the stake. Burning at the stake was a punishment during various witch trials in other countries.

• Everything Else - There is so much more to Salem than the famous witch trials. Salem was once the economic powerhouse of the United States due to its harbors being a hugely productive part of trade in America. Salem is also where the first demonstration of the telephone was conducted by Alexander Graham Bell. Parker Brothers, the makers of Monopoly called Salem home and made references in their games, including Clue, to this historic city. I encourage you to take an effort to look for some of the less trendy pieces of history you will find.

Places to Park

• Museum Place Parking Garage - All Day
  Location: Witch City Mall
  Address: 1 Church St, Salem, MA 01970
  Phone: (978) 745-8120

• MBTA Station - All Day
  Address: 252 Bridge St, Salem, MA 01970
  Metered Parking - 2-4 Hours

• Parking Meters
  There are many metered spots to take advantage of if you can. The Salem YMCA is often a great place to find metered parking.

Places to Shop

• Black Veil
  Owned by the Murray Twins whose artwork and tattooing has become synonymous with Salem style and has even been included in Hollywood movies.
  Address: 304 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://www.blackveilstudio.com

• Black Craft Salem
  Home of the largest witch in Salem. If you are looking for “mall goth” vibes housed in a beautiful historic bank, this is the spot.
  Address: 253 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://blackcraftsalem.com

• Nocturn
  An enchanting location that is worth your attention. Books, treasures, and a magical vibe is in store for you at Nocturn.
  Address: 18 Front St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://nocturnesalem.com

• Emporium 32
  Amazingly themed shop with a retro steampunk style. You will find something to take home from here.
  Address: 6 Central St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://www.emporium32.com

• DM&co
  Reminiscent of the East India Trade Company DM&co features, teas, candles, soaps and oddities from around the globe. Housed in a historic bullfinch style mansion from the 1800s.
  Address: 11 Central St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://diehlmarcus.com

• Crow Haven
  The oldest occult shop in America. Home of Lorelei the Love Witch and her signature apple love spell. If you are looking for a guided tour their “Witch Walk” is one of the best.
  Address: 125 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://www.crowhavencorner.com

• Pentagram Witchcraft & Magick Shoppe
  A very authentic occult shop owned by an actual witch. Check this store out when visiting the Witch Trial Memorial at Burying Point Cemetery.
  Address: 282 Derby St #3, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://www.pentagramsalem.com

• Enchanted
  Home of the official witch of Salem Massachusetts. A very authentic and curated shopping experience.
  Address: 98 Wharf St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://www.enchantedshops.com

• The Good Witch Salem
  If you have kids with you or that you want to bring a keepsake home to then the Good Witch of Salem has you covered! The Good Witch wears bright pink and offers non-scary experiences and products that kids love.
  Address: 2 North St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://goodwitchofsalem.com

Places to Eat / Drink

• Gulu
  European style coffee shop with a wide selection of coffee, beer, wine, cocktails, and small bites. Perfect for a lunchtime stop.
  Address: 247 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://www.gulugulucafe.com/

• Ledger
  Classy restaurant located in what was previously a historic bank.
  Address: 125 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://www.ledgersalem.com/

• Rockafellas
  This location was a historic jewelry store that started the souvenir trade in Salem with a silver spoon commemorating the Witch Trials of 1692. There is a vault with seating for two that would be perfect for an intimate meal.
  Address: 231 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://rockafellasofsalem.com/

• Hawthorn Hotel
  Historic location with classic American style food.
  Address: 18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://www.hawthornehotel.com/dining/

• The Roof at The Hotel Salem
  Great casual spot for a drink or happy hour food with a beautiful view of the city. Open depending on weather conditions.
  Address: 209 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://www.theroofsalem.com/

• Old Main Street Pub
  Classic comfort food in a dimly lit cozy pub setting.
  Address: 121 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://oldemainstpub.com/

• Fins
  Sushi and seafood with an ocean view.
  Address: 86 Wharf St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://hipfinz.com/menus/

Places to Go

• Peabody Essex Museum (PEM)
  The oldest continually operating museum in the country, featuring a rotating collection of galleries and activities. On permanent display is the largest collection of authentic items from the Salem Witch Trials.
  Address: 161 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://www.pem.org/

• The Salem Witch Museum
  Looking for the definitive story of the Salem Witch Trials? You can find it here.
  Address: 19 1/2 N Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://salemwitchmuseum.com/

• Witchboard Museum
  A very impressive collection of witch boards. Commonly known as Ouija boards, this collection will shock and amaze curious guests.
  Address: 127 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://www.salemwitchboardmuseum.com/

• House of the 7 Gables
  A unique opportunity to glimpse into the past and see how people lived during the time of Nathaniel Hawthorne. Be sure to visit Ye Olde Pepper Co, the oldest candy company in America, just across the street!
  Address: 115 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970
  Website: https://7gables.org/

Things to Do

A Tarot or Psychic Reading
If you are interested in a glimpse into your future, or your inner self, we recommend visiting one of the following locations.

• Hex - https://www.hexwitch.com/

• Pentagram - https://www.pentagramsalem.com/

• Enchanted - https://www.enchantedshops.com/

A Walking Tour
If you are interested in exploring the city with a guide we recommend one of the following walking tours.

• Salem Night Tour - https://www.salemghosttours.com/

• Witch Walk - https://www.crowhavencorner.com/witch-walk

• Salem Uncovered - https://www.salemuncoveredtours.com/

Free Things to See

• The Bewitched “Samantha” Statue
  The most photographed point of interest in the city! You may remember Samantha from the hit show Bewitched! A perfect photo opportunity for your group to grab a selfie in the Witch City!
  Location: Found outside of Gulu Cafe at 247 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970

• Witch Trial Memorial at Charter Street Cemetery
  Location: 43R Charter St, Salem, MA 01970

• Masonic Hall
  Salem is home to one of the oldest Masonic Halls in the country. This hall has connections to both George Washington and Harry Houdini. It is also located across the street from where the original courthouse for the Salem Witch Trials took place.
  Location: Look up on Washington street near 96 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970

• The Witch House
  The only standing structure in Salem connected directly to the witch trials. This is the house where examinations of the accused happened.
  Location: 310 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970

• The Ropes Mansion
  Allison’s house from the movie Hocus Pocus.
  Location: 318 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970

• Old Town Hall
  As seen in Hocus Pocus during the “I Put A Spell On You” dance party segment.
  Location: 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA 01970

• Harbor Walk at Pickering Wharf
  Salem’s harbor is a huge part of the city’s history. Today there are shops, restaurants, and great views in this area. Maybe you'll see the famed ship the Friendship Salem in port!
  Location: A great starting point is the Salem Custom House located at 176 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970.

• Salem Willows
  The Salem Willows is a great and nostalgic spot to visit during the warmer months. Featuring arcades, food, beaches, green space, and great paths for walking along the water. To get to the Salem Willows you will need to leave the downtown area via car or similar transportation. Travel time is about 5 minutes. Consider using a ride-share to get there and back if you have paid for all day parking.

Trip Planning Resources

For more in-depth information about planning your trip to Salem please visit the following websites:

• Destination Salem - https://www.salem.org/

• Haunted Happenings Salem - https://hauntedhappeningssalem.com/