City Cast Philly logo

What’s The Deal With Haunted Philly?

Posted on October 4, 2022   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Brittany Valentine

Brittany Valentine

The creepy walls of the Eastern State Penitentiary. (OGphoto/Getty Images.)

The creepy walls of the Eastern State Penitentiary. (OGphoto/Getty Images.)

Founded in 1681, Philly is one of the oldest cities in America, and it has a LOT of haunted spots. I mean a lot! So just how haunted is this city we know and love?

TheAcademy of Musicis the oldest grand opera house in the U.S. and is said to be home to some supernatural residents. 

Countless attendees have reported bizarre experiences while seated in the upper balconies. There is said to be a “man in black” that routinely haunted the area right behind the last row of seats.

Attendees also reported observing seat indents and creaking noises, and some even said their hair was pulled. I would have ran out of there SO fast!

See any ghosts lurking behind me on The Moshulu? (Brittany Valentine/City Cast Philly.)

See any ghosts lurking behind me on The Moshulu? (Brittany Valentine/City Cast Philly.)

Ever been on theMoshulu, the ship restaurant in Penn’s Landing? Yep, this one is haunted too. A lantern ghost reportedly re-lights lanterns on tables after dark and a whispering spirit can be heard telling secrets during the early evening.

Unknown spirits also haunt many other spots, including the Betsy Ross House, Eastern State Penitentiary, Washington Square, and more.

Is Philly the city of … ghostly love? Have you ever had any paranormal experiences at any of these spots? Tell us about it.

Share article

Hey Philly

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Philly, Explained

See All
Philly, ExplainedMay 15

Play Our Philly Crossword Puzzle

This mini-crossword is filled with clues on Philly history and headlines.

City Cast Philly Crossword
Philly, ExplainedMay 8

Prove Your Weekly Philly Knowledge

Pop quiz, Philly! It’s that time again to test your knowledge on local trivia.

Heart-shaped balloons that say "Happy Mother's Day"
Philly, ExplainedMay 5

Which Philly Neighborhoods Suffer From a Sidewalk Gap?

A tool from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission can help you track gaps in the Philly area’s sidewalk network.

Map of the Philadelphia region highlighting sidewalk gaps in yellow, red, and green
Philly, ExplainedMay 4

Philadelphia School Board President on Closures: ‘This Decision Wasn’t Taken Lightly’

Reginald Streater described the situation as ‘disheartening’ and said the board tried everything in its power before it reached such a po...

Headshot of Reginald Streater smiling to the camera
Philly, ExplainedApril 22

Land Stewards Union Says It’s All About Empowering Residents

The union is giving residents a collective voice when advocating for their communities and demystifying the Land Bank’s process.

Dominique Johnson stands in front of a vacant lot next to his home.
Philly, ExplainedApril 14

Here’s How You Can Help Grow Philly’s Tree Canopy

Philadelphia’s trees are in major need of maintenance. Tree Tenders can help their neighborhood’s tree canopy thrive.

Volunteers plant trees
Philly, ExplainedMarch 30

What To Know About Philly’s Superfund Sites

The Philadelphia region is home to several hazardous waste sites. Here’s how you can advocate for your community.

The Franklin Slag Pile on Delaware Avenue
Philly, ExplainedMarch 12

Mural Arts Founder Jane Golden on Art as a Medium for Beauty, Opportunity, and Democracy

The founder and executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia said that the next person who steps into her role should not only be a pers...

Jane Golden painting on the Spring Garden Street Bridge

The latest in Philly

Philly's BestMay 14

Free and Low-Cost Aquatic Activities in Philly

Row merrily down Philly’s rivers or learn how to catch a fish at these seasonal programs.

Blue heron paddle boats on Edgewood Lake
Local CivicsMay 13

What To Know Before You Head to the Polls on May 19

On this month’s ballot are a competitive congressional race and a stacked committee race you may not have known was happening.

Paper cutouts of Democrat and Republic party symbols
Food & DrinkMay 12

Celebrate World Cocktail Day at These Philly Bars

Take a sip of classic and creative cocktails from Philly’s best mixologists.

A selection of cocktails on a bar
Philly's BestMay 11

Where To Golf in Philly

Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, test out your skills at these local golf ranges and courses.

A golfer prepares to hit a golf club
Philly HistoryMay 7

How Philly’s Fairmount Park Came To Be

Starting with just a large hill that left William Penn in awe, Fairmount Park is now the largest landscaped urban park in the world.

Archival photo of Boathouse Row and Fairmount Water Works along the Schuylkill River
Local CivicsMay 6

Council Member on School Closures: ‘Probably the Worst Decision I’ve Seen as an Elected Official’

Councilmember Thomas said the logic behind the closures in the facilities master plan doesn’t match the accomplishments of the schools se...

Portrait photo of Councilmember Isaiah Thomas
Philly's BestApril 30

How to Spend May 2026 in Philly

Get out of the house and head outside! Philly’s packed with activities including music festivals, outdoor social clubs, and tours of one...

A fight between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali on a wall
Food & DrinkApril 28

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars and Cafés in Philly

Philly’s local culinary scene is constantly growing and changing. Here’s a recap of some of the restaurants, bars, cafés, and other delic...

An assortment of salad, fruit bowls, and breakfast sandwiches