As a local, there are 9 things I wish tourists knew before visiting Salem, Massachusetts

I regularly visited Salem for years before my family moved to the storied Massachusetts town. JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images ...

September 15, 2026

The first time I experienced Salem, Massachusetts, over 15 years ago, I came as a tourist. The 45,000-person town became so near and dear to me that I never stopped returning. 

It didn't take long for my husband to fall in love with Salem as well, so we decided to get a Witch City address of our own in 2021.

The town, best known as the backdrop of the 1692 witch trials, draws a huge influx of visitors every October, when it hosts its annual monthlong Haunted Happenings Festival. 

As a Salem resident, I see many newcomers arrive ready to dive into witchcraft and explore the historic streets without doing proper research.

Here's what I think tourists should know before coming to Salem during the busiest time of year.

Hotels and activities sell out months in advance, so book your itinerary as early as possible

Haunting Happenings Festival is one of the largest Halloween celebrations in the world, making October the busiest time in Salem. Sometimes, over 100,000 people flood the streets on a single day.

Given the size of the crowds, this is not the best time to whip out the old broomstick and fly in on a whim. If you have a list of things you'd like to do and see during your visit, you must plan way ahead. 

Most ticketed attractions, tours, and events sell out months in advance, long before October begins.

Hotels can also get completely booked a year in advance, so you may need to stay a few towns over or look into alternate, pricey rentals if you're planning a last-minute trip.

The weather can be unpredictable in October, so expect the unexpected and pack layers

Visitors often ask what to pack for a trip to Salem in October, but Massachusetts' weather can be very unpredictable in the fall.

Don't be put off by the extended forecast. The temperature can be 74 degrees Fahrenheit one day and 47 degrees Fahrenheit the next. We've had some Octobers with beach-worthy days and others with snowstorms.

Nothing is impossible, but Salem is gorgeous in any weather, especially in October.

Pack your chicest witchy attire, fall flannels, fun costumes, layers, and umbrellas. If you forget an item, don't worry — there are plenty of places to shop in town.

Wear the right footwear for navigating cobblestone streets

You'll be walking a lot on Salem's beautiful brick and cobblestone streets, so regardless of the forecast, the most important thing to remember is comfortable footwear.

Your shoes have the potential to make or break your experience (and your ankles).

Respect local guides who work hard to share Salem's history with outsiders

Salem has a rich and devastating history, with its main claim to fame being the witch trials centuries ago. In my opinion, the best way to learn as much as you can in one visit is to take a walking tour.

Sign up for a tour from a reputable, Salem-based company. We have so many knowledgeable tour guides in town who have chosen to study and share a wealth of information with visitors.

Please be respectful toward them and our beloved city. Remember to tip and don't show up drunk or crash a tour on the streets.

It's already hard enough for guides to navigate through the herds of people with a large group following them, so don't make it any more difficult for them or the people engaged and listening.

Avoid driving into Salem unless you already have a guaranteed place to leave your car

It's nearly impossible to find open parking this time of year, so I suggest you avoid driving here unless you have already secured a spot for your vehicle.

Salem is an old city, and most of the streets weren't built to accommodate any automobiles at all. The downtown district has very limited metered spots, garages, and lots, and any that are available get claimed very early each October morning. 

If you do decide to drive, be aware that bumper-to-bumper October traffic can turn a simple trip to the store into an hourslong ordeal.

Instead of circling around for a spot and wasting your precious time in Witch City, look into alternative transportation. You can use rideshare apps or take the bus, train, or ferry into town.

Also, don't ignore the parking signs all over the city noting areas reserved for residents. You can (and will) get ticketed and towed.

Street performers are working professionals, so tip them if you like what you see

In downtown Salem, especially during the fall, you'll come across buskers dressed in amazing costumes who pose for photos with tourists.

Many of the performers have other full-time jobs and work long weekend days to support themselves and their loved ones — all while making us smile.

They provide an amazing service to Salem, so don't skip the tip jars. If you don't carry cash, you can find most of them on Venmo.

Support the local businesses while you're here

Many of the stores and businesses located downtown are locally owned, and one of my favorite parts of living in Salem has been building relationships with business owners and their staff. 

Go into as many as you can while you're here. You may have to stand in line to enter for a bit, as some of the stores are small, but they're worth the wait. 

Within the stores are pieces of Salem's magic that you can take home — and you have the chance to support our local economy as you do it.

Respect the locals and their property

Some tourists treat Salem like a movie set, but people live here year-round. Many homes you see are occupied by real humans. Please be respectful of their property. 

The pumpkins in front of homes aren't up for grabs, and private patios aren't for your sitting pleasure. I also once learned about a visitor who entered a Salem resident's hallway to pose for photos … please don't do that.

Instead, walk outside of the downtown area and into some breathtaking side streets, walking through crunchy leaves the entire way.

Some of the most gorgeous homes I've seen rarely have many people nearby. So, take a break from the crowds and soak in Salem's architecture from a respectful distance.

Do your best to remain calm and kind through the crowds and long wait times

You're going to need patience if you decide to brave the October crowds.

So, get comfortable waiting for your turn to enter a local shop or start a tour. Put your name in at your restaurant of choice, go walk around, and come back when it's your turn. It's not uncommon to wait an hour or two for a table during peak lunch and dinner times. (Luckily, some local eateries have online systems that let you check the lines from your phone while you wander.)

Remember that we're not a seasonal amusement park. We're a small city where people live year-round.

Please be kind to those around you, have fun, be safe, show our city respect, and most of all, be patient.

This story was most recently updated on September 15, 2026.

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Eryn DiPhilippo is a freelance writer for Insider.

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