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Haunted Philadelphia

BOO! Halloween is just around the corner, and as a city steeped in history, Philadelphia is ripe for the haunting. As Halloween approaches, the Philadelphia area gets a bit eerie, offering terrifying experiences around every corner.

Here are a few of the spookiest experiences that we love to fear in Philadelphia.

Academy of Music

A Large Clock Mounted To The Side Of A Building

Photo credit: Philadelphia Opera

Just down the road from Loews Philadelphia Hotel is the Academy of Music, where there have been reports of “invisible theater-goers” roaming the balconies, leaving imprints on seats and pulling the hair of guests as they watch a show. Make sure to sit in the upper balcony if you’re looking for some paranormal activity!

Eastern State Penitentiary

People Walking On A Bridge

Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philly

One of our favorite fall haunts is Eastern State Penitentiary. (How can a former prison hosting a haunted attraction NOT be terrifying?). Take a tour any day of the week to experience the history of one of the country’s oldest and most famous former prisons. Former inmates include Al Capone, and tours include a glimpse of his restored cell and stories of inmate escapes.

Each year, the prison is decked out as a haunted attraction called Terror Behind the Walls, and consists of six haunted attractions, among them: “Lock Down,” “Break Out,” and “Infirmary.” Today it’s considered to be one of the most haunted places on earth.

Select dates from September 21 to November 10, 2018

Ghost Tours of Philadelphia

A Small Clock Tower In The Middle Of A Park

Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Kill two ghosts with one tour as you explore some of Philadelphia’s most historic landmarks. At night. While looking for ghosts on one of Philadelphia’s many ghost tours. Yikes! Travel the cobblestone streets of Philly by candlelight, learn about the legendary ghosts that inhabit Independence Hall, and visit St. Peter’s Cemetery, known to be the most haunted site in the city.

And There's More...

A Large Stone Building

Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

If you don't have time for a tour and are looking for just a quick taste of the eerie side of Philadelphia, here are a few more sights that are reportedly haunted:

It is suggested that the Betsy Ross House is haunted by the spirit of its namesake.
City Tavern is said to be haunted by a waiter and a young bride.
The First Bank of the United States is reportedly haunted by the ghost of Alexander Hamilton.
Library Hall features a statue of Benjamin Franklin, which some have claimed comes to life and dances in the streets.
Washington Square is said to be haunted by the ghost of Leah, a Quaker woman that protected the thousands of graves therein from robbers in life.

Have fun, stay sane, and step carefully around every corner! Happy Fall!