Explore Ellis Island’s abandoned hospital on a guided hard-hat tour
4 hours
Round-trip ferry, hard hat tour
Step inside Ellis Island’s abandoned contagious disease hospital and learn how nurses cared for arriving immigrants. Explore restricted areas with a guide and see parts of JR’s “Unframed” exhibition along the way.
Closed-toe shoes are required, and you must stay with the guide. Not accessible for wheelchairs or powered scooters; minimum age is 10. All participants sign a waiver and wear a hard hat.
100% refund for cancellations made 7 days or more prior to the start of your tour. Tickets are not refundable or exchangeable starting a week prior to the date of the tour.
Wear closed-toe shoes; they are mandatory.
No. The tour is not accessible for people using wheelchairs or powered scooters, and walkers are not allowed.
Yes. Kids must be 10+ years old to join.
Information desk located on the ground floor of the Ellis Island Museum
Visitors consistently rave about the exceptional tour guides here, particularly Richard, who leads several different walking tours including Grand Central Terminal, Gilded Age mansions, and Fifth Avenue experiences. People describe him as incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and engaging, with one reviewer noting he knew so much that guests didn't even have questions. The tours reveal hidden secrets and fascinating historical details that bring iconic NYC locations to life, and guides come prepared with visual aids and even hearing devices for elderly participants who need them. The variety of themed tours appeals to history buffs and casual tourists alike, from New Amsterdam colonial history to Gilded Age architecture. Justin, who created and leads the New Amsterdam tour, receives special praise for his depth of knowledge and passion for the subject. Other guides like Ro also get mentioned for keeping groups engaged throughout multi-hour walking experiences. Expect about 90 minutes to two hours of walking, but reviewers consistently say the time flies by thanks to intriguing stories and enthusiastic guides who handle questions graciously.
Great walking tour by Richard! Insight into history and art.
kazumi ehara
April 1, 2026
Great walking tour by Richard! Insight into history and art.
kazumi ehara
April 1, 2026