Explore Ellis Island's abandoned hospital on an exclusive hard-hat tour with access to off-limits wards and exhibits
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Ferry tickets, Hard hat tour
Step inside the abandoned Ellis Island Hospital on an exclusive hard-hat tour. Access buildings normally closed to the public as you explore contagious disease wards, autopsy rooms, laundry buildings, and staff quarters where nurses treated immigrants.
Closed-toe shoes and hard hats are mandatory; a waiver must be signed on arrival. Ages 10+ only; not accessible for wheelchairs or powered scooters. Stay with the guide at all times; no tripods or monopods; tour runs rain or shine.
100% refund for cancellations made 7 days or more before the tour start. Tickets are not refundable or exchangeable within 7 days of the tour date.
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.
We did the secrets to Grand Central tour with Richard and it was such a wonderful tour. Richard is so incredibly knowledgeable about GCT that most of us didn't even have any questions. He was informative and knew his way around so well. Highly recommend and would definitely take another tour with Richard.
P F
January 9, 2026
We did the secrets to Grand Central tour with Richard and it was such a wonderful tour. Richard is so incredibly knowledgeable about GCT that most of us didn't even have any questions. He was informative and knew his way around so well. Highly recommend and would definitely take another tour with Richard.
P F
January 9, 2026