Top 5 Free Things to Do and See in Salem

Salem can get expensive pretty quickly. Between museum tickets, tours, parking, and a downtown full of tempting shops, a day here adds up fast. But here’s the good news locals lean on: some of the best places in the city won’t cost you a thing.

Here are five free things to do and see in Salem, Massachusetts — no ticket required.

1. Salem Maritime National Historical Park

160 Derby Street

Walk the historic waterfront, head out along Derby Wharf, and take in the harbor views. As the first National Historic Site in the country, Salem Maritime is one of the best places to experience the city’s seafaring past — the era that made Salem one of the wealthiest ports in early America. Grounds and wharf are free to explore.

2. Salem Witch Trials Memorial

Liberty Street

A quiet, powerful place honoring the innocent people who lost their lives during the 1692 witch trials. The memorial sits right beside the Charter Street Cemetery, Salem’s oldest burying ground, so the two make a natural pair. It’s free, sobering, and just steps from downtown — please visit respectfully.

3. Ropes Mansion Garden

318 Essex Street

Wander the beautiful garden behind the Ropes Mansion, snap some photos, and see the outside of “Allison’s house” from Hocus Pocus. The garden is free and open from dawn to dusk — one of the prettiest quiet corners in the city, and a favorite stop for fans of the film.

4. Punto Urban Art Museum

The Point neighborhood

Explore more than 75 incredible murals created by local and internationally known artists, spread throughout the streets of The Point. The Punto Urban Art Museum is basically a huge outdoor gallery with no walls and no admission — just walk the neighborhood and look up.

5. Salem Willows

167 Fort Avenue

Stroll the waterfront, soak up the ocean views, spread out a picnic, or just relax under the trees at Salem Willows. The park itself is completely free — though the arcades, food stands, and rides may tempt you into spending a few dollars once you’re there.

Bonus: just start walking

Some of the best of Salem is simply the walk itself. Essex Street, Salem Common, and the historic mansions along Chestnut Street are all free to explore on foot — although walking past all the shops without buying anything may require actual witchcraft.

Plan the rest of your day

Free doesn’t mean empty. Once you’ve wandered the waterfront and the gardens, see what’s happening right now on our Salem events calendar, or dig into the full directory of Salem restaurants, shops, and sights to build out the rest of your visit.

What free Salem attraction would you add to the list?