Viator Rating : 5 (850 reviews)
Salem
Salem History Walk: Witch Trials & Historic Sites
150
Overview
The 2.5-Hour Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour takes guests on a journey through Salem's rich past with a five-star rated guide, Kenneth Glover. For ten years, he has guided Salemwalkingtours.com, painting a vivid picture of the city using the words and observations of those who lived it. This tour focuses on Salem’s complete history, from the witch trials to its maritime legacy.
Guests will explore key locations, including Historic Essex Street, Salem’s McIntire Historic District, The Witch House, The Ropes Mansion and Gardens, Stately Chestnut Street, The Pickering House, Hamilton Hall, The Old Town Hall, and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. They'll learn about the lives of the Puritans and colonists, religion and law, the great age of sail, the American Revolution, and the 19th century. This tour is ideal for those seeking an in-depth exploration of Salem's history with an exceptional storyteller.
This 2.5-hour walking tour provides an overview of Salem's must-see historical landmarks. Keep in mind that the tour explores the exterior of historic homes but does not include entry. Led by an expert guide, this experience will enrich the understanding of Salem's past. Discover the captivating stories and significant landmarks that define Salem's unique character. Kenneth is a researcher of Salem history and an exceptional storyteller then this tour will be a highlight of a visitor's trip. 
Highlights
Expertly Guided History Tour: Led by a five-star rated guide and masterful storyteller.
Comprehensive Historical Overview: Covers Salem's history from the witch trials through the 19th century.
Iconic Salem Landmarks: Visit key sites like The Witch House and Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
Perfect for History Buffs: Ideal for those interested in Salem’s rich and complex past.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers say the guide is very knowledgeable and engaging.
-
Many enjoyed learning about Salem's history in an interesting way.
-
The tour is well-paced and covers a lot of ground.
-
Customers appreciated the guide's storytelling abilities.
Some customers found it hard to hear the guide.
-
A few customers were not happy in large groups.
The Journey
Historic Essex Street
Begin your Salem exploration on Historic Essex Street, a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare that serves as the vibrant pulse of the city. Lined with eclectic shops, museums, and restaurants, this street offers a captivating glimpse into Salem's past and present. As you stroll along, soak in the atmosphere where pivotal moments of Salem's history unfolded, setting the stage for a journey into the heart of the Witch City.
Salem’s McIntire Historic District
While admission to the interiors of the historic buildings in Salem's McIntire District are not part of this particular experience, the exteriors alone offer a masterclass in Federal architecture. Named after Samuel McIntire, a renowned architect and woodcarver, the district showcases stunning examples of his craftsmanship. Admire the elegant facades, intricate details, and harmonious proportions that define this architectural gem. This district stands as a testament to Salem's rich maritime history and the prosperity it brought to its citizens.
The Witch House
Visit The Witch House, the only structure with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials still standing in Salem. Once the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided over the trials, this house provides a tangible link to one of the most tragic events in American history. Explore the house (optional visit at own expense) and imagine the intense atmosphere that gripped Salem during those dark days. The Witch House offers a somber yet essential perspective on this pivotal moment in history.
The Ropes Mansion and Gardens
Step into the refined world of the Ropes Mansion and Gardens, a stately Georgian mansion that epitomizes the elegance of 18th-century Salem. While the interiors offer a glimpse into the life of a wealthy merchant family, the true jewel is the meticulously maintained gardens. Wander through the tranquil pathways, admire the vibrant blooms, and escape the bustle of the city in this serene oasis. A filming location for 'Hocus Pocus', the Ropes Mansion offers a glimpse into Salem's cinematic allure, alongside its historical charm.
Stately Chestnut Street
Wander down Stately Chestnut Street, renowned as one of the most beautiful streets in America. Marvel at the architectural masterpieces that line this historic thoroughfare, showcasing a stunning array of Federal-style mansions. Each home tells a story of Salem's prosperous maritime past, and the families who shaped its destiny. Take a leisurely stroll, and imagine the lives of the sea captains and merchants who once called this prestigious address home.
The Pickering House
Discover the Pickering House, a testament to continuous family ownership spanning over three centuries. This remarkable home offers a unique window into the lives of ten generations of the Pickering family, who played a significant role in Salem's history. Admire the architecture that reflects the evolving tastes of each era, and learn about the family's contributions to Salem's maritime trade, politics, and culture.
Hamilton Hall
Admire Hamilton Hall, an exquisite example of Federal architecture that has served as a gathering place for Salem's elite since 1805. This elegant building has hosted countless balls, concerts, and social events, witnessing the changing social landscape of Salem. Appreciate the architectural details, the graceful proportions, and the enduring legacy of this cultural landmark, which continues to host events and contribute to Salem's vibrant community.
The Old Town Hall
Experience the historic charm of The Old Town Hall, located in Derby Square, a building that has served as a focal point of Salem's civic life for centuries. Marvel at its architectural details and learn about its significance in Salem's history, serving as a meeting place, a market, and a venue for important public gatherings. This building is one of the locations used in the film 'Hocus Pocus'.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Pay your respects at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, a somber and poignant tribute to the victims of the 1692 witch trials. Reflect on the injustice and tragedy that unfolded here, as you read the names of those who were wrongly accused and executed. The memorial serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of intolerance and the importance of safeguarding human rights. This serene space provides a place for reflection and remembrance, ensuring that the lessons of the past are never forgotten.
Know Before You Go
This 2.5-hour Salem History Walking Tour provides an overview of the city's historical highlights. The tour includes a knowledgeable guide who will share stories and insights about Salem's past. Please note that the tour does not include entry into the historic homes.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. It's also a good idea to bring a water bottle, especially on warm days. Some customers recommended booking in advance, as the tour tends to sell out.
Review Summary
Customers generally say the 2.5-Hour Salem History & Sightseeing Guided Walking Tour is informative, well-paced, and led by knowledgeable guides who bring Salem’s history to life. Many highlight Kenneth Glover’s storytelling and the tour’s accessibility, while some note that the lack of interior access to historic homes may be a limitation for those seeking more in-depth site visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Salem
$25
Salem's Satanic History Walking Tour
5.0
(1635 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Satanic Salem Walking Tour offers a unique look at Salem's history, focusing on the story of The Satanic Temple and its impact on Downtown Salem. This isn't your typical ghost tour; it's a historical exploration led by an expert in occultism and an ordained satanic minister. Perfect for those who want a different kind of Salem experience, this walking tour dives into the real history behind The Satanic Temple.
What can people expect on the tour? The walking tour includes a discounted admission to The Satanic Temple's Salem Art Gallery. The tour guide will share historical insights in Downtown Salem. This tour offers a fresh perspective, steering clear of supernatural tales and focusing on historical facts and the story of The Satanic Temple.
This tour provides a memorable and educational experience for those curious about the history of The Satanic Temple and its place in Salem. Please note that this tour does not include food, drinks, or transportation.
Boston
$39
Freedom Trail: Boston History Small Group Walking Tour
4.9
(6436 reviews)
Duration: 150
minutes
Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour allows people to walk the same brick paths that sparked the American Revolution. This walking tour, designed for history lovers, keeps the group small for a better experience with a local guide!
The 2.5-hour tour begins at Boston Common, explores all SIXTEEN official Freedom Trail landmarks, and ends at Copp's Hill Terrace in the North End. Guests can walk where Colonial Bostonians once stood as they decided between loyalty and rebellion.
Hub Town Tours uses storytelling to bring Boston's history to life. As the tour moves from Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, and Park Street Church to Granary Burying Ground and King's Chapel, your guide will tell the story of a colonial town on the brink of war. The tour also visits Copp's Hill Burying Ground, the Boston Latin School Site, Old City Hall, Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, and the Boston Massacre Site. Finally, the tour includes Faneuil Hall, Union Oyster House, the North End, Paul Revere House, Paul Revere Mall, Old North Church, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, and the Charlestown Waterfront. This tour includes small groups (16 guests max), visits to Downtown Boston & North End, and all 16 Freedom Trail landmarks. This tour does not include gratuity for the guide (optional), admission inside museums, or the Charlestown neighborhood.
Salem
$36
Salem History & Hauntings Tour: Uncover Witch Trials!
4.9
(14541 reviews)
History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour: Explore the spooky and fascinating history of Salem, Massachusetts, on this 2-hour walking tour. Perfect for history buffs and those seeking a thrill, this tour brings Salem's captivating past to life. Learn about Salem's time as a major seaport, hear chilling ghost stories, see beautiful old buildings, and discover the truth behind the 1692 Salem Witch Trials.
Visitors can expect to walk the historic streets and visit key spots like Salem's Old Town Hall, the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, and the Bewitched Statue. The tour also stops at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, The Witch House Gardens, Salem Historic District, The Witch House (Exterior), Salem, MA, Old Burying Point Cemetery (Exterior), and Hamilton Hall, offering a look into Salem's past and present. Led by local experts, the tour provides a deep dive into 400 years of Salem's history, all while walking through the charming McIntire District. Please note that the tour does not enter any buildings; it is an outdoor experience only.
This tour includes a professional guide, a 2-hour walk through Salem's most historic sites, and a chance to hear stories of hauntings and history. Gratuities are not included. The tour group is limited to 39 people. This experience welcomes all, is dog friendly and handicap accessible, offering a memorable and accessible exploration of Salem's unique charm.
Boston
$55
Boston's Epic Revolution: Small Group Walking Tour
5.0
(2354 reviews)
The Full Revolutionary Story Epic Small Group Boston Walking Tour is a historical walking tour that explores the birth of America. This award-winning tour, a Boston Magazine favorite, dives deep into Boston's original neighborhoods to retell the story of the American Revolution, from the city's founding to the Declaration of Independence. Unlike other tours focused only on the Freedom Trail, this experience offers a complete view of the city and its history.
Visitors will follow a carefully planned route, visiting 14 important landmarks in the order that history happened. This creates an immersive citywide story that brings to life the personalities and passions that shaped America. Expect to explore places like Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. The tour also goes beyond the Freedom Trail to experience the charm of the old town and the energy of the modern city.
What to Expect: During the walk, the group will visit historical sites such as the Old North Church, Copp's Hill Burying Ground and the Boston Massacre Site, Paul Revere's House, and the USS Constitution. Other key stops are City Hall Plaza, Boston Architecture, Massachusetts Bay Colony, Freedom Trail, King's Chapel, Brimstone Corner, Granary Burying Ground, Historic Architecture & Democracy, Boston Latin School, Old State House, Ticknor and Fields Publishing House, Old South Meeting House, Downtown Boston & Freedom Trail, Financial District, Boston Public Garden, Acorn Street, North End, and Boston Harborwalk. The tour finishes in the North End (Little Italy) with a surprise Tea Party on Boston Harbor.
Portland
$69
Portland, Maine: City & 3 Lighthouses Tour with Local Guide
5.0
(1448 reviews)
Duration: 105
minutes
The Real Portland Tour: City and 3 Lighthouses Historical Tour with a Real Local is a unique way to discover Portland, Maine, through the eyes of a true local. This sightseeing tour offers an authentic glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant present, going beyond typical tourist spots to reveal hidden gems and lesser-known stories. With a knowledgeable guide who was born and raised in Portland, participants gain insider access to the happenings and history of this charming city and its iconic lighthouses.
During the tour, expect to visit key landmarks such as Commercial Street in the Old Port, admire the granite buildings of Portland, relax in Fort Allen Park, and stroll along the Eastern Promenade. The tour also includes stops at the Portland Maritime Signal Tower and the historic Eastern Cemetery. Furthermore, the tour takes participants through Downtown Portland & Arts District, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Oldest Church in Portland, and past the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Portland Museum of Art, Longfellow Statue, and Victoria Mansion. A drive out to Fort Williams Park to see the Portland Head Light plus visits to Fort Preble, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse and Bug Light Park are included. The local guide shares insightful commentary and entertaining stories that bring the city's culture and heritage to life.
This tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide with 20 years of experience. Not included are personal expenses. Get ready to experience the real Portland with a local expert.
Boston
$79
Freedom Trail Tour: See ALL Sites, Including USS Constitution!
5.0
(732 reviews)
Duration: 240
minutes
Entire Freedom Trail Walking Tour: Explore Boston's rich history from start to finish! This tour takes you on a journey through time, focusing on the brave people and key events that transformed peaceful settlers into revolutionaries ready to fight for freedom from Great Britain. Unlike other tours that skip important sites, this experience ensures you see it all, including Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution.
What to Expect: Participants will walk the entire Freedom Trail, visiting 16 historical landmarks that tell the story of the American Revolution. The adventure begins at the Massachusetts State House, and continues to the Park Street Church and Granary Burying Ground. The tour also makes stops at King's Chapel, the Boston Latin School Site & Benjamin Franklin Statue, the Old South Meeting House, and the Old State House. Guests will also visit Faneuil Hall, the Blackstone Block, the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, Bunker Hill Monument (Breed's Hill), and the USS Constitution.
What’s Included: The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, who does not accept or expect gratuities, to lead you on this four-hour narrated walking tour of the entire Freedom Trail. What’s Excluded: Admission to interiors of the historical sites are not included, giving guests the flexibility to explore the sites they are most interested in.
Nearby Events
Aura
May 06
8:00 PMThe Psychology of Serial Killers | Aura, Portland Tickets
Delve into the unsettling world of true crime with "The Psychology of Serial Killers" at Aura in Portland, ME. This immersive experience explores the complex minds and motivations behind some of history's most infamous criminals, offering a chilling glimpse into the darkness that can reside within humanity.
Aura, a renowned entertainment venue in Portland, provides an intimate setting for this thought-provoking event. Known for hosting a variety of performances, from live music to theatrical productions, Aura's versatile space enhances the intensity of "The Psychology of Serial Killers," making for an unforgettable and perhaps unsettling evening.
Boch Center Wang Theatre
Mar 07
8:00 PMRoberto Carlos Tickets | Boch Center, Boston
Roberto Carlos, the legendary Brazilian singer-songwriter, brings his iconic ballads to the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston. Known for his romantic style and decades of hits, Carlos continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Fans can anticipate a night filled with his most beloved classics and perhaps even a glimpse of new material, showcasing his enduring talent and passion for music.
The Boch Center Wang Theatre, a historic landmark in Boston's Theater District, offers a stunning backdrop for this performance. Renowned for its architectural beauty and excellent acoustics, the Wang Theatre has hosted countless legendary performers, making it a perfect venue for an artist of Roberto Carlos' stature.
TD Garden
Jan 28
7:30 PMBoston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks HBCU Night Tickets
Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks (HBCU Night) at TD Garden in Boston offers an electrifying NBA basketball showdown celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This event highlights two of the league’s premier teams engaging in a spirited rivalry, enhanced by the cultural significance of HBCU Night.
The Boston Celtics, renowned for their rich history and championship pedigree, face off against the talented Atlanta Hawks, a team with a dynamic roster and rising stars. TD Garden, Boston’s iconic arena known for its vibrant sports atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities, serves as the perfect backdrop for this memorable basketball event.
Lynn Auditorium
Mar 21
8:00 PMEngelbert Humperdinck Live at Lynn Auditorium
Engelbert Humperdinck brings his timeless pop and adult contemporary hits to Lynn Auditorium in Lynn, MA. The legendary crooner, known for chart-toppers like 'Release Me' and 'The Last Waltz,' continues his extensive 2025-2026 tour with sold-out shows across the US, captivating audiences with his velvety voice and romantic ballads from albums like 'Always Hear the Harmony' and 'Definition of Love.'[1][4][5]
With over five decades in the spotlight, Humperdinck remains a romantic icon, selling millions worldwide and earning a devoted fanbase for live performances blending classics and fresh gospel sessions. Lynn Auditorium, a premier venue north of Boston with 2,100 seats, hosts top live events in an intimate setting perfect for music lovers.[5]
Arts at the Armory
Feb 05
7:30 PMVivian Tu: Well Endowed at Arts at the Armory
Vivian Tu: Well Endowed at Arts at the Armory brings New York Times bestselling author, former Wall Street trader, and “Your Rich BFF” creator Vivian Tu to Somerville for a sharp, story-driven conversation about money, mindset, and modern wealth-building. Fresh off the release of her new guide Well Endowed: The Secrets to Strategic Spending and the follow-up to Rich AF, she breaks down how to build and protect generational wealth in plain language, with the candid humor and tough-love advice that made her a viral personal finance voice.[4][2]
Vivian Tu is widely known for turning complex financial concepts into relatable, social-first content, and her Well Endowed tour expands that mission into an in-person experience where audiences can ask smarter questions about spending, investing, and long-term planning.[4][5] Arts at the Armory, a historic community arts hub in Somerville, is celebrated for its intimate, welcoming performance spaces and eclectic programming, making it an ideal venue for a conversational, interactive evening that feels more like a live podcast than a traditional lecture.
Amica Mutual Pavilion
Feb 12
7:00 PMJeff Dunham Artificial Intelligence Tickets Providence
Jeff Dunham Artificial Intelligence is a standout comedy event at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, RI. This unique show blends Jeff Dunham's signature ventriloquism with innovative themes inspired by artificial intelligence, delivering fresh, laugh-out-loud entertainment that appeals to longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Jeff Dunham is celebrated worldwide for his witty puppetry and diverse characters, including crowd favorites like Walter and Peanut. The Amica Mutual Pavilion, known for hosting top-tier entertainment events in Providence, provides an intimate yet dynamic setting that enhances the live comedy experience, making it a must-visit venue for performing arts lovers.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Cambridge
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Cambridge From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Historical Tours & Rock in Cambridge. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Cambridge Activities