Discover the history and symbolism behind the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with a private guided tour. This immersive experience provides unique insights and stunning views, making it a must-do in New York City.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
approximately 3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect some standing and walking
Wildlife
History
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France in 1886, symbolizing freedom, while Ellis Island processed over 12 million immigrants from 1892 to 1954.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes environmentally responsible practices, including minimizing waste and respecting the preservation of these historic sites.
New York Historical Tours
Discover the history and symbolism behind the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with a private guided tour. This immersive experience provides unique insights and stunning views, making it a must-do in New York City.
New York Historical Tours offers expert-led walking and private tours across Manhattan and Brooklyn, focusing on the city’s pivotal moments, neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks. Founded to make complex history accessible, the company designs tours that range from neighborhood walks to private museum visits. Tours cover Lower Manhattan, the Financial District, South Street Seaport, the Brooklyn Bridge, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, the Lower East Side, Chinatown, Little Italy, and iconic sites such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Guides emphasize archival sources, local anecdotes, and visible urban fabric to explain eras like the Gilded Age and the Roaring 20s as well as social and architectural history. Several offerings list private, customizable options, including half-day and three-hour itineraries for clients seeking a tailored experience. Seasonal and holiday programs such as Christmas in New York and Fifth Avenue holiday tours provide curated city tours during peak periods.
New York Historical Tours maintains credibility by operating in well-known public sites and museums and by offering clearly titled itineraries that match visitor expectations. The business lists a broad set of experiences—from neighborhood-centric walks to full-day and museum-specific private tours—so travelers can choose depth, duration, and focus. Whether visitors seek a topical historical overview, a specialized museum visit, or a family-friendly neighborhood exploration, New York Historical Tours provides structured, third-party-guided options centered on factual local history.
Tours are presented as named itineraries reflecting the city's historic themes and neighborhoods and visitor interests.
Tours Offered
32 tours
Neighborhood and museum itineraries
Private Tours
Available
Multiple private options listed
Durations
Half-day & 3-hour
Various lengths for different needs
Coverage
Manhattan & Brooklyn
Historic neighborhoods and museums
Reserve private or public tours spanning neighborhoods, museums, and era-focused itineraries — plan a memorable, fact-driven exploration.
Book in advance
Private tours fill up quickly, so reserve your spot well ahead of time.
Wear comfortable shoes
Expect to walk and stand for the duration of the tour on uneven surfaces.
Bring layers
Harbor areas can be breezy; dressing in layers helps stay comfortable.
Capture the moment
Don’t forget your camera or phone for photo opportunities of the skyline and landmarks.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for comfortable movement during the tour's in-depth visits.
Light jacket or layers
Protect against wind and variable temperatures around the harbor.
Camera or smartphone
Capture memorable moments and panoramic views of the skyline.
Sunscreen and hat
Shield yourself from the sun during outdoor portions of the tour.
summer