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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Eastern State Penitentiary Tours

Old, imposing prison has always been a choice destination for tourists and ghost-hunters.

Visitor Tips and News About Eastern State Penitentiary Tours

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Eastern State Penitentiary Tours

The audio tour is very informative and doesn't limit your tour by forcing you to go in a specific order. We spent 3 hours just walking around and loved it! Awesome place to visit.

[Joe Strollo, 08/02/2010]

Cell at the prison.

Eastern State Penitentiary Tours

A wonderfully creepy place. Highly recommended!

[David Cholewa, 06/11/2010]
Eastern State Penitentiary Tours

This is the creepiest and most interesting thing I have ever seen in Philadelphia. It is a closed down prison that has great historic significance, in the middle of Philadelphia. It is exactly as it was originally left, with no restoration.

You can actually step into the old crumbling cells, most still containing the decaying furniture. It is so original that they don't have plumming installed for the tourists -- you must use a portolet. They have tours or you can go through on your own. We liked it so much that we went on two consecutive tours because the guides were different, and then we spent time on our own for an hour or so until they were closing. There was so much to see that 3 hours wasn't enough. There is also an exhibit of items and letters, etc.

[Lauren Hayes, 06/03/2001]

Built in 1829, closed in 1971, this prison was the first to be designed under the theory that isolation bred penitence, hence "penitentiary." (That's what the Quakers believed, anyway.) It's been left unrepaired, and tourists must waive their right to sue if injured.

Penitentiary Tours: "Alumni Weekend" Plus Death Row

A new season of prison tours at Pennsylvania's historic Eastern State Penitentiary starts this May 1 and 2, with "Alumni Weekend." Former inmates and correctional officers will mingle with tourists during the day.

...

[04/18/1999] Complete News Story

Old Prison Scares Visitors Straight

Scary Eastern State Penitentiary, in Philadelphia, PA, will open its massive iron doors for nighttime Halloween ghost tours during the month of October. The tours will feature ghost stories written by noted author Charles J....

[10/04/1997] Complete News Story

Eastern State Penitentiary Tours

Address:
2124 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA
Directions:
Northwest edge of downtown. I-676/Vine St. Expressway to Benjamin Franklin Parkway exit, turn north onto 22nd St., pass the Museum of Art on the left and continue five blocks north to Fairmount Ave.
Hours:
Daily 10-5 (last entry at 4) (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
215-236-3300
Admission:
Adults $19, online $17; 7-12 $15, online $13; Audio tour included.
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

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In the region:
Fonthill, Concrete Castle Home, Doylestown, PA - 25 mi.

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