Salem After Dark: History & Hauntings

As much as I love wandering a new city on my own, I’m a total sucker for a guided tour—especially a ghost tour. During my time in Salem, I joined the History and Hauntings Tour, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip.

The Ropes Mansion featured on the History and Hauntings Tour.

What set this tour apart from others I’ve done was the focus on history. Our guide didn’t spin tall tales or try to play up the paranormal for cheap thrills. Instead, he struck a refreshing balance: when ghost sightings were mentioned, he acknowledged them without over-dramatizing. Then, almost immediately, he connected the story back to a verifiable event or death that could explain the lore. It felt authentic, rooted in fact, while still leaving space for mystery.

Salem graveyard at night, adjacent to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.

We walked through Salem’s winding streets for more than two hours, the cobblestones glowing under old street lamps and the autumn air heavy with atmosphere. At every stop, our guide’s passion for the subject drew us in. He told the stories with such energy and depth that history felt alive—sometimes hauntingly so.

I never once found myself glancing at the clock; instead, I was leaning in, curious about what corner or story came next. The tour managed to capture Salem’s layered past without sensationalism, and that’s what made it special.

If you’re heading to Salem and want more than just a spooky story, the History and Hauntings Tour is a must. It’s an evening that blends history, mystery, and atmosphere into something truly memorable.