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 begins here
  • 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 - Discuss Georgian architecture and how…
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
(14 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anaisgingras
Jul 29, 2024
To book! - We loved this tour with Sean who is a fantastic guide. This tour allowed us to understand the extraordinary history of Salem through its heritage. I recommend it to all without any hesitation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $36
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).