Witch City Walking Tours

02/02/2025

Last night, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting a magical bachelorette party at Witch City Walking Tours! 🥂✨ Our incredible tour guide, Violet, led this beautiful group on a fun and spooky adventure through the historic streets of Salem. We raised our glasses to toast and celebrate the bride-to-be! 🍾

We love helping create lasting memories for all kinds of special occasions. Thank you for letting us be part of such a memorable night! 🖤

01/30/2025

Absolutely worth checking out!

01/30/2025

Very excited to have an ice sculpture this year!

This year's sculpture map is here!!! Start plotting your route to visit all 29 business-sponsored ice sculptures!

01/27/2025

We felt an earthquake here in Salem!

A magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck Monday morning, about 7 miles southeast of York Harbor, Maine, the US Geological Survey said.

01/27/2025

One of Salem’s most haunted places, the Merchant Hotel is a must-visit for anyone seeking eerie encounters. In 1784, Joshua Ward, a successful merchant, demolished Sheriff George Corwin’s house—the notorious high sheriff of the Salem Witch Trials—and replaced it with a grand brick mansion. Designed by architect Samuel Luscomb and featuring stunning Federal-style architecture, the building also boasts intricate woodwork by local architect Samuel McIntire.

By 1789, it had become a key stop on President George Washington’s New England tour. In the 1800s, it was a popular tavern, welcoming both travelers and locals. Over time, the building’s history has evolved, but its haunting reputation has only deepened.

Today, the Merchant Hotel is not just an iconic Salem landmark, but one of the most haunted locations in the city. As the official partner tour company, Witch City Walking Tours brings guests here regularly to experience the supernatural activity that makes the hotel legendary. In 1981, a Polaroid taken during a Christmas party captured a mysterious figure in the background, fueling rumors of ghostly hauntings. The photo has since become part of the hotel’s eerie lore, cementing its place as one of Salem’s most ghost-filled locations.

01/22/2025

Kona and Cider are excited to announce that Witch City Walking Tours will be expanding our business into our *very first* retail space in Salem!

We recently closed on this wonderful condo in historic downtown Salem, which will be opening as a shop to visitors this spring!

It will be a one-of-a-kind shopping experience in a magical and enchanting space! Stay tuned for updates!

01/20/2025

Some peaceful moments after the storm on this morning’s stroll in Salem, MA❄️

01/19/2025

Here’s the Stephen Phillips House beautifully dusted in snow from our latest storm. We’re excited for more snow to come here in Salem! ❄️

A little history: Originally part of a grand estate in Danvers, this Federal-style home was built by Elias Hasket Derby, one of America’s first sea trade millionaires. After his passing, his daughter Elizabeth and her husband Captain Nathaniel West inherited the property. Following a family split in 1806, Nathaniel moved part of the house to Salem, adding a third floor and new wings.

In 1911, Stephen W. Phillips bought the house and filled it with treasures from his family’s global travels. Today, the house stands as a living snapshot of Salem’s past—an eclectic mix of history, design, and personal stories.

Have you had a chance to walk by this beautiful spot on Chestnut Street?

01/18/2025

Congratulations to Stephanie DeLeeuw - our winner of this January Raffle Calendar Prize!! Donated by Witch City Walking Tours, our winner will enjoy a custom brook making workshop for two led by Salem Witch Alexis Valentine. Witch City Walking Tours celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2024 by opening a new office and makers space just off Derby Square! Also included in the prize for Stephanie is a 5-pack of Salem Film Fest tickets for any of the documentary film screenings. The 18th annual Salem Film Film will take place March 27-30, 2025, with filmmaker Q&As, parties, and other special events. Check out their full documentary lineup on their website in the comments below!

01/16/2025

Witch City Walking Tours runs all winter long, offering complimentary hand warmers—and if it’s super cold, complimentary hot beverages at an indoor location!

Here’s our amazingly happy tour with Michael, warming up inside all while braving the 15° windchill temperatures❄️

Come see why we’re rated #1 on for 2023 & 2024!

01/11/2025

Salem, this morning… ❄️🕯️

01/10/2025

Salem, one year ago today… ❄️🕯️

01/07/2025

Today (January 6) is National Samantha Day! Of course, around here, EVERY DAY is Samantha Day.

Per NationalToday.com “…most Samanthas are associated with liberty and independence, a love of adventure, and anything unconventional. They are also famous for making decisions quickly.” Sounds like our witch, to me.

The first thing they suggest to celebrate Samantha Day? Host a ‘Bewitched’ marathon with friends!

01/05/2025

The double house at 21-23 Chestnut Street was constructed between 1814 and 1815 for John and Henry Pickering, the sons of Timothy Pickering. Timothy, a political figure, served in various high-ranking roles, including Secretary of State under both George Washington and John Adams. Despite being built for the Pickering brothers, the houses didn’t remain in their hands for long. By the 1830s, ownership had shifted several times. At that point, Robert Stone owned the property at 23 Chestnut, while 21 Chestnut was in the hands of Elisha Mack.

In 1833, during President Andrew Jackson’s visit to Salem, Robert Stone hosted an elegant reception at his residence at 23 Chestnut. The event was attended by Jackson, Vice President Martin Van Buren, several Cabinet members, and other prominent dignitaries, underscoring the historical significance of the house.

This is one of our favorite properties on Chestnut Street and in Salem in general. Our walking tour passes right through Chestnut Street, where we share all the fascinating stories behind the historic homes and landmarks. Book a tour with us today!

01/04/2025

A beautiful January morning ☀️

01/04/2025

Hamilton Hall looking extra charming this evening 🌙🕯️

This is just one of the many fascinating stops on our walking tours, where you’ll uncover the stories and hidden gems that make Salem such a unique destination. Book your tour with us today and step back in time to explore the rich history of this remarkable city!

Use code ‘JANUARY15’ for 15% off any of our tours!