Salem, Massachusetts, draws visitors with its complex history—most famously the witch trials—and its maritime heritage as one of America's notable seaports. The city sits in the North Shore region, surrounded by orchards and vineyards, and offers hiking opportunities along with museums that explore its past.
Because Salem isn't a sprawling metropolis, deciding where to base yourself can be tricky. This guide outlines the best areas and accommodation choices to suit various travel preferences and budgets.
Where to Stay in Salem
Here are some of the top hotels and hostels in Salem to consider for your trip.
The Daniels House Bed & Breakfast | Best Hotel in Salem
For those interested in Salem's nightlife yet traveling with family, this B&B fits the bill. It provides private rooms with a historical feel, a shared garden, and complimentary parking.
Newly Renovated Downtown Apartment | Best Airbnb in Salem
Situated in Downtown, this apartment puts you close to everything. It accommodates three guests and includes free onsite parking and a spacious backyard. The space is modern and compact, equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
The Forsythia Apartment | Best Luxury Airbnb in Salem
This apartment is in one of Salem's prime locations, within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, and the sea. It has one bedroom and suits couples, though it can sleep three. The apartment is bright and open, with free parking and a full kitchen.
Salem Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Salem
First Time in Salem: Downtown
For a first visit or a return trip, Downtown ranks among the best places to stay in Salem. Staying here puts you amid shops and restaurants, as well as the city's top historical attractions.
On a Budget: Bridge Street
If you're looking for budget-friendly accommodation in Salem, consider Bridge Street. This street starts near Downtown and extends toward the river and across to the historic city of Beverly.
For Families: The Point
Traveling with kids? The Point neighborhood is a good option. It's adjacent to Downtown, making it convenient, but offers a quieter, more local atmosphere ideal for peaceful nights.
Salem may be small, but it offers a lot. History, excellent food, shopping, and culture are all part of the experience. Different neighborhoods cater to different types of travelers.
For first-time visitors, Downtown is the clear top choice. It's where you'll find shops, dining, nightclubs, and easy access to the city's darkest historical sites.
If your budget is tighter, look for accommodation around Bridge Street. This street runs from near the city center to the tip and across the water.
Finally, The Point is a safe, local neighborhood close to Downtown but far enough for a quiet night's sleep.
Salem’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Let's examine each area in more detail, including top accommodation and activity picks so you know what to expect.
1. Downtown – Where to stay in Salem for your First Visit
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Downtown – Join a walking tour covering the city's key historical and cultural attractions.
- BEST Place to Visit in Downtown – The Salem Witch Trials Memorial offers a somber reminder of the lives affected.
Downtown is one of the best places to stay in Salem for a first visit or a return trip. Staying here means being surrounded by shops and restaurants, plus the city's best historical attractions.
Salem's Downtown is decidedly modern while keeping its historic charm. It also has great bars and clubs if you want to sample the nightlife.
The Merchant | Best Hotel in Downtown
For those who appreciate a historic atmosphere, this inn is one of the coolest places to stay in Salem. Housed in an old building, it offers well-maintained rooms with ensuite bathrooms and excellent amenities. Free parking is available.
Salem Grey Gardens | Best Airbnb in Downtown
In the heart of Downtown, this apartment is close to shops, bars, restaurants, and top attractions. Up to four guests can stay in this ground-floor condo, which is beautifully decorated with traditional furnishings.
Authentic 1739 House | Best Luxury Airbnb in Downtown
This lovely home is a great choice for families deciding where to stay in Salem. It's a historic 17th-century home with modern amenities and sleeps up to five. It's also convenient—you can walk from the apartment to the best restaurants in town.
Things to See and Do in Downtown Salem:
Photo credit: Kate Haskell (Flickr)
- Experience a recreation of the witch tours and explore a replica dungeon at the Witch Dungeon Museum.
- Try fresh bread at A & J King Artisan Bakers or enjoy live music and Mexican food at the Howling Wolf Taqueria.
- Take a guided tour at the Witch House at Salem.
- Take the kids to learn about pirates at the New England Pirate Museum.
- See scenes from local history carved in wax at the Salem Wax Museum.
- Relax and enjoy American/Asian art at the Peabody Essex Museum.
2. Bridge Street – Where to Stay in Salem on a Budget
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Bridge Street – Walk on the dark side at the Satanic Temple.
- BEST Place to Visit in Bridge Street – The Salem Witch Museum for exhibits about witchcraft in the past and present.
If you're traveling the USA on a budget, check out Bridge Street. This area begins around Downtown and heads up towards the river and across to the historic city of Beverly. Generally, the further out you go, the cheaper the accommodation.
This part of the city is well-connected to other districts and has its own collection of shops and attractions. Best of all, you'll be close to the river and able to enjoy the peace that comes from staying near the water.
Northey Street House | Best Hotel in Bridge Street
If you prefer local accommodation over big chain hotels, you'll love this B&B. It has private units with private bathrooms, as well as a shared lounge, garden, and terrace for guests. It's also conveniently close to some of the city's best historical sites.
Quiet and Cozy Apartment in Downtown Salem | Best Airbnb in Bridge Street
This one-bedroom apartment near downtown sleeps two, making it ideal for solo travelers or couples seeking an Airbnb in Massachusetts. It has its own kitchen, free parking, and a workspace for getting work done in peace.
The Samuel Symonds House | Best Luxury Airbnb in Bridge Street
This Salem accommodation sleeps up to five guests across two bedrooms. This historic home is newly renovated, spacious, and beautifully decorated, with high ceilings and pumpkin-pine floors. It's just a short stroll from the center of town and its attractions.
Things to See and Do in Bridge Street:
Photo credit: Marc Nozell (Flickr)
- Enjoy a steak at Bill & Bob’s Roast Beef or classic baked treats at Coffee Time Bake Shop.
- Head up to enjoy the water off Dead Horse Beach.
- Go camping or take a boat out from Winter Island.
- Take the kids to enjoy the carousel, beach, arcade, and food stalls at Salem Willows Park.
- Put on your walking shoes and climb up to Fort Lee to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
3. The Point – Best Neighborhood in Salem for Families
Relax with the locals in The Point
- COOLEST Thing to Do in The Point – Immerse yourself in a 17th-century village at the Salem Pioneer Village.
- BEST Place to Visit in The Point – The Forest River Park for picnic areas, a playground, and beachfront relaxation.
If you're planning a family vacation to Salem, we recommend staying in The Point neighborhood. This area is right next to downtown, so it's convenient while also offering a quieter, more local vibe.
The Point also offers its own range of attractions, so you'll have plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Hampton In Salem | Best Hotel in The Point
This hotel in Salem has a lot of charm and immaculate facilities. It offers a shared lounge, indoor pool, and a buffet breakfast every morning. Rooms are spacious and modern, and each comes with an ensuite bathroom.
Salem 3rd Floor Apartment | Best Airbnb in The Point
This apartment sleeps up to six guests, making it a great choice for groups traveling on a budget. Located in a 100-year-old house, it offers complete privacy and has been newly renovated with modern amenities – without losing its old-world charm.
Salem Charm Meets Modern Luxury | Best Luxury Airbnb in The Point
This apartment sleeps up to eight guests and is ideal for families or large groups. It's walking distance from Downtown and has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, all filled with newly renovated and modern amenities. It's contemporarily furnished and very stylish throughout.
Things to See and Do in The Point:
Photo credit: massmatt (Flickr)
- Stop for a drink at Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill or Major Magleashe’s Pub.
- Have a meal at Tin Whistle or the casually welcoming Longboards Restaurant & Bar.
- Check out some of the local historical houses like the Phillips House or the Ropes Mansion and Garden.
- Relax and hit a few balls at the Olde Salem Greens Golf Course.
- Go hiking in Salem Woods Highland Park.
FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Salem
Here's what people usually ask me about the areas of Salem and where to stay.
Where is the best place to stay in Salem for the Witch hunt history?
Downtown is the place to be to experience the best of the witch hunt history. You can experience a re-creation of the witch tours for yourself, explore a replica dungeon at the Witch Dungeon Museum or take a guided tour at the witch house.
Is Salem a walkable place to stay?
Yes. Of course, you can opt for public transport options around the place but exploring Salem on foot is definitely doable. So take a good pair off comfy shoes for a day of sight-seeing.
What is the best hotel to stay at in Salem for Halloween?
The Daniels House Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to stay Downtown in Halloween. It’s got a historical vibe and is family-frinedly. Plus, you be close to all the October Halloween action in the heart of Salem town.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Salem
While it’s filled with a history that permeates every street, Salem is nonetheless a modern town. While you’re there, you can enjoy the city’s burgeoning food scene, get some great shopping in, and spend time in the beautiful natural areas around the city.
If you’re still not sure where to stay in Salem, we recommend Bridge Street. It’s close to everything and has loads to see and do, while also offering budget-friendly accommodation. You can’t go wrong!
