Salem Architectural History Walking Tour
Discover Salem's Architectural Treasures on a Guided Tour Through Three Centuries of History

MA
people
1 participant
30 minutes
- • Discover Salem's Rich Architectural Heritage on a Guided Tour
- • Embark on a 1.5 to 2 Hour Journey Through Salem's History
- • Explore Salem's Most Impressive Colonial Architecture
Why We Love This Unique Experience
Embark on an unforgettable journey through time with the Salem Merchants and Mansions Guided Architecture Walking Tour. This expertly crafted experience brings the captivating history of Salem to life, as visitors stroll through beautifully preserved streets once filled with thriving merchants and grand mansions. Perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone eager to discover Salem's rich past, this tour is a must-do activity, showcasing the timeless elegance of over three centuries of architectural styles.
During the tour, a knowledgeable guide will skillfully navigate through the iconic cobblestone streets of Salem. Discover hidden gems and visit over two dozen historic locations, each telling a piece of the city's storied narrative. From the charming First Period American structures to the sophisticated Georgian Colonial and impressive Federal style buildings, each stop offers a glimpse into how Salem evolved into one of the wealthiest cities in 18th-century America. With engaging anecdotes about the city’s history, including its notable merchants and landmark events, this walking tour ensures a memorable experience for all ages.
This remarkable tour not only provides an enlightening outing but also makes an exceptional gift for friends and family. Treat someone special to a unique experience that combines education with leisure, allowing them to explore the architecture and heritage of Salem in an enjoyable way. Don't miss out on this chance to uncover the secrets of this enchanting city while creating lasting memories.
Check Availability & Book
Experience Overview:
Salem Merchants And Mansions Guided Architecture Walking TourDo you love architecture? We do! No trip to Salem is complete without a tour of the most beautiful sections of Salem. Come experience over three centuries of architecture from First Period American, to Georgian Colonial and the stately Federal style. Your guide will wind you through the cobblestoned streets of Salem, discovering hidden gems, viewing over two dozen sites, and sharing stories of Salem's rise to becoming the wealthiest city in the country in the 18th century.
We discuss how Salem is at once a modern and (by American standards) very, very old city, and one where the 17th century and the 21st century not only go hand in hand, but cheek to cheek. Every aspect of American history from warfare to trade to religion to industry is reflected in the structures that still stand (and are still being used) to tell the story of this legendary town.
Tours run RAIN or SHINE. We do NOT cancel for weather. For a full refund, you must cancel 24 hours prior.
Meeting Point
32 Derby Square
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA 01970, USA
We meet on the side of the Old Town Hall with 3 staircases
What's included:
- Architectural Guide of Salem
- Licensed Guide
Not included:
- Gratuity not included
What to expect:
Duration: between 1 hour, 30 minutes and 2 hours
Red's Sandwich Shop
15 Central St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
We talk about the location (in close proximity) of Red's (London Coffee House) Diehl-Marcus building (oldest extant bank building in Salem) and the 1803 Customs Building.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
The Custom House
178 Derby St, Salem, 01970-5136, Massachusetts
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 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
24 Liberty St, Off Charter Street, Salem, 01970, Massachusetts
We discuss the witch trials and the Pickman House.
10 minutes
Salem Common
Washington Sq, Salem, 01970, Massachusetts
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 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
The Derby House
160 Derby St, Salem, 01970-5643, Massachusetts
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 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
The Daniels House Tours
1 Daniels St, Salem, 01970-5214, Massachusetts
We talk about how First Period buildings were modified and adapted to reflect current trends and tastes over the centuries.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Narbonne House
71 Essex St, Salem, 01970-5252, Massachusetts
a perfect way to show how 17th century (First Period) architecture could be (and was) added to and modified to enlarge it.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Saint Peter's Episcopal Church
24 Saint Peter St, Salem, 01970-3820, Massachusetts
We touch on the unique religious heritage of Salem.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex St, Yin Yu Tang House, Salem, 01970, Massachusetts
Discussion of the Peabody-Essex Museum, and its origins, and showing how one side of Essex Street retains its 19th century appearance (mostly) and how the Witch City Mall shows the attempt to "modernize" Salem during the destructive period of the 1960s.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
> More Experience Gifts in Boston
Details & Important Info
Additional Experience Details & Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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 39 guests per group
There are no public restrooms on the tour route. Please plan accordingly.
Not recommended if not able to stand for long periods of time
Cancellations & Refunds
Reservation Changes, Cancellations & Refunds
Changes to reservations for tickets can be made until 3 days prior to the date scheduled. Reservations may be re-scheduled by the operator of the activity due to reasons such as weather, minimum participation requirements, mechanical issues or other interruptions beyond their control.
Organized by
Witch City Walking Tours
Product SKU: US-6585-0002
Google Business Profile: Witch City Walking Tours
Salem Architectural History Walking Tour
MA
people
1 participant
30 minutes
- • Discover Salem's Rich Architectural Heritage on a Guided Tour
- • Embark on a 1.5 to 2 Hour Journey Through Salem's History
- • Explore Salem's Most Impressive Colonial Architecture
Best Experience Providers
Our Activity Partners are highly rated and experts in what they do, guaranteeing you an unforgettable experience.
Free Gift Exchanges
All ExperienceGifts Certificates are fully exchangeable if you change your mind, free of charge!
Instant E-Gifts
Our beautifully designed e-certificates are sent instantly the moment you place an order, great for last minute gifts.