Things to do in Salem for self travelers

Discover the secret layers of Salem's rich and somber history with this Self-Guided Audio Tour. History buffs and the curious alike will be drawn into the hidden tales nestled within this infamous town, once the stage of the 1692 witch trials. Step into the shoes of a seventeenth-century explorer, navigating through whispers of the past brought to life through your audio guide. The adventure begins at the Salem Athenaeum, known for its centuries of knowledge, and winds down to the final stop at The Custom House, a reminder of Salem's maritime significance. In between, you'll tread the cobblestones to the Old Town Hall, soak in the serenity of the Old Burying Point Cemetery, and pause at significant sites like The Witch House and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. The route is curated to ensure you experience the full spectrum of Salem's heritage, from maritime triumphs to dark periods of injustice. Among the highlights are encounters with the beautifully foreboding architecture of the Hawthorne Hotel, the longstanding tradition of the Pickering House, and the visually captivating Ropes Mansion. Each location is infused with its own story, ready to leave a lasting imprint on your historical journey through Salem.