I toured the penitentiary with three children ages 8, 11 and 13. They took the self-audio tour and spent about 1 1/2 hours walking through the old jail. All three of my children were fascinated by the structure, history, terror, which the old building suggests. In fact my sons, 11 and 13, insisted on going back for one of the... more

This was one of the highlights of our trip to Philadelphia. While there are guided groups, the headset self guide is a great way to tour the prison, and using the handout brochure (with a dollar off coupon) you can even customize the visit to your interests. The prison is a stop on several of the bus tours. We did... more

Eastern State Penitentiary offers history, architecture, sociology, photography, and art all in one place. For the cost of admission, you get headphones that give you an informative and evocative guided walking tour plus additional interesting bits of information as you wander around. You're left to yourself to explore and photograph. Guides are stationed about the site and are glad to... more

This is a very fun place to visit. Great for kids. Self guided. Safe area. Very interesting information during audio tour. more

If you are in Philadelphia, you must make Eastern State Penatentiary a stop on your agenda. The audio tour is very interesting, giving one a glimpse into the distant and not so distand past here. Walking through the ruins you can almost feel what life must have been like for the prisoners. I think the decision to keep the structure... more

I added this location after reading reviews here. I have to agree with every good review posted! This place was great. I went with my 9 & 11 yr old daughters. They were very attentive through out the entire tour. I was a bit hesitant of the audio recording tour, but I have to say this is the best audio... more

I visited the Eastern State Penitentiary on a chilly and damp November day. I really enjoyed the audio tour which is included in the admission price. You can see and explore for as long as you like and hear some interesting information as told by actual guards and even prisoners. It was very creepy walking those stark corridors, cells, yard... more

If you want to visit this prison, do it during the day not during the haunted prison themed tours that start around Halloween. It is much scarier to go through this thing on a daily tour hearing the real story and history behind this prison. It is interesting but I fell it is ranked very high on the things to... more

This was a great attraction. It is kind of off the beaten path but is worth the trip. For only a $12 admission, you get to stroll through one of the most unique tourist attractions I have ever seen. The staff has really done an excellent job in creating this experience and the audio tour that comes with the admission... more