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20 Things to Do for $20 or Less in Salem, Massachusetts

Find things to do around Salem, Massachusetts without breaking the bank with these 20 ideas all under $20:

1. Myths & Misconceptions Walking Tour with Essex Heritage ($6-9)

The Salem Witch Trials occurred over 300 years ago and have since been dramatized in books, movies and TV shows. Sometimes the real history gets lost in the storytelling. Join Essex Heritage to uncover the myths and misconceptions you may have about the Salem Witch Trials.
EssexHeritage.org

2. Breakfast or Lunch at Red’s ($5-14)

Housed in the historic London Coffee House building Red’s offers classic breakfasts like omelets, pancakes, and more, and open-faced sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes for lunch. Entrees range from $5-14, with many dishes being $10 or less.
RedsSandwichShop.com

3. Cry Innocent Rush Tickets ($15)

cast of Cry Innocent on Essex Street

Cry Innocent is a critically acclaimed reenactment of the witchcraft examination of Bridget Bishop. Advance ticket purchase is recommended, but if you find yourself by Old Town Hall 10 minutes before show time rush tickets are offered at $15 when space is available. (Seasonal)
HistoryAliveSalem.com

4. Salem Day Tour ($15)

This weekday walking tour is great for families, paranormal investigators, and history buffs alike! Learn Salem’s history by visiting sites relevant to the Salem Witch Trials, the Revolutionary War, and more with local historian Tim Maguire.
SalemGhostTours.com

5. Black Cat Tours’ Historic Day Tour ($15)

Gain a deeper understanding of Salem’s history by learning about pirates, puritans, witchcraft, and war with Black Cat Tours. Weekend afternoon tours cover everything from the Witch Trials of 1692 to Salem’s role in global trade, our famous authors, and more.
BlackCatSalem.com

6. Industry Burger at Counter in the Hotel Salem ($18)

Industry Burger from the Hotel Salem

Located off the lobby of The Hotel Salem, Counter offers new American food with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The Industry Burger changes weekly and is served with a PBR tall boy beer for just $18.
Dine At Hotel Salem

7. Witch City Mugs from HausWitch Home + Healing ($13)

Pick up a 14 oz. ceramic camper mug from HausWitch featuring the shop’s “Witch City” design. They make a great souvenir to remember your visit to Salem, and the perfect coffee cup, tea mug, or soup bowl!
HausWitchStore.com/Shop

8. Gallows Hill Museum/Theatre Main Show ($13)

Gallows Hill Museum/Theatre

Gallows Hill Museum/Theatre hosts a theatrical experience about the Salem Witch Trials, with history, entertainment, and excitement all in one place. Experience this performance live for $13 with tickets available in person or online in advance. (Seasonal)
GallowsHillSalem.com

9. RJ Coins & Jewelry – Sterling Silver Lotus Flower Necklace ($18)

Pick up a classic and affordable piece of jewelry at RJ Coins & Jewelry on Pickering Wharf. With fun designs, unique scrimshaw gifts, rare coins, this shop has something to fit every taste and budget. Stay under $20 while souvenir shopping by going with a sterling silver lotus flower necklace retailing at $18.
RJCoinsJewelry.com

10. Salem Witch Museum ($13)

Salem Witch Museum

Hear the history of the Salem Witch Trials in a presentation created using actual documents from Salem’s past. Then see the museum’s second exhibit, “Witches: Evolving Perceptions” to learn about the “Witch” as an ever changing figure in history and pop culture, and historical witch hunts and their connections to the present. ($13 for adults, $11.50 for seniors and $10 for children.)
SalemWitchMuseum.com

11. The House of the Seven Gables ($16)

The House of the Seven Gables

Admission to The House of the Seven Gables includes a guided tour of the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, a visit to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace, Kids Cove, the Colonial Revival Seaside Gardens, and access to a guided audio tour of the grounds on your phone or tablet. ($16 for adults, $15 for seniors and college students, $13 for young adults, and $11 for children.)
7Gables.org

12. Phillips House ($10)

Phillips House Museum

Tour the Phillips House and learn about the Phillips family and their domestic staff and how emerging technology in the early 20th century changed how the home functioned. The Phillips House also features a collection of antique carriages and cars. (Seasonal, $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $5 for students)
HistoricNewEngland.org

13. Witch Dungeon Museum ($10)

 

Witch Dungeon Museum
Photo by Jared Charney

See an award-winning reenactment of a 1692 Witch Trial then embark on a guided tour through a recreated dungeon. ($10 for adults, $8 for children ages 4-13, $9 for seniors 65+, ask about combination tickets to save $8.)
WitchDungeon.com

14. Half-priced Appetizers at Opus, Monday-Thursday ($20 or less)

Opus

Visit Opus Monday-Thursday from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm and enjoy half priced appetizers. Popular choices include deviled eggs, grilled crostini, and polenta fries, and depending on what you order you may even be able to add a cocktail for $20 or less.
SalemOpus.com

15. Appetizers at Tavern on the Green or Nathaniel’s at the Hawthorne Hotel (<$20)

Hawthorne Hotel dining

Appetizers at the two restaurants at the Hawthorne Hotel are under $20! One of the most popular appetizers right now is their all-new lettuce wraps made with Bibb lettuce, coconut-curry noodles, crisp carrots, bean sprouts, sesame cucumber, sweet chili sauce, house-made peanut sauce, and choice of chicken or tofu (tofu makes this dish vegan!).
HawthorneHotel.com

16. Witch Pix Photo Shoot & Printed Portrait with Black embossed mat frame ($15—18 pp for 3-4 people)

Your Magick Avenue photo session experience includes multiple poses and features two scenic mural backdrops: Gaze into the crystal ball and cast spells in front of our lair, green and wicked, with a grand staircase. Then, ascend into the saturated skies over the pale-yellow moon on a seven-foot magic broomstick. Costumes fit over your everyday wear and are available for all ages, shapes, and sizes. Witch Pix’s handmade costume, props, engaging photographers and hand painted backdrops, capture the spirit and play of witches, wizards and warlocks.
WitchPix.com

17. Salem Arts Association Exhibitions (free)

Visit Salem Arts Association to see one of their current exhibitions of work created by local artists. This non-profit, all volunteer organization features a gallery space that is open to the public on weekends from 12:00 pm-6:00 pm. Stop by the gallery shop or make a donation to support their mission.
SalemArts.org

18. Salem Kids Tour ($10-12)

Salem Kids Tour is the only tour in Salem designed exclusively for kids and families! Costumed guide “Prudence Adams” leads fun and informative tours perfect for kids of all ages. Tours include information on the Salem Witch Trials, a famous phone call, and more.
SalemKidsTours.com

19. Crafting at the Witchery (<$20)

Visit the Witchery on Pickering Wharf and make your own Coffin Boxes, Spell Kit Boxes, Tarot Boxes, Book of Spells and more. Prices vary by project and many are available for less than $20!
TheWitcherySalem.com

20. Salem Trolley ($20 or less)

Salem Trolley

Hop on and off the Salem Trolley or stay on for their hour-long tour around Salem! The trolley provides an excellent overview of Salem’s history and can help you find your way around town during your visit. Tickets are $20 for adults, $19 for seniors and $10 for kids (under 5 is free).
SalemTrolley.com

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