NYC: Official Grand Central Terminal Special Access Guided Tour

177 Reviews4.84 out of 5 stars Based on 177 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
New York City, USA
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1 hour 30 minutes (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

A historic hub of life in New York, Grand Central Terminal holds countless untold stories within its halls. From secret staircases to a onetime movie theater, there’s a lot more than meets the eye—and you’re about to discover it all firsthand. On this revealing experience, you’ll see a side of the world’s most famous train terminal that even the most frequent commuters never encounter. Get to know the colorful historic figures who brought Grand Central to life, and gain a new appreciation for its near-magical scale.

Description

Stop At: Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd Street, New York City, New York 10017

Your adventure begins in Grand Central Terminal’s modern-day heart: the lively main concourse. Marvel at the famous clock perched atop the information booth—and learn the eye-watering amount it’s rumored to be worth—as your guide regales you with the story of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the mastermind behind Grand Central Depot (as it was originally called). From there, head into Vanderbilt Hall, itself a living testament to Grand Central’s rags-to-riches transformation in the 1980s.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: 42nd Street, 42nd Street, New York City, New York

Next, pop outside for a moment to gaze upon the largest Tiffany clock in the world from the busy Pershing Square plaza.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Campbell Apartment, 15 Vanderbilt Ave, Grand Central Terminal, New York City, New York 10017

Heading back inside, it's time to travel back in time to the Roaring 20s. Step into a speakeasy-style bar that, a century ago, served as the private office of one of New York’s most prominent railroad tycoons.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd Street, New York City, New York 10017

After a foray into the Whispering Gallery, where you’ll learn just how whispered secrets travel across the busy interchange to be perfectly heard on the other side, you’ll get a peek at one of the largest lost-and-found departments anywhere in the world. Then, peruse the handcrafted designs and jewelry on sale from local artisans in the Graybar Passage before stepping into a fascinating former movie theater, where travel-weary youngsters could enjoy some entertainment back in Grand Central’s heyday.

Duration: 35 minutes

Stop At: Grand Central Market, 89 E 42nd St, Grand Central Terminal, New York City, New York 10017

Last but not least, you’ll weave through the colorful Grand Central Market before making your way back to the main concourse, having gotten a true insider’s look at the most famous train terminal in the world.

Duration: 15 minutes

Pass By: Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington and 42nd St., New York City, New York 10174

Chrysler Building (pass by)

Pass By: New York Transit Museum Gift Shop, 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10001, USA

New York Transit Museum Gift Shop (pass by)

Read full description

Schedule

  • Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
  • Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
  • Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
  • Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (Approx.)
  • Return Details:

    89 E 42nd St, 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA

What's Included

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Expertly guided walking tour
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup not offered

What To Bring

  • Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
  • Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.
  • A Smile!

Additional Info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Reviews

4.84
177 reviews

Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 177 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
163
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Product code: C-7167P71

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