Discover the Magic of Salem in 5 Days

Exploring the witchy side of Salem without breaking the bank.

22 June 2023

If you're looking to explore the history and magic of Salem without breaking the bank, consider staying at a budget-friendly accommodation such as the Salem Inn or clipper ship-shaped Hawthorne Hotel. Walk or bike around the compact town to visit historical sites such as the Witch House, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and indulge in local cuisine at affordable eateries like The Lobster Shanty and Village Tavern.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Salem

  • Arrive at Boston Logan International Airport and take a shuttle to the hotel.
  • Stay at Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites 4.2
    10 photos

    Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites

    4.2 (1031)

    225 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Lodging,Point of interest

    Classically furnished rooms & suites, plus an indoor heated pool & golf cart rides to the wharf.

    salemwaterfronthotel.com

    Learn more
    , offering great views and an indoor pool.
  • Explore downtown Salem, including Salem Common 4.6
    10 photos

    Salem Common

    4.6 (1892)

    N Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Park,Tourist attraction

    Founded in the 17th century, this village green with monuments was once used for militia training.

    salemweb.com

    Learn more
    , shops and restaurants.
  • Visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial 4.6
    10 photos

    Salem Witch Trials Memorial

    4.6 (2167)

    24 Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Tourist attraction,Park

    Somber memorial featuring a series of stacked & inscribed granite stones abutting a burial ground.

    salemwitchmuseum.com

    Learn more
    , honoring those who were killed during the trials.
  • Have dinner at Mercy Tavern 4.6
    10 photos

    Mercy Tavern

    4.6 (930) • $$

    148 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Bar,Restaurant

    Gastropub with global comfort fare, cocktails & live music in a comfy atmosphere.

    mercysalem.com

    Learn more
    , a cozy gastropub with craft cocktails and locally sourced food.
Day 2

Haunted History

  • Take a guided tour with Hocus Pocus Tours 4.8
    10 photos

    Hocus Pocus Tours

    4.8 (317)

    176 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Point of interest,Establishment

    Walking tour focusing on landmarks related to Salem Witch Trial, city crimes & other sites.

    salemonyourown.com

    Learn more
    , featuring tales of witchcraft, ghosts and murder.
  • Visit the Salem Witch Museum 3.8
    10 photos

    Salem Witch Museum

    3.8 (8854)

    19 1/2 N Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Museum,Tourist attraction

    Life-size stage sets, exhibits & tours exploring the 1692 Salem witch trials, plus witchcraft today.

    salemwitchmuseum.com

    Learn more
    , learning about the history of the witch trials.
  • Check out the House of the Seven Gables 4.6
    10 photos

    The House of the Seven Gables

    4.6 (3488)

    115 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Museum,Point of interest

    Tours of the restored 1668 home that inspired Hawthorne's novel, plus verdant seaside gardens.

    7gables.org

    Learn more
    , a historic mansion that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel.
  • Have lunch at Red's Sandwich Shop 4.6
    10 photos

    Red's Sandwich Shop

    4.6 (1515) • $

    15 Central St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Local haunt known for sandwiches & hearty American breakfasts served in a casual, country setting.

    redskitchenandtavern.com

    Learn more
    , a local favorite with fresh seafood and homemade soups.
  • Walk along the Salem Harbor 4.7
    10 photos

    Salem Harbor

    4.7 (6)

    Salem Harbor, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Natural feature,Establishment

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    and soak in some sunshine!
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • Head to the Peabody Essex Museum 4.7
    10 photos

    Peabody Essex Museum

    4.7 (3338)

    161 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Museum,Point of interest

    Modern museum features regional American/Asian art & artifacts, plus an atrium & garden restaurant.

    pem.org

    Learn more
    , showcasing art and culture from around the world.
  • Take a stroll through the gardens of the Ropes Mansion 4.7
    10 photos

    Ropes Mansion and Garden

    4.7 (578)

    318 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    House museum in an 18th-century Georgian Colonial mansion with a garden in the back.

    pem.org

    Learn more
    , known for its stunning floral displays.
  • Check out the Witch House 4.3
    10 photos

    The Witch House at Salem

    4.3 (3094)

    310 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Museum,Tourist attraction

    Historic home offering guided & self-guided tours about 17th-century life & the Salem Witch Trials.

    thewitchhouse.org

    Learn more
    , the only remaining building with direct ties to the witch trials.
  • Have dinner at Howling Wolf Taqueria 4.4
    10 photos

    Howling Wolf Taqueria

    4.4 (2255) • $$

    76 Lafayette St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Funky Mexican joint with from-scratch fare, frequent live music & a bar with drafts & margaritas.

    howlingwolftaqueria.com

    Learn more
    , a casual spot with delicious Mexican cuisine.
  • Take in a show at the historic Larcom Theatre 4.6
    10 photos

    Larcom Theatre

    4.6 (118)

    13 Wallis St, Beverly, MA 01915, USA

    Movie theater,Point of interest

    thelarcom.org

    Learn more
    , featuring concerts, plays and more.
Day 4

Coastal Adventures

  • Take a train to historic Gloucester for a day trip by the ocean!
  • Check out the beautiful Gloucester Harbor 4.9
    10 photos

    Gloucester Harbor

    4.9 (38)

    Gloucester Harbor, Gloucester, MA, USA

    Natural feature,Establishment

    Learn more
    , a hub for fishing and boating.
  • Take a whale watching tour with 7 Seas Whale Watch 4.8
    10 photos

    7 Seas Whale Watch

    4.8 (1719)

    Seas Wharf, 63 Rogers St #7, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA

    Tourist attraction,Park

    7seaswhalewatch.com

    Learn more
    , spotting humpback whales and dolphins.
  • Have lunch at The Causeway 4.6
    10 photos

    Causeway Restaurant

    4.6 (2427) • $$

    78 Essex Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Snug, marine-themed standby with jumbo portions of seafood, plus meat entrees & hearty pastas. BYOB.

    thecausewayrestaurant.com

    Learn more
    , a popular seafood restaurant with a great view of the harbor.
  • Visit the Rocky Neck Art Colony 4.6
    10 photos

    The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck

    4.6 (32)

    6 Wonson St, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA

    Tourist attraction,Point of interest

    Longtime, eclectic arts quarter with galleries, boutiques & restaurants in colorful old houses.

    rockyneckartcolony.org

    Learn more
    , home to many local artists and galleries.
Day 5

Farewell to Salem

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Gulu-Gulu Cafe 4.3
    10 photos

    Gulu-Gulu Cafe

    4.3 (1792) • $$

    247 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Cafe,Bar

    Cozy, unpretentious coffeehouse offering an eclectic global menu of small bites, plus live music.

    gulugulucafe.com

    Learn more
    , a quirky spot with coffee, pastries and live music.
  • Visit the Salem Maritime National Historic Site 4.6
    10 photos

    Salem Maritime National Historic Site

    4.6 (1659)

    160 Derby St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Museum,Point of interest

    9-acre park exploring the age of sailing ships, with historic buildings, wharves & a tall ship.

    nps.gov

    Learn more
    , exploring historic ships and buildings.
  • Take a stroll through Pioneer Village 4.3
    10 photos

    Salem Pioneer Village

    4.3 (510)

    98 West Ave, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    Seasonal living-history museum of a recreated 17th-c. colonial village, with tours offered Jun–Sep.

    pioneervillagesalem.org

    Learn more
    , a living history museum showcasing life in colonial Salem.
  • Have lunch at Flying Saucer Pizza Company 4.5
    10 photos

    Flying Saucer Pizza Company

    4.5 (1288) • $$

    Lappin Park, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    Restaurant,Point of interest

    Pizzas topped with local ingredients pair with craft beers in funky digs sporting space decor.

    flyingsaucerpizzacompany.com

    Learn more
    , featuring unique and creative pies.
  • Head back to Boston Logan International Airport and bid farewell to Salem!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Salem, United States by plane is to fly into Boston Logan International Airport and then drive or take public transportation to Salem, which is approximately 25 miles northeast of the airport.

Car

The best way to get to Salem by car is to drive on I-95 N and take exit 44-A for MA-128 N/MA-62 E towards Danvers/Lawrence. Follow the signs to Salem.

Train

There is no direct train to Salem, but the nearest Amtrak station is in Boston. From there, you can take a commuter rail or drive to get to Salem, which is approximately 16 miles north of Boston.

Boat

The best way to get to Salem by boat is to take a scenic harbor cruise from Boston to Salem, which takes approximately 1 hour and offers stunning views of the coast. Alternatively, you can charter a private boat to sail to Salem.

Bus

The best way to get to Salem by bus is by taking a Greyhound bus to Boston and then taking a commuter rail or driving to Salem, which is approximately 16 miles north of Boston.

Destination

Salem

Welcome to the land of bewitching sights and spooky delights! If you're not a fan of broomsticks or black cats, now is the time to rethink your travel plans.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Salem's Spooky and Delicious Day Trip

Salem, known for the infamous Witch Trials of the 1600s, also delivers stunning views over Massachusetts Bay for a romantic retreat. Stroll hand-in-hand through Essex Street, with cozy boutiques, restaurants, and bars for a date night or enjoy a picturesque walk near the Salem Harbor, basked in the sunset's golden hour hues. Make your way to The House of the Seven Gables to experience a historical tour or visit The Salem Witch Museum to know the Trials' chronology in detail, or spend a cozy day in the serene, colorful gardens of the Peabody Essex Museum.

A Romantic Long Weekend in Salem

Salem, known for its infamous witch trials, is a charming destination for a romantic trip with your partner. Couples can explore the cobblestone streets hand in hand, visit historic sites such as the House of the Seven Gables, and indulge in delicious seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants. End the day with a spooky ghost tour or a cozy fire in a bed & breakfast.

A whimsical long weekend in Historic Salem

Experience the eerie charm of Salem, United States for a unique romantic getaway. Discover the tales of witchcraft and history while strolling through the cobblestone streets and visiting attractions like the Salem Witch Museum. Dine on locally sourced seafood and cozy up in a charming bed and breakfast for an unforgettable trip.

A Whimsical Weekend Getaway: Salem, USA

In Salem, couples can immerse themselves in the town's rich history and spooky ambiance. From visiting witch museums to exploring the stunning historic homes, there's plenty to see and do for a romantic getaway. As the sun sets, couples can enjoy a romantic dinner at one of Salem's cozy restaurants or take a twilight stroll along the waterfront.