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A well-preserved historic city perched on a protected bay north of Boston, Salem is best known for the darkest chapter in its history — the 1692 witch trials. Though the city has fully embraced its witch-dark reputation, it offers much more than its Halloween-themed façade might imply. From a lively food scene to literary history to a piratical legacy, this compact, historic port city is a microcosm of New England.

You’ll find the oldest part of town, near the waterfront, is packed with cafes and restaurants, many with patio dining in fine weather. You can also hop between plenty of boutiques and shops that lean into the town’s witch theme, ranging from elegant milliners where you can buy elaborately decorated pointed hats to mystical bookshops, clothing stores packed with black lace, and little shops that sell a jumble of herbs, crystals, and other occult accoutrement.

Things to see and do in Salem

Salem witch museums

To better understand the witch trials that made Salem infamous, consider planning a visit to one of the many museums (with confusingly similar names). We’ve shared three of the most popular below, but they just scratch the surface of what’s available.

Set in a one-time church, The Salem Witch Museum is more about creating an atmosphere than sharing history, with 13 immersive stage sets. There’s a nod to the city’s witch heritage too, though, with displays of original trial documents. You’ll also find an exhibit that examines the evolution of witches throughout history.

For a bit more grounded exploration, The Witch House at Salem is the only museum with a tangible connection to the trials — this was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, a relentless prosecutor of the so-called witches. A visit here gives you a chance to actually glimpse what life was like at the time, with period furniture and displays like the recipe for medicinal snail water.

If you prefer a more theatrical (melodramatic even) approach, consider the luridly named Witch Dungeon Museum, where actors re-enact the trials using transcripts from the period. After the performance, you plunge into a “dungeon” that’s equal parts horror and hokey, featuring mannequins chained to the wall and a re-creation of a gallows.

Guided tour of the House of the Seven Gables

With its well-tended garden, brick chimneys, and mullioned windows, the House of the Seven Gables might appear to just be another historic home amid the many that line Salem’s streets — albeit a very fine one.

However, this was the setting for Nathanial Hawthorne’s eponymous novel, considered one of the milestones of early American literature. Additionally, the house has witnessed almost 400 years of New England history. A guided tour can illuminate the complex stories locked behind the unremarkable façade.

Inside, you’ll find rooms that thoughtfully re-create 1600s decor, with many of the original furnishings carefully preserved. Ask your guide to see the mysterious secret staircase.

Peabody Essex Museum

Though the witches get all the press today, in the 18th century Salem was world-renowned as a major seafaring power. Ship captains returned from years-long voyages to Asia and the Pacific with various “curiosities”, which, in 1799, became the core collection of the Peabody Essex.

Focused on decorative arts and maritime history, this tiny museum features primarily Asian items, including the world’s best collection of pre-industrial Japanese art and an entire, intact traditional house from China's southeastern Huizhou region.

Look for K奴ka‘ilimoku, a fierce-faced living god who’s revered by many native Hawaiians. He stands facing his homeland, and you can sometimes see worshippers visiting.

Best time to visit Salem

October brings flaming foliage, crisp weather, witch-themed events, and throngs of visitors — from near and far — to Salem’s narrow cobblestone streets. We suggest avoiding that month unless you have a high tolerance for crowds. Instead, consider a visit between April and September, when the weather is usually warm and you can enjoy the less-crowded city.