I’ve visited Salem, Massachusetts two Septembers in a row, and as a modern Pagan, it’s one of those places I can see myself returning to again and again.
Salem is an interesting combination of things. There’s the very real and tragic history of the Salem Witch Trials, the modern witchcraft and Pagan community, gorgeous old New England architecture, touristy Halloween attractions, metaphysical shops, historic homes, restaurants, coffee shops, and approximately one million dogs walking down Essex Street at any given moment.
After two trips, I definitely have opinions about what is worth your time—and what I’d skip.If you’re planning your own witchy pilgrimage to Salem, here’s what I recommend.
7 Tips on Visiting Salem, MA
1. Book Your Salem Trip EARLY
If you want to stay within walking distance of downtown Salem, especially around Essex Street, do not wait until the last minute to book your accommodations. I would start looking at least six to nine months ahead, particularly if you're planning to visit during September or October.
Staying downtown is absolutely worth it if your budget allows. Essex Street and the surrounding area are where you’ll find many of the shops, restaurants, historic sites, witchy businesses, and attractions people associate with Salem. Being able to leave your car behind and wander around on foot is part of the experience.
Look for an Airbnb or VRBO within walking distance of Essex Street, or check the historic Hawthorne Hotel if you want the full old-Salem atmosphere. And if you're dreaming about an October trip? Book as early as humanly possible.
2. Make Your Own Witch’s Broom
One of my favorite things I’ve done in Salem is make a decorative witch’s broom at Witch City Broom Co. Instead of just buying another Salem souvenir, you get to create something completely your own. You choose the elements for your broom and leave with something that feels much more personal than the typical tourist-shop find.
The best part for anyone flying into Massachusetts: you don't necessarily have to figure out how to get a broom onto the plane. When I visited, they offered to ship my finished broom directly to my house for $40. Mine should be arriving any day now, and I’m ridiculously excited about it.
We also received 10% off purchases at their boutique afterward, so obviously more witchy shopping happened.
3. I’d Skip the Salem Witch Museum
This might be controversial because the Salem Witch Museum is probably one of the most recognizable attractions in the city. I've done it, and if you only have a limited amount of time in Salem, I personally wouldn't prioritize it. The museum uses narrated presentations and life-sized sets to tell a version of the story of the 1692 trials and explore the changing perception of witches throughout history. If that format sounds interesting to you, you may enjoy it.
But if you want to physically step into Salem's history, I would choose The Witch House instead. The Witch House was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin and is one of the few surviving structures in Salem with a direct connection to the 1692 Witch Trials. Walking through an actual 17th-century home gave me a much stronger sense of the time period than watching a presentation.
I'd also recommend The House of the Seven Gables, especially if you love old homes, literature, architecture, or Nathaniel Hawthorne. The waterfront property dates to 1668 and later inspired Hawthorne's 1851 novel The House of the Seven Gables. If I had limited time, those are the historical attractions I'd choose first.
4. Take a Nighttime Walking Tour
Salem feels completely different after dark. We did a nighttime tour through Crow Haven Corner, a little shop right on Essex Street, and I highly recommend adding a walking tour to your itinerary. Our tour started with a group spell before we headed into the city to learn more about Salem and the Witch Trials. If he's available, ask for Will as your guide. He is fantastic. There is something particularly surreal about walking through Salem at night while hearing the stories of the people who lived there more than 300 years ago. You also start recognizing places throughout the city that you probably walked past earlier without realizing their significance. This was much closer to the Salem experience I wanted: witchy, atmospheric and grounded in the history behind the city.
5. Don't Spend Your Morning Waiting 90 Minutes for Coffee
There are a LOT of people in Salem during peak season.That means lines.During our trip, Blackcraft Coffee had a line that was around an hour and a half long. I like coffee as much as the next chronically caffeinated person, but I am not spending 90 minutes of a Salem vacation waiting for it. We had much better luck trying some of the other coffee shops around town. My recommendations are Red Line Cafe (my personal favorite) and Brew Box. Get your coffee and use that extra hour to wander around Salem instead.
6. Make Dinner Reservations
Just like accommodations, don't assume you'll be able to walk into whichever restaurant sounds good that night—especially during Salem's busy season. One of my dinner recommendations is Turner's Seafood. If you love seafood and want a sit-down dinner, put it on your list and make a reservation ahead of time. For something more casual, get wood-fired pizza from Bambolina. After an entire day of walking around Salem, you will be very happy that Past You made dinner plans.
7. Most Importantly: Say Hello to All the Dogs
This is non-negotiable. Salem is incredibly walkable, which apparently means every cute dog in Massachusetts also gets to spend the day downtown. Say hello to them. Tell them they're doing a good job. Continue with your itinerary.
A Quick Note About the Real History of the Salem Witch Trials
One thing I think is especially important when visiting Salem—particularly if you're visiting because you're Pagan, a witch, or interested in modern witchcraft—is separating modern Salem's witch identity from what happened there in 1692. The people executed during the Salem Witch Trials were not practicing witches in the way we understand witchcraft or Paganism today. Nineteen people were hanged after being convicted of witchcraft. Giles Corey was pressed to death after refusing to enter a plea. The Witch House notes that the nineteen people sent to the gallows maintained their innocence rather than confessing to witchcraft. And yes, some of the victims were men.
Nobody was burned at the stake in Salem.
The accusations and trials grew out of a complicated mix of religious beliefs, fear, community conflict, social tensions and a deeply flawed legal process in which accusations of supernatural activity could become evidence against another person.
That's part of what makes Salem such a fascinating—and sobering—place to visit. The city has embraced witches as part of its modern identity, but underneath the broomsticks, spell shops and Halloween decorations is the story of real people who were accused, imprisoned and killed.
I think you can enjoy both sides of Salem. Buy the witchy things. Make the broom. Visit the metaphysical shops. Take pictures. Drink the coffee. Walk Essex Street at night. Embrace the fact that modern Salem has become a place where witches and Pagans can openly exist and find community.
But also visit the historic sites. Learn the names of the victims. Understand what happened there.
Would I Visit Salem Again?
Absolutely. I've gone two Septembers in a row, and I still don't feel like I've seen everything. If you're Pagan, interested in witchcraft, fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials, obsessed with old New England architecture, or simply looking for a fall trip that feels different from anywhere else, Salem deserves a spot on your travel list. My biggest advice is to give yourself enough time to wander. Some of my favorite parts of Salem weren't necessarily the attractions we planned months ahead. They were walking down Essex Street, finding another little shop tucked into an old building, seeing historic houses mixed in with modern witch businesses, stopping for coffee, and just soaking up the strange little world Salem has become. And, obviously, meeting the dogs.
FAQs About Visiting Salem, Massachusetts
What is the best time of year to visit Salem, Massachusetts?
September and October are the most popular times to visit Salem because the city fully leans into spooky season, but they are also the busiest and most expensive months. I’ve visited in September twice, and I think it’s a great compromise. You still get the fall atmosphere, witchy energy, seasonal decorations, and plenty of events without quite the same level of October chaos. If you want smaller crowds and lower prices, consider visiting in late spring, early summer, or November.
How many days do you need in Salem?
I would recommend at least two full days in Salem, but three days is even better if you want time to explore without rushing. You can technically see many of the major attractions in one day, but Salem is much more enjoyable when you have time to wander Essex Street, browse the shops, visit historic sites, stop for coffee, take a walking tour, and have a relaxed dinner. If Salem is the main reason for your trip, I would personally plan for two to three nights.
Is Salem walkable?
Yes. Downtown Salem is very walkable, and that is one of the best parts about visiting. Many of the major shops, restaurants, historic sites, museums, and attractions are concentrated around Essex Street and the surrounding downtown area. If possible, stay close to downtown so you can leave your car parked and explore on foot - I was getting 15,000-20,000 steps per day when I visited this past time!
Do you need a car in Salem?
Not necessarily. If you are staying downtown and primarily visiting Salem attractions, you can easily get around on foot. A car is more useful if you plan to explore other parts of Massachusetts or New England during the same trip. During busy fall weekends, parking can also be difficult, so staying somewhere walkable can save you a lot of frustration.
How early should you book a trip to Salem?
If you are visiting in September or October, I recommend booking your accommodations six to nine months in advance at minimum. October accommodations can fill up even earlier. Restaurants, tours, and popular activities should also be booked ahead whenever reservations are available. If there is something you absolutely want to do, do not assume you will be able to book it after you arrive.
Is Salem worth visiting if you are Pagan or practice witchcraft?
Yes, but it helps to understand that modern witchcraft and the Salem Witch Trials are two very different parts of the city’s identity. Salem has a large modern witchcraft and metaphysical presence, with Pagan shops, spell supplies, tarot readers, witch-themed businesses, and events throughout the year. At the same time, the people accused during the Salem Witch Trials were not modern witches or Pagans. For me, visiting Salem as a Pagan means enjoying the modern witch community while also respecting and learning about the people who suffered during the trials.
Were witches burned in Salem?
No. No one was burned at the stake during the Salem Witch Trials. Nineteen people were hanged after being convicted of witchcraft, and Giles Corey was pressed to death after refusing to enter a plea. The idea of witches being burned is often associated with European witch trials, but that is not what happened in Salem.
Were the people executed in Salem actually witches?
There is no reliable evidence that the people executed during the Salem Witch Trials were practicing witchcraft. Most of the accused identified as Christians, and many continued to deny the accusations against them even when confessing could potentially have saved their lives. Modern Salem’s witch identity developed much later.
Is the Salem Witch Museum worth it?
That depends on what kind of experience you enjoy. The Salem Witch Museum is one of the city’s most famous attractions, and it gives visitors an overview of the Witch Trials through narrated presentations and displays. Personally, after visiting Salem twice, I would prioritize The Witch House instead if you have limited time. I prefer being inside actual historic buildings connected to Salem’s history.
What are the best historical places to visit in Salem?
If you want to learn more about Salem’s history, I would start with The Witch House, The House of the Seven Gables, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, and the historic areas around downtown. I also strongly recommend taking a guided walking tour so you can learn the stories behind locations that would otherwise just look like ordinary buildings or streets.
Is Salem family-friendly?
Yes, but some activities are better suited to children than others. Downtown Salem has plenty of shops, restaurants, historic attractions, and family-friendly activities. However, some ghost tours, haunted attractions, and Witch Trial stories may be intense for younger kids. If you are traveling with children, I would check the recommended ages for tours before booking.
Are there a lot of crowds in Salem?
During September and especially October, yes. October weekends can be extremely busy. Expect crowded sidewalks, long restaurant waits, packed shops, busy tours, and limited parking. If crowds stress you out, visit during the week, travel earlier in September, or consider coming outside peak Halloween season.
Should you visit Salem in October?
October is probably the most immersive time to visit Salem, but it also requires the most planning. The city is packed with events, decorations, costumes, tourists, and Halloween activities. If you love crowds and want the full Halloween experience, you may absolutely love October. If you want a more relaxed trip while still getting the fall and witchy atmosphere, I would choose September.
Where should you stay in Salem?
I recommend staying as close to downtown and Essex Street as your budget allows. The Hawthorne Hotel is one of the most recognizable hotels in downtown Salem, and there are also Airbnbs, VRBO rentals, inns, and smaller hotels throughout the area. The closer you stay to downtown, the less you will need to worry about driving and parking.
Do restaurants in Salem require reservations?
Many popular restaurants do during busy seasons. If you are visiting in September or October, make dinner reservations whenever possible. For places that do not take reservations, consider eating earlier or later than the typical dinner rush.
What should you wear in Salem in the fall?
Layers. New England fall weather can change quickly, and you will probably spend a lot of time walking outside. Bring comfortable shoes, a jacket or sweater, and clothing you can layer throughout the day. And yes, Salem is one of those places where you can absolutely lean into your witchiest wardrobe if you want to.
Is Salem just a Halloween tourist town?
No. Halloween tourism is a huge part of Salem’s modern identity, but the city has much more to offer. There is Colonial history, maritime history, architecture, museums, historic homes, waterfront areas, restaurants, independent shops, and a year-round modern witchcraft community. If you are interested in history, witchcraft, New England, or simply wandering through an unusual historic city, Salem is worth visiting outside October too.