Things to do in Salem, MA at night

A common question according to my search bar analytics, Google analytics and my DM’s on Instagram relates to night time activities in Salem. Sure, there is tons going on during the day and businesses are all operating normal hours, however…what about once the sun goes down? Today on the blog I figured we could chat about just that.

Enjoy live music

Salem is home to many restaurants that offer live music at night, so poke around and see who is playing! A few suggestions to get you started might include Opus Underground and Koto.

Grab a drink

If you’re in the area and the weather is nice, grab a drink atop the Hotel Salem on the Roof! Bonus points for the chips and guacamole.

Go on a night time walking tour

Salem is also home to tons of walking tours, some of which operate at night for a spookier vibe. Pick one of those and enjoy some of Salem’s history in the dark.

Seasonal: Night time activities in the fall

The calendars are full of all sorts of fun seasonal activities. Some night time options for you might include: October night markets, the great pumpkin walk, the Haunted Happenings grand parade, live music at the Fountain Stage, stories in the dark at The Witch House and lanterns in the dark at Pioneer Village.

Test your logic

If it’s a cold night and you aren’t up for walking around Salem, consider trying your skills at an escape room! Salem has two: Escape Room Salem and Wicked Escape Room. You could also get in on some trivia at one of Salem’s restaurants. I’d suggest starting with the Gulu Gulu, Opus and Brodie’s Seaport.

Drink n Draw

Are you an artist? If you want to try your hand at your craft, drop in on a Drink n Draw session at the Gulu Gulu Cafe. It happens on Tuesdays and they have a Facebook group here so you can find out what’s going on.

If boozy spirits aren’t your thing…

If grabbing a drink isn’t your thing, you might consider hot chocolate or tea!! I’d suggest looking into Kakawa Chocolate House, Jaho, Red Line Cafe, and Jolie Tea Co.

Grab a sweet treat

Now, I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but Salem has so many yummy desserts and treats that I am hooked on. I’d suggest checking out Ye Olde Pepper Companie, macaroons at Caramel Patisserie, cookies from Goodnight Fatty or ice cream from Melt.

Go bowling

If it’s a colder night or you don’t want to be outdoors, check out some candlepin bowling at Derby Lanes, located inside Flatbread Pizza Co.

Seasonal: Night time activities in the winter

Grab yourself some tickets to the Christmas in Salem historic house tour or simply walk around and check out the seasonal widow displays around town! Salem is so gorgeous in the winter.

Bonus idea: Wander up Essex street

One of my favorite memories is walking up Essex street at night in the winter. It had just snowed, there wasn’t a single foot print in the snow or another soul around and it was still slowly coming down. It was the most peaceful, calm, serene night and I was so happy just wandering around the sleeping city with a fresh blanket over it.

I hope this helped give you some ideas!! Feel free to comment below with your own. Enjoy!! <3

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