Ellis Island Tours

Ellis Island showing heritage architecture
Ellis Island featuring a bay or harbor and a park
Ellis Island showing interior views
Ellis Island which includes signage
Ellis Island featuring general coastal views and a ferry


Relive 60 years of immigration history as you explore the exhibits of this poignant museum. Find out if your ancestors passed through as they entered the U.S.

Travel by ferry to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Imagine the joy and hopes that earlier immigrants felt as they finished much longer and rougher sea voyages to finally arrive in America. Over 12 million people entered the country through this structure’s golden doors. About half of today’s more than 300 million U.S. citizens descended from these brave immigrants.

Immigration services operated here between 1892 and 1954, with newly arrived visitors spending hours in an inspection process determining if they would be allowed to stay in their land of hope or would be among the 2 percent denied entry. View exhibits showing interpreters, nurses, doctors, inspectors and clerical staff whose daily actions determined the fates of hopeful visitors. Photos and stories relate the dreams of those visitors.

Note Ellis Island’s unusual rectangular shape. A smaller natural island was expanded by landfill to provide a functional base to build the original immigration and service buildings and expanded farther over time. See the history of these major projects in the exhibits on the places of importance on the island. The Main Immigration Building, now filled with three floors of exhibits, opened in 1900.

Immigration services ended here in 1954 and the buildings sat idle until the site became part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. By 1990, the National Park Service opened the renovated Main Building to visitors. Search arrival records in the American Family Immigration History Center.

The only way to reach Ellis Island is by ferries leaving from Battery Park at Manhattan’s southern tip or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Purchase ferry tickets from the authorized National Park Service operator for a specific time and be sure you are in line well before departure time.

The site is open daily except Christmas Day. Join a ranger-led walking tour of the building or purchase a hard-hat tour to see the immigration hospital. Plan to spend several hours at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and enjoy a second stop to see the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, which is included in the same ferry fee.

Plan a trip to see Ellis Island

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Hyatt Centric Times Square New York
NobleDEN Hotel
Fouquet's New York

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Reviews of Ellis Island

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1378
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
760
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
253
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
26
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
39
1 - Terrible 2%

1/5 - Terrible

Traveller

The Ellis Island experience is a borderline simulation of turn of the century immigration. Standing in long lines, going through multiple security checks, and getting packed into boats to eventually see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island was reminiscent of the journey made by our ancestors. The museum closes early on Sundays, and so we were not able to see everything.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Don't purchase tickets from anyone else other that at Castle in Battery Park.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A wonderful experience. Highly recommend.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

While you are at Ellis Island, plan to check out the Hard Hat Tour of the old hospital-- fascinating!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Not as exciting as Liberty Island, but still very interesting. There's a lot of history in the museum and you get to see what conditions were like for immigrants. Make sure you visit the Statue of Liberty first because you will likely spend more time on Liberty Island than Ellis Island and you don't want to waste any time as the last ferry leaves at 7pm.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour was very informative and fun

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Ellis Island

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown

4 out of 5
8 Stone St, New York, NY
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown

4 out of 5
6 Water St, New York, NY
Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Battery Park Apartments Financial District

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Battery Park Apartments Financial District

3.5 out of 5
2 Washington Street, New York, NY
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Battery Park Apartments Financial District
The FIDI Hotel

The FIDI Hotel

4 out of 5
11 Stone St, New York, NY
The FIDI Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center

Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center

4 out of 5
140 Washington St, New York, NY
Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center
Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson

Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson

4 out of 5
2 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ
Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson
Hyatt House Jersey City

Hyatt House Jersey City

3.5 out of 5
1 Exchange Pl, Jersey City, NJ
Hyatt House Jersey City
World Center Hotel

World Center Hotel

4 out of 5
144 Washington St, New York, NY
World Center Hotel
Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District by IHG

Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District by IHG

3.5 out of 5
50 TRINITY PLACE, New York, NY
Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ellis Island

Ellis Island offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors, including ice skating with scenic views, enjoying a relaxing picnic, taking a brief tour to explore the island's rich history, and attending concerts at the nearby pier. These attractions provide a mix of entertainment, culture, and leisure, making your visit to Ellis Island a memorable experience.

Shopping

For shopping near Ellis Island, visit Newport Centre, just 3.2km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Katz's Delicatessen and Essex Street Market, both 4.8km away, provide unique local flavors and a city atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, explore more options beyond 16.1km.

Recreation

Barclays Center in Brooklyn offers an energetic atmosphere with exciting sports events, perfect for an active day. Enjoy live music at the Blue Note Jazz Club, where the vibrant tunes create a relaxing vibe. For a fun family night, catch a show at the Gotham Comedy Club, filled with laughter and joy.

Adventure

DreamWorks Water Park, located 12.9km from Ellis Island, offers thrilling water rides and family fun in a vibrant atmosphere. For a romantic stroll, visit Riegelmann Boardwalk, 14.5km away, where you can enjoy the beach and outdoor vibes. For adventure seekers, the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, 9.7km away, provides exciting climbing experiences.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Ellis Island with the Bowery Ballroom's romantic performances, Jane's Carousel offering family-friendly outdoor fun, and the lively Stonewall Inn, where you can enjoy drinks in an entertaining atmosphere. Each venue adds a unique touch to your evening adventure.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Ellis Island

As a tourist visiting Ellis Island, you'll find a rich blend of culture and history. Explore the Ellis Island Immigration Museum to learn about its significance, and enjoy the surrounding urban parks and historic buildings. This destination offers a memorable family experience with various nearby attractions, making it perfect for travelers seeking cultural enrichment and exploration. Don't miss the opportunity to take a trip to Ellis Island for a unique glimpse into America's immigrant heritage.

  • Statue of Liberty: This iconic statue, located 1.1km from Ellis Island, symbolizes freedom and democracy. Visitors can explore Liberty Island, take in stunning views of the New York skyline, and learn about the statue's rich history and cultural significance.
  • One World Trade Center: Situated 3.2km away, this historic building offers breathtaking panoramic views from its observation deck. As the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, it stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope, enriching your visit with its profound history and cultural vibes.
  • Wall Street: Just 3.2km from Ellis Island, Wall Street is the heart of America's financial district. Stroll the bustling streets to experience the energy of the city and see landmarks like the New York Stock Exchange, surrounded by a blend of history and modernity.

Best time to go to Ellis Island

The best time to visit Ellis Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Ellis Island falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Ellis Island falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ellis Island

To save money on your trip to Ellis Island, consider visiting during the off-peak months from January to March when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodations about a month in advance, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Sundays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's filters to find budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Walking is a great way to explore the area without spending on transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ellis Island are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Ellis Island about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ellis Island is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Ellis Island is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel category. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Ellis Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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