We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Ellis Island

New York Harbor, New York City, NY 10017
212 363 3206
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #49 of 718 attractions in New York City
Book a Tour

Type: Historic Sites, History Museums, Islands, Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Activities: Group tours/walking tour, Walking
Traveler Description: Ellis Island is amazing. Plan to get there early. Be sure to purchase "reserve" ferry tickets online prior to your trip.If you arrive at the... more »
Useful Information: Activities for older children
Write a Review

922 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    542
    275
    77
    21
    7
Date Rating
Paris, France
Top Contributor
91 reviews 91 reviews
65 attraction reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013

I have just come back from New York (10/05/13)and I can tell you that Access to Ellis Island and its museum is CLOSED until the beginning of July 2013 following damage to the landing piers after Hurricane Sandy. It is also impossible to land on the Statue of Liberty Island. If you buy the new York city pass you can... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 30 more reviews by davbratz for New York City
Ra'anana, Israel
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
6 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2013

One of the most interesting days spent in NY. The history of America's immigration presented on the actual island where they were processed before being allowed to enter the US. I didn't realize how many different ethnic groups and different nationalities make up today's American population. I loved the stories that different children wrote about their experiences. Very moving. You... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Frannie55_13 for New York City
Belfast, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2013

I was in New York City June 2012. This was on top of my list of things to see and do whilst in the city, having an interest in the Irish Diaspora and immigration. Very unique and fascinating history of the immigrants who came start a new life in America. Coming from Ireland, my only criticism is that I expected... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Union City, New Jersey
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2013

Ever wonder about the Immigrants coming to America? Well here is the place to ask! Great history, you can actually see names of immigrants who passed through here in the books they used. Great piece of history.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 19 more reviews by martok78 for New York City
Arizona
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 26, 2013

Interesting.... so much to see... so much history.... well worth the walking it takes to see it all.... (Our visit was in November 2011)

Was this review helpful? Yes
Summit, NJ
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2013

I great place to learn where you came from. Interesting and educational. The guides are very knowledgable and the place seems inhabited by ghosts of many ancestors.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by mauncha for New York City
Essex
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2013

When visiting Ellis Island, make sure you buy your tickets online before you go so you can bypass the extremely long queue at the dock. The ticket price of $14 includes the audio tour which is available in several languages. You will still have to go through the usual maze of security checks. As you approach the island, the main... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 8 more reviews by pecanpie2205 for New York City
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 21, 2013 via mobile

It was interesting to learn about the immigrants and such, but honestly not the most exciting thing.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 9 more reviews by nanccakes for New York City
Hasselt, Belgium
Top Contributor
101 reviews 101 reviews
70 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 19, 2013

We could only see the outside of the buildings on Ellis Island during a boat tour we made with het hop on hop off company City Sights. We walked from Times Square to the pier because we were too late to take the bus but I don't recommend this walk : take the bus if you can. Ellis Island is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 32 more reviews by traveladdict3500 for New York City
Moore, Oklahoma
Top Contributor
90 reviews 90 reviews
30 attraction reviews
Reviews in 50 cities Reviews in 50 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 19, 2013

This place was inspiring living history of America. The kids found this place to be the most interesting tour site of the whole entire trip of NYC. The audio tour gives you walking tour of how a immigrant would have entered Ellis Island back in the day. This place has air conditioning, which allows you to take as long as... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Josh W for New York City

Travelers who viewed Ellis Island also viewed

 

Been to Ellis Island? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Ellis Island, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing