Admittedly the best time to see this place is near Halloween as they do a fantastic job of scaring the bejeezus out of you! The waiting in line can be rough but its totally worth it. If you however don't need the daylights scared out of you, you can always go during the day for the creepy tour.
Eastern State Penitentiary is the first prison to use the term "penitentiary" as it was a place for you to find penitence. The rooms had only sky lights in them so the only person you would commune with was God, or that's what the concept was. However if you know anything about being alone in a room with or without God it can eventually drive you insane which is what took place here.
Home to some of the most notorious gangsters of its time, most notably Al Capone who lived like a king while there. However many of the other prisoners were, what we would consider today, tortured and if they didn't have issues when they arrived they most likely developed them inside the amazing walls of this place. Again though, Halloween is they way to really see this place, it is creepy!
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"The Percy Street Project" is a public art installation in Philadelphia planned to span the entire 1300 block. Come at night to see 'The Electric Street'.
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"Nunu" is an Asian fusion bar/restaurant in Philadelphia. I love it best on a cold day when I'm craving a cocktail and warm snacks. Perfect for dates!
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My favorite thing about the "Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion" by far is that it's very community-focused: I was toured by a local 4th grader!
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"Vault & Vine" in Philadelphia is a cafe inside a greenhouse. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius. I come here almost every weekend with my pug...
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"Suraya" just might be the best restaurant in Philadelphia right now. If you love the flavors of the Levant, that you're going to love it, too...
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"Spruce Street Harbor Park" is a true gift of the city of Philadelphia to its citizens, an ode to summer itself... I'll be there in a hammock!
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The "Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup" in Philadelphia appears every Tuesday & Thursday, come rain or shine! Great opportunity to try a few of them at once...
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"Interstate Draft House" is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar. I highly recommend ordering the Fishtown Tea cocktail there, similar to a Long Island Ice Tea.
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"Lloyd" Philadelphia is my bar of choice when I need a stiff scotch (80+ types) or a finely crafted cocktail. The style definitely makes me feel at home.
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Tuna Bar near the Ben Franklin Bridge is my go-to raw bar in the Old City in Philadelphia for exciting sushi rolls and Japanese-style appetizers!
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"Long in the Tooth Record Store" in Philadelphia is a family-owned business that reminds me of one of my favorite films, High Fidelity...
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Philadelphia’s Mural Arts has helped create literally thousands of gorgeous murals all over. I'm in love with the new abstract mural by Tim McFarlane...
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156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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