NYC: Official Grand Central Terminal Tour

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.

Summary

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.  

Tour info

Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group Size
20
Pricing (From)
Adult: (15-64 years)
$35.00
Child: (2-14 years)
$30.00
Infant: (0-1 years)
$0.00
Senior: (65-120 years)
$32.00
Commentary
English
Meeting Point

Tour Information Booth, Grand Central Terminal

Dropoff location

89 E 42nd St (Transit Museum, Grand Central Terminal), New York, New York, 10001, US

Why take this tour?

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.  
 

What’s included?

  • Local English-speaking guide

  • Expertly guided walking tour

  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off

  • Gratuities

Things to know

Before you go

  • This tour is conducted in English only.

  • 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

  • Masks are required to be worn inside Grand Central Terminal. Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to New York government guidelines for the most up to date information

  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point ready for your tour - prior to arrival use the bathroom and ensure you have eaten.

Cancellation Policy

    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 non-refundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive or arrives after tour departure.

Redemption information

    Mobile tickets will be accepted.


    Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

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.