2.5-Hour Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Salem, USA
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Salem, Massachusetts, is known for the infamous witch trials, but that isn’t the only historical occurrence you’ll learn about during this guided walking tour. Join a guide for a deep dive into the long history of Salem from the Puritans and Patriots to the present day. You’ll stop by city landmarks including the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, the Pickering House, and the Ropes Mansion and Gardens. This tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Explore Salem's history beyond the infamous witch trials
- Walk through the historic district with a local guide
- Discuss the indigenous peoples, Puritans, and Patriots from Salem
- Stop at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and Old Town Hall
What's Included
- 2.5 Hour Salem History Walking Tour
- The walking tour does not enter the historic homes interpreted.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 190 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
The tour begins from the Coven’s Cottage, 190 Essex Street. It is located at the intersection of Central Street and Essex Street by the Essex County’s Shopping Mall historic Clock. The tall Green Clock. Look for Kenneth in his broad-brimmed hat in front of the Coven’s Cottage.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Mcintire Historic District
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Salem
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- This tour covers the history of Salem, Massachusetts. It’s not a tour whose only subject is the Salem Witch Trials.
- We do not enter buildings on the tour.
- Stroller accessible
- I recommend using the MBTA for weekend visits in October. Demand for parking often outstrips its availability and causes significant traffic delays. Parking information at Salem.org
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday are great days to visit Salem in September and October to avoid crowds.
- The tour is closed on Wednesday and Sunday.
- The tour is conducted in all seasonal weather, including rain and cold. Dress accordingly.
- Tour gathers 15 minutes prior to departure. Tour begins promptly.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 850 reviews
Perri_R, Nov 2025
Kenneth’s tour is fabulous. If you are on the fence, just book it. You won’t regret it. His knowledge of all things Salem is impressive. He clearly takes his job seriously both as a job but also as a passion. He is respectful of the history and the truth. He goes out of his way to be sure he shares only facts and doesn’t sensationalize anything that he can’t back up with research. I appreciated his kind demeanor and the care he took in deciding what aspects of Salem to include in his tour. It was well with both the time and money and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Thank you so much for such a special day Kenneth!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
I always want to provide the factual history of Salem in a captivating and a truthfully entertaining way. I have had a couple of weeks off from the tour and touring Ukraine during wartime but I have been keeping my guiding skills sharp by entertaining disabled adults, the elderly, the displaced and children in Ukraine with fun songs and sweets. Entertainment and hospitality are my passion in and out of Salem.
Jeffery_R, Nov 2025
Kenneth provided a wonderful Salem tour experience for us.
There are plenty of tours that cover the Witch trials.
However, Kenneth provided us with a detailed tour of the people that made Salem a Global Giant in the seafaring trade by talking about these people and viewing the exterior of their Federal style homes on Federal, Essex, and Chestnut streets.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
It was a joy to spend time togeter with you both on a private trour of Salem's beaufiful storied streets.
Nathaniel_B, Nov 2025
Fantastic history tour! While it felt like a lot of the Halloween Salem experience could be kitschy and frivolous, it was wonderful to take this superbly lead tour that took the history of Salem seriously and respectfully while still being exceptionally entertaining and informative. Very highly recommend.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
In gratitude for your participation on my tour.
Ashley_K, Oct 2025
Best tour guide in Salem! Very knowledgeable and accommodating. Guide was a wealth of knowledge and Kendra was great and helped us find the tour when we showed up late.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Kendra is indespensable. Tours with 25 guests or more are required by ordinance to have a number two staff member on the tour for safety or it would be in violation of the city ordinance on walking tours. Her value to my guests and me is incontravertable as you experienced when your train was behind schedule. I am confident that you would not have had the same experience with any other of the 91 tours in Salem.
In gratitude!
Laura_T, Oct 2025
It is a lot of walking but it’s not hard! Lots of learning and exploring! Our guide was very nice and attentive to everyone in the group
Response from Host, Oct 2025
In gratitude. I really do pride myself in taking excellent care of my guests and delivering the best factual information in an enjoyable way.
Kenneth
Jordan_A, Oct 2025
Loved Ken! Loved the small group experience and the stories off the beaten path. 1000% would do again.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
In gratitude.
Kenneth
Martin_T, Oct 2025
Ken was a great host! He was very personable and dedicated to making his guests enjoy their time in Salem! And there were treats!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
In gratitude.
Kenneth
Ramona_P, Oct 2025
Ken was fantastic!
He shares a wealth of knowledge about Salem and its history with us. He was entertaining and focused on our interests. He went out of his way to keep us comfortable and even walked us to our next destination. Highly recommend him and this tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
It was my pleasure.
Kenneth
Kathryn_C, Oct 2025
Kenneth kept the tour moving. He very kindly looked for sun to keep us warm. Loved the stories he shared with us.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
On any tour I am making descisions that influence the experience. From my guests comfort to walking speed, content and views. One consideration is that never stand guests facing a dumpster or an uninteresting view.
Terri_D, Oct 2025
Ken was the best tour guide! Super passionate and knowledgeable about Salem! Huge wealth of knowledge and some fun anecdotes along the way. We would highly recommend his tour if you want a well rounded history tour!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
In gratitude from a tour guide/operator. I hope to give each guest the experience you enjoyed.
Kim_G, Oct 2025
Ken is an amazing historian! Well worth the money! He is also very kind and waited for us to navigate the Salem traffic to get the tour!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
I do by best to assist guests in a way I would want to be assisted.
Mandy_M, Oct 2025
Kenneth was spectacular!!!! Couldn’t have had a better experience. He’s very knowledgeable and caring. Phenomenal story teller
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you.
Marcie_W, Sep 2025
Kenneth was AWESOME!!
Very knowledgeable and passionate about Salem history
We really enjoyed this tour!!
Learned so much !!
Would definitely recommend 😃
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thankyou for choosing my historical walking tour from Salem Walking Tours.
Krista_E, Sep 2025
Kenneth was the absolute best tour guide we could have ever asked for! We were running late and he called to make sure we were OK and we were fortunate enough that he was able to work with our schedule to delay the start a bit.
While on the tour itself he provided facts and (documented) stories and really brought history to life for us. He even took a few opportunities to snap a few pictures of us, one in particular was phenomenal (thank you ever so much!!).
He is a wealth of knowledge and was able to talk about the history of Salem rather than just focusing on the witch trials which was wonderful. He answered all of our questions and ended the tour with a period authentic song (he sings quite well).
If you are looking for an authentic historical tour of Salem I recommend taking a tour with Kenneth!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
A selling point is it looks like my tours this year in 2025 will be smaller for people looking for a more intimate experience.
It was an absolute pleasure to pass the afternoon with you both. Having no other tour guests on the tour I had no particular need to begin the tour sharply and we both benefited from that flexibility. I seldom stray from humility but it’s true I am a seasoned professional in understanding and communicating Salem history in an entertaining and factual way. One local referred to me recently as an endangered species and wondered if Salem had Lost me as a tour guide. I appreciate the review it helps me with visibility.
Bev_E, Sep 2025
Our tour with Kenneth was the highlight of our visit to Salem. He is incredibly knowledgeable and he is very passionate about all things Salem. We enjoyed this history tour, the stories and stops along the way - especially the beautiful garden. Ken made sure we were comfortable, offering bottles of water and stopping in the shade to get a break from the sun. Highly recommend!!!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
It was such a hot day and I adjusted the pace of the tour to preserve all of our good enjoyment. One of my gold standard practices are that when it exceeds 70 Fahrenheit there is bottled water for my guests and me. If I need to hydrate my guests need to hydrate.
Kim_F, Sep 2025
Our guide Mr. Kenneth was great. He was very knowledgeable about the history and could answer whatever we asked. He did a great job and was very obliging. I would definitely recommend him.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
I believe that most Salem visitors are paying a tour company for an experience in expectation that their guide will be engaging, factual and fully knowledgeable. I provide that experience.
Nicole_W, Sep 2025
We had the absolute pleasure of taking a walking tour of Salem with Ken, and it was one of the highlights of our trip! Ken is incredibly knowledgeable—he brought the history and stories of Salem to life in such a fascinating and engaging way. Not only did he share his deep knowledge, but he also surprised us by singing a beautiful song that gave us goosebumps. To top it all off, he even treated us to some of the most delicious candy.
Ken has a true gift for making the tour fun, memorable, and personal. If you’re visiting Salem, do yourself a favor and book a tour with him—you won’t regret it!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
It was my absolute pleasure.
Amber_S, Aug 2025
Very knowledgeable of local history 🫶🏻 Very thoughtful of guest needs such as water along the tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
My guests and the quality of their experience on my tour are my priority.
Jeffery_R, Aug 2025
Kenneth provides a detailed experience about all occurrences of the city of Salem, MA. A MUST TAKE TOUR
Response from Host, Sep 2025
A must take tour seems to be a popular recent critique of this tour. I am pleased that I don’t claim to be “the best” tour in Salem in my advertising. Such claims are always suspicious to me. However A must take tour doesn’t mean that it is the only experience to partake in.
Thank you!
Sara_B, May 2025
Kenneth was knowledgeable, entertaining, and determined to make our experience memorable. Spending the afternoon with him felt like an afternoon with an old friend. It was everything I had hoped for when I booked the tour and more. Thank you, Ken!
Response from Host, May 2025
To give this tour takes some personal effort but the hospitality is with given with ease. I have such excellent guests.
George_S, May 2025
Very informative. Kenneth has a wealth of information. Salem has a fascinating history. Would do it again.
Response from Host, May 2025
Salem is worth another glance.
Joey_T, May 2025
I highly recommend this tour, lucky for my sister and I we were the only two on the tour this Friday afternoon. Our tour guide was fantastic. He was friendly, super knowledgeable.
Response from Host, May 2025
Excellent Tour.
JRicardo_Y, Apr 2025
I was the only one on this tour with Kenneth, my tour guide. As a lover of history, Kenneth was a wealth of knowledge. He was entertaining and very informative, and we had a nice chat along the way. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, May 2025
It was a nice tour.
Lindsay_C, Dec 2024
Kenneth is an amazing storyteller and such a thoughtful tour guide. He called 5 minutes prior to the tour to ensure we weren’t lost, had umbrellas and ponchos available in case we needed them on the rainy day of our tour. Kenneth gifted us the first candy made commercially in America (Gilbralters). He even sang us a tune. My only constructive criticism is that he spoke a bit over the heads of my pre-teens which made the tour not as enjoyable for them. Otherwise, great experience.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for the good review.
Whitney_G, Nov 2024
Fabulous tour and guide!! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Learned a lot - highly recommend that you book it!!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for choosing this tour.
Aaron_V, Nov 2024
Kenneth is a terrific tour guide. He presents Salem so well and is truly a font of information and entertainment. I highly recommend.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for choosing me as your tour guide. Salemwalkingtours.com
Sonya_U, Nov 2024
Touring Salem with Kenneth was an incredible experience! He was not only friendly but also extremely knowledgeable about the town and its rich history. He gave us plenty of time to explore, ensuring we got a well-rounded and memorable introduction to Salem! Would highly recommend!!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for recommending me as a tour guide.
Christine_C, Nov 2024
Wow! If you’re looking for a truly historical tour this is the one for you! Kenneth is a fountain of information and very personable. I highly recommend this tour!!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
I love the metaphor you used.
Hillary_A, Nov 2024
Kenneth was great! Very knowledgeable. Answered all guests questions. Ensured we were away from the crowds and always knew where the bathrooms were. There is more standing than walking so if you're not used to being on your feet a small camp chair wouldn't hurt.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
I like the idea of a small camp chair or walking stick chair.
Liana_C, Oct 2024
What an amazing tour guide! He told the most wonderful, interesting yet respectful stories! He amazed us with some singing skills. He was just such a pleasant human being! Definitely recommend!!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
I have two audiences on each tour I give all year. My paid guests and the locals who know their family and community history. I give this tour for both.
From $40.00
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