Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island - Exclusive Guided Tour

New York, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (27 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    All fees and taxes
  • inclusion
    Private guided tour
  • inclusion
    Professional tour guide
  • inclusion
    Ferry transportation to ellis island & statue of liberty

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Lunch
  • exclusion
    Tour price does not include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend uber or taxi)
  • exclusion
    Tour does not include gratuities (optional)

Meeting Point

Meet at the Bronze statue ‘the immigrants’ (Luis Sanguino) in battery park, just southeast of castle Clinton

Meeting point

The Battery, South of Castle Clinton, New York, NY 10004 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Statue of Liberty

Follow in the footsteps of over 12 million foreigners seeking roads paved with gold in the New World on this tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Explore these New York landmarks on a 3 hour semi-private guided tour, joining up to 8 people for a walk through time when America embraced immigration more than ever. The tour begins at Battery Park, one of the oldest parts of Manhattan. Here you’ll find the country’s first immigration center, Castle Garden Immigration Station, which operated until Ellis Island opened. Take a ferry to visit Liberty Island where the Statue of Liberty keeps an eye on incoming ships. You’ll learn all about Fort Wood, which now acts as the base for the statue, offered to the US by France in 1886. You’ll hear all about its creator, Bartholdi, as well as contributions by famed architect Gustave Eiffel, of Tower fame. Another ferry will whisk you across the water to Ellis Island. Here, millions of European newcomers wandered the very island that you will visit, learning about the medical examines and surprising conditions faced by immigrants. Learn about the island layout, and where immigrants who were quarantined were housed. You’ll end at the Wall of Honor, where you can search for your family’s name among the some 700,000 names commemorating those who entered the United States here. After the tour, your guide will introduce you to the museum to further explore the exhibits and history of the island. This tour is the ideal way to remember, and celebrate, the immigrants that contributed so much to America’s success.

Duration 180 minutes
Admission Admission Included
2

Battery Park

You will begin your tour at Battery Park, a public park located at the southern tip of Manhattan Island. Here, you will briefly see the attractions and monuments that the park contains and learn all about its history as one of the oldest parts of Manhattan.

Duration 10 minutes
3

Castle Clinton National Monument

Before making your way to Liberty Island, you will learn about Castle Clinton, a landmark representing not only the city’s growth but the growth of the nation. Built from 1808 to 1811, it was the first U.S immigration station where more than 8 million people arrived in the United States between 1855 to 1890.

Duration 10 minutes
4

SeaGlass Carousel

You will also pass the Seaglass Carousel, a fish-themed carousel that represents a symbol of recovery in the area, which suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. You will be able to appreciate the carousel’s design, as design along with construction took nearly a decade.

Duration 10 minutes
5

New York Harbor

From here, you will board the ferry at the New York Harbour, part of the port of the New York. Lying at the mouth of the Hudson river, it is one of the largest natural harbours in the world.

Duration 10 minutes
6

Statue of Liberty

You will make your way to Liberty Island, located just off the southern tip of Manhattan Island. Here you will see the infamous Statue of Liberty, the highlight of your trip. You will learn all about her history and how she came to be on the island.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Included
7

Ellis Island

Next you will visit Ellis Island, an island that contains a museum and former immigration inspection centre. It was the nation’s busiest immigration inspection station from 1892 to 1954.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Included
8

American Immigrant Wall of Honor

During your time on Ellis Island you will see the American Immigrant Wall of Honour, a permanent exhibit of individual or family names. It is the only place in the U.S where an individual can honour his or her family heritage at a National Monument.

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Babylon Tours New York City

What our experts say

  • icon
    Start at Battery Park's bronze statue.
  • icon
    Consider lunch at nearby Fraunces Tavern.
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    Visit the Ellis Island Museum post-tour.
  • icon
    Check out the SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park.
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    Use public transport; it's wheelchair-friendly.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience a journey through time as you embark on the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island - Exclusive Guided Tour. This 3-hour adventure takes you on a captivating exploration of two iconic New York landmarks that symbolize America's rich history of immigration. Discover the stories of over 12 million foreigners who sought a new life in the New World and be inspired by their courage and resilience.

What to expect?

During the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island - Exclusive Guided Tour, prepare to be immersed in the footsteps of those who left their homelands in search of a better future. Marvel at the grandeur of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, as you learn about its fascinating history and the contributions of its creators. Then, as you cross the water to Ellis Island, step into the shoes of millions of immigrants who underwent medical examinations and faced surprising conditions upon arrival. Explore the island and discover the layout where quarantined immigrants were housed. The tour culminates with a visit to the Wall of Honor, where you can search for your own family's name among the countless others commemorating those who entered the United States here.

Who is this for?

The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island - Exclusive Guided Tour is perfect for anyone seeking a deep understanding of America's immigrant history and the impact it has had on shaping the nation. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply curious to learn more, this tour provides a unique and compelling experience for individuals of all backgrounds. Embrace the spirit of inclusivity and join this journey that celebrates the diversity and resilience of the human spirit.

Why book this?

This exclusive guided tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the captivating stories of immigrants who embarked on a life-altering journey to America. Led by knowledgeable guides, you will gain valuable insights into the historical significance of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. In addition to visiting these iconic landmarks, this tour provides access to the museum on Ellis Island, where you can further explore the exhibits and deepen your understanding of the immigrant experience. Discover the vital role of immigration in shaping the United States and leave with a newfound appreciation for the contributions made by those who came before us.

Good to know

Please note that the total duration of the tour is approximately 180 minutes. The meeting point is at the Bronze statue 'the immigrants' in Battery Park, just southeast of Castle Clinton. The tour involves a ferry ride to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, allowing you to enjoy stunning views of the New York Harbor along the way. Don't forget to bring comfortable walking shoes, as you will be exploring both islands on foot. Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural significance of these iconic landmarks as you embark on this exclusive guided tour.

Reviews

Reviews from individuals who have taken the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island - Exclusive Guided Tour have been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors have praised the knowledgeable and engaging guides who bring the history of immigration to life. Many have expressed how this tour offers a profound understanding of the immigrant experience and a deep appreciation for the contributions made by immigrants throughout history. The opportunity to search for family names on the Wall of Honor has also been a highlight for many, allowing them to connect with their own personal heritage. Overall, this tour promises an unforgettable and enriching experience for all who embark on it.

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