The Dowager
Countess Recommends
Sightseeing
Hands down one of our favorite things to do in Salem! Best of all worlds: history, sailing, and sightseeing. Experience 4th of July fireworks on board FAME
17 locals recommend
Schooner Fame
86 Wharf StHands down one of our favorite things to do in Salem! Best of all worlds: history, sailing, and sightseeing. Experience 4th of July fireworks on board FAME
A somewhat hidden gem, the PEM is our own world-class museum. The space is amazing. The exhibitions are beautifully curated. Don't miss the Yin Yu Tang House! The house was built 200 years ago in the small village of Huang Cun in southeastern China, approximately two hundred and fifty miles from the city of Shanghai, and re-erected here in Salem.
207 locals recommend
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex StA somewhat hidden gem, the PEM is our own world-class museum. The space is amazing. The exhibitions are beautifully curated. Don't miss the Yin Yu Tang House! The house was built 200 years ago in the small village of Huang Cun in southeastern China, approximately two hundred and fifty miles from the city of Shanghai, and re-erected here in Salem.
The House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby StA must-see in Salem. Great historical tour
Not what you might expect, The Satanic Temple is a non-theistic religious organization standing for the First Amendment and taking a non-supernaturalist view of the world, turning to science as an arbiter of truth. The focus is on living with wisdom, compassion, and justice. Great art gallery, very educational, and home to the 8 ½ tall bronze statue of Baphomet. Check your assumptions at the door. Satan is just a metaphor.
The Satanic Temple
64 Bridge StNot what you might expect, The Satanic Temple is a non-theistic religious organization standing for the First Amendment and taking a non-supernaturalist view of the world, turning to science as an arbiter of truth. The focus is on living with wisdom, compassion, and justice. Great art gallery, very educational, and home to the 8 ½ tall bronze statue of Baphomet. Check your assumptions at the door. Satan is just a metaphor.
A good first stop to become oriented with the 1692 witchcraft paranoia. While it may be a bit kitsch for today's digital natives, the life-size dioramas provide visual interest to the retelling of this sad part of history.
120 locals recommend
Salem Witch Museum
19 1/2 N Washington SquareA good first stop to become oriented with the 1692 witchcraft paranoia. While it may be a bit kitsch for today's digital natives, the life-size dioramas provide visual interest to the retelling of this sad part of history.
Great way to familiarize yourself. Not a tour for cheap scares. This one is real history led by people who are passionate about history.
Salem Uncovered, Historic Walking Tours
Great way to familiarize yourself. Not a tour for cheap scares. This one is real history led by people who are passionate about history.
Good way to get your bearings. It's hop on hop off and goes up to the Willows. Narrated (some guides are better than others, but that's the way the cookie crumbles :)
26 locals recommend
Salem Trolley Inc
8 Central StGood way to get your bearings. It's hop on hop off and goes up to the Willows. Narrated (some guides are better than others, but that's the way the cookie crumbles :)
Neighborhoods
We've read that Chestnut Street was named one of the most beautiful streets in North America. Great collection of Federalist architecture, but also includes Italian and Greek Revival, Colonial Revival, and Neo Georgian homes.
McIntire Historic District
Essex StreetWe've read that Chestnut Street was named one of the most beautiful streets in North America. Great collection of Federalist architecture, but also includes Italian and Greek Revival, Colonial Revival, and Neo Georgian homes.
Beautiful coastal walk, about 3 miles roundtrip from The Dowager Countess. The Salem Willows is a scenic, seaside public park. One of Salem’s Treasures, Salem Willows is a great way to spend the day. With a video arcade, the best popcorn in New England, a picnic area, and a seaside promenade, you won’t want to leave.
The Salem Willows is open year-round to the public. The amusement portion of the park operates seasonally and consists of various privately owned businesses, where hours of operations may vary.
85 locals recommend
Salem Willows Park
165 Fort AveBeautiful coastal walk, about 3 miles roundtrip from The Dowager Countess. The Salem Willows is a scenic, seaside public park. One of Salem’s Treasures, Salem Willows is a great way to spend the day. With a video arcade, the best popcorn in New England, a picnic area, and a seaside promenade, you won’t want to leave.
The Salem Willows is open year-round to the public. The amusement portion of the park operates seasonally and consists of various privately owned businesses, where hours of operations may vary.
Add Winter Island onto your walk to the Willows and explore Fort Pickering, a 17th-century historic fort site. Fort Pickering operated as a strategic coastal defense and military barracks for Salem Harbor during a variety of periods, serving as a fortification from the Anglo-Dutch Wars through World War II
Fort Pickering
Add Winter Island onto your walk to the Willows and explore Fort Pickering, a 17th-century historic fort site. Fort Pickering operated as a strategic coastal defense and military barracks for Salem Harbor during a variety of periods, serving as a fortification from the Anglo-Dutch Wars through World War II
Food scene
In the heart of Pickering Wharf, next to where Schoonere FAME docks, Finz is perfect for lunch or dinner before or after a sail!
71 locals recommend
Finz
86 Wharf StIn the heart of Pickering Wharf, next to where Schoonere FAME docks, Finz is perfect for lunch or dinner before or after a sail!
Organic, plant-based, delicious food. Wonderful bowls and smoothies in a very chill environment. We're here at least once a week.
Life Alive Organic Cafe Salem
Organic, plant-based, delicious food. Wonderful bowls and smoothies in a very chill environment. We're here at least once a week.
Large tea selection by the cup or the pot, delicious pastries, and macarons. And they serve high tea.
14 locals recommend
Jolie Tea Company
316 Derby StLarge tea selection by the cup or the pot, delicious pastries, and macarons. And they serve high tea.
Did someone say oysters and slightly dirty martinis? Turner's is a Salem fixture. Welcoming and homey.
68 locals recommend
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall
43 Church StDid someone say oysters and slightly dirty martinis? Turner's is a Salem fixture. Welcoming and homey.
Lulu's Bakery and Pantry
One word: yum.
Barrio Tacos
Great food, reasonably priced and playful atmosphere.
Ugly Mug Diner
122 Washington StBreakfast!
Ledger Restaurant
125 Washington StSpecial place for special occasions.
Settler
2 Lynde StFoodie heaven!
City advice
Don't miss
Salem Heritage Trail
Destination Salem, the City of Salem, and other community partners reenvisioned the Heritage Trail. It's the yellow gold line throughout the city supported by an app for your own private tour. Check out salemheritagetrail dot org.