Things to do in Salem

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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 {92 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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Most popular activities in Salem

Tours & day trips

See all 81 activities
History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours and 15 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 132 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $35 per adult
History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking TourOpens in new tab

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 10 activities
Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.6 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $40 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 8 activities
Massachusetts Highlights: Freedom Trail, Salem & More Tour

Massachusetts Highlights: Freedom Trail, Salem & More Tour

Activity duration is 2 days
Free cancellation available
Price is $50 per adult
Massachusetts Highlights: Freedom Trail, Salem & More TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities
Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.6 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $40 per adult
Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub CrawlOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 3 activities
Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sighti...

Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sighti...

Activity duration is 4 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $45 per adult
Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sighti...Opens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Salem

Number of things to do
92
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self Guided Audio Tour 'Hawthorne's Haunts' Haunted Walking Tour Salem: $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
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
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
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
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
At the CRASH-B Sprints Indoor Rowing Championships at Agganis Arena, Boston #kidsfun #fun #indoorrowing #Boston #endurance #rowing #concept2 #rowinglife

Boston University

4.5/5(1,012 reviews)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area around Boston University, a top college in Boston. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the acclaimed theater scene in this vibrant area.

Boston University
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 art scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Harvard Square
Boston Harbor showing a sunset and a bay or harbor

Boston Harbor

4.5/5(724 reviews)

Adore Boston’s charming working harbor from the waterfront or head out by boat to get to know it more intimately.

Boston Harbor

 

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

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.