Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Monday
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Tuesday
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Wednesday
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Thursday
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Friday
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Saturday
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Sunday
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
About
Grand Central Terminal is the most extraordinary public space in New York City. Opened to the public in 1913, this historic train terminal is a world-famous landmark in Midtown. Its rich history is a story of immense wealth and great engineering. Grand Central is one of the busiest train stations in the world, with approximately 750,000 visitors every day. It is the home of Metro-North Railroad, a subway station, iconic restaurants, shops, and the world's most alluring Apple Store. Some of the highlights to see along your tour of Grand Central include the opal-faced clock, valued at $20 million, above the Information Booth, the Largest Tiffany Glass Clock in the World below the 48-foot, 1500-ton Transportation statue overlooking 42nd Street at Park Avenue, and the mystifying acoustics of the Whispering Gallery in front of the Oyster Bar and Restaurant. Audio and guided tours are available for those with a passion for history. More information regarding tours and ways to plan your visit can be found on the Grand Central Terminal website.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Midtown East
How to get there
  • Grand Central • 1 min walk
  • Grand Central • 1 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • aldabra007
    Trieste, Italy2,500 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Super Train
    It may seem strange how one of the most beautiful things to see is a station but it's true. A place used by numerous film sets it becomes a place of passage where the trains cannot be seen unless they go to the side doors and to the floors below. Marble and brass take you back in time and the cleanliness and details make the place particularly fascinating. On the floor below there is the restaurant area with specialties for all tastes. In the middle you can find the whisper room where the curved ceiling allows you to be heard by those in the opposite corner. Try it, it's fun. Admire the station also from the outside, from park avenue
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written February 16, 2024
  • Jennifer F
    91 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Architectural Gem
    When visiting the city I aways try to stop at Grand Central Terminal. It is a must see architectural gem. The terminal is a testimony to building preservation. There are several restaurants and shops in the terminal.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written February 17, 2024
  • lamar C
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Where Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Life
    Grand Central Terminal is like stepping into a piece of living history. The architecture is a breathtaking blend of the classic and the contemporary, with that famous celestial ceiling that just draws you in. The hustle and bustle of commuters mixes with a sense of timeless charm. It's not just a transit hub; it's an experience that effortlessly marries the old and the new. A genuine must-see, whether you're a local or just passing through.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written March 5, 2024
  • Rajagopal S
    Edison, New Jersey3,361 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mist see place
    A must see place in New York . Grand central is a train terminal but it’s more than that . Railway station has trains to Connecticut and many other instead state trains . Fantastic location.. Amazing architecture .. inside of grand central is just photogenic ! Superb . Lots of restaurants around . Lots of places to eat : there is an Apple showroom inside : love it . Ther is a wine tasting bar inside .. of course parking is tough. Use taxis and trains to reach grand central . Good and other stuff are little expensive inside . A must see place in NY !
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written March 7, 2024
  • Sue M
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Timeless Elegance at Grand Central Terminal
    Grand Central Terminal is a magnificent architectural gem that seamlessly blends history with functionality. Its iconic celestial ceiling, elegant design, and bustling atmosphere create a timeless and enchanting experience. A must-visit for both commuters and tourists seeking a glimpse of New York City's rich cultural heritage.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written March 10, 2024
  • Tatiana N
    Rio de Janeiro, RJ60 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visit, even if your trip is short
    You have to go, even if the trip is short. The station is beautiful, the ceiling, the building outside, inside, the chandeliers. It feels like being in a movie. There is a food court, so if you are tired, stop for a coffee and rest a little. It also has a bathroom. For those who like Apple, there is a store there too.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written March 25, 2024
  • Sabrine572
    Angers, France454 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A dream come true
    I've always wanted to see this legendary station, finally I set foot on it this week, it's quite a monument! It is beautiful, large, impeccably clean, we saw it during rush hour, a real anthill! A must-see in New York!
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written March 30, 2024
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, Minnesota7,991 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Famous Train Station with a Beautiful Interior
    Arguably one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Beaux-Artes style architecture with an elegant interior but also so much history. Opened in 1913, it remains one of the busiest train stations in the world. Centrally located so very easy to pay a visit if you are in Midtown Manhattan and very much worth a stop.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written April 1, 2024
  • Patrick
    Lienz, Austria46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Like in all films and stories!
    The GCT is not only worth seeing for its architecture. It is huge, much bigger than expected and offers shops for shopping, small cafes and restaurants, and you always feel at home here somehow! As a holidaymaker in this city for the first time, you can easily get lost in such a large terminal, but that doesn't matter because everyone is incredibly helpful and nice, that's rare! Even if you're not necessarily looking for transport connections, you should see the inside of Grand Central!
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written April 9, 2024
  • Pete
    Fredericksburg, Virginia1,228 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I liked it better before….
    Before my visit, I had heard on TV, that some very significant changes were being made to Grand Central. I’m not sure if I even noticed much difference except the iconic lobby area with the clock in the middle. I seem to recall this area being very open and spacious but now I thought it felt cramped. I don’t remember all the shops and cafes being in the iconic lobby area and the assumed domed ceiling was much lower? I’m having a hard time giving the upgrades 5 stars.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written April 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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saturn50
Brooklyn, NY4 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Solo
This is of course one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City. As a local (I live in Brooklyn) it's still nice to visit Grand Central once in a while. Lots of shops and things to explore. There's even a little Transit Museum hidden in there, if you can find it. Quite pleasant but also extremely crowded. You can also take the 4/5/6 trains uptown to 86st to see the Met museum, so I would suggest stopping at Grand Central. But overall, I wouldn't say that it is one of the most amazing landmarks in NYC, as it's swarmed by tourists and crowds all the time. Definitely worth a visit however.
Written August 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cornwallgurl
Gunnislake, UK205 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
We left this as an option for our last day, although both wanted to see it for its Art Deco architecture. As it was raining biblically, and we could, after a brief walk in the rain, board the purple eastbound subway line direct to it, we went. It is truly magnificent and has been beautifully restored, but I'm glad we didn't pay $35 each for a "secret" tour. The marble! The ceiling! The facade! The fabulous signs for the food area. The clock (not as large as I'd envisaged, but very beautiful all the same) The lack of seats (see also JFK airport) - is this an American "thing"? Not feeling rich enough or inclined to sample the oyster/lobster bar, we grabbed a coffee and vainly looked for somewhere to sit. Issuing out into the still torrential rain to the signed taxi rank, there were no taxis. At all. A 25 minute wait ensued, and eventually by dint of rushing across the road and virtually hurling ourselves under the wheels of one, we managed it. It seems extraordinary that a vast station, with an advertised cab rank has none. Apparently it was due to the rain.
Written May 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

busconi
Wenatchee, WA5,409 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
Another great activity to do when it is pouring rain outside, well, also a great activity is it is nice outside for this building oozes with history, is full of little secrets to find, is beautiful and to top it all off, it is free to enter!!!!
Built back in the 1870s by Cornelius Vanderbilt when train travel was the rage, but by the 1950s cars and planes had surpassed trains as the main means of getting from point A to point B, and the station fell into disrepair, it lost its National Landmark status and was scheduled to be torn down, replaced by a new skyscraper. But Jackie Onassis and legendary architect Philip Johnson banded together to form the Committee to Save Grand Central Station and succeeded. The building was cleaned up, layers and layers of soot and grime were removed from the walls and ceiling. The ceiling constellations once again could be seen from below, broken windows replaced, trash removed, and the station was expanded. Today it is such a vibrant area. People scurrying to catch their train, shops and eateries abound and everywhere there is motion and activity. We loved walking about taking it all in.
and.......
if you know about them, you can go find little secret areas like the Whispering Wall, and the black tile, and the glass walkways, and constellations painted backwards...so many fun things to discover. When in NYC, do stop in to visit this grand building.
Written May 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kunduku
Wirral, UK379 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Couples
Iconic and awe inspiring, as seen in so many films. We were there on a Sunday morning, so it was very busy and we wished we had chosen a different time when it would have been quieter. Still very impressive and lots to see - the ceiling, the stairs, the windows, the arches and track numbers, the ticket windows and the beautiful clock, not forgetting the outside sculpture at the main entrance and the viaduct.
Like so many other iconic locations in NYC, it suffers from being very touristy now but it is still very definitely a great place to see.
Written November 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,436 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Couples
Grand by design and globally recognized as a center of transportation, civic architecture and commerce, all at once embodying the historic, economic, cultural and optimistic spirit of New York City, that is a postcard picture of Grand Central Terminal. Located at 89 East 49th Street, in Midtown Manhattan, it is one of the city's premier attractions offering a compelling blend of rich history, architectural details, exquisite dining and diverse shopping. Spread over 49 acres, it features 44 platforms and 67 tracks on two levels, making it the world's largest train station by number of platforms and area occupied, the third busiest train station in North America and one of the world's 10 most visited tourist attractions with 21.8 million visitors annually. Grand Central is a commuter rail terminal that is the southern terminus of the Metropolitan West Railroad's Harlem, Hudson and New Haven lines, serving the northern parts of the New York metropolitan area. Opened in 1913, it serves 67 million passengers annually. It is noted for its distinctive architecture, interior design, works of art, main concourse, variety of stores and food vendors, upscale restaurants and bars, food hall and grocery marketplace. The building also includes a library, tennis club, event hall, control center, offices for the railroad and a sub-basement power station. The highlight of restaurant row is the Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in the terminal.
Written July 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PRAIRA
Ankara, Türkiye718 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023
This historical station, which was put into service in 1871, is one of the city's rarest and most original buildings. It has a very impressive exterior, its interior is huge and interesting, there is not a single load-bearing column in that very large hall. How visionary people built it that today it can still be the largest train station in the world. I read that it contains 67 train platforms and hosts nearly a million people every day. There are dozens of gourmet food stores, restaurants and cafes on the ground floor. Half of the first floor serves as an Apple store. Be sure to visit, feel both history and today, live, enjoy, have fun.
Google
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

George M
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
Jonathan was an informative and personal guide. He repeated our names often, showing he wanted us to know he wasn’t mailing it in. We saw all the things you might miss without a guide, heard the history and development of the building and overall had a delightful tour.
Written April 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

joey b
Asheville, NC69 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Family
Grand Central Terminal is so much more than a train station—it’s a destination in itself! We spent hours exploring its incredible food options and loved every bite. From classic New York-style pizza to Shake Shack’s famous burgers, and a wide variety of desserts to top it all off, there was something delicious at every turn.

We were genuinely surprised by the quality and variety of food available—it far exceeded our expectations for a transit hub! The bustling atmosphere, paired with the terminal’s historic architecture, made the experience even more memorable.

Whether you’re catching a train, grabbing a quick bite, or just soaking in the NYC vibe, Grand Central Terminal is a must-visit. Can’t wait to come back for another foodie adventure!
Written January 6, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

delfinacuario2000
Buenos Aires, Argentina709 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
An amazing central station located in the center of the city. It’s a mandatory stop, either as a tourist attraction or to catch subways and trains to different destinations. The central part of the station is really beautiful and worth seeing. Many movies have been filmed here, so much of what we see feels familiar, as we’ve already seen it on screen without a doubt. Make sure to visit the food market; it offers great gourmet options, charcuterie, chocolates, spices, and more!
Written September 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kevin B
Mount Juliet, TN4,243 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
Grand Central Terminal is one of the most beautiful train stations that we've ever seen and we love being able to come here. The Main Concourse is truly something to see and the constellation ceiling is just gorgeous. It's a clean station and it has lots of shopping and dining including the famous Oyster Bar. It's a beautiful place to visit even if you're not taking a train and it's one we would recommend to anyone visiting the city.
Written January 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2025)

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