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Do you enjoy destinations with a somewhat dark history? Then historic Salem in the North Shore area of Massachusetts is for you. Surrounded by picturesque orchards and vineyards, this city offers great hiking, as well as museums that will give you a glimpse into the city’s past. Salem is where a number of Witch hunts occurred, and was also one of the most significant seaports in America’s history.
It isn’t a huge city, so figuring out exactly where to stay in Salem can be difficult. To help you out, we’ve created this guide on Salem’s best areas and accommodation. Whatever your travel style or budget, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to book? Here are the best hotels and hostels in Salem.
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The Daniels House Bed & Breakfast | Best Hotel in Salem
This B&B is a good choice if you want to explore Salem’s nightlife, but is also family-friendly. It has private rooms with a warm historical vibe, as well as a shared garden and free parking.
Newly Renovated Downtown Apartment | Best Airbnb in Salem
This apartment is located in the Downtown area, close to everything. It sleeps three guests and offers free onsite parking and a spacious backyard. It’s contemporary and compact, with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay.
The Forsythia Apartment | Best Luxury Airbnb in Salem
This apartment is located in one of the best areas in Salem, within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, and the sea. It has one bedroom and is ideal for couples, but can sleep three visitors. The apartment is very open and bright, offers free parking, and a full kitchen.
Downtown
The Downtown area is one of the best places to stay in Salem for your first visit or on a return trip. When you stay in this area, you’ll be surrounded by shops and restaurants, not to mention the city’s best historical attractions.
Bridge Street
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Salem on a budget, then try Bridge Street. This street begins around the city’s Downtown and heads up towards the river and across to the historic city of Beverly.
The Point
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Salem with kids, then try The Point neighborhood. This area is right next to the city’s downtown, so it’s convenient, but it also offers a quieter, more local vibe that’s perfect for quiet nights of sleep.
Salem isn’t a large city, but it packs a punch. From history to great food, shopping, and culture, there’s plenty to discover. There are a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, each suited to a different type of traveler.
Salem’s Downtown is easily the best choice if you’re visiting Salem for the first time. This is where you’ll find great shops, dining, nightclubs, and easy access to all of the city’s spookiest dark history!
If you’re on a tighter budget, then we recommend looking for accommodation around Bridge Street. This street runs from close to the city center up to the tip and across the water.
And the final area is The Point. It’s a safe, local neighborhood that’s close to Downtown, but far enough away that you can enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.
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Salem’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Now, let’s take a look at each of these areas in more detail. We’ve included our top accommodation and activity picks in each, so you know exactly what to expect.
1. Downtown – Where to stay in Salem for your First Visit
- COOLEST Thing to Do in Downtown – Take a walking tour of the city’s best historical and cultural attractions.
- BEST Place to Visit in Downtown – The Salem Witch Trials Memorial for a somber reminder of the lives ruined and lost.
The Downtown area is one of the best places to stay in Salem for your first visit or on a return trip. When you stay in this area, you’ll be surrounded by shops and restaurants, not to mention the city’s best historical attractions.
Salem’s Downtown is determinedly modern but retains its historic charm. It also offers great bars and clubs, just in case you feel like sampling some of the city’s nightlife during your stay!
The Merchant | Best Hotel in Downtown
This inn is one of the coolest places to stay in Salem if you enjoy a historic atmosphere. Situated in an old building, it offers beautifully kept rooms with ensuite bathrooms and stunning amenities. Free parking is also available.
Salem Grey Gardens | Best Airbnb in Downtown
Located in the heart of the Downtown, this apartment is close to shops, bars, restaurants, and top city 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 when you’re deciding where to stay in Salem for families. It’s a historic 17th Century home with modern amenities and sleeps up to five people. It’s really convenient too, as you can walk from the apartment to all the best restaurants in town.
Things to See and Do in Downtown Salem:
- Experience a recreation of the witch tours for yourself and explore a replica dungeon at the Witch Dungeon Museum.
- Try some fresh bread at A & J King Artisan Bakers or 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 more about pirates at the New England Pirate Museum.
- See scenes from local history carved out in wax at the Salem Wax Museum.
- Relax and enjoy some American/Asian art at the Peabody Essex Museum.
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View on Osprey2. 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, then check out Bridge Street. This area begins around the city’s Downtown and heads up towards the river and across to the historic city of Beverly. Generally, the further out you go, the cheaper accommodation will be.
This part of the city is obviously pretty well-connected to other districts and boasts its own collection of shops and attractions. Best of all, you’ll be close to the river and able to enjoy the sense of peace that comes only from staying near the water.
Northey Street House | Best Hotel in Bridge Street
If you enjoy local accommodation rather than big chain hotels, then you’ll love this B&B. It has private units with private bathrooms, as well as a shared lounge, garden, and terrace that you can enjoy during your stay. 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 guests, making it ideal for solo travelers or couples looking for an Airbnb in Massachusetts. It has its own kitchen, free parking, and a workspace so you can get some work done in peace during your stay.
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 all its attractions.
Things to See and Do in Bridge Street:
- Tuck into 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
- 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 the city’s 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
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:
- 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.
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Hide Yo’ Money!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.
What To Pack For Salem
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Salem
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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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!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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