Hocus Pocus Tours
Hocus Pocus Tours
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About
Capture the historic spirit of Salem’s yesteryear on this award-winning, 90-minute walking tour that is available year-round. Discover the truth about Salem’s infamous Witch Trial Hysteria. Experience the authentic story of Salem’s most notorious murder. Encounter how Nathaniel Hawthorne spent much of his life trying to escape the legacy of a hanging judge. Find out the Salem locations used in the blockbuster movie Hocus Pocus, but remember the tour is not based on the movie, rather it’s based on Salem’s rich and vibrant history. Please note, due to time and distance, we only visit two Hocus Pocus movie locations. Since 2003, Susan Metzger has led this tour and over a thousand reviewers have praised her guiding saying that she is “an amazing storyteller!” More than fifteen stops dot the tour route, including Salem’s old jail, the site of the Old Witch Gaol, the Witch Trial Memorial, the field where Giles Corey was pressed to death, & the cemetery where a Witch Trial judge is buried.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
895 reviews
Excellent
831
Very good
46
Average
10
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Lundy
6 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
We purchased the $19.99 version of the tour, which came with 37 sights and allowed us to access the tour for three days. It was a great way to see the city. The tour was really well done, and very informative.
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam Daniels-Smith
London, UK168 contributions
Jan 2020
From the minute I joined this tour, I could tell it was going to be amazing, and our hosts were really lovely, very funny and factual, making this tour anything but boring. The lady (Susan I believe) was very witty with funny come backs tailored to that person.
Highly recommend this, and they even gave us little broomstick pens too, which was an added bonus!
Highly recommend this, and they even gave us little broomstick pens too, which was an added bonus!
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clally LH
London, UK3 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
From the minute we met Susan and her husband Rich, they were both an absolute delight. Susan’s passion for the history of Salem shines so brightly throughout the tour and they both keep things interesting and fun until the very end. This tour was just perfect and we enjoyed every minute of it. Even in the freezing cold they showed us all the sites and gave us little hand and foot warmers to make sure we were not cold. If you go to Salem, Ma, you must book into the tour. It was fantastic! Thank you Susan & Rich.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erica
Niagara Falls, Canada2 contributions
Jul 2019
Last year, my boyfriend and I got engaged and took a trip to Salem. Being that it wasn't the Fall, most attractions were closed or had limited hours. We found "Hocus Pocus Tours" on a google search and decided, based on the great reviews, to try it out. We had a blast! Due to the rain, or the off season timing, we had Susan and Rich to ourselves. Susan is an amazing story teller, and not only gave us info on Hocus Pocus, but info about Salem's history as well. The dynamic duo gave us all the attention, laughs and hospitality we could've only hoped for, making our experience in Salem amazing.
Sorry Susan and Rich it took us so long to write this review. We hope you are doing well and hope to take your tour again soon.
Sorry Susan and Rich it took us so long to write this review. We hope you are doing well and hope to take your tour again soon.
Written June 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KateWI
9 contributions
Oct 2020
Because of the pandemic this tour company wasn't able to physically take you on the tour. But they had for a VERY reasonable price a self-guided tour. Easy to follow.
Susan was so nice on the phone and so helpful with information! Highly recommend this company
Susan was so nice on the phone and so helpful with information! Highly recommend this company
Written October 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil R
Palm City, FL6 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Susan and Rich made our experience wonderful. My wife and I went on a Salem walking tour and got a lot out of it. It was a cold night, however, Susan provided hand and toe warmers and made it better. The both of them were a great duet and didn’t miss a beat. Lots of effort and thought put in on their part to making our experience great!
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob K
San Francisco, CA12 contributions
Jul 2022
I found Hocus Pocus Tours while seeking things to do in Salem on Yelp and TripAdvisor. The rave reviews did not disappoint!
In messaging Hocus Pocus Tours with a couple questions about the tour and travel to and from Salem, the owner Susan replied immediately and suggested that I call her. This led to a one hour phone conversation where Susan was so gracious with her time, knowledge, and suggestions, not just about how to make the most of the tour, but how to appreciate a day in Salem. I can see why those who had the opportunity to take the in-person tour with Susan really enjoyed it.
Covid changed the business model and Hocus Pocus now offers a self-guided tour by purchasing one of two tour apps. I opted for the $19.99 grand tour and it was well worth it. It has 37 points of interest. The app is user friendly and well designed. It provides a map of all stops, tracks where you are, and guides you to the next stop that you select on the tour. When you get to your stop, you can confirm you're at the right spot by comparing a photo of the site with what you see. Then you click on a 2-3 minute audio recording that provides a great snapshot of the significance of the site.
As Susan had pointed out to me, there is much more to Salem than the historic witchcraft trials. It includes author Nathaniel Hawthorne's The House of Seven Gables, America's oldest candy company, and other interesting sites. Of everything I visited, I experienced a very deep emotional connection with the 1692 Witchcraft Memorial with 20 stones dedicated to each of the victims of the witchcraft trial. The tour includes brief descriptions of some of the victims including those written about in Arthur Miller's The Crucible.
If you plan to visit Salem, I highly recommend this tour. All sites can be visited on the outside and some on the inside at no charge. Some sites, such as The House of Seven Gables, charge separate admission fees.
If you want to travel to Salem and don't have a car, the ferry from Boston offers a nice, scenic, and entertaining 50 minute ride. The commuter trains run more frequently and can come in handy if the ferry schedule coming or going doesn't meet your needs.
There are plenty of good places to dine at to break up the tour. We had lunch at FINZ and really enjoyed it.
In messaging Hocus Pocus Tours with a couple questions about the tour and travel to and from Salem, the owner Susan replied immediately and suggested that I call her. This led to a one hour phone conversation where Susan was so gracious with her time, knowledge, and suggestions, not just about how to make the most of the tour, but how to appreciate a day in Salem. I can see why those who had the opportunity to take the in-person tour with Susan really enjoyed it.
Covid changed the business model and Hocus Pocus now offers a self-guided tour by purchasing one of two tour apps. I opted for the $19.99 grand tour and it was well worth it. It has 37 points of interest. The app is user friendly and well designed. It provides a map of all stops, tracks where you are, and guides you to the next stop that you select on the tour. When you get to your stop, you can confirm you're at the right spot by comparing a photo of the site with what you see. Then you click on a 2-3 minute audio recording that provides a great snapshot of the significance of the site.
As Susan had pointed out to me, there is much more to Salem than the historic witchcraft trials. It includes author Nathaniel Hawthorne's The House of Seven Gables, America's oldest candy company, and other interesting sites. Of everything I visited, I experienced a very deep emotional connection with the 1692 Witchcraft Memorial with 20 stones dedicated to each of the victims of the witchcraft trial. The tour includes brief descriptions of some of the victims including those written about in Arthur Miller's The Crucible.
If you plan to visit Salem, I highly recommend this tour. All sites can be visited on the outside and some on the inside at no charge. Some sites, such as The House of Seven Gables, charge separate admission fees.
If you want to travel to Salem and don't have a car, the ferry from Boston offers a nice, scenic, and entertaining 50 minute ride. The commuter trains run more frequently and can come in handy if the ferry schedule coming or going doesn't meet your needs.
There are plenty of good places to dine at to break up the tour. We had lunch at FINZ and really enjoyed it.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna L
Rocky Point, NY116 contributions
Nov 2018
We took this tour based on reviews I found it to be educational in regards to Salem history and superstitions our guide was incredible and entertaining was one of the best tour we took we purchased tickets on line for $17 adults it took about 90 min or so they answered questions anyone had . The only thing I would change is not to go on Halloween again all your group were larger then off season .
Written November 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebekajean
The Woodlands, TX1,020 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
Both hubby and I loved the tour. Susan and Rich show their passion for Salem and its history with every stop along the 90 minute fascinating and entertaining walk. Our guides were informative, friendly, considerate and not a pinch of the hokey most of the night time tours seem to offer. Lots of Salem history, true stories of crime and intrigue, backgrounds of historic buildings and famous people, grave yards, suggestions for dining and late night snacks and the main attraction, Salem's horrific and sorrowful deaths from the Witch Trials. You will leave the tour having a greater understanding of Salem's past. Well worth the time and cost.
Written September 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RLM222
Hamilton, NJ12 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
The tour description explains that the tour doesn't focus completely on the movie's filming sights. However, out of five local sights in Salem, the tour actually takes you to only two (Old Town Hall & park). The tour guide pointed out the other sights from afar, or explained how to get to them, but the tour didn't take us close to them.
Tour guides explained witch history and had some ghost related stories, as well as information on other historical sights. Stopped outside several sights, including Old Burying Cemetery, Salem Witch Museum, historical homes, Salem Prison, and Witch Memorial. Stories related to each sight were interesting. Some stories were similar to other tours, but there were a few different ones. Overall good tour when compared to others for the price. Size of group was approx 25, which is less than other tours.
Tour guides explained witch history and had some ghost related stories, as well as information on other historical sights. Stopped outside several sights, including Old Burying Cemetery, Salem Witch Museum, historical homes, Salem Prison, and Witch Memorial. Stories related to each sight were interesting. Some stories were similar to other tours, but there were a few different ones. Overall good tour when compared to others for the price. Size of group was approx 25, which is less than other tours.
Written October 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. It’s apparent from your review that you enjoyed your tour. As noted in your review, my tour does not focus on the Disney movie, Hocus Pocus. Rather, the tour concentrates on Salem’s rich and vibrant history. That said, and to avoid further misconceptions, I’ve slightly altered my tour’s description by adding: “Please note, due to time and distance, we only visit two Hocus Pocus movie locations.” Thanks for the feedback and for joining us.
Written October 8, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Any availability for hocus pocus tour on October 16th through the 18th for 4 adults
Written August 7, 2020
Is this tour open April 3,2020
Written October 17, 2019
Thanks for your question! Generally speaking, we open our next year (2020) reservations, during the month of December.
Written November 2, 2019
Is the Hocus Pocus tour kid-friendly? Is there anything that would be scary for children? Thank you!
Written September 10, 2019
Hi , we took our 9 year old. The tour is not a scary tour but is fun and our son loved it asking loads of questions
Written September 10, 2019
Does this tour focus more on the movie/witch trial or also haunted places in salem? Thanks
Written August 20, 2019
It focuses on all. I felt like it was a really well rounded tour. They didn’t film much of the actual movie in Salem, so there aren’t very many places to cover; but what there is, they talk about/visit.
Written August 21, 2019
Offrez vous des tours en français?
do you offer French tours?
Written July 1, 2019
Good Morning,
Thank you for your question, unfortunately, I do not offer a tour in French.
Susan
Hocus Pocus Tours
Written July 2, 2019
I'm doing some trip planning. Am I correct in assuming that the Hocus Pocus walking tour is all outdoors? Is there any way to get a list of all the sites included in the tour?
Written May 25, 2019
Thank you for your email and yes, my walking tour is an all-outdoor tour. Please send me your email and I'll send you my list of stops.Take care, Susan
Written May 25, 2019
It is possible to make this tour in spanish for oct. 20 or Oct. 26?
Written October 9, 2018
Conseguiste qué hicieran el tour en español??
Written September 20, 2019
A friend is coming to visit, who is a really big Hocus Pocus fan; we were thinking of your tour, as we specifically want Hocus Pocus themed Salem events, but looks like you only took the name & don’t give an actual Hocus Pocus tour?
Written September 15, 2018
We took this walking tour last year and it was awesome. We walked through town and were given facts and history info about Salem. There are many of the homes and buildings that were part of the movie...most of the filming was done in California. It was still fun to see the parts of Salem that were used in the film. We saw these on our own. Still don't miss the walking tours!
Written September 28, 2018
A friend is coming to visit, who is a really big Hocus Pocus fan; we were thinking of your tour, as we specifically want Hocus Pocus themed Salem events, but looks like you only took the name & don’t give an actual Hocus Pocus tour?
Written September 15, 2018
The tour is great but it is not a Hocus Pocus movie themed tour.
Written September 15, 2018
Can I just walk around myself without tour guide to these locations?..
Written September 12, 2018
We walked around all day before the tour. I learned much more about the town from the tour, and I wish I could have done the tour before exploring the town on my own. It was a great tour!
Written September 13, 2018
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