48 Hours in Salem, Massachusetts

© Salem Witch Museum

Salem is a spellbinding mix of witchy kitsch, haunting history, and vibrant modern culture. In this ultimate guide to Salem, we share the best places to stay and eat, and the must-see attractions to help you make the most of 48 hours in Salem.

Salem is a town that stares you down and dares you to look away. In 1692, Salem hanged nineteen innocent people for the crime of witchcraft. (Spoiler alert: Not a single one of them was a witch). The echoes of that dark history reverberate through the streets, drawing visitors into a narrative that’s as intriguing as it is unsettling.

Names of the 20 victims of the Salem witch hunt shown on the Red Circle © Salem Witch Museum

Sure, you’ll see the broomsticks, crystals and candle-lit ghost tours. Shop windows sport robed mannequins in pointy hats that look like they were discarded from Harry Potter’s wardrobe. And visitors can participate in a witch’s circle dance, take a witchcraft lesson or even visit the house from Hocus Pocus. And let’s be honest, that is what you came for.

Salem's shops sell all manner of sppoky accessories

But it’s not all irreverent. Beneath the playful exterior lies a deep, reflective reverence for the past. There are no band-aids. No carefully disguised scars. In fact, by openly allowing the horrors of its past to haunt the streets, Salem’s dark history lingers in corners, hanging thick as Atlantic fog, reminding you that it is part of Salem’s very DNA.

As you stroll through Salem’s postcard-pretty streets, with its charming buildings and quaint storefronts, there’s no escaping the constant reminders of how hysteria fuelled one of America’s darkest chapters. Yet, amid this haunting legacy, you’ll also encounter the irony that in this now fiercely feminist town, women’s rights, counterculture and witchcraft thrive in the very place that once condemned them.

Today, Salem, aka Witch City, has reclaimed the word “witch” and turned it into something positive, inviting a new kind of magic into its streets and it gets under your skin… like sorcery some might say, with tongue firmly in cheek.

Witches are everywhere in Salem © Aleney de Winter

In all seriousness, nowhere else do the shadows of history coexist with a vibrant, modern community spirit quite like they do in this city, and there’s something spellbinding about how Salem and it’s not-so-wicked witches have created an inclusive, safe space that encourages dialogue, nurtures creativity and fosters empowerment.

Salem Massachusetts is an inclusive town

Of course, Salem offers so much more than witches. One of the most significant seaports in early American history, you may find yourself drawn to its harbour to explore its historic buildings and wharves or lured by seafood shacks and pubs filled with locals swapping stories as rich as the chowder. For literary enthusiasts, the shadow of Nathaniel Hawthorne looms large. His works, including The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables, are deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of Salem and spring to life against the backdrop of its streets.

Or perhaps Salem’s art and culture will speak to your soul. Anchored by the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) and its extraordinary collection of global art and artefacts, Salem’s creativity spreads to the streets, and a wall crawl of striking street art in Punto becomes a celebration of local stories and community spirit.

Another instance of how the city seamlessly blends its haunting past with a proud present, inviting visitors to explore and peel back the many layers of this utterly unique place. Though, let’s be honest, no one would blame you if you can’t resist doing so while rocking a corset and a pointy hat.

From where to stay and what to eat to the best sights to see and places to go, here are my top recommendations for making the most of your 48 hours in Salem.

48 hours in Salem: The essential stops


Where to start in Salem


With so much to see and explore in Salem, it’s crucial to prioritise your itinerary to maximise your experience. With just 48 hours in Salem to explore, grounding yourself in the key attractions, local culture, and eerie charm will ensure you properly capture the essence of Witch City.

Salem Trolley Tour

A Salem Trolley Tour is a great way to introduce yourself to the quirky New England city

The easiest way to get your bearings in the city while putting your feet up is the Salem Trolley Tour. The hop-on, hop-off tour covers major highlights, including historic downtown, the Witch Trials Memorial, the House of the Seven Gables, the Salem Witch Museum, Pickering Wharf and the stately mansions of Chestnut Street. The guides mix storytelling with fascinating historical facts, bringing to life tales of the witch trials, Salem’s maritime history and its vibrant arts culture.

The Salem Heritage Trail

This self-guided tour allows you to explore the city at your own pace. The trail features key historical sites, museums and landmarks, offering insights into Salem’s diverse history, including its early colonial period, maritime significance and contributions to literature.

The Salem Historical Walking Tour

A comprehensive guided tour, this walking tour digs into Salem’s rich maritime history, the town’s role in the American Revolution and the famous witch trials. This offers a great foundation to begin 48 hours in Salem as participants can explore a range of historic sites and beautiful architecture and learn about influential figures from Salem’s past.


Exploring the legacy of the Salem Witch Trials


Exploring the legacy of the Salem Witch Trials is a must, as it serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria, scapegoating, and the erosion of due process. Understanding this horrific chapter in history encourages reflection on contemporary issues of injustice and intolerance. These are dozens of museums and sites to visit but these the must-visit sites to learn and reflect on the Salem Witch Trials if you only have 48 hours.

Old Burying Point Cemetery

Old Burying Point Salem

The Old Burying Point Cemetery, also known as Charter Street Cemetery, is one of the oldest graveyards in America. No polished marble or manicured lawns; here, the air is thick with damp earth and stories buried beneath gravestones, many weathered into anonymity. Among them rest Revolutionary War heroes and heroines… and Judge John Hathorne, one of the most influential and reviled judges of the Salem Witch Trials.

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

SAlem Witch Trials Memorial

Alongside the Old Burying Point Cemetery lies the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Its entryway features slabs of stone engraved with the actual words spoken by the victims and inside is a series of stone benches, each engraved with the name of an individual executed during the trials, stacked with trinkets, notes and flowers left by visitors. It’s a solemn space for reflection amid Salem’s history, and I feel heavy with the weight of injustice for the 19 innocent people lost to paranoia and prejudice.

Salem Witch Museum

The Salem Witch Museum

Housed in a Gothic Revival-style building originally built in 1845 as a church with looming arches and a dark stone façade that hints at the unsettling tales that wait inside, the Salem Witch Museum is hard to miss. Inside, it’s like stepping into 1692 as the lights go down, and you’re transported back to the chilling days of the Salem Witch Trials. One by one, life-sized dioramas illuminate key moments, from the initial accusations to the harrowing courtroom scenes and the tragic fate of the accused, accusations flying like daggers. A second exhibit explores the evolving concept of witchcraft through history, debunking myths and explaining the legacy of the trials on modern society. The entire experience is a stark and timely reminder of the fragility of reason in the face of fear and a must whether you’re spending a day, a week or 48 hours in Salem.

The Witch House

The WItch House Salem

One of the last surviving structures directly tied to the Salem Witch Trials, this gabled house was home to Judge Jonathan Corwin, one of the men who condemned innocent people to their deaths and was responsible for condemning accused witches to death. Today, it serves as a museum, painting a stark picture of life in Puritan New England with displays detailing the brutal events of the witch trials. Walking through its dim rooms, the air feels thick with the weight of his decisions, and while extremely educational and interesting, this place feels like a punch in the gut. It’s one thing to know the story, but it’s another to stand there, staring down at the horrors that humans are capable of when fear and discrimination take over.

Cry Innocent: The People Versus Bridget Bishop

Cry Innocent: The People Versus Bridget Bishop

In the immersive play Cry Innocent: The People Versus Bridget Bishop, the audience takes on the role of jury in an intense 1692 Salem courtroom. Bridget Bishop, accused of witchcraft, stands in front of us, her life on the line. The prosecutor is ruthless, weaving accusations that paint her as a dangerous force corrupting Salem. Witnesses add fuel to the fire, each testimony dripping with suspicion and fear, tightening the room’s atmosphere until it’s nearly suffocating. Bridget’s desperate pleas resonate and as the final judgement nears, a pit of unease forms in my stomach, the weight of Salem’s hysteria pressing down, leaving the audience breathless as history comes painfully alive.

Note: The play is not currently running in 2026

Proctor’s Ledge

Proctor's Ledge Salem

If you’re seeking the real chills, head to Proctor’s Ledge, a quiet, unassuming site that holds a powerful place in Salem’s history. As the site of the shameful events of 1692 was not memorialised, the exact historical details of the location of the hangings of the 19 victims of the witch trials remained murky until 2016, when a group of scholars confirmed that this rocky outcrop at the base of Gallows Hill was the actual site. A simple memorial was dedicated on the 325th anniversary of the hangings. Simple and solemn, this place still feels eerie, even if the exact historical details are murky.


Reclaiming the witch in Salem


Salem has emerged as a fiercely feminine town, reclaiming its narrative by celebrating the strength and resilience of women in the face of historical injustice. While the witches of the past were falsely accused and vilified, today’s modern witches embrace their identity as symbols of empowerment, community and self-expression. This transformation underscores a broader movement of reclaiming feminine power and redefining what it means to be a woman in society today, something that is more important than ever before. Here are our favourite thoroughly modern places sprinkled with witchcraft and whimsy.

Essex Street Pedestrian Mall

Mystical evil eye protection symbols in Salem

In the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, Salem’s storied past collides with everyday New England life in a clash of cobblestones, cafes, and magic shops that don’t only pander to the naive but beckon with genuine oddities. An unapologetic example of the contradictory nature of the city, this pedestrian strip has a foot planted in two worlds, one that lures souvenir seekers and weekend witch-hunters, daring them to take it too seriously, and another that sees locals sipping coffee, holding tight to their corner of old bricks.

Crow Haven Corner

Crow Haven Corner

Salem has defiantly reclaimed the word witch, taking something so dark and turning it into light. The oldest witch shop in Salem, Crow Haven Corner, is packed with witchy whimsy… spells, crystal balls, books, stones, candles, incense and jewellery. Whether you’re looking for a cleansing ritual or a quirky souvenir, Crow Haven Corner’s blend of reverence and rebellion invites visitors to explore the complexity of Salem’s dark legacy. It’s also the starting point for the Salem Witch Walk, with expert guides leading us through the historic streets of Salem, honouring the history and victims of the 1692 Witch Trials while sharing insights about what real witches do and don’t do. The tour culminates in a little spellcraft and a traditional witch’s circle dance, which makes me feel like I’m part of something ancient and secret.

HausWitch

HausWitch. Image from Facebook

Located in the heart of Salem, HausWitch offers a refreshing take on the city’s witchy vibe, blending minimalist decor with modern magic and self-care essentials. Light and bright, the shop is filled with thoughtfully chosen items like sustainable home goods, crystals, candles and Spell Kits for Modern Witches. These practical tools are for setting intentions like calm, abundance and self-confidence, and are all designed to add a little positive empowerment into your life. For me, their standout offering was an aura reading, something I went into with a sceptical soul, but which was so empowering and hair-raisingly accurate that I left with an itch to become a witch. Beyond retail, the fabulous folks of HausWitch host community events and workshops on topics from astrology to feminism and social justice, making it a welcoming, inclusive space.

Hocus Pocus Filming Spots

Salem Town Hall

More light-hearted witchery can be found retracing Bette Midler and co’s footsteps through Salem’s Hocus Pocus filming spots. The Ropes Mansion, with its white picket fence and storied halls, doubled as Allison’s house, while The Old Town Hall, where the Sanderson sisters sang their iconic curse, is even more imposing in person. And Salem’s oldest living history museum, Pioneer Village, played the role of the 1600s Salem village where the Sanderson Sisters lived in the film’s opening scenes.

Bewitched statue

Statue of Samantha Stevens from "Bewitched" in Salem © Aleney de Winter
Yes, it is witchy kitsch, but Salem’s Samantha Stephens statue, perched right in the centre of town, has become something of a symbol for a town that thrives on its contradictions. If you grew up on Bewitched, you’ll feel a flicker of nostalgia seeing Samantha, arms crossed, twinkling her nose, and smiling like she knows something you don’t. It’s a campy, lighthearted tribute to the way Salem has embraced its witchy identity, pop culture and all.

Witchy shopping

witchy fashions and accessories in Salem

For those who prefer their wardrobes as black as their coffee, Salem’s fashion stores are legendary. My favourites are Coven, The Ossuary of Salem, Die with Your Boots On, Black Veil Shop of Drear & Wonder, and Blackcraft Cult, which are filled with inclusive, quality fashion, jewellery, and other gothic goodies that make a statement. Think long layers of velvet, silk, lace, and leather crafted into deliciously dark fashions that will thrill alternative souls.


Exploring Salem’s waterfront and maritime history


Salem’s waterfront and maritime history are integral to its identity, showcasing the city’s role as a bustling trade hub in the 17th and 18th centuries. From pirates to ports, these attractions provide a captivating glimpse into the past, where visitors can explore preserved architecture and learn about the maritime activities that shaped the town’s economy and culture.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Photo by Lucy Mui via Unsplash
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site offers a fascinating look into America’s maritime history. Located along the waterfront, it includes the Friendship of Salem, a full-scale replica of a 1797 East Indiaman, a type of merchant clipper once essential to Salem’s trade routes with China, the East Indies, and beyond. Plus 12 historic buildings and wharves that recall Salem’s golden age of shipping in the 18th and 19th centuries. Key sites include Narbonne House, one of the oldest surviving buildings in Salem, and Custom House, where sailors and merchants exchanged goods from around the world and author Nathaniel Hawthorne once worked, drawing inspiration for his novels.

Custom House

The Customs House Salem

Once the centre of Salem’s thriving international trade, the Custom House is a historic building that now operates as a museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s maritime commerce and its evolution over the years. Inside are exhibits that detail the intricacies of shipping and trade, as well as the role of the Custom House in regulating maritime activities as well as Nathaniel Hawthorn, whose three-year-long stint in working here helped inspire his classic novel, The Scarlet Letter. The building itself is steeped in history, featuring beautiful architecture that reflects the style of its era.

The House of the Seven Gables

The House of the Seven Gables in Salem with Spring Flowers

Built in 1668 by wealthy sea captain and merchant John Turner, The House of the Seven Gables is a historic waterfront mansion celebrated not only for its distinctive architecture but also as the muse for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel of the same name. After John Turner III lost his family fortune, the house was acquired by the Ingersolls, relatives of Hawthorne, who was born and raised in Salem; one of his ancestors even served as a judge during the witch trials. His childhood visits to the house, with its labyrinthine rooms, steep staircases and shadowy history, influenced his exploration of themes like family secrets, isolation, morality, and guilt in his writing. Today, the house is a non-profit museum, and guided tours delve into its fascinating architectural features, Salem’s maritime history and Hawthorne’s life.

Real Pirates Salem

Real Pirates of Salem

Sure, Salem has its witches, but it also has pirates. Real Pirates Salem is an immersive museum that tells the stories of those who sailed the Atlantic looking for gold, glory or just a different kind of freedom. You’ll see artefacts from shipwrecks and learn about the golden age of piracy in a way that’s far less romanticised, and far more thrilling, than you’d expect.

The Derby Wharf Light Station

Located at the end of Derby Wharf, the Derby Wharf Light Station is a charming lighthouse that has stood sentinel since 1871. This picturesque structure not only serves as a landmark but also provides a stunning backdrop for photography enthusiasts, with its classic red-and-white design contrasting beautifully against the blue harbour waters.

Waterfront Park

Salem’s Waterfront Park is a picturesque 35-acre stretch of waterfront that provides a serene harbourside escape for both locals and visitors. The park features well-maintained walking paths, inviting picnic spots, and lush green spaces, making it a perfect location for families and friends to gather and enjoy the outdoors. As you stroll along the waterfront, you can take in the breathtaking views of the harbour, watch boats come and go and enjoy the lively atmosphere created by nearby attractions.


Exploring Salem’s art & eccentricities


Salem celebrates the unconventional and brims with quirky galleries, eclectic shops and whimsical attractions. With its unique blend of history, creativity and a touch of the bizarre, every corner tells a story. Here are few spots to enjoy the wonderfully weird soul of the city.

Peabody Essex Museum

The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem houses and extensive collection of Maritime Memorabilia

The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) in Salem, Massachusetts, is a cornerstone of American cultural heritage, celebrated as one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States. Founded in 1799, its roots lie in Salem’s maritime history, originally established by sea captains and merchants who sought to share the treasures brought back from their global voyages. Today, PEM houses an extensive collection that spans art, history and culture from around the world, making it a museum of truly international scope and influence. One of my favourite things to do in Salem, in addition to its vast cultural collections, the Peabody Essex Museum’s witchcraft-related exhibits add a compelling layer to the Salem experience, with PEM artfully contextualising the legacy of these events through thought-provoking artworks and historical documents.

The Salem Art Gallery at the Satanic Temple

This provocative space promotes religious pluralism and social activism through art. Featuring exhibitions that challenge traditional norms, it showcases works that explore themes of freedom, individuality and justice. The Salem Art Gallery invites visitors to engage with thought-provoking ideas and perspectives on modern belief systems.

Punto Urban Art Museum

Punto Street Art, Salem

Amid all the dark and dreary, the murals in El Punto dollop a splash of contemporary colour into Salem’s historic canvas. Just a 10-minute walk from the Visitor Center, these vibrant large-scale murals, more than 75 of them, offer a striking counter-narrative to the city’s grim past, reflecting the diverse voices and experiences of the community and reminding us that Salem isn’t just a relic of bygone time… it is alive, breathing and constantly evolving.

Candlelit Ghostly Walking Tour

This is where Salem lets you in on its real secrets. One of the longest running walking tours in Salem, The Candlelit Ghostly Walking Tour is not about jump scares, it’s about storytelling, though there’s something unnerving about tales of Salem’s famous hauntings and histories of documented haunted historical sites under the cover of night, guided only by the soft flicker of candlelight. And yes, by the end of the night, you may find yourself a little jumpy, wondering what might be lurking in the shadows.

Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery

This is no ordinary wax museum. Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery is a deliciously macabre love letter to horror movies. A bizarre blend of Hollywood horror and Salem’s spectral energy, you’ll find wax figures of Frankenstein alongside Freddy Krueger and Pennywise the Clown.

The Salem Wax Museum

A thrilling journey into the city’s spooky past, where history comes alive with lifelike figures of notorious characters from the Salem Witch Trials. But the real showstopper is Frankenstein’s Castle, a hair-raising adventure that plunges you into the eerie world of Mary Shelley’s classic tale. A mix of fright and fun with its interactive elements and chilling narratives, it is a must-visit for horror enthusiasts and literature lovers alike.


Spend Halloween in Salem


Of course, Halloween in Salem is huge! The town embraces its dark history with festivities, ghost tours, and events, making it Halloween’s ultimate destination. But do expect queues at Halloween as the town’s population of 44,480 people swells to more than 500,000 during the month of October.

Haunted Happenings

Halloween Happens all year around in Salem Massachusetts

Celebrated for an entire month, Haunted Happenings is the world’s largest Halloween celebration. This only-in-Salem Halloween experience is devoted to celebrating the town’s supernatural roots. From candlelit ghost tours to psychic fairs, the city comes alive with a fervour unmatched anywhere else, welcoming crowds to its parties, parades, vendor fairs and eerie walking tours. Museums and historic sites pull back the curtain on Salem’s storied past, while pop-up events and attractions fill the streets with life, mystery and a touch of mischief.

Halloween Museum of Salem

The Halloween Museum of Salem is a must-see for fans of the eerie and supernatural. This immersive museum brings the spirit of Halloween alive year-round with chilling displays, vintage artifacts and interactive exhibits that celebrate the holiday’s history and lore. Step into the darkened rooms filled with iconic decorations, stories of Salem’s haunted past and even themed photo ops that capture the essence of Halloween.


Where to eat in Salem


Whether you’re after a quick coffee, casual bites or a sit-down meal, Salem’s culinary scene has something for everyone. Here are a few spots we tried that capture the spirit (occasionally literally) of Salem.

Gulu-Gulu Café

I came for the bohemian vines and stayed for the great coffee. Gulu-Gulu Café proved the perfect pit stop to refuel before diving into Salem’s historic labyrinth. I loved their witchy lavender and vanilla brew. There’s also artisan sandwiches, pastries and craft beers. Located on Essex Street, it’s popular, so expect a crowd.

Longboards Bar

Brilliant burgers at Longboards Salem

Located on Pickering Wharf, Longboards Bar is a popular spot known for its casual eats, including tasty quesadillas and mouthwatering burgers, craft beers and an inviting atmosphere. I devoured a Deckburger, stacked with premium beef burger, battered onion rings, cheddar cheese, salad and James River barbecue sauce. A great spot by the water for lunch, the breeze left me refreshed and ready to tackle more of Salem.

Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall

This local institution champions fresh, local seafood, serving up New England classics with a twist. At Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall, the clam chowder is as good as it gets, and you may even get to enjoy it with a side of ghosts. Yes ghosts. The Lyceum Hall is situated on the site of what was once an apple orchard owned by Bridget Bishop, the first person executed during the Salem witch trials. Visitors and staff have reported sightings of a woman in a gown drifting through the building and the lingering scent of fresh apples, even though there are none in sight.

Blackcraft Coffee

Blackcraft coffee

Housed within the hauntingly beautiful Merchants National Bank of Salem, Blackcraft Coffee isn’t exactly a coffee shop, but it is very me! Or anyone else drawn to the dark, gothic and enchantingly unusual. This witchy café, tucked into the back right corner of Blackcraft’s gothic wonderland, serves up speciality coffees and spellbinding treats to those on the lookout for sinister souvenirs from Blackcraft Salem’s expansive selection of darkly inspired apparel, accessories, footwear, books and collectibles. The store is both eerie and mesmerising, with Nydia, Salem’s largest witch, looming from the grand domed ceiling like a mystical guardian.

Rockafellas

Rockafellas Salem image via FB

Another one for hangry hauntings, Rockafellas is housed in a historic building and serves up a menu of American classics, from New England-style crab cakes to New York sirloin strip steak, and yes, they have a ghost story or two lurking in the shadows. There are underground tunnels beneath that are rumoured to be the source of some of the hauntings, and several sociable spirits lurk on the second floor. The atmosphere is fun and the food is fab.

Kakawa Chocolate House

Kakawa Chocolate House on Essex Street in Salem is a haven for chocolate lovers, offering rich, handcrafted drinking chocolates, truffles and unique confections inspired by ancient Mesoamerican recipes. The zing of chilli  in the hot chocolate certainly had this witch flying.

Goodnight Fatty

Goodnight Fatty's

If you prefer bites that are sweet, not spirited, there’s Goodnight Fatty – a cookie shop that is as advertised. Think gigantic, warm, and gooey cookie masterpieces with unique flavours like S’mores and Pink Lemonade. Grab a couple to take with you as you stroll through the streets of Salem, but be prepared for a sugar-induced skip in the step that’s hard to shake off.

Ye Olde Pepper Companie

This place is an American treasure with roots in 1806. Walk in, and it’s like stepping back in time, with old-school candies that taste like nostalgia and history combined. A sweet slice of Americana, pop in to Ye Olde Pepper Companie to pick up some Black Jacks or a box of Gibralters, made from historical recipes and enjoy a taste of what life was like before candy was mass-produced.


Where to stay in Salem


Rather than just making Salem a day trip from Boston, we recommend staying in Salem for 48 hours to really immerse yourself. There are plenty of hotels to suit every budget and style, from history hunters to families. Here are a few faves…

The Hawthorne Hotel

The Hawthorn is a historic haunted hotel in Salem

A Salem landmark since 1925, this hotel boasts is steeped in history and offers beautifully appointed rooms, elegant dining options, and a cosy bar where you can enjoy a drink after a day of exploring. Located in the heart of downtown and named after the famous author Nathaniel Hawthorne, it’s just steps from the Salem Witch Museum and the historic waterfront. Oh, and it’s as haunted as hell. It is said to be one of the most haunted hotels in America, and if you find yourself in Room 325, you may find a freeloading phantom or two bunking in with you.

The Merchant

The Merchant Salemis said to be one of the most haunted building in Salem

With past lives as a home, tavern, office and even a rare bookshop, The Merchant is now rocking its new role as a luxurious boutique hotel. Located in the heart of Salem’s historic district, The Merchant places you just steps away from the town’s most iconic sights. With spacious rooms featuring ultra stylish interior design with hints of whimsy, you can even snooze in the same room as George Washington… yes, that George Washington, who stayed here in 1789. Oh, and if you have a think for the supernatural, The Merchant is still considered one of the most haunted places in Salem.

The Hotel Salem

Hotel Salem Rooftop Bar

For a more contemporary vibe, check out The Hotel Salem. This trendy spot showcases a unique blend of mid-century modern design and local art, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The rooftop bar is a highlight, offering stunning views of the city, and its within walking distance of galleries, boutiques and restaurants, making it an ideal spot to unwind with a cocktail.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salem

If you’re spending 48 hours in Salem with kids, SpringHill Suites by Marriott is conveniently located near the Salem waterfront and other attractions, making it a great choice. Modern and clean, the hotel’s spacious suites boast separate living areas and kitchenettes, and it’s unlikely to scare the wits out of the kids with any haunted happenings. The complimentary breakfast is a bonus, and there’s also an indoor pool to keep the kids entertained.


Getting to Salem


Situated on the North Shore of Massachusetts, Salem is easily accessible by car, train, and ferry. If you’re driving, take Route 128 to Route 114 for a scenic drive, with travel times averaging around 30 minutes from Boston. The MBTA commuter rail from Boston to Salem also takes around 30 minutes and makes getting in and out of Salem simple. For those seeking a nautical experience, the ferry from Boston to Salem, which operates seasonally, takes around 55 minutes and makes for a delightful trip.


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1 Comment on 48 Hours in Salem, Massachusetts

  1. Jessie
    January 9, 2025 at 7:37 pm (2 years ago)

    Thank you for such a spellbinding and detailed guide to experiencing Salem! Your vivid storytelling and thoughtful insights bring the history and charm of Witch City to life. I especially appreciated how you seamlessly wove together Salem’s haunting past with its vibrant present, celebrating the resilience and creativity of its community. The suggestions for must-visit spots, from the Salem Witch Trials Memorial to the Peabody Essex Museum, are incredibly helpful for anyone planning a trip. This guide is a perfect mix of history, culture, and whimsy—just like Salem itself. Truly magical work!

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Hey, I’m Aleney! A mum, award-winning travel writer, magazine editor and gallivanting glutton. He’s Raff, the “boy” in boyeatsworld, and a fearless foodie, adventurer and eco-warrior. Along with his all-singing, all-dancing, all-adventurous sister, Sugarpuff, we’re exploring the world’s colour, culture and cuisine on a food safari for the junior set.

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