By Lisa Stardust for Vogue
In 2026, the city of Salem is celebrating its 400th anniversary—but as the season of the witch approaches this fall, tourism is already ramping up. It’s little surprise: Despite Salem’s scandalous history of witch hunts and trials that loom over its origin story, today, it’s a vibrant city where everyone is accepted and embraced, including modern witches and spiritual healers.
As an astrologer with deep connections in the modern witchcraft community, it’s one of my favorite places in America—and if you’re going to visit Salem to celebrate the city, there are many stores and historical landmarks I’d recommend you check out. Find them all below—plus several other favorites that witchy residents of Salem recommended to me.
Ascend Get Lifted
The owner of Ascend Get Lifted, Carmelo Aresco, is a lightworker whose shop has everything your magical heart might crave—from potent crystals (I own an onyx apple among other precious findings I’ve bought there) to home goods. Ascend also offers tea leaf and tarot readings, healing sessions, and aura photos—all by excellent practitioners, and right in the middle of bustling Essex Street.
Diehl Marcus & Company
I fancy myself a tea connoisseur, having blended my own essences for several years, and I adore Diehl Marcus & Company for many reasons: the staff is knowledgeable, and their products are of high quality. Personally, I am a fan of the Apricot Brandy Black Tea and their signature Queen’s Blend. But the magical Purple Alchemy and Spirit Garden blends are also divine. (The store also features antiques as well as handmade soaps and candles, among other items.)
The Witchery
There are many souvenir and gift shops in this city, but the most valuable token of any visit is one you can make yourself. The Witchery in Salem hosts several DIY events that are easy to book and schedule online, and you can get your craft on making broom kits, bookbinding your very own grimoire, designing pendulums, or collaging Oracle cards.
The Salem Witch Museum
A museum visit in Salem is a must, and the Salem Witch Museum is a particular highlight for the way it takes accountability for Salem’s complicated history and connection to the witch hunts. The museum’s mission is to give a voice to innocent victims wrongfully accused by society so they can be seen and heard.
Walking Tours of Salem
There are several walking tours available in Salem, from the Hocus Pocus movie walking tour to the Ghouls of the City to the Witch Trials walk, so you’ll have to decide which one aligns with your crew and personal interests—and that heightens your witchy wisdom, of course. Along the way, you should pose with the Bewitched Statue (a bronze sculpture of Elizabeth Montgomery) found on Essex and Washington Streets. You may also catch a flash mob dance from the Dancing Witches of Old Salem Village while walking around.
The Midnight Bookseller
Everyone loves a good bookstore—and even more so one that makes a genuine effort to connect with the neighborhood. The Midnight Bookseller offers an immense and varied selection of literature on fantasy, academia, and occult topics, with a rich program of events.
Enchanted
Laurie Cabot, business partner Chris, and Penny Cabot own Enchanted. Cabot is a high priestess, author, and founder of the Cabot Tradition of the Science of Witchcraft and the Witches’ League for Public Awareness, and is known as the “official witch of Salem.” Enchanted sells oils, candles, chalices, among other magical necessities—this metaphysical supply store is a must-visit for deepening one’s understanding of the craft.
Hawthorne Hotel
Named after Nathaniel Hawthorne and famously featured in Bewitched, the iconic Hawthorne Hotel remains as charming as the day it opened. The third and sixth floors, particularly rooms 325 and 612, are rumored to be haunted. No one I know has ever seen any apparitions, but I appreciate the folklore, and people still flock to these rooms to catch glimpses of or potentially hear the ghosts. Even if you don’t have a paranormal encounter, the service and food here are excellent.
What do the locals suggest?
“While the rest of the country is celebrating America’s 250th, Salem, MA is celebrating its 400th anniversary of unique history this year,” says Salem-based witch Natasha Rusilko, who hosts retreats and events in the area. “Besides the obvious Witch Trials history, Salem also has a rich maritime and Revolutionary history.” Rusilko also notes, however, that to locals, this year feels like any other day or time in Salem. “We live in the history every day; some of us live and work in historic buildings dating all the way back to the 1600s,” she says. “For practicing witches like myself, we also have the Salem Witch Fest in August. Whether you’re here for the witches or the history, Salem has you covered.”
“Salem brings out the witch in all of us,” says astrologer Liz Simmons, noting that there’s no other city that caters to witches from all backgrounds and experience levels. “Everyone can find something here to help them in their journey, like a tarot deck that calls them out or unique herbs to amplify the power of their spells. I think that’s the best part of Salem—this place validates your magic and power in ways you’d never expect, but need.” Simmons suggests several places that are worth exploring, beginning with a walk down to Pickering Wharf. “So many people miss this part of Salem because they don’t venture out beyond Essex Street. I highly recommend stocking up on magickal supplies at The Cauldron Black—it’s one of my favorite stores in Salem!” If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, Simmons notes a trip to the Salem Willows at the northern tip of the city is worth the trip. “Any local would tell you that the arcade and popcorn from E.W. Hobbs are the true hidden gems in Salem,” she says. “The Willows might be a little off the beaten path, but honestly, this is the perfect place to retreat if the crowds are too intense.”
Tarot reader Zhana Levitsky suggests a few other local favorites: “Witches are naturally drawn to Salem because there is a wound from history here that healers and magic workers are drawn to transform and reclaim it. This becomes collective healing and celebration. It’s truly alchemical!” She cites the kitschy vintage-era arcades at The Willows (get your fortune read to you on the eerie Zoltan machine), as well as swimming, camping, and exploring the lighthouse at Winter Island as particularly idyllic choices. Levitsky also suggests visiting the Ropes Mansion Gardens for a picnic and photos, and if you’re looking for a perfectly spooky Instagram post, Chestnut Street is the place to do it.
Salem 400 Site – Salem400
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