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
  • Red’s Sandwich Shop - We talk about the location (in close proximity) of Red’s (London Coffee House) Diehl-Marcus building (oldest extant bank building in Salem) and the 1803 Customs Building.
  • The Custom House - 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…
What's Included
  • Architectural Guide of Salem
  • Licensed Guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuity not included
Additional Information

Do you love architecture? We do! No trip to Salem is complete without a tour of the most beautiful sections of Salem. Come experience over three centuries of architecture from First Period American, to Georgian Colonial and the stately Federal style. Your guide will wind you through the cobblestoned streets of Salem, discovering hidden gems, viewing…

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
(10 Ratings)
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Jimlz4596gu
Jun 16, 2024
Great sense of history - I have taken WCWT's traditional History and Hauntings tour and found it fascinating and informative. However this tour, lead by superstar Sean, went a step further into Salem's fascinating historical development, as exhibited by its wonderfully preserved buldings. One learns that there is much more to Salem than ghost stories and witches. I highly recommend it.
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Elizabethba8688cc
Jun 8, 2024
Loved the Architecture Tour! - This tour was fantastic! Our tour guide Henry was incredibly knowledgeable and a great storyteller. We’d recommend this tour to anyone visiting (or living!) in Salem!
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B5968knracheln
May 5, 2024
Highly recommended! - Loved the Merchants and Mansions tour with Sean! As someone who has lived in Salem for a while and taken quite a few tours, this one definitely stood out from the rest. Sean provided a fun, entertaining 2 hour exploration of downtown Salem's best neighborhoods and buildings. The tour spans multiple centuries (from the 1600s to today) and incorporates the Salem witch trials, the city's rich maritime past, and more recent events all told through the structures that line Salem's streets. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you will definitely walk away with a deeper appreciation for the history and architecture of the city as well as some great anecdotes about popular landmarks. Highly recommended!
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Amandagu7617rd
May 4, 2024
Best Tour in Salem! - I took the Salem Merchants and Mansions Architecture Walking Tour this morning and simply cannot say enough about it. Our guide, Sean, was fantastic! Beyond his wonderfully friendly demeanor he is obviously passionate about the history of Salem and really knows his stuff. As a non-local who visits a lot I joined this tour with a local and we learned so many things we didn't know before. If you are a local or in Salem often and ever find yourself walking along Derby Street (or Essex, or Central, or Front...) and find yourself saying "I wonder what the story is with that building" - this tour is for you! It would be great for a visitor looking to learn more about the history of the city as well. Sean was a master at telling the story of Salem's history through the architecture and really helped demystify the evolution of the buildings styles and neighborhoods with a lot of fun anecdotes and stories. I highly recommend you take this tour, you will not be disappointed!
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B5009bvalanb
Apr 8, 2024
Townies impressed! - Really enjoyed Rebecca’s in depth telling of the 1830 murder of Capt Joseph White. We visited several locations where the sad story unfolded. She really brought the times and circumstances alive for us. We were also happy to have the photographic expertise of Chris, explaining the options for our best angles. Excellent tour!
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Scummbarchef
Jul 23, 2023
Very good tour! - We had a great and entertaining tour with April! She was very knowledgeable, entertaining and as a Salem local gave a genuine insight into the recent history.
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Queenofhalloween365
Aug 21, 2022
Beautiful Tour! Fun and Knowledgeable Tour Guide! - I really loved taking this walking tour in the morning. It was a wonderful way to start the day. I'm a sucker for classic architecture and beautiful homes and I liked learning so many interesting facts about the many houses and mansions in Salem. Our tourguide Jon did a great job keeping us all entertained and answering questions as he guided us through the streets of Salem. I will definitely do another tour with Witch City Walking Tours when I visit again.
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901maryannh
Jun 21, 2021
Amazing tour, amazing tour guide!!!! - I am still talking about this tour days later, I learned so much from Beth, she is so energetic and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Witch City Walking tours , you won’t be disappointed.This private tour was delightful, educational, and so much fun!! Beth really goes the extra mile, and enjoys every minute of it. I can’t wait to go on her other tours!
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