From US$36 per person
Book tickets on Viator (opens in a new tab): Salem Merchants and Mansions Guided Architecture Walking TourYou book and pay on viator.com. Inclusable may earn a commission.
5.0 / 5 from 20 reviews on Viator
- Group size
- Up to 30
- Language
- English
- Rating on Viator
- 5.0 / 5 · 20 reviews
About this tour
All ages
Spring/summer only
Merchants & Mansions Architecture Tour
Salem has one of the most naturally varied collections of historic structures in the country, spanning nearly 400 years. Come learn about how the inhabitants of Salem have kept their city comfortable, livable, and beautiful for centuries! From First Period to Georgian, Federal to Brutalist, Salem has some of everything. Your guide will wind you through the cobblestoned streets, discovering hidden gems, and viewing dozens of historic buildings and structures, as well as learning the fascinating stories behind them, from Salem's days as the wealthiest city in the country in the 18th century, to the great fire that nearly destroyed it all!
Tours run RAIN or SHINE. We do NOT cancel for weather. For a full refund, you must cancel 24 hours prior.
Accessibility, as stated by the supplier
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
“Wheelchairs and scooters are welcome, however, be aware that salem has brick sidewalks, uneven surfaces and narrow areas. Visitors assume all responsibility with wheelchairs and WCWT will not be held liable.”The supplier’s own words
Meeting point: We meet on the side of the Old Town Hall with 3 staircases.
Provided through Viator and not verified by Inclusable. Ask the supplier about your specific needs before you book.
Itinerary
View itinerary · 13 stopsHide itinerary
- 1
Start of the tour(5 min)
- 2
Duration of the tour(5 min)
- 3
This is where we touch on Salem's history of spice trade, her motto (and why we have it), point out where the old ship building yard used to be (near where the Adirondack chairs are located at the far end of the open space) and then discuss the mansions visible from near Derby Wharf.(10 min)
- 4
This is a discussion of Georgian architecture, and how this simple building reflects the burgeoning wealth and power of Salem and New England merchants as a whole.(10 min)
- 5
a perfect way to show how 17th century (First Period) architecture could be (and was) added to and modified to enlarge it.(10 min)
- 6
Discussion(5 min)
- 7
We point out the Hocus Pocus location (the old school) but then talk about how Salem Common evolved, from a series of marshy pools and unusable ground in the 17th and early 18th centuries, to the manicured pleasure park of the 19th century, and how it became the new fashionable district starting in the mid-to-late 19th century, Salem's last gasp of wealth and mansions, with Second Empire and Greek Revival style buildings.(10 min)
- 8
Architecture(5 min)
- 9
Variety of collection homes(10 min)
- 10
Architecture(5 min)
- 11
We touch on the unique religious heritage of Salem.(10 min)
- 12
Architecture(5 min)
- 13
Discussion(5 min)
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by ticketed adult
- Our Tours run rain or shine, we do not cancel for weather. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress accordingly.
- Dog friendly!
- Wheelchairs and scooters are welcome, however, be aware that salem has brick sidewalks, uneven surfaces and narrow areas. Visitors assume all responsibility with wheelchairs and WCWT will not be held liable.
- By choosing to purchase a ticket, you and your ticketed guests will be agreeing to our liability waiver which includes a release of liability on our tours as well as a photo release.
- We do not enter any buildings or cemeteries on this tour, this is an outdoor activity only.
- Tour group size may be up to 40 guests per group
Included
- Architectural Guide of Salem
- Licensed Guide
Not included
- Gratuity not included
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Location & contact
- Area
- Salem, Massachusetts
- Meeting point
- We meet on the side of the Old Town Hall with 3 staircases
- Contact
- The tour operator’s own details aren’t published. Questions about access or your booking go through Viator, which handles the booking and passes your request to the operator.
Keep exploring
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Take a journey through 400 years of history with a local historian as your guide. Uncover the secrets of Witch City as we dive deep into the events surrounding the 1692 Salem Witch Trial. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of one of the darkest chapters in American history? Look no further than our immersive Salem Witch Trial Tour. We are beloved by tourists and Locals alike. With so many tours to choose from, look no further, do yourself a favor and book this tour! As you walk through Salem to visit historical sites, you will hear a jaw-dropping story covering Salem before the trials, what caused the witch hysteria, who were the judges and accusers, how residents responded to the accusations, who were the 20 victims, and how it all ended. HIGHLIGHTS: • Family Owned and Operated • Seasons storyteller and Local Historians with 10+ years of experience • Learn 400 years of Salem's rich history in one tour • Loved by locals and tourists alike!
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5.0 · 12 reviews on Viator
A walking tour and photography workshop in one! Experience a fascinating, in-depth exploration of Salem’s most notorious murder with a local guide. Along the way, a local photographer will help you get some great images of the beautiful historic sites you visit. Join our professional photographer and experienced tour guide Rebecca for a fascinating exploration of Salem’s most notorious murder. The death of aged sea Captain Joseph White was not just a personal tragedy to the families involved. It was a sign of the times that Salem’s identity as a wealthy and successful seaport was sinking into the horizon. The story of the murder became an international sensation and influenced authors Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. **Bring your DSLR camera or Cell phone with extra batteries for this tour! Dive deep into the details of a true crime murder mystery. Take a walk with us!
“Wheelchairs and scooters are welcome, however, be aware that salem has brick sidewalks, uneven surfaces and narrow areas. Visitors assume all responsibility with wheelchairs and scooters and WCWT will not be held liable.”
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Salem Witch Trials, Ghosts and History Walking Tour
Salem, Massachusetts
4.9 · 106 reviews on Viator
Walk Salem's most haunted streets and uncover the fascinating true story of the 1692 witch trials — told the way only a lifelong local of old Salem can tell it. Named one of the best Salem walking tours by TripAdvisor in the Top 10 Salem Walking Tours of 2026. Enjoy Hocus Pocus stops, thrilling ghost stories - then be surprised along the way by Salem's lesser known history, and the question nobody thinks to ask: Why are there no Sheriffs in Salem anymore? Enter Salem's stunning McIntire District with Revolutionary War, maritime, and pirate tales woven throughout. This is a historical tour enriched with some beloved ghost stories. Dining, shopping and exploring recommendations on request. Perfect for families, couples, day trips from Boston, solo travelers, haunted history tours, friends, bachelorette parties, bridal parties, and curious kids. This tour is guided in English only. Our meeting point: East India Fountain, 158 Essex St, Salem MA 01970. About 2 hrs. Outdoors only, no entry.
“MOBILITY DEVICES: Many people take this tour with their own mobility scooters or wheelchairs, BUT PLEASE, keep in mind, we are an old historic city so the terrain is going to be uneven sometimes. Use your own discretion. We are very happy to have people with their own mobility devices on our tour! We will always accommodate you the best we can but visitors assume all responsibility and Witch City Walkabout will not be held liable. We do not provide mobility devices - Guests who need one should bring their own.”
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