Did you know that Salem, MA is celebrating 400 years since it became a town this year?!
We finally got to spend a few days in this witchy city and truly, this place is hauntingly magical.
I’ve been to Salem once before for an afternoon but I would absolutely recommend spending at least 1-2 nights here to really soak up the entire experience.
On this trip we decided we wanted to focus on three things: the history, witchy shopping and FUN and this guide of 25 things to do in Salem 100% reflects that magic!
We visited in the summertime which I would recommend as I know the autumn can be suuuuuuper busy.
But I do think it would be fun to someday return to spend some of the Halloween season here. We’ll just have to plan a trip back!
There’s so much more to see and do so consider this your starter list to the coolest things to see and do in Salem, MA.
And don’t miss my ultimate guide to Boston as well, which is only 45 minutes away!
Hopefully you’ll find this magical city guide helpful ahead of travelling for your own very magical visit – and let me know if you have any further travel questions!
25 magical things to do in Salem, Massachusetts
Magical Sights and Wicked Museums
Salem Witch Museum
OK, now this is a pretty interesting visit!
Please note in the autumn, they release tickets the evening before at 10pm. You will need to book your ticket in advance during the autumn as it can get so busy you really can’t just turn up on the day of.
Now you’ve got your tickets?
Your visit to the Salem Witch Museum takes place in TWO parts.
For Part One, you’re ushered into a 360º “theatre” where you will learn the history and story of the Salem Witch Trials. This part is actually pretty macabre and a bit creepy as you’re looking around the room at stationary figures from the Witch Trials.
The room is in the dark and then sections of the room are spotlighted as the story unfolds. The best way I can think to describe it is like looking at creepy stationary figures from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney…. while listening to the horrors of what happened to the town of Salem in 1692.
That said, it’s actually incredibly interesting, informative and worthwhile.
Part Two of the Salem Witch Museum is where a guide takes you on a very brief tour of witches throughout time. From way back in history through to our modern interpretations like in The Wizard of Oz and iconic pop culture like Sabrina, Bewitched, Hocus Pocus.
One thing I really loved is how they really get the point across that this was, in fact, simply people doing this to other people. Not witches. And how easily these patterns can happen and do still happen in our world today.
You will need to get tickets in advance, which are $19 per adult ticket.
The Witch House at Salem
Not actually a former accused witch house BUT it’s one of the last remaining homes from the time period of the Salem Witch Trials.
The correlation to the Witch Trials? The Witch House was once the home of the Witch Trials Judge Jonathan Corwin.
In 1675 Corwin purchased the home and then seventeen years later he would take part in the Salem Witch Trials as the judge.
The house is set up as it would have been in the past. With plaques explaining the rooms alongside general history of Salem. I think we probably spent about 20 minutes inside, so it’s certainly not a lengthy visit.
There are some interesting items to take a look at too – like this child’s doll, which absolutely looks witchy to me!
Tickets are $17.00 each which is pretty steep for what it is, what alas, when in Salem!
Ropes Mansion and Garden
Helloooooo Alison’s house!
Fans of Hocus Pocus won’t want to miss out on a stop here!
Known as the “Ropes Mansion”, this house dates back to the late 1720s. But today?
The Ropes Mansion is currently a museum. Part of the Peabody Essex Museum, which gives seasonal self-guided house tours from Thursday – Monday. You can absolutely take photos outside and wander through the gardens for free though – they are truly beautiful!
Bewitched Sculpture
A super fun landmark in the city of Salem!
I know, it’s a throwback, but did anyone else used to LOVE the show Bewitched? For some odd reason, I grew up watching reruns of shows from the 60s and 70s and of course, I was always obsessed with all things witchy.
I didn’t realise this but the series Bewitched actually filmed several episodes in Salem!
Apparently after a fire caused theHollywood set to show down, they filmed some of the seventh season in Salem. I’ll be excited to go back and find those episodes now!
Anyways, the Bewitched statue has been in Salem since 2005, to celebrate the show’s 40th anniversary at the time. And gosh, now it’s over 60 years!
Peabody Essex Museum
Located right in the middle of downtown Salem, you’ll find the Peabody Essex Museum.
Here you’ll find Salem’s museum of art and culture. Exhibitions range from exploring the witch trials history through to art, nature and science.
Sadly, I actually didn’t have time to go in! But we heard so many good things, so I am saving this one for next time and telling you about it now too!
Salem Pioneer Village aka Home of Thackery Binx
A little outside of the city (like a 5 minute drive) you’ll find the Salem Pioneer Village.
You might also recognise this from Hocus Pocus too! This is where they filmed the opening scenes, where Thackery Binx lives.
The Pioneer Village was actually built in 1930! And it was built as a celebration to mark the three hundredth year of Massachusetts.
It is also America’s first living history museum!
Which I think is pretty cool as I remember as a kid going to one on a field trip once. To have visited the very first one? So interesting!
The village is comprised of different examples of colonial architecture. You’ll find dugouts, wigwams, thatched roof cottages, and the Governor’s Faire House. There’s also culinary and medicinal gardens and a blacksmith shop to showcase early 17th-century colonial life.
Only open on the weekends! Saturdays and Sundays 12pm-4pm.
The hours are a bit challenging for tourists, however, I think this is quite a cool stop if you can manage to visit.
Witch Dungeon Museum
The Witch Dungeon Museum features a live acting reenactment of a scene from the Witch Trials.
And a visit with a guided to a replica dungeon to see how the accused prisoners at the time were treated.
Slightly mixed reviews online, so one for yourself to decide!
Salem Museum of Torture
This sounds like a very interesting (if dark) museum to go to, I’ve never been to anything like this before (and actually still haven’t) but I would probably add this to my list to go to next time.
According to their website, the museum is home to a collection of authentic instruments of torture accompanied by life-size displays of cruel & unusual punishments – yikes! This bloodcurdling exhibit will make you appreciate present days of virtue, wisdom and humanity.
The tickets are $15 per person and it takes about 25 minutes to go through.
Old Town Hall
Another famous filming spot from Hocus Pocus!
This is where the famous rendition of “I Put a Spell on You,” song is performed in the film by the Sanderson Sisters.
The building is open to the public – but sadly, we didn’t get a chance to go in on this visit.
Salem Common
A lovely park opposite the Salem Witch Museum AND another Hocus Pocus film location as this was right next to their High School.
Great for leisurely strolls or if you’re seeking some shade under a tree for a moment during the summer heat!
Phillips Elementary School on Salem Common aka Max & Allison’s School
Hocus Pocus locations continue!
Max and Alison’s school is located right on the Salem Common, how nice would that have been huh?
It’s no longer a school (and I’m not totally sure what it is now to be honest) but you can take photos outside in the street (just be careful) and from the Common.
Coffee, Bars and Restaurants
Blackcraft Coffee
THIS is the place to go for super fun coffee!
It’s actually a kind of cute, dark and spooky shop with a coffee shop at the very back.
But they have a really neat specialties coffee menu!
I tried the Spellbound Latte (iced as it was 95 degrees out!) which has Espresso, vanilla, pumpkin purée, nutmeg! I have my coffee with oat milk – so tasty!
Joe ordered the Magic Moacha Latte Magic Mocha Latte with Espresso, dark chocolate sauce, salted caramel syrup, hazelnut syrup and oat milk too!
Hallowed Ground
This was a really fun spot! I said to Joe, just find us somewhere cool for dinner and drinks!
And of course, he knows me well so he found a cool little speakeasy spot called Hallowed Ground.
The menu is actually so good, we went for the sushi – 10/10 recommend!
Goodnight Fatty
Adding this to my list even though we didn’t go because apparently this is a cult favourite in Salem.
And HOLY SMOKES. Now that I’ve properly looked it up, I’m furious that we didn’t go in (in my defense, there was a big line). But still!!!
OK, so they do these insane giant thick cookies with all sorts of flavours and toppings. And WOW!
Also, soft serve ice cream AND breakfast?
I’m furious! Please go and eat these for me on your next visit!
Gulu-Gulu Cafe
We popped in here for lunch and had such a lovely time! Known as Salem’s Artisan Sandwich Shop & Craft Beer Bar – it really is the perfect spot for just that.
I had a super yummy salad and Joe had one of their sandwiches.
I’d definitely head back in here again!
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall
So we actually only popped in here for drinks and appetisers but it ended up being so filling that we called that dinner for the night!
The seafood is so good!
We ordered the Fish Cakes and Calamari and everything was DELICIOUS.
Excuse the phone photos – sometimes a girl just needs a night off from the big camera!
Magical Shopping Spots in Salem
Ok there’s actually SO many stores in Salem!
Most of it is a lot of neat gift shops. Pop in and wander as you like! I think we pretty much went into every single store… but here are a few of my favourite highlights.
Witch City Broom Company
An absolutely EPIC broom shop!
I know, super niche, but this was seriously one of the coolest stores we could have gone in.
I kept thinking, gosh I really don’t need to get a broom…
But a broom from SALEM!?
I changed my mind pretty quickly! Then it was all about picking out which broom to get.
It kind of felt like being in Ollivander’s wand shop and trying to pick your perfect fit.
In the end, I firmly decided on one of their Practically Majik Brooms! It’s GORGEOUS.
And annoyingly, I had to leave it back in the states at my moms for the time being as it actually did not fit in my suitcase. Good news, they actually ship their brooms though and I should have totally selected that option when I bought mine.
And if you aren’t perhaps, in the market for a broom, they have other fun bits and pieces to take a look at too. Honestly, 10/10 Salem shop!
The Good Witch
Gosh what a seriously cute store!
Geared towards a slightly younger crowd but any aged girlie girls will ALWAYS find something fun.
I bought a teeny tiny mini broom kit here (clearly, manifesting my larger broom purchase to come!) as well as some crystals!
And the girls in the shop were so sweet too.
I’d absolutely recommend a visit in. Also, I seriously regret not buying a pink witch hat, so please go and buy one in my honour!
Wicked Good Books
You know, it’s not a complete visit to somewhere new if I haven’t found the bookshop!
We popped in here and I picked up a new book, of course.
Which then I proceeded to make Joe carry around all afternoon.
Sorry Joe!
Crow Haven Corner
I also really loved stopping into Crow Haven Corner.
I picked up a beautiful purple ring here that I love so much!
And we had the nicest chat with the guy working there, everyone in Salem truly is so lovely.
Blackcraft Shop
Yes, this is where I mentioned you can go for coffee!
But they have a TON of cool things to take a look at in their shop too.
Salem Witch Village & The Lost Library
This is kind of a plethora of shops, but I think it’s one to add to your list.
Some quirky spots to pop into! I picked up a Salem hat and super cute tee shirt!
Where to stay in Salem:
OK so there aren’t tons and tons of hotels in Salem, but I think there are still a good amount to choose from.
I’d really recommend staying at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites. They were so incredibly nice here! It was a super easy walk from here into “central” Salem too, about 5-10 minutes to get to everything you’d want to see.
Also, a bonus at this hotel? Free parking!
Everything is truly either a short walk or drive away so it’s super easy to navigate and get around.
And wow, you’re seriously going to have the most magical time in Salem celebrating 400 years of this city!
It is genuinely such a fun and friendly city to visit, there’s plenty to explore, history to learn and take it all in.
Thanks for coming along and enjoying the magic with me!
Kelly xoxo