Tips for visiting Salem, MA with a large group

I got a message recently on Instagram asking about some tips for visiting the witch city for a bachelorette with a large group and decided to turn my reply into a blog post. Hopefully this will help out others who are wondering the same thing! Are you planning on visiting Salem with a large group of friends or family? Check out my tips to help make that a little easier.

Consider renting a house

Airbnb might be a better option than a hotel depending on how large your group is. It could allow for more room and be cheaper than renting a section of hotel rooms.

If you are going to opt for a hotel anyways, make sure to get your reservations in early so you can get rooms near one another or rooms that connect, if possible.

Take public transit

Salem has a train station right in the downtown area, so I’d suggest looking into that versus using Uber or Lyft. Those cars, as well as cabs, can normally only hold 3 or 4 people in addition to the driver, so you’d need multiple vehicles – the rates for that will stack up quickly. The train is probably your most affordable option because it can fit everyone comfortably. For info regarding the station in Salem, click here.

Once you’re in Salem, I’d suggest hopping onto the Trolley to get an overview and general layout of the city. Make note of the attractions you’d like to visit and where they are as you go by them!

Look for activities you can do together

There are tons of things you can do in Salem as a large group! I’d suggest looking into a walking tour, an escape room or possibly even some group photos at Witchpix.

For a full run down of Salem’s attractions, click here.

Be flexible, democratic and willing to branch off into a few smaller groups if everyone can’t agree on the same activity.

Finances

Not everyone’s financial situation is the same, so keep budgets in mind and allow everyone time before the trip rolls around to stash away some funds for it.

I’d also suggest downloading an app like Venmo ahead of time so you can easily move money around to one another as needed. I recommend everyone present has a bit of cash on them too because believe it or not, there are still a few places in the city that are cash only. Some also require minimum purchase amounts before a card can be used.

Five resources for discount tickets in Salem, MA

Five things to do in Salem, MA for $10 or less

Five FREE things to do in Salem, MA

Call around ahead of time

Make reservations at restaurants and book early at attractions as often and as much as you can. This will make it much easier for you all to stay together as a group. While you’re on the phone, ask about group ticket discounts and such to see if you can save some money in the process!

Use social media

If you’re coming with quite a few people, consider setting up a group chat or private Facebook group for everyone to communicate. This will allow details of the trip to be kept in one place so everyone knows what is going on.

I hope this helps. Good luck and enjoy!! <3