Must-See Salem!
Food scene
We have yet to try anything here that isn't delicious, so we keep returning :) The cocktails are great, the pasta is fresh, and the menu rotates seasonally. Also if you like calamari you're going to need to try the grilled octopus app. So so good. Pleasant patio seating as well as indoor tables and a small bar.
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Adriatic Restaurant
155 Washington StWe have yet to try anything here that isn't delicious, so we keep returning :) The cocktails are great, the pasta is fresh, and the menu rotates seasonally. Also if you like calamari you're going to need to try the grilled octopus app. So so good. Pleasant patio seating as well as indoor tables and a small bar.
Beautiful views down at the waterfront, delicious and fresh seafood. Good idea to get a reservation ahead because they're often full.
77 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sea Level Oyster Bar
94 Wharf StBeautiful views down at the waterfront, delicious and fresh seafood. Good idea to get a reservation ahead because they're often full.
Turner's is a local institution. They have a fresh seafood market out of Gloucester, and this is one of their two restaurants in the Boston area. Everything is fresh and delicious. Outdoor patio seating as well as indoor.
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall
43 Church StTurner's is a local institution. They have a fresh seafood market out of Gloucester, and this is one of their two restaurants in the Boston area. Everything is fresh and delicious. Outdoor patio seating as well as indoor.
Get the coconut-battered fish taco with bacon jam and you can thank me later. If fish isn't your thing, the vegan taco with roasted cauliflower is perfection. Sarah tends toward the more novel options, but Josh stands by the Vampiro (shaved steak, hot sauce, guac) and the Drunken Tiger (hoisin ground pork with all the fixins). At just $5 a taco, you can try them all!
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Spitfire Tacos
105 Lafayette StGet the coconut-battered fish taco with bacon jam and you can thank me later. If fish isn't your thing, the vegan taco with roasted cauliflower is perfection. Sarah tends toward the more novel options, but Josh stands by the Vampiro (shaved steak, hot sauce, guac) and the Drunken Tiger (hoisin ground pork with all the fixins). At just $5 a taco, you can try them all!
Just a block and a half away, The Derby is your local, friendly spot for pub food. And Wednesday night trivia! You might see us there ;) Huge outdoor patio, rarely a wait, good draft beer and cocktails.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Derby Restaurant & Bar
189 Washington StJust a block and a half away, The Derby is your local, friendly spot for pub food. And Wednesday night trivia! You might see us there ;) Huge outdoor patio, rarely a wait, good draft beer and cocktails.
I am not vegetarian, but I can't even tell you how good their food is. People come from around the area to eat here. Everything is full of flavor, and you feel amazing after you eat it! My personal favorite bowl is the Thai Peanut Sutra.
Address is 281 Essex St in Salem.
240 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Life Alive Organic Cafe
765 Massachusetts AveI am not vegetarian, but I can't even tell you how good their food is. People come from around the area to eat here. Everything is full of flavor, and you feel amazing after you eat it! My personal favorite bowl is the Thai Peanut Sutra.
Address is 281 Essex St in Salem.
Rustic fine dining in an intimate setting, Settler is perfect for special occasions. Chef Aaron Chambers brings a New American spin to French classics. Open Wed-Sat evenings with patio and indoor seating. Reservations recommended.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Settler
2 Lynde StRustic fine dining in an intimate setting, Settler is perfect for special occasions. Chef Aaron Chambers brings a New American spin to French classics. Open Wed-Sat evenings with patio and indoor seating. Reservations recommended.
Sweet treats
Authentic French patisserie right next door to Life Alive Organic Cafe. Their macarons are happiness.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Caramel French Patisserie
281 Essex StAuthentic French patisserie right next door to Life Alive Organic Cafe. Their macarons are happiness.
Just go. Get the chocolate elixir tasting flight, with whipped cream on the side. Your life will never be the same. And if you also get a lavender truffle or a papaya & coconut mediant to go, no one will judge because how can you resist this chocolate.
Kakawa Chocolate House
173 Essex StJust go. Get the chocolate elixir tasting flight, with whipped cream on the side. Your life will never be the same. And if you also get a lavender truffle or a papaya & coconut mediant to go, no one will judge because how can you resist this chocolate.
Creative flavors made with fresh, local ingredients. Off-beat options like Avocado Lime or Buttered Lobster, as well as classics like White Minty Chip and Chocolate. Yummm.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Melt Ice Cream
60 Washington StCreative flavors made with fresh, local ingredients. Off-beat options like Avocado Lime or Buttered Lobster, as well as classics like White Minty Chip and Chocolate. Yummm.
Charming shop with an incredible array of teas. Also a café serving tea (hot or iced), small snacks, High Tea and Afternoon Tea. Open Wed-Sun.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jolie Tea Company
316 Derby StCharming shop with an incredible array of teas. Also a café serving tea (hot or iced), small snacks, High Tea and Afternoon Tea. Open Wed-Sun.
Coffee and breakfast
Our favorite coffee shop in Salem! If you like specialty coffee drinks that aren't too sweet, you'll love it too. They make their own syrups and flavors fresh. Josh likes the Iced Mocha and Sarah's fav is the Hangover Latte - whether or not you've over-imbibed, it's a refreshing, herbal take on coffee.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Odd Meter Coffee Co
60 Washington StOur favorite coffee shop in Salem! If you like specialty coffee drinks that aren't too sweet, you'll love it too. They make their own syrups and flavors fresh. Josh likes the Iced Mocha and Sarah's fav is the Hangover Latte - whether or not you've over-imbibed, it's a refreshing, herbal take on coffee.
Quirky and yummy! We love Gulu-Gulu's crepes, both regular and gluten-free. They offer seasonal patio seating that is great for people watching, right across from the Essex Street pedestrian zone. Their Sunday drag brunch is super popular.
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gulu-Gulu Cafe
247 Essex StQuirky and yummy! We love Gulu-Gulu's crepes, both regular and gluten-free. They offer seasonal patio seating that is great for people watching, right across from the Essex Street pedestrian zone. Their Sunday drag brunch is super popular.
Eclectic and homey, the Ugly Mug is a local favorite. Extensive coffee menu and great food.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ugly Mug Diner
122 Washington StEclectic and homey, the Ugly Mug is a local favorite. Extensive coffee menu and great food.
For ocean lovers
Who knew Massachusetts could be tropical? Low-key 90-minute cruise around Salem Harbor with hosts Karen and Captain Scott. Beautiful views, fun music and tiki drinks. Their calendar books up so make your reservation early. Must be 21+.
Tiki Hut Boats Corp
10 Blaney StWho knew Massachusetts could be tropical? Low-key 90-minute cruise around Salem Harbor with hosts Karen and Captain Scott. Beautiful views, fun music and tiki drinks. Their calendar books up so make your reservation early. Must be 21+.
If you long to get out on the water, this is the tour for you! With sails lasting from 1.75 - 4 hours, you can choose the right kind of adventure. Sunset sails are particularly spectacular. Seasonal May-October, suitable for all ages.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Schooner Fame
86 Wharf StIf you long to get out on the water, this is the tour for you! With sails lasting from 1.75 - 4 hours, you can choose the right kind of adventure. Sunset sails are particularly spectacular. Seasonal May-October, suitable for all ages.
SUP or kayak your way around Salem Harbor! Rentals are hourly, by the half day or day. Salem Willows is a great boardwalk-type atmosphere with a large arcade, kiddie rides, food vendors, and a huge waterfront park. It is one of the few Salem attractions that is a bit of a trek from our home, about 2 miles. So if you're without a car and don't feel like walking, check the Salem Skipper app for crazy cheap ride service, or Uber if the Skipper is busy.
Coast to Coast Paddle
167 Fort AveSUP or kayak your way around Salem Harbor! Rentals are hourly, by the half day or day. Salem Willows is a great boardwalk-type atmosphere with a large arcade, kiddie rides, food vendors, and a huge waterfront park. It is one of the few Salem attractions that is a bit of a trek from our home, about 2 miles. So if you're without a car and don't feel like walking, check the Salem Skipper app for crazy cheap ride service, or Uber if the Skipper is busy.
Nightlife
Out-of-this-world craft cocktails. Local spirits brewed on site. Great backstory. Chill vibe. Look for the red light over the door in the first block of Gardner Street off Canal, their signage is a little hush-hush.
Food isn't served, so you can bring your own unless they're doing a food pop-up or other special event. We’ll often get there and then order delivery from Passage to India - always fast and tasty! Open Thursday - Sunday with tours and tastings on Saturday afternoons (advance ticket required). 21+ after 7 pm and on distillery tours.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Deacon Giles Distillery
75 Canal StOut-of-this-world craft cocktails. Local spirits brewed on site. Great backstory. Chill vibe. Look for the red light over the door in the first block of Gardner Street off Canal, their signage is a little hush-hush.
Food isn't served, so you can bring your own unless they're doing a food pop-up or other special event. We’ll often get there and then order delivery from Passage to India - always fast and tasty! Open Thursday - Sunday with tours and tastings on Saturday afternoons (advance ticket required). 21+ after 7 pm and on distillery tours.
NEW NAME, SAME OWNERS & LOCATION - Dire Wolf Tavern!
Re-opened early 2023, Dire Wolf has great drinks, sushi, and tavern favorites with a twist.
Their basement venue Hallowed Ground opened mid-April, billed as a speakeasy with a focus on elevated cocktails & mocktails (beet & thyme shrub, anyone?) and light fare.
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Opus
87 Washington StNEW NAME, SAME OWNERS & LOCATION - Dire Wolf Tavern!
Re-opened early 2023, Dire Wolf has great drinks, sushi, and tavern favorites with a twist.
Their basement venue Hallowed Ground opened mid-April, billed as a speakeasy with a focus on elevated cocktails & mocktails (beet & thyme shrub, anyone?) and light fare.
Fun patio seating, live entertainment many evenings, visit the Tap Room and Game Room for pool, darts, air hockey and skeeball.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Village Tavern
168 Essex StFun patio seating, live entertainment many evenings, visit the Tap Room and Game Room for pool, darts, air hockey and skeeball.
Yes, the same Gulu-Gulu with great breakfasts! They're also a fun place to hang out in the evening. Live music and game nights; light dinner menu; strong craft beer selection, libations and wine options.
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gulu-Gulu Cafe
247 Essex StYes, the same Gulu-Gulu with great breakfasts! They're also a fun place to hang out in the evening. Live music and game nights; light dinner menu; strong craft beer selection, libations and wine options.
Just beneath Salem's oldest cemetery (Old Burying Point, 1637) All Souls is the real deal. A hangout for locals and tourists alike. Famous for their vintage cocktails and grilled cheese - yum. Open until 1 am most nights. Make sure to pop over to Bit Bar next door for pinball and vintage video games!
All Souls Lounge
Just beneath Salem's oldest cemetery (Old Burying Point, 1637) All Souls is the real deal. A hangout for locals and tourists alike. Famous for their vintage cocktails and grilled cheese - yum. Open until 1 am most nights. Make sure to pop over to Bit Bar next door for pinball and vintage video games!
Museums & History
A world-class collection with regular special exhibits. One of my favorite places to wander, it's just the right size. Also has a great gift shop that you can enter without museum admission. You're sure to find souvenirs for friends back home. (If you like the sailor's knot wreath on your door, look here!)
207 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Peabody Essex
161 Essex StA world-class collection with regular special exhibits. One of my favorite places to wander, it's just the right size. Also has a great gift shop that you can enter without museum admission. You're sure to find souvenirs for friends back home. (If you like the sailor's knot wreath on your door, look here!)
Beautiful location right on the harbor, with several self-guided walks and numerous historic houses and merchant buildings to visit. Friendship of Salem is a full-sized replica of a merchant ship that was built in the late 1700s and sailed out of Salem Harbor. You can tour the ship on the weekends. The National Park Service app guides you through the area and lets you know what is currently open.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
160 Derby StBeautiful location right on the harbor, with several self-guided walks and numerous historic houses and merchant buildings to visit. Friendship of Salem is a full-sized replica of a merchant ship that was built in the late 1700s and sailed out of Salem Harbor. You can tour the ship on the weekends. The National Park Service app guides you through the area and lets you know what is currently open.
Formerly the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided over the Salem Witch Trials, this museum fills in some of the context surrounding the Salem Witch Trials through the Corwin family's story. Less spooky, more historical. The tour is self-guided, but the docents are very knowledgable so be sure to ask any questions you have. Tours are scheduled by time slot and you purchase tickets online.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa de la Bruja
310 Essex StFormerly the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided over the Salem Witch Trials, this museum fills in some of the context surrounding the Salem Witch Trials through the Corwin family's story. Less spooky, more historical. The tour is self-guided, but the docents are very knowledgable so be sure to ask any questions you have. Tours are scheduled by time slot and you purchase tickets online.
The inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's eponymous work, the House of the Seven Gables is a fascinating post-medieval house dating back to 1662. Tours of the house give you an inside look at colonial life. Don't miss the delightful gardens!
93 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Casa de los Siete Picos
115 Derby StThe inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's eponymous work, the House of the Seven Gables is a fascinating post-medieval house dating back to 1662. Tours of the house give you an inside look at colonial life. Don't miss the delightful gardens!
Broad, Chestnut, Essex and Federal Streets make up the McIntire District. You can't miss the chance to walk up and down Chestnut Street and see all the old Federal mansions! The street is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sarah's favorite morning walk is to go through the McIntire District on the way to Odd Meter Coffee; get an iced hangover latte; then swing through the Ropes Mansion Garden on the way back and check what's in bloom. You're welcome ;)
McIntire Historic District
Essex StreetBroad, Chestnut, Essex and Federal Streets make up the McIntire District. You can't miss the chance to walk up and down Chestnut Street and see all the old Federal mansions! The street is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sarah's favorite morning walk is to go through the McIntire District on the way to Odd Meter Coffee; get an iced hangover latte; then swing through the Ropes Mansion Garden on the way back and check what's in bloom. You're welcome ;)
This site is tucked away and would be easy to miss, but I find it one of the most quietly moving tributes to those who lost their lives in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. As you enter the small park, you’ll see victims’ final words proclaiming their innocence carved into the stone threshold. Around the perimeter are granite slabs, each etched with the name of one of the accused and their execution date. In the center of the park stand six locust trees, the last to flower and the first to lose their leaves, representing the injustice of the trials.
Immediately next door is the Old Burying Point Cemetery, the oldest in Salem, dating to 1637. People often ask if the accused were buried there - the answer is no, they weren’t given Christian burial rites. But you can see the graves of some of the key players in the trials, as well as other Salem notables. Entrance to both sites is free (though you can leave a donation in the box outside the cemetery if you wish).
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
24 Liberty StThis site is tucked away and would be easy to miss, but I find it one of the most quietly moving tributes to those who lost their lives in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. As you enter the small park, you’ll see victims’ final words proclaiming their innocence carved into the stone threshold. Around the perimeter are granite slabs, each etched with the name of one of the accused and their execution date. In the center of the park stand six locust trees, the last to flower and the first to lose their leaves, representing the injustice of the trials.
Immediately next door is the Old Burying Point Cemetery, the oldest in Salem, dating to 1637. People often ask if the accused were buried there - the answer is no, they weren’t given Christian burial rites. But you can see the graves of some of the key players in the trials, as well as other Salem notables. Entrance to both sites is free (though you can leave a donation in the box outside the cemetery if you wish).
Tours
Pleasant and informative ride - tour guides are great. Also a great way to get around town if you're tired of walking, with the hop off / hop on option.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Salem Trolley Inc
8 Central StPleasant and informative ride - tour guides are great. Also a great way to get around town if you're tired of walking, with the hop off / hop on option.