“#1 Cultural Tourist Attraction In The U.S. Right Here In Massachusetts”

Who would’ve thought a quaint seaside city on the North Shore would snag the nation’s top tourist attraction? Yep, Salem has done it again! The History & Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour by Witch City Walking Tours has just been named the No. 1 cultural and history tour in the U.S. for 2024 by Tripadvisor. Oh, and it’s also No. 2 in the world! Not too shabby, Salem. Top Tourist Attraction Bragging Rights Kristen Dalton, the big boss at Tripadvisor, spilled the beans on Tuesday, saying, "Experiences make a trip, and our Best of the Best Things to Do Awards offer some of the highest-rated activities from across the world, highlighted by our community of travelers." Salem, infamous for the 1692 Witch Trials, becomes the go-to spot every October. Over half a million people flock there for its monthlong Haunted Happenings. But don’t worry if you can’t make it in the fall. The History & Hauntings tour runs daily, all year round. Just head to Salem’s Old Town Hall to get started. Beth Crowley, the tour’s owner and guide, loves giving visitors a mix of everything, she told Boston.com last year. "A lot of tours will focus on just the witch trials or just ghost stories. We combine it all so our travelers will learn about our maritime history, dive deep into the 1692 witch trials, and explore three centuries of beautiful architecture. And, of course, we throw in the spooky ghost stories," she told Boston.com after last year’s top ranking. So, who managed to beat out Salem for the No. 1 spot worldwide? An Amsterdam canal cruise with a local skipper guide. Yeah, that sounds pretty cool too. But let’s not forget our other local heroes. Boston’s Freedom Trail: Small Group Walking Tour of Revolutionary Boston came in at No. 4, and Downtown Portland, Maine City and Lighthouse Tour snagged the No. 23 spot in the U.S. The 2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Things to Do Awards are all about traveler reviews and ratings on Tripadvisor from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. So, if you’re planning a trip, you know where to look! Ready for some ghostly fun? It's right around the corner and the envy of the world!