Salem Merchants and Mansions Guided Architecture Walking Tour

5.0 (20 reviews) 1 h 30 min – 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

20 reviews

5.0

Salem Merchants and Mansions Guided Architecture Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Salem Merchants and Mansions Guided Architecture Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

All ages

Spring/summer only

Merchants & Mansions Architecture Tour

Salem has one of the most naturally varied collections of historic structures in the country, spanning nearly 400 years. Come learn about how the inhabitants of Salem have kept their city comfortable, livable, and beautiful for centuries! From First Period to Georgian, Federal to Brutalist, Salem has some of everything. Your guide will wind you through the cobblestoned streets, discovering hidden gems, and viewing dozens of historic buildings and structures, as well as learning the fascinating stories behind them, from Salem's days as the wealthiest city in the country in the 18th century, to the great fire that nearly destroyed it all!

Tours run RAIN or SHINE. We do NOT cancel for weather. For a full refund, you must cancel 24 hours prior.

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min – 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 40 people
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English
Operated by: Witch City Walking Tours

Ages: Children (0–10 years) · Youth (11–17 years) · Adults (18–105 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Architectural Guide of Salem
Included: Licensed Guide

Not included

Not included: Gratuity not included

Itinerary

Salem Old Town Hall

5 min Admission not included

Start of the tour
Salem

5 min

Duration of the tour
The Custom House

10 min Admission not included

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.
The Derby House

10 min Admission not included

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.
Narbonne House

10 min Admission not included

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

5 min Admission not included

Discussion
Salem Common

10 min Admission included

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.
Stop 8

5 min

Architecture
Peabody Essex Museum

10 min Admission not included

Variety of collection homes
Stop 10

5 min

Architecture
Saint Peter's Episcopal Church

10 min Admission not included

We touch on the unique religious heritage of Salem.
Witch City Mall

5 min

Architecture
Bewitched Statue of Elizabeth Montgomery

5 min

Discussion

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet on the side of the Old Town Hall with 3 staircases

End point

Using your ticket

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.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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 40 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