Salem, Massachusetts is The #2 Spookiest City in America, So Who Beat It?

Salem, Massachusetts has been known worldwide as being one of the spookiest in America. It definitely is, that we do know. Based on the number of visitors from all over the world who travel to Salem every year, it can most certainly be talked about as one of if not THE spookiest in the world. However, it looks like the crown has been taken over by another city.

According to the website www.viator.com, Salem is actually the #2 spookiest city in the world. So who's #1? New Orleans! Okay, let's break this down and try to figure out why. Apparently, New Orleans is a big city for ghost hunting. It is considered the most haunted city in America mainly because of several tragedies that have hit the area. According to ghost hunter Elaine:  “Add in all the fires and hurricanes…Yellow fever! And, all the violence throughout the city’s history. New Orleans is such a strange city, it has a different personality that you just can’t find any place else.” There are also several famous cemeteries in New Orleans that make ghost hunting fun for ghost hunting enthusiasts.

Other cities in the top 10 of Viator's "spookiest cities in America" include #3 Chicago, #4 Savannah, #5 Boston, #6 Charleston, #7 Louisville, #8 St. Augustine, #9 Key West and #10 Nashville.  According to the site, in regards to Boston: "As the capital of one of the founding states in the US, Boston naturally has a bloody, eerie history, and if there’s one thing Bostonians love to do, it’s tell ghost stories in the pub."

Not sure we agree with this list. We'd love for you to take a look at this photo gallery from a recent visit to Salem which is the absolute best city to visit in October. From the annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade, to all of the events and locations that commemorate the Salem Witch Trials, Salem is the absolute essence of spooky. Keep scrolling for our photo gallery from a recent visit to Salem, Massachusetts.

I've grown up my entire life in Massachusetts and until yesterday, I had only visited Salem to see friends, and never in October. I can count the amount of time I've been to Salem on one hand. Not only that, but I always thought of Salem as a nuisance to get in and out of, seeing as there's really only one road leading in.  My good friend Debra Macki has lived in Salem for over 20 years and has always raved about the love she has for the city and has invited me to visit specifically in October, but until now I never have. That changed yesterday, and I am so glad I did.

When talking to Debra, you can hear the pride she has for her city in her voice. I asked her what's so special about living in Salem, and she said, "The feeling that it's very inclusive here is so important to me. Everyone is welcome, and that matters to me." When asked about how busy it gets in Salem in October and if she gets annoyed by all the tourists, her answer is an astounding NO! She embraces and LOVES the visitors. "I love the fact that we're a big tourist area. I love when people come from all over the world and the energy they bring."

Salem is loaded with history. From the Salem Witch Trials to the site of the 19 innocent people who were hanged during the 1692 witch trials as Proctor's Ledge. The Peabody Essex Museum is a big attraction, as well as the "Hocus Pocus House," and the Ropes Mansion and Garden. These are all attractions you MUST visit when you go. Costumes aren't necessary, but many of the tourists are wearing some sort of Halloween attire.

My advice: if you plan on visiting Salem in the next few weeks, GO EARLY IN THE MORNING. The few garages that are there get full before 8am. Be prepared to pay a good chunk of change for parking, and bring money. There are several cute boutiques and stores that will make you want to drain your bank account. Overall, if you love haunted, Halloween, history and cities with a LOT of charm, you'll LOVE Salem, MA. Don't wait! Go this year. You'll LOVE IT.

This is a book store owned by one of our listeners Kellie. It has crystals, jewelry, games and books too.

One of my favorite stores in Salem. Die With Your Boots On sells gothic clothing, jewelry, bags, jackets and more.

This famous liquor store is popular because of its name. People take pictures in front of it all the time.

Salem's Mayor just established this free banned books library recently. It contains all books that are on the banned list and people are encouraged to take one and read it.

Salem's Mayor just established this free banned books library recently. It contains all books that are on the banned list and people are encouraged to take one and read it.

Salem's Mayor just established this free banned books library recently. It contains all books that are on the banned list and people are encouraged to take one and read it.

In this museum, You'll experience the acclaimed performance of a Witch trial adapted from the 1692 historical transcripts.

Peabody Essex Museum. It's a very popular art museum that right now is featuring a bat exhibit through July of 2024.

Peabody Essex Museum. It's a very popular art museum that right now is featuring a bat exhibit through July of 2024.

The Salem Witch Museum is a museum in Salem, MA about the Witch Trials of 1692. You must buy tickets online before you can get in line and there WILL be a line.

Black Craft store has everything gothic and Halloween. Even its employees are in character.

Gallow's Hill Museum and Theater. They offer tours, ghost hunting and more.

These employees of the Black Craft store in Salem are in full character. They normally stand in front of the trendy store that also has a location in CA

This is Kevin Armour. He is a comedian and acrobat who is a street performer in Salem. He puts on an amazing show periodically.

Ropes Garden in Salem. Look closely, you can see the fish. They are well taken care of by the groundsmen.

This is a small library box located in the Ropes Garden. It contains "free books" people are encouraged to take...but then leave a book in return.

This is a small library box located in the Ropes Garden. It contains "free books" people are encouraged to take...but then leave a book in return.

The garden that stands behind the infamous Hocus Pocus house.

The Jonathan Corwin House, known locally as The Witch House, is a historic house museum at 310 Essex Street in Salem. It is the last structure standing with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials

The Jonathan Corwin House, known locally as The Witch House, is a historic house museum at 310 Essex Street in Salem. It is the last structure standing with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials

The Jonathan Corwin House, known locally as The Witch House, is a historic house museum at 310 Essex Street in Salem. It is the last structure standing with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials

More names of people hanged in 1692 for allegedly being witches. Proctor's Ledge

Another picture from the Salem witch memorial where 19 people were hung in 1692.

This house is on Federal St. It is visited by many because of its decorations. If you look closely, you can see the dog Derby in the window on most days

This house is on Federal St. It is visited by many because of its decorations. If you look closely, you can see the dog Derby in the window on most days

Ropes Garden and Mansion in Salem, home to the Hocus Pocus house. It is a beautifully preserved 18th century home with a rich history.

Ropes Garden and Mansion in Salem, home to the Hocus Pocus house. It is a beautifully preserved 18th century home with a rich history.

Ropes Garden and Mansion in Salem, home to the Hocus Pocus house. It is a beautifully preserved 18th century home with a rich history.

This is the location where 19 innocent people were hanged during the 1692 witch trials. The site was officially unveiled after decades of of conflicting beliefs in 2016.

Many tourists will travel to this location to take pictures. Rumor has it even Yoko Ono and John Lennon came here back in the day.

This is the location where 19 innocent people were hanged during the 1692 witch trials. The site was officially unveiled after decades of of conflicting beliefs in 2016.

This is the location where 19 innocent people were hanged during the 1692 witch trials. The site was officially unveiled after decades of of conflicting beliefs in 2016.

This is the location where 19 innocent people were hanged during the 1692 witch trials. The site was officially unveiled after decades of of conflicting beliefs in 2016.