Salem Merchants and Mansions Guided Architecture Walking Tour

Discover the stunning architecture of Salem’s McIntire district on a guided walking tour. Explore three centuries of architectural styles and learn about Salem’s rise to wealth in the 18th century.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Salem Old Town Hall - Tour commencement point
  • Salem - Tour duration
  • The Custom House - Explore Salem’s spice trade history, its motto, the former shipbuilding yard location (near the Adirondack chairs at the open space’s far end), and discuss the mansions visible from Derby Wharf.
  • The Derby House - Delve into Georgian architecture…
What's Included
  • Architectural Guide of Salem
  • Licensed Guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuity not included
Additional Information

All Ages
Spring/Summer Only
Merchants & Mansions Architecture Tour
Salem boasts one of the most diverse collections of historic buildings in the nation, with a history that spans almost 400 years. Discover how Salem’s residents have maintained their city’s comfort, livability, and beauty over the centuries! From First Period to…

Location
32 Derby Square
Derby Square
We meet on the side of the Old Town Hall with 3 staircases
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(19 Ratings)
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J278aqginac
Oct 4, 2025
Great tour - Topher was a great guide. He told us great stories and wonderful information about the city. I would recommend this tour! We had a big group and he always made sure that everyone was in the group prior to talking at the various stops. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyjean
Sep 17, 2025
Merchants and Mansions Tour - Outstanding! - We've taken some of the witch-oriented tours of Salem previously so decided to take the architecture tour on this trip. It was outstanding -- both entertaining and educational. Our historian guide, Sean, was knowledgeable, passionate -- and a lot of fun! We learned some truly interesting information and Sean made the history behind the buildings come alive. My hearing isn't the best but I had no trouble at all hearing every word Sean said, even with the street noise. The pace was just right and the terrain was easy to navigate. This tour really should be a must-do on any visit to Salem.
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Sarahco1177kh
Sep 14, 2025
Must do for adults! - Intelligent and interesting tour. Very knowledgeable guide. Very glad we booked this tour. What a delightful experience! Thank you
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Corey_b
Aug 30, 2025
Topher was amazing! 5 Stars - Topher was very knowledgeable and friendly. A nice tour departure from witch lore and spooky stories. Learned a lot of interesting things and is was very walkable. Also nice having a tour with a historian!
Review provided by Viator
Theresa_h
Aug 24, 2025
Mansions and architecture - Narrator was very knowledgeable about the architecture. We thoroughly enjoyed his tales of each property.
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S800lrjesseb
Aug 9, 2025
Merchants and Mansions Salem Tour - We went on a guided tour with Sean and it was so fun! Sean is an excellent guide and his knowledge and excitement when it comes to the historical architecture makes the tour a memorable experience. Sean is passionate about history and definitely is an expert on this topic. 5 stars would recommend!
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Tracey_j
Aug 6, 2025
Great tour, great guide! - Our tour guide Henry was great! He was interesting, fun, a great source of information on all things Salem. We had a great time and would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Brendan_s
Jul 19, 2025
A Hidden Gem in Salem, Don’t Miss This Tour! - If you're in Salem and think you’ve seen it all, think again. The Salem Merchants and Mansions Architecture Walking Tour was hands-down one of the best guided experiences my family and I have ever had, anywhere. From the moment we met our guide Sean in Derby Square, it was clear this wasn’t going to be your average tourist shuffle. Our guide was equal parts historian, storyteller, and entertainer; bringing more than 300 years of Salem’s architectural and cultural evolution to life with vivid detail, dry wit, and a passion you could feel. We weren’t just staring at buildings; we were stepping back in time. The tour wove together stories of wealthy sea captains, local legends, and urban development in a way that made each stop; from the Witch House to the grand mansions of the McIntire District; feel like a chapter in a living, breathing novel. Even my teens were engaged (miracle!). The pacing was perfect. We covered a lot of ground (more than two dozen sites!) but never felt rushed. The stops at places like the Derby House and Ropes Mansion gave us a deep appreciation for Georgian and Federal styles, while the walk through Salem Common helped us understand how the city transformed over time. Also? Bonus points for tying in the Hocus Pocus filming locations without making it gimmicky. Loved that balance between pop culture and deep historical substance. Final verdict: This tour is mandatory for anyone who wants to see the real Salem; not just the witchy surface, but the rich, complex, beautifully preserved heart of the city. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture nerd, or just someone who loves a great story told well, this tour delivers in spades. Book it. Thank me later.
Review provided by Viator
T7630hjthomasb
May 21, 2025
Great!! - I am Brazilian and I did this tour with guide SEAN last Sunday. Sean has a lot of knowledge and experience, in addition to having a clear, objective and easy-to-understand speech for those who do not have English as their native language. I recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Petersw3441kw
Oct 16, 2024
History Uncovered - Dianne was our guide and she was very knowledgeable and energetic. We learned alot and would recommend to anyone that wants to hear the total story of Salem.
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