Prison tours: A taste of life behind bars Share this page Facebook Twitter Share Print In Cultural Activities 01 November 0010 | By Ali Lemer, Lonely Planet Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin, Ireland Kilmainham Gaol held political prisoners durin

Usually people will do anything to get out of jail, but with prison tourism on the rise, folks are now paying to get in. Defunct penitentiaries all over the world have found second lives by operating as tourist attractions, museums and even hostels, offering everything from spooky evening tours by candlelight to the chance to stay overnight in a cell. (And, of course, there are gift shops. Do not forget that souvenir shiv for your auntie.)


Related article: A tour of San Francisco’s Alcatraz

If you have always wondered what life is like on the other side of the bars - and don't feel like committing a felony to find out - plan a visit to one of these former lock-ups.

US and Canada

Alcatraz, San Francisco
One of the world's most famous prisons, "The Rock" is set on a small island in the San Francisco Bay, surrounded by dangerous currents that gave the prison a reputation for being inescapable. Former inmates include celebrity criminals such as Al Capone, "Machine Gun" Kelly and Robert "The Birdman" Stroud. It is one of San Francisco's most popular attractions, so you will need to book your tour a few weeks in advance.

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia
Also once home to Al Capone (he got around), Eastern State opened in 1829 as one of the world's earliest modern prisons. Inmates were kept in separate cells built along an innovative, radial "wagon-wheel" design that was meant to encourage silent reflection and solitude as the means to rehabilitation. In addition to special guided tours, there are also rotating art installations and a restored synagogue with an exhibit on Jewish life at the penitentiary.

Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Canada
The Carleton County Gaol, Ottawa's first stand-alone jail, opened in 1862 and operated for 110 years. After some renovations, it reopened in 1973 as a youth hostel, the only one in North America that is in a former prison. Finding the twin cells too cramped? Upgrade to the Warden's Quarters.

Australia

Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne
Built in 1841 from local bluestone, this imposing prison in downtown Melbourne was the final home of famous Australian bushranger Ned Kelly, who was hanged here in 1880 (his death mask and revolver are on display). The jail offers haunted night tours and live performances.

Port Arthur, Tasmania
Once known as Van Dieman's Land, Tasmania was home to one of Australia's most notorious penal colonies: Port Arthur. Founded in 1830 on a remote peninsula connected to Tasmania by a thin isthmus, Port Arthur was home to the "worst of the worst" until it closed down in 1877. The colony has more than 30 historic buildings to explore and recently received a Unesco World Heritage listing along with several other historical convict sites around Australia.

Europe

Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin
First built in 1796, this prison has been witness to some of Ireland's most important - and most tragic - historical events, including the execution of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising for Irish independence. Éamon de Valera, later prime minister and then president of Ireland, was the last person to be released when Kilmainham closed for good in 1924.

Karosta Prison, Liepāja, Latvia
This naval port prison, built around 1900, was once used for military detention in Tsarist Russia, then later by the Soviets and the Nazis. Normal folks can take the regular tour or even stay overnight in one of the dismal cells, but those brave enough can sign up to be treated like an actual prisoner for a few hours or even an overnight stay. (No refunds if you decide you want early parole.)

Asia

Hoa Lo Prison, Hanoi, Vietnam
This former French prison dates back to 1886, when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. It was later used by the North Vietnamese Army to house American POWs during the Vietnam War, who gave the prison its most famous nickname: the Hanoi Hilton. Former presidential candidate John McCain spent several years there after his plane was shot down during a bombing run.

Seodaemun Prison, Seoul, South Korea
Opened in 1908 when Korea was under Japanese rule, this prison was built to accommodate 500 inmates but saw as many as 3,000 packed in at once during the height of the anti-Japanese protests in 1919. Approximately half of the complex's original buildings have been preserved as a museum, with photo and video displays detailing the horrific conditions that the thousands of Korean freedom fighters imprisoned here had to endure.

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