The seaside city of Salem is one of the most popular places to visit during the spooky season. Yes, you can watch the countless Netflix documentaries and the original Hocus Pocus on repeat in the lead-up to Halloween, but if you’d like an authentic experience, why not put your big boy/girl pants on and stay for a night or two? Most visit Salem to learn about the 1692 witch trials, and numerous guided tours with local historians will take you through 400 years of history and to places like the Old Witch Jail and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. The sad history of Salem is juxtaposed with celebration in October. This is the city’s busiest time of year. As you’d expect, Salem goes all in around Halloween. There are street performers, fancy dress competitions, and themed pub crawls. So, if you’re planning a fall trip, do so as far in advance as possible. To help you out, Matador has looked through Salem’s top Airbnbs and selected some of the highest-rated options for solo travelers, couples, and families. Some are a little witchy. Others are examples of East Coast architecture at its finest. These are the top 10 Salem, Massachusetts, Airbnb rentals for Halloween and all year round.
From Witchy Cottages to East Coast Mansions, These Are the Top Airbnbs for Halloween in Salem
We hope you love the Salem Massachusetts Airbnb rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
3-bedroom called The Creaky Cauldron where all witches and wizards are welcome
There’s a real mix of Airbnb styles in Salem. Many are embracing the city’s spooky reputation with year-round witch-themed decor ranging from tacky to more authentic. This three-bedroom, called The Creaky Cauldron, is playful and perfect for those visiting with little witches and wizards. It’s also within the top 10 percent of Airbnb homes, a new rating system launched by the platform to help guests find Airbnbs with outstanding reviews. A Harry Potter theme floods through every room in the centrally located rental, and past guests remark on the intricate details of the styling and their immersive experience. It’s a five-minute walk from downtown Salem and all the attractions. It is worth noting that during October, street parking in the city is for residents only, and this rental comes with one parking spot. During the rest of the year, parking is plentiful.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $650 per night
House dating back to 1913 with porch views over Salem Common
Within the top one percent bracket on Airbnb is this comfortable one-bedroom condo with a charming porch and views of the Salem Common. This rental would ideally suit a couple or small family as there’s only one private bedroom with a king-sized bed. The other sleeping arrangement is an amply-sized queen in the living room. The kitchen with a farmhouse table is separate through, so early mornings shouldn’t be an issue if the living room is occupied. And don’t forget the porch with outdoor seating — a perfect place for a morning breakfast while watching the goings on of Salem. The host says it’s definitely not the oldest house in the city, but it does date back to 1913, so don’t be surprised if something goes bump in the night — although there are only positive reviews and no mention of creepy goings on.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $253 per night
Third floor apartment with rooftop views over Salem
This two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is on the third floor of the 1774 Josiah Woodbury House on Broad Street. It’s one of the oldest standing structures in the city, and now you can stay and enjoy its splendid views and sunsets across the rooftops of Salem. Its location on Broad Street also puts it within a five or so-minute walk from the must-see historic houses, tours, the waterfront, and, importantly, the MBTA station with a service to Boston. Salem is pedestrian-friendly, and keep in mind that parking in peak season can be tricky, so opting for the train is a smart idea. Outside, there’s a shared garden with seating and a gas fire pit. The owners live on the first floor, and previous guests say they are very welcoming and helpful with recommendations on where to eat and what to do (and what to avoid) in the city.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $550 per night
Modern 2-bedroom luxury apartment within a 18th century building
Looking at Airbnb listings in Salem feels like the battle of the oldest building, and this apartment might win out. Another rental within Airbnb’s top 10 percent, the two-bedroom is situated in a building dating back to 1710. It was built by a shoemaker named Jonathan Archer, and while the core of the house remains unchanged, it has undergone renovations and additions throughout the centuries. Today, the building is split into rentals and the apartment has all the mod-cons you’d expect from a luxury Airbnb of this caliber. There’s smart TV entertainment, an EV charger, lightning-fast WiFi, and a modern workstation.
Seven guests, two bedrooms
Price: $834 per night
Huge family home with a back yard and off-street parking
Another historic home, this Airbnb was built in 1824 and is located in the heart of Salem, just a short walk from the city’s most popular attractions. The Salem Witch House is just a few blocks away, and the Peabody Essex Museum is also within walking distance. There are three bedrooms: the first is a spacious room with a king-size bed, the second has a queen-size bed and a small sitting area, and the third has a twin bed and a pull-out sofa bed, making it ideal for families or groups of friends. In addition to having the entire family home to yourself, there are the added benefits of a fenced yard and off-street parking.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $326 per night
2-bedroom boho-chic apartment with a patio on Boardman Street
This is one of the prettiest Airbnbs I’ve found in Salem. The two-bedroom bohemian-chic apartment is steps from Salem Common, one of the filming locations of Hocus Pocus and a hub for community events throughout the year. In October, the home’s neighborhood transforms with the streets coming alive with parades, and you’ll have a front-row seat from the Airbnb’s private patio. There are two bedrooms, one spacious master and a second with two twin beds. The living room has a brand new, queen-sized sofa bed if you need additional space.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $715 per night
6-bedroom family home in the McIntire District
Another Airbnb for large groups and families, this beloved home is ideal for exploring downtown Salem on foot. It’s located in the McIntire District, a historic neighborhood renowned for its exceptional architecture and preservation efforts. Named after architect Samuel McIntire, the district is home to a collection of well-preserved Federal-style houses, many designed or built by McIntire himself. This Airbnb will transport you back to old Salem, but there’s a modern edge with an updated kitchen with a huge kitchen island, perfect for making breakfast spreads and refurbished bathrooms.
12 guests, six bedrooms
Price: $995 per night
Romantic suite steps away from the Witch Museum
This is my top pick for solo travelers and couples. The host states they have the best location in the city, and they are right. Salem’s most prized architecture surrounds this top one percent Airbnb, and it’s steps away from the Witch Museum. The recently renovated suite is on the third floor of a 19th-century historic building. Beautiful antiques and artwork can be found throughout the property, and a charming outdoor patio is the perfect spot after a day walking in Salem.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $499 per night
Local artist’s loft on the corner of Salem Common
This loft was designed by two local Salem artists and is located on the corner of Salem Common. The converted attic space is within a 19th-century pre-Victorian home and features original floors and there’s a private entrance that leads to the central spiral staircase. Previous guests rave about hosts Vivek and Elizabeth’s communication and kindness. If you’re looking for something small with a lot of character, this is an Airbnb to bookmark.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $400 per night
5-bedroom mansion on the same street as the Salem Witch House
Save the most baller for last, why don’t we? If you want to go big, check out this three-story five-bedroom built by one of Salem’s wealthiest families in the 1820s. There are five grand sunny bedrooms, three recently renovated baths, a powder room, a grand dining room fit for royalty, a huge eat-in kitchen with a sprawling deck, and a library — to mention a few of the rooms. The grand house is on fabled Chestnut Street, home to the former house of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided over the Salem witch trials and is within walking distance to all the sites. 
Nine guests, five bedroom
Price: $2,000 per night