If you’re visiting Salem during the busy season in October, or anytime year round, these are my go-to places. I’ve done extensive research and can recommend these places first hand, because I’ve been to each and every one of them.
Map
Sections
6
Local Favorites
Restaurants
Drinks & Desserts
Arts & Entertainment
Sight-seeing
Shops
Local Favorites
Local places to go that are a must-see for first time Salem visitors. Places to take a tour in or around.
A historical stop that is a must to take a photo in front of. They give tours that sell out quickly during the Halloween season, but is a great place to visit.
The Witch House at Salem
Iconic historical house that is featured in the movie Hocus Pocus. Has a really beautiful garden that you can visit that’s behind the house, as well.
Ropes Mansion and Garden
Historical house from the iconic Nathaniel Hawthorne book. Book a tour inside here, you won’t be disappointed.
The House of the Seven Gables
Stunning architectural museum that puts on a show of the witch trials from 1692. Attached is a cute gift shop.
Salem Witch Museum
Restaurants
Tried and true restaurants that I’ve been to time and time again. Great food, great vibes.
Such good food. Rotating menu and although it’s a small space, the food is incredible
Ugly Mug Diner
SUCH good food and drinks. Indoor and outdoor seating. Everything I’ve tried on the menu is incredible.
Gulu-Gulu Cafe
I’ve thought about the meal I’ve had here for about a year now. Great environment, outstanding food, great drinks.
Dire Wolf Tavern
Cute little hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Diner vibes. The biggest pancake you will ever see in your life.
Red's Sandwich Shop
So many options to choose from! Cute little place with a movie playing on the little tv’s throughout the restaurant.
Flying Saucer Pizza Company
Great little Mexican restaurant. Incredible food and quick service.
Howling Wolf Taqueria - Restaurant Reviews - Yelp
Drinks & Desserts
Little places to go after a long day of shopping and sightseeing. Snacks and drinks from some of the best spots.
The cutest little spooky gift shop and ice cream parlor. Right off of the main drag, stop in and grab a sweet treat after a long day.
Maria's Sweet Somethings
Insanely good flavors. Each one I’ve tried is incredible and delicious.
Melt Ice Cream
Great soft service ice cream! They even have vegan ice cream options, which is rare to come by.
Goodnight Fatty
Nice nighttime hangout after a long day of sightseeing. Pub food and many drinks to choose from.
All Souls Lounge
Secret little spot that I found out about online. They have ever changing cider flavors that are out of this world. I wish it was a franchise because I love going here.
Far From The Tree
Arts & Entertainment
Entertaining places to go that you can get lost in for hours at a time.
A great museum. Many floors to go to with a rotating art exhibit. You can spend hours in there reading about everything.
Peabody Essex Museum
Sight-seeing
Outdoor places to stop by that show Salem’s tragic history.
A local cemetery that holds many names from Salem’s history. Beautiful and quaint.
The Burying Point
Shops
The best places to get trinkets, Knick knacks and Salem-themed gifts.
Cute little spot on the main drag to pick up knickknacks and Salem collectibles.
Trolley Depot
A MUST if you like Halloween themed gifts. Has such unique items to choose from, handmade by artists
EMPORIUM 32
Spooky little shop with an apothecary, candles, taxidermy, clothing, and many more gifts. Very unique and a must-see.
Hive & Forge
The best, most potent candles. Spooky candles, everyday ones, and the cutest gifts. I’ve even ordered from their website because of how much I love their candles.
