From secret staircases to a onetime movie theater, there’s a lot more to Grand Central Terminal than meets the eye—and you’re about to discover it all firsthand.
NYC: Official Grand Central Terminal Tour
Summary Description
Highlights
- Discover Grand Central Terminal’s 150+ years of history.
- Step into a 1920s railroad tycoon’s onetime office.
- Peek at the architectural marvels all around the station.
- See a surprising former movie theater-turned-wine store.
- Tell secrets in the one-of-a-kind Whispering Gallery.
Description
A historic hub of life in New York, Grand Central Terminal holds countless untold stories within its halls. 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.
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).
Head into Vanderbilt Hall, itself a living testament to Grand Central’s rags-to-riches transformation in the 1980s. Next, pop outside for a moment to gaze upon the largest Tiffany clock in the world from the busy Pershing Square plaza.
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.
In the Whispering Gallery you’ll learn just how whispered secrets travel across the busy interchange to be perfectly heard on the other side and you’ll get a peek at one of the largest lost-and-found departments anywhere in the world. 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.
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.
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Grand Central Terminal, East 42nd Street, New York, NY, USA
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at the Tour Information Booth in the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal. If you are standing at the clock in the middle of the concourse, the Tour Information Booth is located just to right of the Harlem and Hudson Line Departures.
Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ahpNZc6B5J7dxEui9
Commentary
Guide : English
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- The tour is in English.
- Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Grand Central Terminal is accessible to all persons with disabilities. There are public elevators and ramps to help people move smoothly through the Terminal.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.
- Please allow plenty of time to arrive for your tour. Transportation in NYC whether by taxi, car, or subway is notoriously slow and can often be unreliable
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Grand Central Terminal is accessible to all persons with disabilities. There are public elevators and ramps to help people move smoothly through the Terminal.
- Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Options and Pricing
Grand Central Terminal Tour Pricing valid from November 18th, 2024
| Grand Central Terminal Tour Pricing valid from November 18th, 2024 | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (15 - 64 years) | $39.00 |
| Child (2 - 14 years) | $34.00 |
| Senior (65 - 120 years) | $36.00 |
Points of interest
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 20
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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