John's Guidebook - Local Attractions & Restaurants

John
John's Guidebook - Local Attractions & Restaurants

Sightseeing

Built in 1727, in the Georgian style, The Ropes Mansion was renovated in 1894 in the Colonial Revival style. Ropes Mansion was home to three generations of the Ropes family and was featured in the 1993 movie Hocus Pocus. Now managed by the Peabody Essex Museum, the home is open to the public during weekends and the gardens are open year round.
11 locals recommend
Ropes Mansion and Garden
318 Essex St
11 locals recommend
Built in 1727, in the Georgian style, The Ropes Mansion was renovated in 1894 in the Colonial Revival style. Ropes Mansion was home to three generations of the Ropes family and was featured in the 1993 movie Hocus Pocus. Now managed by the Peabody Essex Museum, the home is open to the public during weekends and the gardens are open year round.
The Jonathan Corwin House, known locally as The Witch House, is a historic house museum at 310 Essex Street in Salem, Massachusetts. It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, and is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692.
52 locals recommend
Witch House
310 Essex St
52 locals recommend
The Jonathan Corwin House, known locally as The Witch House, is a historic house museum at 310 Essex Street in Salem, Massachusetts. It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, and is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692.
The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, US, is a successor to the East India Marine Society, established in 1799. It combines the collections of the former Peabody Museum of Salem and the Essex Institute.
207 locals recommend
Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex St
207 locals recommend
The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, US, is a successor to the East India Marine Society, established in 1799. It combines the collections of the former Peabody Museum of Salem and the Essex Institute.
The House of the Seven Gables is a 1668 colonial mansion in Salem, Massachusetts, named for its gables. It was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel The House of the Seven Gables.
93 locals recommend
The House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby St
93 locals recommend
The House of the Seven Gables is a 1668 colonial mansion in Salem, Massachusetts, named for its gables. It was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel The House of the Seven Gables.
A 15 - 20 minute walk from The JPaul, Pickering Wharf offers seaside shopping and dining on the Salem Harbor. You can also visit the Salem Maritime Site and the Friendship trading ship.
33 locals recommend
Pickering Wharf Marina
23 Congress St
33 locals recommend
A 15 - 20 minute walk from The JPaul, Pickering Wharf offers seaside shopping and dining on the Salem Harbor. You can also visit the Salem Maritime Site and the Friendship trading ship.
Phillips House is the only home on historic Chestnut Street open to the public, and it provides a glimpse into the private world of the Phillips family during the early decades of the twentieth century. The kitchen, pantry, and a domestic staff bedroom, present a rarely seen picture of how the great houses functioned as new technologies were being introduced.
8 locals recommend
Phillips House
34 Chestnut St
8 locals recommend
Phillips House is the only home on historic Chestnut Street open to the public, and it provides a glimpse into the private world of the Phillips family during the early decades of the twentieth century. The kitchen, pantry, and a domestic staff bedroom, present a rarely seen picture of how the great houses functioned as new technologies were being introduced.
Salem Willows is an oceanfront park in Salem, Massachusetts. It is named for the European white willow trees planted there in 1801 to form a shaded walk for patients convalescing at a nearby smallpox hospital. Today it's a beautiful place to relax by the shore, explore the coastline or have a seaside picnic with some local seafood and ice cream for dessert!
10 locals recommend
Salem Willows Park
165 Fort Avenue
10 locals recommend
Salem Willows is an oceanfront park in Salem, Massachusetts. It is named for the European white willow trees planted there in 1801 to form a shaded walk for patients convalescing at a nearby smallpox hospital. Today it's a beautiful place to relax by the shore, explore the coastline or have a seaside picnic with some local seafood and ice cream for dessert!
A great way to start your exploration of Salem. The one hour narrated tour brings you all around the city. Highly recommended for first time visitors. Book your tickets asap!
26 locals recommend
Salem Trolley Inc
8 Central St
26 locals recommend
A great way to start your exploration of Salem. The one hour narrated tour brings you all around the city. Highly recommended for first time visitors. Book your tickets asap!
The Salem Athenaeum, founded in 1810, is one of the oldest membership libraries in the United States. Only steps away from The JPaul on Essex Street, the Salem Athenaeum is a source for current and historical books and a place to enjoy a broad array of cultural programming. Look for the summer salon series on Friday evenings in their beautiful garden!
Salem Athenaeum
337 Essex St
The Salem Athenaeum, founded in 1810, is one of the oldest membership libraries in the United States. Only steps away from The JPaul on Essex Street, the Salem Athenaeum is a source for current and historical books and a place to enjoy a broad array of cultural programming. Look for the summer salon series on Friday evenings in their beautiful garden!
A wonderful local beach only two miles away! See the historic Fort Pickering lighthouse erected in 1871.
13 locals recommend
Winter Island/Waikiki Beach
60 Winter Island Rd
13 locals recommend
A wonderful local beach only two miles away! See the historic Fort Pickering lighthouse erected in 1871.
The Punto Urban Art Museum is an open air museum located in Salem, Massachusetts in the "El Punto" Neighborhood. It exists over a three block radius and includes the artwork of many world renowned and local artists and over 75 large scale murals.
6 locals recommend
Punto Urban Art Museum
91-1 Peabody St
6 locals recommend
The Punto Urban Art Museum is an open air museum located in Salem, Massachusetts in the "El Punto" Neighborhood. It exists over a three block radius and includes the artwork of many world renowned and local artists and over 75 large scale murals.
Book a harbor cruise on this historic schooner, built in 1939 for General George S. Patton. The sunset cruises are perfect for taking in views of Boston's North Shore!
Sail When And If
10 Blaney St
Book a harbor cruise on this historic schooner, built in 1939 for General George S. Patton. The sunset cruises are perfect for taking in views of Boston's North Shore!
Salem's Oldest House, America's Oldest Home.
The Pickering House
18 Broad Street
Salem's Oldest House, America's Oldest Home.
A peaceful space for reflection.
30 locals recommend
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
24 Liberty St
30 locals recommend
A peaceful space for reflection.

Food scene

Breakfast and lunch restaurant frequented by locals.
46 locals recommend
Red's Sandwich Shop
15 Central St
46 locals recommend
Breakfast and lunch restaurant frequented by locals.
Progressive New England cuisine, chic and elegant. Delicious food and amazing cocktails.
62 locals recommend
Ledger Restaurant
125 Washington St
62 locals recommend
Progressive New England cuisine, chic and elegant. Delicious food and amazing cocktails.
Upscale-casual seafood, steak & cocktail destination situated on the harbor with deck & ocean views.
71 locals recommend
Finz
86 Wharf St
71 locals recommend
Upscale-casual seafood, steak & cocktail destination situated on the harbor with deck & ocean views.
Oysters, lobster rolls, specialty cocktails & more offered in a casual joint with water views.
77 locals recommend
Sea Level Oyster Bar
94 Wharf St
77 locals recommend
Oysters, lobster rolls, specialty cocktails & more offered in a casual joint with water views.
Mediterranean and Italian dishes with outdoor seating.
33 locals recommend
Adriatic Restaurant
155 Washington St
33 locals recommend
Mediterranean and Italian dishes with outdoor seating.
Rustic-cool spot serving wood-fired pies, small plates, wine & craft beer to hip crowds. Our local Italian pizzeria. Thin crust pizzas and delightful salads.
36 locals recommend
Bambolina
288 Derby St
36 locals recommend
Rustic-cool spot serving wood-fired pies, small plates, wine & craft beer to hip crowds. Our local Italian pizzeria. Thin crust pizzas and delightful salads.
Asian inspired street food in a casual atmosphere. Our local ramen restaurant with tasty small plates.
12 locals recommend
Kokeshi
288 Lafayette St
12 locals recommend
Asian inspired street food in a casual atmosphere. Our local ramen restaurant with tasty small plates.
Organic vegetarian & vegan fare, including soups, wraps & smoothies, served up in mellow surrounds.
240 locals recommend
Life Alive Organic Cafe
765 Massachusetts Ave
240 locals recommend
Organic vegetarian & vegan fare, including soups, wraps & smoothies, served up in mellow surrounds.
Exquisite French pastries. As delicious as they are beautiful! The macarons are always a special treat!
21 locals recommend
Caramel French Patisserie
281 Essex St
21 locals recommend
Exquisite French pastries. As delicious as they are beautiful! The macarons are always a special treat!
Delicious artisan bread, pastries and sandwiches.
6 locals recommend
A&J King Artisan Bakers
139 Boston St
6 locals recommend
Delicious artisan bread, pastries and sandwiches.
Amazing authentic Indian food.
32 locals recommend
Passage To India
157 Washington St
32 locals recommend
Amazing authentic Indian food.
This is a limited batch cookie store. A great place to sample a new cookie flavor along with a glass of milk. They now have delicious soft serve ice cream too! Note: Open Friday evening through Sunday. Check out their breakfast sandwiches "chubbies" on Sundays!
27 locals recommend
Goodnight Fatty
1 Washington Square
27 locals recommend
This is a limited batch cookie store. A great place to sample a new cookie flavor along with a glass of milk. They now have delicious soft serve ice cream too! Note: Open Friday evening through Sunday. Check out their breakfast sandwiches "chubbies" on Sundays!
We love the Connecticut style lobster roll - lobster with warm butter (no mayonnaise) on a toasted roll!
22 locals recommend
The Lobster Shanty
25 Front St
22 locals recommend
We love the Connecticut style lobster roll - lobster with warm butter (no mayonnaise) on a toasted roll!
Homemade ice cream made on-site. Innovative flavors - a local favorite!
18 locals recommend
Melt Ice Cream
60 Washington St
18 locals recommend
Homemade ice cream made on-site. Innovative flavors - a local favorite!
This is a historic Salem favorite located across the street from The House of the Seven Gables. Try their famous Gibralters and Blackjacks candies.
14 locals recommend
Ye Olde Pepper Companie
122 Derby St
14 locals recommend
This is a historic Salem favorite located across the street from The House of the Seven Gables. Try their famous Gibralters and Blackjacks candies.
Delicious mediterranean food! We love this place for lunch - hummus, falafel, pitas and salads.
10 locals recommend
Adea's Mediterranean Kitchen
90 Lafayette St
10 locals recommend
Delicious mediterranean food! We love this place for lunch - hummus, falafel, pitas and salads.
Beautiful views of Salem, great bar and tapas.
15 locals recommend
The Roof
209 Essex Street
15 locals recommend
Beautiful views of Salem, great bar and tapas.
Great chicken sandwiches!
Flip The Bird
407 Cabot St
Great chicken sandwiches!
We enjoy their raw bar.
68 locals recommend
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall
43 Church St
68 locals recommend
We enjoy their raw bar.
Handcrafted New England chocolates.
7 locals recommend
Harbor Sweets
85 Leavitt St
7 locals recommend
Handcrafted New England chocolates.
Hopping daytime cafe dispensing inventive American diner fare & specialty drinks in buzzy surrounds.
37 locals recommend
Ugly Mug Diner
122 Washington St
37 locals recommend
Hopping daytime cafe dispensing inventive American diner fare & specialty drinks in buzzy surrounds.
A great bar with creative cocktails. Delicious sushi!
57 locals recommend
Opus
87 Washington St
57 locals recommend
A great bar with creative cocktails. Delicious sushi!
A new American restaurant with a fantastic menu. Homemade sourdough bread, fresh pastas and a variety of entrees from vegetarian to meat and poultry are worth checking out, only a five minute walk from The JPaul.
21 locals recommend
Settler
2 Lynde St
21 locals recommend
A new American restaurant with a fantastic menu. Homemade sourdough bread, fresh pastas and a variety of entrees from vegetarian to meat and poultry are worth checking out, only a five minute walk from The JPaul.
Produces fine, handmade dark chocolates, chile chocolates and drinking chocolate elixirs as well as homemade ice cream!
Kakawa Chocolate House
173 Essex St
Produces fine, handmade dark chocolates, chile chocolates and drinking chocolate elixirs as well as homemade ice cream!
A fun coffee shop with delicious, coffee, tea and baked goods.
10 locals recommend
Odd Meter Coffee Co
60 Washington St
10 locals recommend
A fun coffee shop with delicious, coffee, tea and baked goods.
A hip, local bar. Great cocktails!
8 locals recommend
All Souls Lounge
282 Derby Street
8 locals recommend
A hip, local bar. Great cocktails!
Relax and enjoy one of their locally made beers in their downtown Salem taproom.
10 locals recommend
East Regiment Beer Company
30 Church St
10 locals recommend
Relax and enjoy one of their locally made beers in their downtown Salem taproom.
Cozy, charming place offering many unique teas from around the world, plus scones & French macarons.
14 locals recommend
Jolie Tea Company
316 Derby St
14 locals recommend
Cozy, charming place offering many unique teas from around the world, plus scones & French macarons.
A craft cider house specializing in unique, high-quality hard cider made from local apples and all-natural ingredients
27 locals recommend
Far From The Tree Cider
108 Jackson St
27 locals recommend
A craft cider house specializing in unique, high-quality hard cider made from local apples and all-natural ingredients
Production brewery, beer hall and beer garden in Salem, MA. Specializing in session beer.
49 locals recommend
Notch Brewery & Tap Room
283R Derby St
49 locals recommend
Production brewery, beer hall and beer garden in Salem, MA. Specializing in session beer.
A vegetarian/vegan friendly restaurant featuring fresh, Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Homemade hummus, baba ganoush, grape leaves, fresh salads, soups and more.
10 locals recommend
Adea's Mediterranean Kitchen
90 Lafayette St
10 locals recommend
A vegetarian/vegan friendly restaurant featuring fresh, Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Homemade hummus, baba ganoush, grape leaves, fresh salads, soups and more.
Jodi Bee Bakes is a vegetarian bakery that specializes in all-natural baked goods. The bakery uses local, seasonal and organic ingredients to create a variety of hand-crafted pastries featuring both vegan and gluten-free selections.
6 locals recommend
Jodi Bee Bakes
282 Derby St
6 locals recommend
Jodi Bee Bakes is a vegetarian bakery that specializes in all-natural baked goods. The bakery uses local, seasonal and organic ingredients to create a variety of hand-crafted pastries featuring both vegan and gluten-free selections.
Culinary Spices, Salts, Peppers, BBQ Rubs, International Blends, Teas, and cooking inspiration.
Salem Spice
62 Wharf St
Culinary Spices, Salts, Peppers, BBQ Rubs, International Blends, Teas, and cooking inspiration.
Specializing in wines from smaller vineyards, in various regions and that have been producing wine for generations, wines that are unique and flavorful.
Salem Wine Imports
32 Church St
Specializing in wines from smaller vineyards, in various regions and that have been producing wine for generations, wines that are unique and flavorful.
Globally sourced imported chocolates & confectionery, sophisticated flavors, handcrafted to perfection. Over 50 chocolate flavors & fillings to choose from, all individually wrapped. Customized favors, gift baskets, occasional & holiday orders available. Vegan and Sugar Free items available.
The Chocolate Pantry
140 Derby Street
Globally sourced imported chocolates & confectionery, sophisticated flavors, handcrafted to perfection. Over 50 chocolate flavors & fillings to choose from, all individually wrapped. Customized favors, gift baskets, occasional & holiday orders available. Vegan and Sugar Free items available.
Salem Farmers Market, Thursdays only from June until October from 3:00 - 7:00 PM. Local produce, things from the ground, the sea, and more! A large selection of farm fresh goods!
Salem Farmers' Market
32 Derby Square
Salem Farmers Market, Thursdays only from June until October from 3:00 - 7:00 PM. Local produce, things from the ground, the sea, and more! A large selection of farm fresh goods!
4th generation, family run, small business in the Salem Willows, specializing in popcorn confections and home made ice cream.
E.W. Hobbs, Inc.
207 Fort Ave
4th generation, family run, small business in the Salem Willows, specializing in popcorn confections and home made ice cream.
POPPED! Gourmet Popcorn & Ice Cream, located on Pickering Wharf. Handmade popcorn in a variety of amazing flavors including seasonal flavors.
Popped! Gourmet Popcorn & Ice Cream
84 Wharf Street
POPPED! Gourmet Popcorn & Ice Cream, located on Pickering Wharf. Handmade popcorn in a variety of amazing flavors including seasonal flavors.
Salem's finest chocolate coated ice cream sandwiches made from scratch.
Witch Wich Salem
271 Western Avenue
Salem's finest chocolate coated ice cream sandwiches made from scratch.

Local Resources

An important resource for all Salem events in October. Pick up your paper copy or check it out online.
Haunted Happenings Magazine #hhmagazine
8 Central St
An important resource for all Salem events in October. Pick up your paper copy or check it out online.

Favorite shops

A cool local lifestyle and apparel shop with a unique line of graphic t-shirts, custom belts, bags, stationery and so much more; all inspired by the City of Salem, MA and New England's unique style of coastal living. Check it out!
District Trading Company
131 Essex St
A cool local lifestyle and apparel shop with a unique line of graphic t-shirts, custom belts, bags, stationery and so much more; all inspired by the City of Salem, MA and New England's unique style of coastal living. Check it out!
A fantastic museum shop. Books, educational gifts for children, apparel, jewelry and more. Be sure to check it out after visiting the museum.
Peabody Essex Museum Shop
161 Essex St
A fantastic museum shop. Books, educational gifts for children, apparel, jewelry and more. Be sure to check it out after visiting the museum.
Always an interesting place to visit for eclectic items!
Witch City Wicks
302A Essex St
Always an interesting place to visit for eclectic items!
A vintage inspired boutique in downtown Salem.
9 locals recommend
Emporium 32
6 Central St
9 locals recommend
A vintage inspired boutique in downtown Salem.
Finely curated antiques, home decor and accessories from around the world.
Diehl Marcus & Company
11 Central Street
Finely curated antiques, home decor and accessories from around the world.
Wines and craft beers, gift baskets, lovely home goods, kitchen gadget and tools, seasonal gifts, and more!
11 locals recommend
Pamplemousse
185 Essex St
11 locals recommend
Wines and craft beers, gift baskets, lovely home goods, kitchen gadget and tools, seasonal gifts, and more!
Explore the exclusive line of authentic and exotic goods at the Waite & Peirce Museum Store, operated by Eastern National. Proceeds from sales benefit the Maritime Historic Site.
Waite & Peirce
193 Derby St
Explore the exclusive line of authentic and exotic goods at the Waite & Peirce Museum Store, operated by Eastern National. Proceeds from sales benefit the Maritime Historic Site.
This is my art studio/gallery located downtown on Washington Street, above Starbucks. Address: 201 Washington Street, Suite 203, Salem, MA 01970
John Casey Fine Art
201 North St
This is my art studio/gallery located downtown on Washington Street, above Starbucks. Address: 201 Washington Street, Suite 203, Salem, MA 01970

Traveler advice

Getting around

A Walkable City

Most city attractions are an easy walk from The JPaul. A ride on The Salem Trolley is also a great way to see the city.
Don't miss

**Helpful Guide to Navigate Salem

Check out www.salem.org for the upcoming events. This is a great resource for restaurants and activities in Salem and provides updated information about whether or not a business is currently open or closed due to COVID-19.
Book before you go

The Salem App

Download this app for maps, special events and things to do in Salem: https://www.salem.org/app/
Getting around

Fast, easy, affordable rides around town.

The Salem Skipper is a ridesharing service serving the entire city. It works like a minibus that comes when you want, where you want — book a ride straight from your phone, get picked up in minutes, and skip the hassle of parking. Download the Salem Skipper app to your smartphone and follow the simple signup steps.