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Eastern State Penitentiary

2124 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
215 236 3300
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Ranked #8 of 257 attractions in Philadelphia
Type: Historic Sites, Museums
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
Owner description: Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of... more » Owner description: Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone’s Cell, and Death Row. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children
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891 reviews from our community

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Belgium
Senior Contributor
49 reviews 49 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
72 helpful votes 72 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

The jail is partly a ruin. It would be nice to clean it up some more. It gives you chills to imagine people in here. Good audio tour.

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See 8 more reviews by Boeleke for Philadelphia
Orillia, Canada
Top Contributor
62 reviews 62 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

This is a really unique destination - interesting for young and old alike. Try to take one of the guided tours, like the hospital operating room, so areas are more meaningful. Don't miss the cell where Al Capone spent 8 months and apparently ate dinner with the Warden on Sunday evenings.

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See 2 more reviews by SDCCexhibitor for Philadelphia
Rock Hill, SC
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

Definitely worth the $12. Look for a $2 off coupon in the brochure racks. Takes about 60 minutes. Free audio guide headset with the tour. It is a stop for all of the tour buses.

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See 2 more reviews by Travelhelper for Philadelphia
oklahoma city
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

It says something about human nature that we are so attracted to the macabre. the audio tour - usually i don't like being herded around with headphones - but this one was very piercing. had actual audio from prisoners and guards. the cells weren't all pretty and restored, they were dilapitated and in a state of disrepair, leaving an even... More

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See 5 more reviews by okietravelgirl for Philadelphia
Durham, North Carolina
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
38 helpful votes 38 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

Picture being in prison with rules like no human contact. Having to wear soft sole shoes because no noise was allowed. Because of the no human contact rule when you left your cell you had to have a hood over your head. Only being able to flush the toilet once a day. They didn't mess around in those days. I... More

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Old Saybrook
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

This piece of architecture is interesting and historic. The building is decaying but still retains a beauty about it. There is some restoration occurring but as they tell you, it will not be fully restored. It was a 2 to 3 hour visit, with restaurants nearby so it's great for before/after lunch outing. It probably wouldn't interest younger children, but... More

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Texas
Top Contributor
264 reviews 264 reviews
180 attraction reviews
Reviews in 110 cities Reviews in 110 cities
140 helpful votes 140 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013

We got our tickets at Independence Visitor Center for a slight discount. After you arrive, pick up you headphones for an audio tour. As the devices are frequently used, make sure that yours works well before starting out. Your enter a number from the placard in front of you. Then, listen to the audio. Toward the end of the standard... More

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See 19 more reviews by TexansAlso for Philadelphia
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

This place is incredible. It is a photographers playground. All the different elements, things around the corners, surprising turns and twists, and textures ... depending on time of day you are there the natural light changes every section and cell...FUN! Take the audio tour. The facts and survivor stories are really fascinating. The day we went they were having samples... More

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Honolulu, Hawaii
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

It looks like a shady area compared to the location of the more popular attractions in Philadelphia but we didn't encounter any problems. I recommend looking for street parking as it is free but they also have a pay-to-park lot across the street. They only have port-a-potties on site so make sure you use the bathroom ahead of time. It's... More

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See 2 more reviews by LeiSs A for Philadelphia
Lethbridge, Canada
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
29 attraction reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
55 helpful votes 55 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013 via mobile

When my friend suggested we go here I was not too keen on it. But wow, so glad we did! The audio guide was absolutely fascinating and really added to the tour. So glad it was included. However it was hard to use at times as the player didn't always respond properly. Glad I persevered. I got some great photographs!... More

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