Five things to do in the world's witch capital, Salem, Massachusetts

It's known as the world's witch capital thanks to the chilling witch trials which famously took place there.Salem in Massachusetts in the leafy north-west USA is packed with fascinating places to explore its historical past.Here are five things to do there.READ MORE: Tassie shines in Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel' destinations for 2025Learn about the Witch TrialsWomen started being accused of being witches in 1692 after a mysterious illness beset the daughter and niece of the minister of Salem Village.Assumption of guilt and a fear of the devil spiralled in the area. Innocent women and men were slandered, imprisoned and even executed.A total of 25 people were killed, many in horrific ways.READ MORE: Unique luxury cruise offerings you've probably never heard of - but should definitely considerThe (slightly dated) Salem Witch Museum tells the story via life-size figures. You can also visit a touching memorial in the town to those who died.Find out more at the Peabody Essex Museum, which is America's oldest museum, operating since 1799. Or take one of the Witch City Walking Tours.The trials were also portrayed in play and film, The Crucible.See the places where Hocus Pocus was filmedClassic 1990s film Hocus Pocus is about a trio of witches brought back to life by a group of school kids.It stars Better Middler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson sisters. You can see some of the places it was filmed in the town.READ MORE: Airlines crack down on annoying airport behaviour with new boarding technologyThe Old Town Hall is where the town Halloween party takes place and is now a museum. The outside of the kids' house is at 4 Ocean Avenue in Salem.The Ropes Mansion which stood in for Allison's house is at 318 Essex Street - and this year was even dressed up like in the moviePlus Thackery Binx's House is really at the Pioneer Village outdoor museum in the town.Visit The Witch HouseThis spooky old home is the only structure still standing in Salem which you can visit that has a direct connection to the witchcraft trialsIt was built in around 1675 was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin in 1692. He presided over many of the examinations of the accused.The house is now a museum.Become a witch Salem's shops really lean into the witch theme.Buy a love spell at crow Haven Corner, make a broom a The Witchery or stock up on essential oils at Artemisia Botanicals.You can also transform yourself into a scary apparition at the Witch Pix Costume Studio. Book ahead to attend the Official Salem Witches Halloween Ball, which dubs itsself the world's most magical Halloween party.And anytime from September onwards, you'll also start seeing incredible Halloween decorations.Also check-out the town's ghost tours.Celebrate your favourite musicalHamilton Hall in Salem was named for Alexander Hamilton of Hamilton musical fame.The Marquis de Lafayette - also portrayed in the musical - John Quincy Adams and both of the Roosevelt presidents dined there.It also has links to a famous cocktail and ballroom dance, the Peabody Punch.It was during the controversial Christmas Week dance when Parson Hopkins, minister of the South Church across the street could be seen pacing outside, waving his arms and muttering, "Back to back and breast to breast, they are dancing their souls to hell."The hall still holds dances today, or you can just have a wander around.The writer visited at their own expense.