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Salem Merchants and Mansions Guided Architecture Walking Tour

11 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 11 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Salem, USA

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90 to 120 minutes (approx.)
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Instant confirmation

Overview

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 over two dozen sites, and sharing stories of Salem's rise to becoming the wealthiest city in the country in the 18th century.
We discuss how Salem is at once a modern and (by American standards) very, very old city, and one where the 17th century and the 21st century not only go hand in hand, but cheek to cheek. Every aspect of American history from warfare to trade to religion to industry is reflected in the structures that still stand (and are still being used) to tell the story of this legendary town.
Tours run RAIN or SHINE. We do NOT cancel for weather. For a full refund, you must cancel 24 hours prior.

What's Included

  • Licensed Guide
  • Architectural Guide of Salem
  • Gratuity not included
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Derby Square
Salem, MA 01970, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Salem
MA 01970, USA

What To Expect

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.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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 used to be (near where the Adirondack chairs are located at the far end of the open space) and then discuss the mansions visible from near Derby Wharf.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Salem Witch Trials Memorial

We discuss the witch trials and the Pickman House.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Salem Common

We point out the Hocus Pocus location (the old school) but then talk about how Salem Common evolved, from a series of marshy pools and unusable ground in the 17th and early 18th centuries, to the manicured pleasure park of the 19th century, and how it became the new fashionable district starting in the mid-to-late 19th century, Salem's last gasp of wealth and mansions, with Second Empire and Greek Revival style buildings.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

The Derby House

This is a discussion of Georgian architecture, and how this simple building reflects the burgeoning wealth and power of Salem and New England merchants as a whole.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Daniels House Tours

We talk about how First Period buildings were modified and adapted to reflect current trends and tastes over the centuries.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Narbonne House

a perfect way to show how 17th century (First Period) architecture could be (and was) added to and modified to enlarge it.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Saint Peter's Episcopal Church

We touch on the unique religious heritage of Salem.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Peabody Essex Museum

Discussion of the Peabody-Essex Museum, and its origins, and showing how one side of Essex Street retains its 19th century appearance (mostly) and how the Witch City Mall shows the attempt to "modernize" Salem during the destructive period of the 1960s.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Our Tours run rain or shine, we do not cancel for weather. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress accordingly.
  • Dog friendly!
  • Wheelchairs and scooters are welcome, however, be aware that salem has brick sidewalks, uneven surfaces and narrow areas. Visitors assume all responsibility with wheelchairs and WCWT will not be held liable.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Salem Merchants and Mansions Guided Architecture Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-37124P10

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
11 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 11 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
11
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
0

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Licensed Guide
  • Architectural Guide of Salem
  • Gratuity not included

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended if not able to stand for long periods of time
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Children must be accompanied by ticketed adult
  • Our Tours run rain or shine, we do not cancel for weather. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress accordingly.
  • Dog friendly!
  • Wheelchairs and scooters are welcome, however, be aware that salem has brick sidewalks, uneven surfaces and narrow areas. Visitors assume all responsibility with wheelchairs and WCWT will not be held liable.
  • By choosing to purchase a ticket, you and your ticketed guests will be agreeing to our liability waiver which includes a release of liability on our tours as well as a photo release.
  • We do not enter any buildings or cemeteries on this tour, this is an outdoor activity only.
  • Tour group size may be up to 39 guests per group
  • There are no public restrooms on the tour route. Please plan accordingly.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 39 travelers

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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