Salem Merchants and Mansions Guided Architecture Walking Tour

Do 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.

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.

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.

We discuss the witch trials and the Pickman House.

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.

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.

We talk about how First Period buildings were modified and adapted to reflect current trends and tastes over the centuries.

a perfect way to show how 17th century (First Period) architecture could be (and was) added to and modified to enlarge it.

We touch on the unique religious heritage of Salem.

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.

• 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

• Salem Merchants and Mansions Guided Architecture Walking Tour
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• Architectural Guide of Salem
• Licensed Guide

• Gratuity not included

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No need to print tickets – mobile tickets accepted!

Meeting Location: Old Town Hall
*Please meet on the side with the THREE staircases
We do not have an office

Please Note: Guests will be asked to complete a liability waiver and photo release form prior to their tour.

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Witch City Walking Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at America/New_York.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 10 valid reviews on TRIPADVISOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.