We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.

Philadelphia

Free Newsletter

Interested in Philadelphia?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Philadelphia each week.

  • Save Eastern State Penitentiary
  • E-mail this page
Explore the world! TripAdvisor has reviews and information on over 400,000 locations, including:
Hotels
Travel Destinations
Sightseeing

Explore other Philadelphia resources:

Eastern State Penitentiary


Eastern State Penitentiary
2124 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
What's Nearby:
Click map pins for more information.
view map of Eastern State Penitentiary

Free Philadelphia Guide

Download your guide now!

Get the best picks for where to eat, sleep, and play.

  • Download pdf

Traveller Photos & Videos

View all photos
Add Photos
Add Videos

Philadelphia weather essentials

Monthly Averages
Month
High
Low
Precip
Dec
43°F 6°C
29°F -1°C
3 in 9 cm
Jan
37°F 2°C
24°F -4°C
3 in 7 cm
Feb
42°F 5°C
27°F -2°C
3 in 7 cm
Mar
49°F 9°C
33°F 0°C
3 in 9 cm
Apr
61°F 16°C
42°F 5°C
2 in 6 cm
May
70°F 21°C
51°F 10°C
3 in 8 cm

Extended Forecast
Thursday
24 Dec
Hi:
36°F 2°C
Lo:
27°F -2°C
Friday
25 Dec
Hi:
41°F 5°C
Lo:
36°F 2°C
Saturday
26 Dec
Hi:
49°F 9°C
Lo:
31°F 0°C
More weather for Philadelphia
 | 
Powered by
Weather Underground

What's Near Eastern State Penitentiary

Top-Rated Nearby Hotels
Hotel GBP* Distance Rating
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia £248 0.8 mi 1.2 km 4.5 of 5 stars
Embassy Suites Hotel Philadelphia-Center City £135 0.8 mi 1.3 km 4 of 5 stars
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Convention Center £92 1.1 mi 1.8 km 4 of 5 stars
Westin Philadelphia £172 1.1 mi 1.8 km 4 of 5 stars
AKA Rittenhouse Square £134 1.2 mi 1.9 km 4 of 5 stars
All Hotels in Philadelphia
*Average price
Top-Rated Nearby Restaurants
restaurant Distance Rating
Zorba's Taverna 0.1 mi 0.2 km 4 of 5 stars
New Fairmount Restaurant 0.2 mi 0.3 km 4 of 5 stars
Sweeties Pie Diner 0.4 mi 0.6 km 4 of 5 stars
All Restaurants in Philadelphia
Top-Rated Nearby Things to Do
Thing to Do Distance Rating
The Wine School of Philadelphia 0.2 mi 0.3 km 4 of 5 stars
Philadelphia Museum of Art 0.5 mi 0.8 km 4.5 of 5 stars
Fairmount Waterworks Drive 0.8 mi 1.3 km 4 of 5 stars
All Things to Do in Philadelphia

Traveller Advice on Eastern State Penitentiary

Traveller Lists
Traveller Forum
  • Ask a question or view 88 posts on Philadelphia from this week.
Professional Advice (8)
Title Source
“Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site” Fodors.com
“Eastern State Penitentiary” PlanetWare.com
“Eastern State Penitentiary” Wcities.com
“Eastern State Penitentiary” Citysearch.com
“A Hokey Pokey” Washington Post
“In the Big House ... Just Visiting” New York Times (free registration required)
“Haunted inns make for a spooky Halloween” canoe.ca / Associated Press
“Benjamin's backyard” telegraph.co.uk / Telegraph Media Group
Web Comments from Travellers (3)
Title Source
“Eastern State Penitentiary -...” VirtualTourist.com
“Eastern State Penitentiary” Citysearch.com
“The Eastern State Penitentiary...” VirtualTourist.com
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.0 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #11 of 300 attractions in Philadelphia
Write a review
Traveller 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 » 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
Familiar with Eastern State Penitentiary? Write your own description and share what you know with other travellers.
Attraction type: Historic site, Old jail, Museum, Other
Address: 2124 Fairmount Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130
Tel: 215 236 3300
Fax: 215-236-5289

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
“I live in Philly and I take my out of town visitors here!”
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
reclaimyourlifeagain
Philadelphia
20 Dec 2009

Don't be confused by the reviews that say "it's not scary"...they are writing about the halloween season haunted house held at ESP. The actual Eastern State Penitentiary building and tour is really interesting and pretty well done. I worked down the street from here for years before I actually went in for a tour and then I was pleasantly surprised... more

“Not scary..Dont waste your money..Especially on the parking”
Save Review
2 of 5 stars
sohkq7
NYC
16 Nov 2009

My husband & I visited Terror Behind the Walls Oct 24th with a group of friends. What a waste of money and time driving down from NYC. I dont know how this place is rated one of the top halloween places in the US. I've been to scarier at our local cheapo haunted house. Its expensive to begin with (thank... more

“DON'T GO”
Save Review
1 of 5 stars
Blahblahblah022
Atlantic City
6 Nov 2009

This was one of the worst places I have ever been to. Nothing was scary about it. The "actors" were the lamest ever. The best part was sitting across the street at the bar! Even if it was 40 degrees out. I was so excited about going to this, wanted to go for years, wish I would of saved my... more

“Great venue, Terror Behind the Walls was okay”
Save Review
4 of 5 stars
dani42379
US
26 Oct 2009

Because of some rain keeping people away, we didn't have to wait in any lines and actually got in prior to our time window. We were grateful we didn't spend extra for the fast pass because the haunted house wasn't that awesome. We might have regretted it if we'd had to stand in line for hours. There were some good... more

“The most intersting place in Philly.”
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Iripmaster
Iripmaster
18 Oct 2009

You will never see another place like this anywhere else. A great change of pace from a museum. more

“$80 wasted”
Save Review
1 of 5 stars
notscared1974
ESP Phily
17 Oct 2009

It was so lame. Every thing about it was lame. Maybe a 2 yr old would be scared. How much do you pay them to be so unimpressive. more

“What a waste of a Saturday Night.....”
Save Review
1 of 5 stars
sinheals
Baltimre
14 Oct 2009
1
person found this review helpful

I was so excited about going to ESP, from the website it sounds like it will be so scary, WRONG, I don't think they could scare a 10 yr old. I drove from Baltimore, spent $45 for each ticket (Quickpass my (--)!!!). When we arrived it took us over a hour to make it down the street to the parking... more

“Must see for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts”
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Pegdafittr
Lockwood, New York
13 Oct 2009

My 13 yr old daughter and I really enjoyed this. We had taken a ghost walk the night before and while we heard some interesting stories, it was rather blah. This tour, which was audio, real guides were available, was much better, more fun and informative. There is a very eerie feeling to the place. There is also a nighttime... more

“Terror of BOREDOM”
Save Review
1 of 5 stars
PCB-511
NY
12 Oct 2009

This was 1st time going to this. NOT worth the $30 per person. Even discounted tix arn't worth it. Horrible traffic getting in on a Saturday night - 40 minutes from I-76 exit ramp to parking lot. The line for the trolly - 500 ppl long. Trolleys only fit 50 ppl max. We hoofed it 35 minutes to the place... more

“It was fun, but a long wait”
Save Review
4 of 5 stars
Yankeefan26
Neptune, NJ
11 Oct 2009

We went to the Haunted House Tour. We booked a dinner pckg which included the tour btwn 7:30-8pm & dinner at 9pm (which is what the manager at the restaurant recommended for our time slot). We arrived at the Zoo parking at 7pm.. (the website says specifically NOT to get their early.. you will not get in and that you... more

Travellers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Independence Hall
4.5 of 5 stars 46 Reviews
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Price not available
City Food Tours Philadelphia
5 of 5 stars 182 Reviews
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Price not available
No photo provided
Reading Terminal Market
4.5 of 5 stars 26 Reviews
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Price not available
All Things to Do in Philadelphia
Write Your Own Attraction Review

Been to Eastern State Penitentiary? Share your experiences!

Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Eastern State Penitentiary: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owners' Centre
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Eastern State Penitentiary Address

2124 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Tel: 215 236 3300 Fax: 215-236-5289