Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

If you’re heading to Salem and craving a mix of ghostly tales, local drinks, and a lively walking experience, the Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl might be just what you need. This 2-hour tour takes you through Salem’s most haunted spots and vibrant pubs, blending history, spirits, and a good dose of fun. With a cost of only $30 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to get a taste of Salem’s spooky side while enjoying some of its best watering holes.

What we particularly love about this tour is the knowledgeable guides—many reviewers praised guides like Mason, Bob, and Kristi for their storytelling and local insights that truly bring Salem’s dark past to life. Plus, the mix of haunted stories with stops at iconic pubs makes for a memorable, immersive experience. One thing to keep in mind: drinks are not included, so plan to bring some cash for beverages, which only adds to the casual, social vibe.

The only potential downside? The tour’s flexibility means stops can vary based on season or availability, so if you’re looking for a fixed itinerary, this might feel a bit unpredictable. Still, for those interested in combining history, ghost stories, and nightlife, this crawl suits travelers who enjoy storytelling and a lively group atmosphere.

This experience is perfect for those who want a guided walk through Salem’s haunted streets while enjoying local pubs, especially if you appreciate engaging guides and interesting ghost tales. It’s also a great way to meet fellow travelers, thanks to the fun-loving groups that often join.

Key Points

• Authentic Haunted Stories: The guides share well-researched, ghostly tales that make Salem’s history come alive.
• Lively Pubs: Visiting up to four different bars, including popular spots like Mercy Tavern and Rockafellas, offers a taste of Salem’s nightlife.
• Flexible Schedule: The tour varies in duration at each stop, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere and socialize.
• Expert Guides: Reviewers consistently compliment guides like Mason, Bob, Kristi, and Liam for their engaging storytelling and local knowledge.
• Cost-Effective: At around $30, it provides a fun, immersive experience without breaking the bank—just budget for drinks.
• Seasonal Variability: Stops and experiences can change depending on the season or availability, adding a spontaneous element.

A Detailed Look at the Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The tour kicks off at East India Square, where your guide, easily recognizable by a lantern and a black US Ghost Adventures T-shirt, will gather the group. From there, it’s a leisurely walk through Salem’s historic streets, interspersed with visits to up to eight haunted locations—including four pubs. The stops are carefully chosen to showcase Salem’s vibrant nightlife alongside its darker, haunted corners.

Each venue typically sees the group spending around 15 minutes to an hour depending on the venue, the season, and the overall flow of the tour. This flexibility means you can indulge in a drink (with your own cash) while soaking in the ambiance. Popular pubs like Rockafellas and Mercy Tavern are mentioned often, with reviews praising the lively surroundings and welcoming atmospheres.

Haunted Locations and Stories

One of the tour’s highlights is its focus on authentic ghost stories. The guides spin tales of witchcraft, murder, and secret tunnels that add an edge of mystery and excitement. For instance, reviewers have appreciated how guides like Mason brought Salem’s haunted past to life with detailed, researched stories, making the history more vivid and memorable.

Between the pub visits, the tour pauses at haunted spots, where stories of bootleggers and local legends make the experience more immersive. These stops aren’t just for scares—they’re also windows into Salem’s colorful, sometimes dark, past. Some reviewers mention how the guides share personal insights or local lore, such as Mason’s recommendations for haunted places like the Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans, highlighting the guides’ depth of knowledge.

The Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

The tour tends to attract a fun-loving, diverse group, which adds a lively and social vibe. Many reviews highlight the engaging guides who keep the group entertained and informed. Kristi, for example, earned praise for her personable approach, while Mason impressed with his local insights and storytelling skills.

The small group size, often praised by reviewers, contributes to a more intimate experience—you’re not lost in a crowd, which makes asking questions or sharing reactions easier. The tour’s casual, walk-and-talk style also allows for spontaneous conversations and photo opportunities.

The Guides: Knowledge and Entertainment

Reviews consistently mention how guides like Mason, Bob, Kristi, and Liam go above and beyond to make the tour special. Their storytelling is described as engaging, authentic, and well-researched, making Salem’s haunted history feel alive. Several reviewers noted how these guides shared personal experiences or added humor, making the stories more relatable and fun.

For example, one reviewer commented, “Mason was awesome and very knowledgeable,” while another loved how Kristi’s energetic personality kept everyone entertained. Such personalized touches elevate this tour from just a walk-and-listen to a genuine experience.

The Cost and Value

At $30 per person, this tour is quite affordable considering it combines history, ghost stories, and pub visits. The value lies in the combination of expert storytelling, access to multiple historic and haunted sites, and the social aspect of visiting Salem’s pubs. The inclusion of all taxes and fees means no hidden costs, although drinks are extra.

Given the reviews praising the guides’ storytelling and the lively group atmosphere, many find the price justified. Some even mention they got a “private tour” if they booked on a less busy day, which adds to the value.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: Around 2 hours, but vary depending on stops
• Starting Point: East India Square fountain, arrive 15 minutes early
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, but not suitable for those with mobility impairments
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, ID (for alcohol)
• Drinks: Not included, so bring cash for beverages
• Rain or Shine: The tour runs regardless of weather, so dress accordingly

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history buffs who love ghost stories and local legends. It’s also perfect for social travelers who enjoy meeting new people in a relaxed, fun environment. If you’re interested in Salem’s nightlife but want a guided experience that mixes storytelling with pub visits, this is a good pick.

Note that it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or under 21, as alcohol is involved. If you’re after a structured museum visit or a fixed itinerary, this might not be the best option. However, for a casual, entertaining evening, it hits the sweet spot.

The Sum Up

The Salem: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl offers a delightful mix of history, spooky tales, and lively pub visits—all guided by knowledgeable, engaging storytellers. It’s a great value for the price, especially considering the authentic stories and the fun group atmosphere. Whether you’re a solo traveler or with friends, this tour provides a memorable way to experience Salem’s haunted charm.

If you enjoy ghost stories, local pubs, and lively guides who bring history to life, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your Salem visit. It strikes a good balance between entertainment and education, making it a must-do for those looking to add a spooky twist to their evening.

For anyone wanting a relaxed, social way to explore Salem’s haunted streets—without the rigid structure of a museum tour—this pub crawl delivers a spirited and entertaining evening. Just remember to bring some cash for drinks, wear comfy shoes, and get ready for a night filled with stories, laughs, and maybe a few ghostly encounters.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?
No, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, as it involves walking through Salem’s streets and some venues may have limited accessibility.

Are drinks included in the tour price?
No, drinks are not included. You should bring extra cash to purchase beverages at the pubs visited during the tour.

What should I bring with me?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a valid ID for purchasing alcohol. It’s also a good idea to bring some cash for drinks.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans shift.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at East India Square, right in front of the fountain, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour available rain or shine?
Yes, the tour runs regardless of weather, so dress accordingly.

This walking pub crawl in Salem blends history, haunted stories, and nightlife into one memorable experience—perfect for those who want an authentic, fun, and slightly spooky night out.