6 Best Ghost Tours in Salem (2026)
The best ghost tours in Salem range from history-focused walking tours and spooky storytelling to paranormal investigations and haunted pub crawls. With so many options, choosing the right Salem ghost tour really depends on the kind of experience you want.
I compared six Salem ghost tours so you can quickly find the experience that fits your trip.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you book or purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
👻 Quick Picks: Best Ghost Tours in Salem
Not sure which Salem ghost tour to choose? These are my top picks based on the experience you’re looking for. Select a tour to check current prices and availability.
⭐ Best Overall — History & Hauntings of Salem
👻 Best Classic Tour — Salem’s Best Ghost Tour
🔮 Best Paranormal — Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts
🏆 USA TODAY’s No. 1 Ghost Tour (2026) — Black Cat Ghostly Night Tour
🔦 Best Ghost Hunting — Specters & Apparitions
🍺 Best Adults Only — Booze & Brews Haunted Pub Crawl
🎃 Visiting Salem in October?
Popular ghost tours can sell out weeks in advance, especially on weekends. If your first choice is unavailable, check alternative departure times or another tour on this list. Booking early gives you the best selection, but last-minute availability may still be possible.
⭐ My Pick: Best Overall
History & Hauntings of Salem: Best Overall Ghost Tour
If it’s your first trip to Salem and you only have time for one ghost tour, History & Hauntings of Salem is my pick.
The approximately two-hour walking tour combines Salem history, local legends, and reported hauntings. It’s a good balance for travelers who want the spooky atmosphere without missing the history behind it.
👻 Best Classic Ghost Tour
Salem’s Best Ghost Tour
If you’re looking for a classic Salem ghost tour with haunted history, local legends, and spooky storytelling, Salem’s Best Ghost Tour is my pick for the traditional walking tour experience.
The nighttime walking tour mixes local history with stories of hauntings and unexplained activity. It’s also shorter than some of the more history-heavy options, making it easier to fit into a busy itinerary.
🔮 Best for Paranormal Lore
Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts
Voodoo, Vampires & Ghosts is one of the best Salem ghost tours for travelers who want more paranormal lore than traditional haunted history. It goes beyond Salem’s witch history to explore ghosts, vampire lore, voodoo, and other paranormal stories.
Its paranormal-investigator perspective sets it apart from more traditional walking tours, with more focus on unexplained activity and paranormal investigations.
🏆 USA TODAY’s No. 1 Ghost Tour (2026)
Black Cat Ghostly Night Tour
Black Cat Ghostly Night Tour is a good choice if you want your Salem ghost tour to focus on storytelling rather than jump scares or a haunted attraction. It combines Salem’s darker history, legends, and reported hauntings in a traditional nighttime walking tour.
Black Cat Tours was voted the No. 1 Best Ghost Tour in America in USA TODAY’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The recognition highlights its atmospheric storytelling and approach to exploring Salem’s haunted history.
🔦 Best for Ghost Hunting
Specters & Apparitions
Want a Salem ghost tour where you can actually take part in the investigation?
Specters & Apparitions gives you the chance to participate in a paranormal investigation and use ghost-hunting equipment while exploring Salem.
It’s the most hands-on ghost tour on this list and my pick if you’ve ever wanted to try a paranormal investigation yourself.
🍺 Best Adults Only Experience
Booze & Brews Haunted Pub Crawl
Booze & Brews Haunted Pub Crawl is the best fit if you want an adults only Salem ghost tour with a more social atmosphere. It combines Salem ghost stories with stops for drinks along the way.
Choose this one if you’d rather mix haunted stories with a night out than take a traditional history focused ghost tour.
Salem Ghost Tours FAQ
Which Salem ghost tour is best for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, History & Hauntings of Salem is my Best Overall pick. It combines Salem’s history, haunted locations, and ghost stories, making it a good introduction to the city’s darker past.
Do Salem ghost tours sell out in October?
Yes. Popular Salem ghost tours can sell out weeks in advance, particularly on weekends and around Halloween. Booking early is recommended if you have a specific tour or departure time in mind.
Are Salem ghost tours scary?
Most Salem ghost tours focus on haunted history, local legends, and storytelling rather than jump scares. Some experiences are darker or more intense than others, so choose a tour that matches your comfort level.
Can you book a Salem ghost tour at the last minute?
Sometimes. Last-minute tickets may be available, especially on weekdays or at less popular departure times. If your preferred tour is sold out, check other tours and departure times rather than assuming everything is fully booked.
💙 One Last Thought
For a first visit, I’d choose History & Hauntings of Salem for its mix of history and ghost stories.
But the best Salem ghost tour really depends on the experience you want. You can choose classic haunted history, paranormal lore, immersive storytelling, a hands on ghost investigation, or an adults only haunted pub crawl.
Pick the one that sounds most like your kind of night and enjoy seeing a completely different side of Salem after dark.
🧭 Continue Planning Your Salem Trip
Planning more of your Salem trip? These guides can help with the rest of your visit.
🗺️ Salem Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your Salem trip.
📅 3 Days in Salem
A day-by-day itinerary for exploring Salem’s historic sites, witchy attractions, Hocus Pocus filming locations, downtown, and the waterfront.
🧙♀️ Best Witch Tours in Salem
Compare Salem witch tours for Witch Trial history, modern witchcraft, nighttime experiences, and more.
👻 Best Salem Ghost Tours for Kids
Two family friendly ghost tour picks for younger kids, tweens, and families visiting Salem.
🎃 Salem in October 2026
Crowds, events, transportation, reservations, and what to expect.