Grand Central Terminal
New York’s Grand Central Terminal is a famous transportation hub in Manhattan. It opened on the 2nd of February, 1913, with its very first train leaving at 12:20. Many people still call it Grand Central Station, the name of the former railway station that occupied the same spot. Others refer to it as Grand Central, which is the name of the subway station on 42nd Street. I’ll tell you about all the things to do and see at Grand Central Terminal below.
Eric's Index
Things to do and see at Grand Central NYC
Grand Central Terminal in New York is, of course, a transportation hub, but the impressive building also contains several hidden and not-so-hidden gems that are well worth exploring.
Main Concourse
The Main Concourse is the heart of Grand Central, and the place where you can admire the famous clock that doubles as a meeting spot. On the east and west sides of the Main Concourse, there are marble staircases, which offer panoramic views of the entire hall below. A perfect photo opportunity!
From this hall, you can also easily get to the Summit Observation Deck. Head west through the transit hall under Vanderbilt Avenue, following the SUMMIT signs that will lead you to the observation deck entrance. Perfect to combine with a visit to Grand Central in Manhattan.
The Grand Central Clock
Perhaps the most notable icon of Grand Central Station is the four-faced clock atop the information booth. With each face made of opal, the grand clock is estimated to be worth between 10 and 20 million dollars.
The Ceiling of Grand Central
When visiting Grand Central, be sure to look up at the ceiling. After 12 years of restorations, a beautifully decorated astronomical ceiling was revealed to the public – something which was completely hidden beforehand by tar and nicotine from tobacco smoke. A little patch above the Cipriani has been left to remind visitors of the grime that once covered the ceiling.
The painting itself, however, has two rather large errors: the sky is backwards, and the stars themselves are a little displaced. To account for this, some have argued that the sky is backwards because this is how God would have viewed it from above. The stars themselves are slightly misplaced due to the design being based on a medieval manuscript. Be sure to tell this fact to your children when visiting Grand Central train station, it’ll surely impress them.
Whispering Gallery
Another thing that will impress the kids or flatter that special someone is to have fun at the Whispering Gallery. On the dining concourse, near the Oyster Bar, the ceramic arches make a whisper sound like you are shouting across the room to each other. You will need two people to do this, each standing at opposite ends of the arch: face the corner and whisper. You’ll be surprised by what you hear!
Guided Grand Central Tour
If you want to know all the ins and outs of this beautiful station, you should definitely book a guided tour. The Grand Central walking tour, led by trained guides, will bring you to all the special spots. You’ll pass by the East Staircase, the Sky Ceiling, and the famous clock in the heart of the central hall.
Book your Grand Central Tour here
Where to eat and drink in Grand Central Terminal?
There are all kinds of places to eat and drink in Grand Central, generally with a high-end vibe. I have a few favourite spots in the terminal:
- Oyster Bar: The Oyster Bar is one of the most unique dining establishments in New York, and possibly even in the world. As all employees are co-owners of the restaurant, they can tell you a great deal about the extensive seafood and fish selection. For the best experience, I recommend finding a spot at the bar.
- Grand Brasserie: In a corner of the Vanderbilt Hall, the atmospheric Grand Brasserie is a popular spot for business people from Midtown to come for lunch.
- The Campbell: The Campbell has something of a speakeasy vibe. It’s a local hangout for people to come and enjoy a cocktail and a chat after work.
- Cipriani Dolci: At Cipriani, you dine with a view of Grand Central’s main concourse. Watch people rushing to their trains while enjoying the restaurant’s Venetian menu.
- Grand Central Market: Not in the mood for a high-end restaurant, and just want to grab something small? Head to Grand Central Market. All merchants here are local businesses, and most products are locally sourced.
The World’s Largest Train Station
Grand Central Terminal is the world’s largest train station and certainly worth a visit. It consists of an impressive 44 platforms and 67 tracks, from where Metro-North Railroad trains leave, in addition to a number of restaurants. Beneath Grand Central Station, you can find the Grand Central Madison terminal, from where the Long Island Rail Road runs. From here, you can even walk underground for quite a bit, all the way to the Chase Building on East 46th Street. A handy solution when the weather is bad. Plus, you find perfectly clean toilets here as well.
Most people though, come to see the Main Concourse in all its grandeur, and it is splendid! When the current building was erected, the surrounding streets were provided with electricity. This made the area one of the most desirable districts for commercial offices.
Each day, over 750,000 people travel through the station, and 93% of those commuting are college graduates. With that many people making use of the station, it is surprising to see it in such pristine condition today.
Practical Information
- Location: East 42nd and Park Avenue
- Opening hours: daily from 05:30 to 02:00
- How to get there: By subway, using a MetroCard. Take lines 4567S to Grand Central (42nd Street). You can also take one of the Hop on Hop off buses that stop close by.
- Accessibility: Grand Central New York is wheelchair accessible
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