Updating my Salem Travel guide 9 years later! After 15 trips to the magical city of Salem, I’m updating my favorite shops, restaurants, and things to do! Salem has no shortage of amazing spots to eat, drink, and shop — but here are a few of my personal favorites. That said, part of the fun is discovering your own, so don’t be afraid to wander and try everything that catches your eye.
Let’s start with the most important part of the day, coffee!
C O F F E E:
Jaho Coffee: 197 Derby Street
If you’re in Salem and looking for something beyond your basic brew, Jaho Coffee is a must. Known for their creative drinks- Vietnamese cold brews, spiced lattes, and espresso tonics, and more- Jaho blends bold flavors with a cozy, art-forward vibe. They’ve got two locations in Salem (one right by the water), plus a surprise outpost all the way in Tokyo, Japan, which tells you just how far their aesthetic and coffee game travels. Also, when you stay with The Coach House, you get a complimentary gift card!
Odd Meter Coffee: 60 Washington st
Taking the commuter rail into Salem? Let Odd Meter be your first stop! Conveniently located on Washington street (right in the middle of the action!), Odd Meter is serving up expertly crafted espresso, seasonal specials, and a warm, neighborhood vibe. Perfect for a slow morning or mid-day recharge.
Now for the good stuff… my favorite part of any trip: the food. Salem is packed with amazing spots, so narrowing down favorites isn’t easy, but I gave it my best shot.
RESTAURANTS & BARS :
Sea Level oyster bar: 94 Wharf st
Sea Level is hands-down one of my favorite spots in Salem, and here’s why. First, the view is incredible. It sits right on the harbor with a perfect waterfront vibe. Second, the chowder fries are ridiculous in the best way. And third, the Scary Mary is the biggest Bloody Mary in Salem. It comes stacked with a lobster claw, lobster tail, and even a steak. Everything I’ve ordered here has been consistently great. Don’t miss checking which local oysters they’re serving that day.
Gulu-Gulu Cafe: 247 Essex St
“Cozy, unpretentious coffeehouse offering an eclectic global menu of small bites, plus live music.” Gulu-Gulu is usually my first stop when I get to to town. It’s comfortable and has an option for whatever you’re craving- breakfast, lunch, drinks, etc! They usually host live music, which is a plus!
Mercy Tavern: 148 derby st
A cozy neighborhood pub with a lively, welcoming vibe. Come for the great cocktails and local beers, stay for the food, friendly crowd, and occasional live music. It’s the kind of place that feels like a local favorite but still totally open to visitors. The nachos are HUGE and the wings are some of the best!
Flying Saucer Pizza Company: 118 Washington Street
“The Mission: To abduct traditional pizza and take over Salem with a quirky and delicious pizza experience. Inside our restaurant is what we like to call “nerd”vana – whether it’s Doctor Who, Star Trek, Star Wars – we have something here for you.” Hand-stretched fresh dough pizza with an out of this world atmosphere. Located NEXT door to Gulu-Gulu, both restaurants are fantastic Salem eats! The geeky atmosphere blends perfectly with the eclectic Salem.
Ledger: 125 washington st
Are you a total foodie who loves a side of history with your meal? Ledger is a must-visit. Housed in an old 1800s bank, this upscale spot serves modern twists on New England classics in a setting that feels both grand and cozy. I’ve only been for dinner, but they also offer brunch on weekends. Highlights include lobster spaghetti, wood-fired dishes, and their insanely good popovers with garlic-honey butter. Perfect for a date night or any time you’re in the mood to indulge.
ALL SOULS LOUNGE: 282 derby st
10000% my favorite bar in Salem, hands down. All Souls has a cozy, vintage vibe with the best comfort food and cocktails in town. The grilled cheese is next-level, the drinks are strong and creative, and the whole place just feels cool without trying too hard. It’s 21+ after 9 PM, which makes it the perfect spot for a chill, late-night hang.
Goodnight fatty: 281 Essex St
Goodnight Fatty serves warm, freshly baked cookies with fun, rotating flavors like s’mores, cereal milk, and brown butter chocolate chip. In the morning, Goodmorning Fatty steps in with cinnamon rolls, breakfast sandwiches, and strong coffee. Whether you’re wrapping up your night or starting your day, it’s a feel-good stop every time.
Deacon Giles Distillery: 75 canal st
If you’re into strong drinks and cool hidden spots, Deacon Giles is a must. It’s Salem’s first distillery in over 100 years and they’re making some seriously good rum, gin, and vodka. The real gem is the Speakeasy Lab tucked in the back with low lights, great music, and some of the best cocktails I’ve had in town. Super chill, super worth it.
Other delicious spots in Salem include: Olde Main Street Pub, Notch Brewery (get the pierogis!), The Tavern inside of the Hawthorne Hotel, The Roof (Rooftop bar!), Far From The Tree Cider and many more!
F U N:
(Here’s a helpful map of the city. Also, there is a red line painted on the sidewalks of Salem that you can follow to visit all of the main attractions!)
Salem Witch Museum: 19 1/2 N Washington Square
The perfect start to your Salem adventure awaits at the Salem Witch Museum. This gorgeous structure in the middle of downtown has a kitschy yet fun wax museum inside that depicts the Salem Witch Trials. As you’re seated in the middle of the main room, a spotlight will be casted on various wax figures with voiceovers about these character’s life. After the presentation, a tour guide leads you into a room and talks about the history of witch hunts. If you haven’t been, I definitely recommend for anyone wanting an a thorough explanation and visualization of the trials.
The Hawthorne Hotel: 18 Washington Square
If you’re ready for a little treat or drink after visiting the Salem Witch Museum, the gorgeous historic Hawthorne Hotel is the place to be! The Hawthorne is known as one of the worlds most haunted hotels, and you’ll see why once you visit (it was even the setting of two episodes of Bewitched!). Funnily, the hotel reminds me of a mix between The Stanley and the Tower of Terror hotel. This is one of my FAVORITE places to get a drink because of the cozy atmosphere. Pop into their restaurant bar and grab a Shipyard Pumpkinhead beer with a cinnamon sugar rim- it won’t disappoint. The cozy atmosphere accompanied by a warm fireplace is the perfect stop between museums and shopping! The Hawthorne also hosts elaborate parties during the month of October, so be on the look out for those!
The Witch House: 310 Essex St
The Jonathan Corwin House in Salem, Massachusetts, USA, known as The Witch House, was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin (1640–1718) and is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692. The Witch House is debatably the most photographed house in Salem for it’s beautiful 17th-century New England architecture. The inside of the home is replicated to look exactly like it did when Corwin’s family lived there. This is definitely a must see!
Ropes Mansion: 318 Essex St
If you’re a Halloween movie fan like me, you’ll instantly recognize this beautiful house as Allison’s house from Hocus Pocus! The ropes mansion is only two doors to the left of the Witch House and can be a quick and easy visit! It is now owned and operated by the Peabody Essex Museum and is open for tours!
Essex Street (& nearby!)
Grab yourself a hot chocolate from Gulu Gulu and take a stroll down the oh-so-popular Essex street! This lovely stretch of shops in Salem is home to many stores and bars alike! A few stores I love in this area are Witch City Wicks, Black Veil Shoppe, The Coven’s Cottage, Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery, Emporium 32, ASCEND, and many more! It’s a great place to people watch and sight see, especially in October (but beware, it gets CROWDED). You can even spot the famous Bewitched statue at the corner or Essex and Washington! Nearby, you don’t want to miss Die With Your Boots On, Hive & Forge, Haus Witch, Nocturne, and more!
Bewitched Statue and Joshua Ward House: 235 Essex St & 148 Washington Street
Walk a block down from the Bewitched statue to see the famously haunted Joshua Ward House, known as one of the most haunted house in America. The Joshua Ward House: “Salem’s most infamous historic haunted home looms grimly above busy Washington Street, visitors on tours and townspeople pass by every day, largely unaware of the horrors that may lurk inside. Some Salem residents know the history, or whisper rumors about the land’s former owner as they pass. Most walk by unaware on their way to Dunkin’ Donuts or the gift shops next door. Those in the know shudder when they pass at night. The Joshua Ward House occupies land that was owned by cruel Witch Trials high sheriff George Corwin. It is alleged that he used his private home as a sadistic torture dungeon for the innocent victims of the Witch Hysteria and that his violent spirit still stalks the land now hundreds of years later.”(spellbound tours) This brick mansion, built for a prominent merchant in 1784, is at the exact site where Sherriff George Corwin—a major figure in the Salem Witch Trials—lived, died and was buried in 1697 (though later exhumed). Corwin was known as “the strangler” for the 19 men and women executed for witchcraft under his watch. He is said to still creep around the grounds, with some visitors claiming they have been “choked” by him, and he’s apparently not alone: One of his victims was famously captured in all her disheveled glory by a realtor taking photos of the property.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial and Old Burying Point Cemetery: Charter St
These two places are an absolute must before leaving town. Located a block behind the Peabody Essex Museum, these gems aren’t too far off of the beaten path. “In 1692, 14 women and 6 men were accused of being witches, were tried, convicted, and executed. Executions took place on June 10, July 19, August 19, September 19 and September 22, 1692. To this day, the events of 1692 are used as a yardstick to measure the depth of civility and due process in our society.” The Burying Point is the oldest burying ground in the city of Salem. Here is buried Justice John Hathorne, an ancestor of Nathaniel Hawthorne and one of the judges in the Witchcraft Court. Make sure to stroll down Liberty Street or “Salem Witch Village” which the cemetery is next to for little shops and a haunted house!
Derby Street
Take a stroll down Derby street on your way to the House of Seven Gables to see some gorgeous sights! The Pickering Wharf is a beautiful spot to just sit and take in the breeze. There are tons of places to shop in the area! Make sure you check out Destination Salem’s headquarters, Artist Row, Coven Dark Boutique, The Ossuary, The Cauldron Black, and more! Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie is the FIRST candy shop in America! The shop uses the same recipes as they did centuries ago. Immediately after the candy shop is the historic House of Seven Gables and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace. “In 1668, merchant and ship-owner John Turner built a house on Salem Harbor that was destined to become one of America’s most beloved historic homes. Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2007, The House of the Seven Gables is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel.” This absolutely incredible estate is available for touring, which is high on the “must-do” list. The inside of the home is completely furnished in 17th & 18th century furniture. After the House of Seven Gables, make sure to stop by The Landing at Salem Ferry for a long awaited drink.
Pioneer Village and Hocus Pocus Location: 98 West Ave & 8 Ocean Avenue
A little off of the path of the busy downtown Salem is Pioneer Village. You might recognize the Pioneer Village in Salem as the home of Thackery Binx and Emily in Hocus Pocus! Pioneer Village, was created in 1930 as the set for a play, held in Forest River Park in Salem, Massachusetts. Audience members sat in the park and watched the re-creation of what Salem, Massachusetts may have looked like in June, 1630 upon the arrival of John Winthrop and the families of Thomas Dudley and Simon Bradstreet, including America’s first published poet of significance, Anne Bradstreet, daughter of Thomas and wife of Simon. The set was meant to be temporary, but the City of Salem and all of Essex County, Massachusetts had fallen in love with it so it was saved from re-development. Salem Pioneer Village, the first living history museum in the United States, opened in June, 1930. The village is only open certain times of the year, so make sure to check before venturing out. There are special nighttime events during October that are definitely worth while! PLUS! Right around the corner is the famous Hocus Pocus house! This location was used as Max and Dani’s home in the film. Though you cannot enter because people do live there, you can still respectfully take photos outside!
Where To Stay:
The coach house: 284 LAFAYETTE ST
I’ve stayed at many, many different places in Salem. From hole-in-the-wall rentals to luxury suites. This is hands-down my favorite place to stay in Salem. The Coach House nails that perfect mix of luxury and charm. It is historic, beautifully restored, and every detail feels thoughtful and elevated. The design is clean, cozy, and artfully curated, with just the right amount of character. It’s located near Pioneer Village and the water, in a quiet part of town that still feels close to everything. Downtown is an easy 12-minute walk, but honestly, you might not want to leave your room. Use promo code to get 15% OFF through 8/31/25!
The Hawthorne Hotel, Hotel Salem, The Merchant, Salem Inn, The Stepping Stone Inn and The Salem Waterfront Hotel, and Airbnb are other options.
Feel free to use my referral code for Airbnb 🙂
https://www.airbnb.com/c/dixieh250?currency=USD
Salem is a town that’s extremely close to my heart. From all of the magical themed shops to the deep history, there is so much Salem has to offer. I recommend that every magic/history/lore lover make the trip out to this perfect New England town.
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