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All 1,703 New York City Attractions »

Ellis Island

New York Harbor, New York City, NY 10017
212 363 3206
Ranked #44 of 707 attractions in New York City
4.5 of 5 stars 506 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, History Museums, Islands, Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Activities: Group tours/walking tour, Walking
Traveller 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
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506 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    295
    155
    41
    13
    2
Date Rating
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2012 NEW

Ellis Island is included in the ticket price to visit the Statue of Liberty, but even if it wasn't you should take the time to visit as it gives a real insight into what it must have been like for the immigrants who travelled to America to start a new life. There are photos of families getting off the boat... More

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See 3 more reviews by christinewatkins049 for New York City
singapore
Top Contributor
90 reviews 90 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2012 NEW

this place safe of tons history but not so excited as liberty but must to see it..

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See 26 more reviews by amazinggirls for New York City
Canada
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

I didn't find this was worth the time or money. Maybe being from Canada, it doesn't have the same meaning as it does for Americans. My ancestors arrived through New Foundland.

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See 6 more reviews by BuisnessTraveller_8 for New York City
Nebraska
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

Very worthwhile. The 35 min cruise to Ellis Island(we chose not to disembark at Liberty Island due to major restorative work being done on the Statue) offers a great view of Lower Manhattan & Lady Liberty. Highly recommend the audio tour. Be sure to purchase your ferry ticket in advance http://www.statuecruises.com/ Arrive at least 30 min prior to departure. The... More

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See 8 more reviews by HuskerTraveler2 for New York City
A TripAdvisor Member
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW via mobile

Though the island is no longer servicing the US, its a big piece of many families' history. You can look up ancestors for $5 in their computer lab.

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South Carolina
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW
2
people found this review helpful

The ferry for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island offers a short trip to both attractions. The first stop is the Statue of Liberty. Currently the Statue if closed due to renovations, but it is still worth the time to get off the boat. There is a museum and gift shop, but you are also allowed to walk around... More

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See 3 more reviews by SproutSC for New York City
Fife, Scotland
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

Taking the ferry across to Ellis Island is a must for everyone who is remotely interested in history. The building is steeped in history with endless facts about the immigrants entering the US via this island & indeed some being not so lucky & being returned from hence they came. Taking this trip, make sure you visit theatre 1 for... More

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See 6 more reviews by GaryDFife_Scotland for New York City
Lancs
Top Contributor
100 reviews 100 reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012

The museum and ground were very interesting, especially the passport wall and the personal belongings exhibit. We were in NY for 5 days so it fit nicely with our touring although I don't think I would bother if we were there for any less time. It's also worth checking out the views from the grounds. The view looking back to... More

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See 35 more reviews by Hannikins for New York City
Athens, Greece
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012

If you don't want to waste time waiting in lines and going through useless body searches that make you feel like a suspect in a murder case, don't go through the whole Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island experience. I honestly regret wasting one day to see these two places.And trust me, our group was all about sightseeing!

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See 4 more reviews by BloodyArty for New York City
Genoa - Italy
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012

Museum for a touching experience thinking to all immigrants who passed by.

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See 6 more reviews by trapan for New York City

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