Eastern State Penitentiary
A historic, gothic-style prison turned museum, offering immersive tours and a chilling Halloween attraction.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, focus on history
Eastern State Penitentiary
Best Time
Fewer crowds, focus on history
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic, gothic-style prison turned museum, offering immersive tours and a chilling Halloween attraction.
"A chillingly amazing museum. The history and atmosphere was impactful and "haunting"."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven ground. Your feet will thank you!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and guarantee entry, especially for Halloween Nights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Al Capone's Cell
Cell Block 15
Step into the surprisingly furnished cell of infamous gangster Al Capone. A glimpse into a notorious past.
The Audio Tour
Throughout the Penitentiary
Narrated by actor Steve Buscemi, this self-guided tour offers deep historical insights.
Halloween Nights
Entire Penitentiary
Experience a terrifyingly immersive haunted attraction with multiple haunted houses and live performances.
Architectural Grandeur
Main Cell Blocks
Marvel at the imposing Gothic-Revival architecture and the innovative radial design of the cell blocks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven ground. Your feet will thank you!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and guarantee entry, especially for Halloween Nights.
🎧 Don't Skip the Audio Tour
Steve Buscemi narrates fascinating history. Essential for understanding the site.
🔦 Consider the Glow Necklace
For Halloween Nights, wear one to opt-in for extra scares and hidden passages!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on uneven ground. Your feet will thank you!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and guarantee entry, especially for Halloween Nights.
🎧 Don't Skip the Audio Tour
Steve Buscemi narrates fascinating history. Essential for understanding the site.
🔦 Consider the Glow Necklace
For Halloween Nights, wear one to opt-in for extra scares and hidden passages!
💧 Stay Hydrated
No AC in most areas, so bring water, especially on warm days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Eastern State Penitentiary for its fascinating history, unique architecture, and immersive tours. The audio guide is a standout feature, offering deep insights into the prison's past. While some find Halloween Nights less terrifying than expected, most agree it's a well-produced and atmospheric event. The site's decaying grandeur adds to its chilling appeal.
"I’ve attended both a daytime tour and Terror Behind the Walls on separate occasions, and each visit was incredible. The guided daytime tour shared fascinating insights into the prison’s influence on the criminal justice system, and Terror Behind the Walls—both times—was an unforgettable experience. The option to be tapped by staff for access to hidden passages added an extra thrill that was absolutely worth it. Even with light sensitivity and a nervous system prone to panic, I found Eastern State to be both accommodating and endlessly impressive. A truly one-of-a-kind experience."
Stephanie
"Brilliant museum highlighting what life was like for prisoners throughout the years from when it opened until it closed. A ruin in parts but this adds to the feel of the place. Fascinating to hear what it was like and how prison is today. Worth visiting. Thanks"
Susan Morrison
"Prison known to have housed infamous inmates such as Al Capone and Slick Willie. Did the audio guide tour which was good enough. You learn about the type of prisoners that passed through here; some petty crimes others not so much. The design of the prison is rather interesting.
The cells tell a story!
Different type of attraction, which is worth visiting."
Legends l
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Eastern State Penitentiary is accessible by public transportation in Philadelphia. SEPTA buses like the 48 and 38 stop nearby. If driving, parking is available at the Fairmount Outdoor Flea Market lot at 2201 Fairmount Ave.
Yes, there is parking available, including a lot associated with the Fairmount Outdoor Flea Market. Be aware that parking can be busy, especially during events.
Absolutely! SEPTA bus routes 48 and 38 are convenient options for reaching the penitentiary via public transit.
For ease and to avoid parking hassles, many visitors opt for public transportation like SEPTA buses. Ride-sharing services are also a good option.
The site is generally accessible, but be prepared for uneven terrain and some stairs as it is a historic building.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Eastern State Penitentiary website or at the entrance. Booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially for Halloween Nights.
Yes, discount codes are often available for Halloween Nights, typically for online purchases. Check social media or the official website for current promotions. +1
Daytime tours are typically from 10 AM to 5 PM daily. Halloween Nights hours vary and extend later into the evening. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
While not always mandatory, booking daytime tour tickets in advance is advisable to ensure entry and potentially get better pricing.
General admission usually includes access to the historic site and the award-winning audio tour. Special events like Halloween Nights require separate tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The audio tour, narrated by Steve Buscemi, is a self-guided experience that provides in-depth historical context and stories of inmates and the prison's unique system. It's highly recommended for understanding the site.
Many visitors report eerie feelings and paranormal experiences, contributing to its reputation as a haunted location. Ghost tours and Halloween Nights lean into this aspect.
Halloween Nights is a popular seasonal event featuring multiple haunted houses, themed bars, live performances, and a generally spooky atmosphere within the historic prison walls.
Yes, after the guided or audio tours, you are generally allowed to explore many areas of the penitentiary at your own pace.
Daytime tours are generally suitable for older children interested in history. Halloween Nights are intended to be scary and are not recommended for young children.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always check for signage.
The imposing cell blocks, Al Capone's cell, and the decaying architecture offer dramatic and atmospheric photo opportunities.
Professional photography or commercial shoots usually require special permits and advance arrangements. Contact the venue directly for details.
During Halloween Nights, photography might be more restricted due to the immersive nature of the event and crowd flow. Focus on capturing the atmosphere rather than posed shots.
Expect atmospheric shots of decaying cells, grand architecture, and the eerie ambiance of a historic prison.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Halloween Nights are generally not recommended for young children due to their intense scare factor.
👻 Ghost Hunters & Paranormal Enthusiasts
While the Halloween Nights event amplifies the spooky atmosphere, even daytime visits can be eerie. Consider joining a specialized ghost tour if available, or simply immerse yourself in the history and imagine the stories the walls could tell. The sheer scale and decay of the penitentiary create a naturally unsettling environment perfect for ghost hunting.
🏛️ History Buffs
Explore exhibits detailing the lives of famous inmates like Al Capone and learn about the prison's influence on correctional practices worldwide.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of Eastern State Penitentiary
Despite its innovative design, the system of separate confinement eventually faced criticism for its psychological toll on inmates. The prison closed in 1971, and for years, it stood abandoned, slowly decaying. Today, it operates as a museum and historic site, offering a unique window into the history of incarceration and criminal justice reform in America. Visitors can explore the crumbling cell blocks, learn about the daily lives of prisoners, and understand the evolution of prison systems.
Experiencing Halloween Nights
+1A unique feature of Halloween Nights is the option to wear a glow necklace. Wearing one signals to the scare actors that you are willing to be more involved, potentially leading to being grabbed, pulled into secret passages, or separated from your group. This adds an extra layer of immersive fear for those seeking a more intense experience.
It's important to note that while the event is scary, many find it to be a well-produced and fun Halloween activity, even if it's not as terrifying as some might expect. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended, and discount codes are often available online.
The 'Haunted' Reputation
This reputation is amplified during Halloween Nights, where the spooky atmosphere is intentionally enhanced. While the daytime tours focus on historical facts and the prison system, the nighttime events lean into the site's eerie reputation. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the sheer atmosphere of the abandoned prison is enough to send shivers down your spine.
The stories of former inmates and the harsh conditions contribute to the chilling ambiance that makes Eastern State Penitentiary a magnet for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. 
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