Things to do in Salem

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Salem showing heritage architecture
Salem featuring heritage elements
Salem featuring a sunset, a coastal town and a river or creek
Salem showing heritage elements and a bay or harbor
Salem which includes a sunset

Salem Attractions

It isn't hard to find fun things to see and do in Salem. Dive into the area's history and check out the top tourist attractions in this delightful city. Organize your travel schedule now so you can hit the deck running when you arrive.

Explore the best sights in Salem with some popular tours & day trips, or try out our list of {71 fun activities in Salem fun activities in Salem}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can rest easy and concentrate on planning the perfect vacation.

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Salem must see attractions

1. Salem Witch Museum

Those curious about the tragic witchcraft trials of 17th-century Massachusetts are drawn to visit the Salem Witch Museum. Founded in 1972 and located in a brownstone-and-brick Gothic Revival building, the museum overlooks Salem Common and provides insight into the largest and deadliest witch trials in North America. Learn about the emotionally charged 1692 trials, the causes of witch hunts and patterns of prosecution through two immersive presentations.
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Salem Witch Museum featuring heritage architecture

2. Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Not far from the Salem Witch Museum, you can visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, which honors 20 victims of the infamous 1692 proceedings. Read the words of the accused, then take the time to pause and reflect on this darker period of New England history. The memorial was dedicated in 1992 by Nobel Laureate, Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel.
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Salem Witch Trials Memorial which includes a house

3. Witch House

The Witch House was never home to any accused witches in 1692, but instead was the former residence of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who played a significant role in the historic witch trials. Explore the house, built in 1675 and also known as the Jonathan Corwin House, for an inside look at what a wealthy resident’s life was like in 17th-century Salem.
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Witch House featuring a small town or village and signage

4. House of the Seven Gables

When merchant and shipowner John Turner I and his wife, Elizabeth Robinson Turner, built a home in Salem, Massachusetts, they could not have known it would become one of America’s most recognizable historic homes. Today, the House of the Seven Gables, officially known as the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, is a National Historic Landmark District. Whether you’re a history buff or know the house as the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, visit for an interesting look at life in the 17th century.
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House of the Seven Gables which includes a park and heritage elements

5. Salem Common

Spend any amount of time in Salem, Massachusetts, and you’re bound to come across this pastoral common in the center of town. Punctuated by the Hawthorne Hotel and a statue of Roger Conant, as well as the Salem Witch Museum, this pleasant park has been welcoming Salem residents and visitors since the 17th century.
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Salem Common showing a garden as well as a couple

Recommended things to do in Salem

Number of things to do
71
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Ultimate Salem Witch Trials Trip Planner Your Complete Guide: $5
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Salem

Free Things to Do in Salem

Traveling on a tight budget in Salem? Spend time, not money, on fantastic experiences.

Salem Museum - See if there are any special exhibitions or tours on at this respected museum.

Salem State College - Architecture enthusiasts will certainly enjoy admiring the modern design of this landmark.

Hamilton Hall - Get ready to feel like you've taken a step back in time while learning the secrets of this historic attraction.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Salem? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Salem

Fenway Park which includes a sporting event and night scenes as well as a large group of people

Fenway Park

4.5/5(2,499 reviews)

Catch a game or take a tour at one of America’s most historic and beloved ballparks.

Fenway Park
Boston Common featuring landscape views, a skyscraper and flowers

Boston Common

4.5/5(4,786 reviews)

The oldest public park in the United States has been the stage for centuries of drama. These days it’s the perfect place to unwind.

Boston Common
Harvard University showing a city and heritage architecture

Harvard University

4.5/5(1,966 reviews)

Walk in the footsteps of presidents and Nobel laureates at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States.

Harvard University
TD Garden

TD Garden

4.5/5(1,780 reviews)

Catch an event at TD Garden during your trip to Boston. Attend a sporting event or visit the notable monuments in this vibrant area.

TD Garden
Copley Square showing a city, heritage architecture and flowers

Copley Square

4.5/5(637 reviews)

Explore some of Boston’s finest buildings, educational and arts institutions, and shopping, or simply find a patch of grass and relax.

Copley Square
Gillette Stadium is also home to the New England Revolution, our pro soccer team. Tickets are easy to get and not crazy expensive. And there is always a section reserved for the hooligans, who keep the energy up for the whole stadium!

Gillette Stadium

4.5/5(388 reviews)

Catch an event at Gillette Stadium during your trip to Foxboro. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.

Gillette Stadium
New England Aquarium featuring marine life

New England Aquarium

4.5/5(1,678 reviews)

From sea lions to sharks, this modern aquarium on Boston’s waterfront brings the ocean world to your fingertips.

New England Aquarium
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

4.5/5(732 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening at Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, a top convention center in Boston. Experience the acclaimed art scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
Harvard Square

Harvard Square

4.5/5(1,963 reviews)

With a visit to Harvard Square, a favorite shopping spot in Cambridge, you can search for that perfect souvenir. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Harvard Square

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Salem

Photo by Chuck Fischer

Beverly

Danvers

Danvers

Photo by Nicole Smelson

Lynn

Photo by Irene Skarlatos

Peabody

Marblehead featuring a park and a bay or harbor

Marblehead

Photo by Perry Grossman

Swampscott

Quincy Market showing a city, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

Boston

Frequently asked questions

Is Salem worth visiting?
Salem offers an interesting mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local culinary flavors, there are many things you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Salem?
Water Park of New England and House of the Seven Gables are two awesome places to start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Salem while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Salem?
Don't leave without visiting Water Park of New England, ranked the top tourist attraction in Salem.
Is three days enough to stay in Salem?
You can easily tick off popular attractions like Peabody Essex Museum, House of the Seven Gables and Salem Museum with a three-day getaway in Salem. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Boston.
Is Salem a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to see and do in Salem. Several must-visit attractions, including Peabody Essex Museum, are accessible on foot. If you feel like a wander through one of Salem's neighborhoods, South Peabody is 3 miles away from the city center.
What are some activities to do in Salem with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all of your group, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Salem with kids.

What to do in Salem for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there are plenty of things to do in Salem for adults including Hamilton Hall and Saugus Iron Works.
Are there free things to do in Salem?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Salem is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Salem Museum is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.

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