New York City Downtown History and Landmarks Tour 5 hr - Image 1
New York City Downtown History and Landmarks Tour 5 hr - Image 2
New York City Downtown History and Landmarks Tour 5 hr - Image 3
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New York City Downtown History and Landmarks Tour 5 hr

TourTruth score 8.4 out of 10

Very goodTop 10% in New York City

35 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score

  • New York City
  • Updated November 2, 2026

Explore Lower Manhattan’s history on a private New York City tour with a guide, Statue of Liberty ferry, Ellis Island, and more.

About this tour

Explore more than 400 years of history on a private New York City Downtown tour, from the city’s colonial beginnings to its modern skyline. With an expert guide, walk through Lower Manhattan and hear the stories behind the people and events that shaped the Big Apple.

The experience includes a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, with entrance to the Ellis Island Museum. Continue through the heart of downtown to the National September 11 Memorial, a moving place to reflect on a defining moment in the city’s history. For a wider view of Manhattan, you can add an optional visit to One World Observatory.

This five-hour New York City Downtown tour combines landmark visits with the context and detail a private guide can bring to the streets. Expect a moderate amount of walking, and plan to eat beforehand since there is no lunch break. Book your tour to discover the stories behind some of New York’s most iconic sights.

Highlights

  • Trace more than 400 years of New York City history with a private guide
  • Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Museum
  • Reflect at the National September 11 Memorial
  • Add an optional visit to One World Observatory

What's included

Included

  • Expert guide
  • Private tour
  • Ellis Island Museum entrance
  • Statue of Liberty ferry ticket
  • Optional One World Observatory visit

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Statue of Liberty crown and pedestal access

Ratings on each provider

The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.

Important information

  • Meet at 1 Bowling Green, in front of the Alexander Hamilton Custom House, at 10:15 a.m.; look for a guide holding a white-and-blue checked flag
  • At least 2 people are required per booking
  • Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older
  • Moderate walking is involved; wear appropriate shoes
Show 6 more
  • No lunch break is scheduled; snack opportunities are available, and a large breakfast is recommended
  • The tour operates in all weather; dress appropriately
  • Dangerous weather cancellations offer an alternative date or a full refund
  • Photography is allowed, but monopods and tripods are not
  • The route may change due to marches, parades, or other circumstances beyond the operator’s control
  • Wheelchair accessible; strollers and service animals are allowed

Frequently asked questions

How long is the tour?

The private tour lasts 5 hours.

What is included?

The tour includes an expert guide, a private tour, Ellis Island Museum entrance, and a Statue of Liberty ferry ticket. One World Observatory is an optional add-on.

Where and when does the tour meet?

Meet at 1 Bowling Green, in front of the Alexander Hamilton Custom House, at 10:15 a.m. Look for a guide holding a white-and-blue checked flag.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The tour and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

What happens if dangerous weather cancels the tour?

You can choose an alternative tour date or receive a full refund.

How this score is calculated

This score is based on one provider. Viator rates it 5.00 from 35 reviews. We place that rating among all Viator ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.

How the score works and rating distribution in New York City
  • Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
  • Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
  • Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
  • The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 8.4. Top 10% in New York City means it ranks in the top 10% of tours in New York City by this score.

Provider rating distribution in New York City

How many tours in New York City have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.

  • GetYourGuide
  • Viator

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