Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour – A must-do experience for visitors
When you step onto Alcatraz Island, you are entering one of the most infamous prisons in American history. And there is no better way to experience it than through the award-winning audio tour, “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour.”
This immersive tour takes you inside the walls of the Cellhouse, where real former inmates and correctional officers share firsthand accounts of life on “The Rock.”
If you plan a visit to Alcatraz, here is everything you need to know about this must-do tour.
What is the “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour”?
The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour is a 35 to 45-minute self-guided audio tour that leads you through the prison’s main cellhouse.
You will hear gripping stories about the prison’s operations, daring escape attempts, and the everyday lives of the men who lived and worked there.
Narrated by four former inmates and four former correctional officers, this tour brings Alcatraz to life in a way that no written exhibit ever could.
The sound effects—clanging cell doors, echoing footsteps, and distant voices—make it feel as if you have stepped back in time.
Where and how to start the tour
Once you get down at Alcatraz Island’s dock and walk a short distance uphill, you will reach the Cellhouse.
Once inside, staff members will direct you to where you can pick up the audio guide. The tour is included in your Alcatraz ferry ticket, so there’s no extra charge.
The audio guide is available in 11 languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Russian.
What to expect on the tour
Meet the voices of Alcatraz
The tour begins with introductions to the narrators—real people who lived or worked on Alcatraz. You’ll see their photos and biographies attached to one of the cells, giving you a personal connection to their stories.
Explore the infamous cells
The audio guide will direct you through specific cells, pointing out small but fascinating details you might otherwise overlook. These objects—like escape tools, prisoner belongings, or makeshift weapons—bring the stories to life.
Hear real stories of Alcatraz
Expect to hear gripping accounts of:
Escape attempts – The most daring prison breaks, including the infamous 1962 escape.
Prison life – What daily life was like for inmates, from strict routines to unlikely friendships.
Violence behind bars – Murders, riots, and dangerous encounters between guards and prisoners.
The way the stories are told—switching between different voices and perspectives—keeps the tour engaging and fast-paced. Many visitors say they lose track of time while listening because they get so absorbed in the experience!
Even though the tour is 35 minutes long, you may want extra time to explore. And you can pause or replay sections if you want to soak in the details.
Is the Alcatraz Audio Tour worth it?
Absolutely! Tourists who have explored Alcatraz’s Cellhouse using the audio guide often say it is the best audio tour they have ever experienced.
One of the main reasons is that it is incredibly engaging. The mix of real voices, sound effects, and stories brings history to life in a way that feels immersive. It also offers an authentic experience, as you’ll hear firsthand accounts from people who actually lived or worked in Alcatraz.
The tour is easy to follow, with clear directions guiding you through the prison so you don’t miss any important details. Best of all, the audio guide is included in your ticket at no extra cost, making it a fantastic value.
