Unforgettable Grand Central Terminal History and Hidden Secrets
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Unforgettable Grand Central Terminal History and Hidden Secrets

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(2 reviews)
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join us for an unforgettable journey through Grand Central Terminal one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of architecture, history, and hidden secrets.
An immersive 2 hour walking tour discovering hidden secrets most tours miss including:
Secrets of the Whispering Gallery – Hear your voice travel across vaulted ceilings in one of NYC’s most mysterious acoustic marvels.
A Clock Worth Millions – Stand beneath the famed four-faced opal clock, a timeless meeting place and symbol of the city.
Architectural Grandeur: Marvel at Beaux-Arts elegance, celestial ceilings, and Tiffany glass while learning how this terminal reshaped Manhattan.
Hidden Passageways: From secret platforms to Prohibition-era speakeasies, dive into the lesser-known chapters of Grand Central's colorful past.
Whether you're a history buff, architecture lover, or curious traveler, this tour offers insider access and captivating stories you won’t find in guidebooks.

Available options

Unforgettable Grand Central Terminal History and Hidden Secrets

What's included

Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

On this immersive 2 hour walking tour, you’ll uncover:
Secrets of the Whispering Gallery – Hear your voice travel across vaulted ceilings in one of NYC’s most mysterious acoustic marvels.

A Clock Worth Millions – Stand beneath the famed four-faced opal clock, a timeless meeting place and symbol of the city.

Architectural Grandeur – Marvel at Beaux-Arts elegance, celestial ceilings, and Tiffany glass while learning how this terminal reshaped Midtown Manhattan.

Hidden Passageways & Untold Stories – From secret platforms to Prohibition-era speakeasies, dive into the lesser-known chapters of Grand Central's colorful past.

A Living Landmark – Discover how Grand Central isn’t just a train station—it's a vibrant destination with shops, dining, and events woven into the city's daily life.

2

A European-style gourmet shopping experience steps from subway. The Market features local vendors offering various items and prepared foods. All merchants are local businesses and many of the products are locally sourced.

3
Stop 3

Walk the Graybar Passage flanked to the North by the Graybar Building and Metro North Tracks - to the south, numerous retail shops, The Graybar Passage is a major thoroughfare from Lexington Avenue into the Main Concourse of Grand Central.

4
Stop 4

The Lower Dinning Concourse at Grand Central Terminal is one of the city's greatest public spaces. Described as "the best-designed transit hub, a stunning work of Beaux-Arts architecture" is considered a landmark location filled with history and secrets. It is one of the world's top ten tourist attractions.

There's always a lot going on here, and it's been that way ever since it first opened in 1913. One thing that's relatively new: Grand Central has become something of a dining and drinking destination, bouncing back after an early-pandemic slumber with a slew of new openings and revitalized old favorites.

For out-of-town visitors, area workers, commuters grabbing a bite

5
Stop 5

LIRR Grand Central Madison Station, opened in January 2023, is a major addition to the Long Island Rail Road network, located deep beneath Grand Central Terminal. This terminal is the centerpiece of the East Side Access project, the most significant expansion of LIRR service in over 100 years. It offers direct service from Long Island to the East Side of Manhattan with eight tracks and four platforms spread across a 350,000-square-foot facility,

6
Stop 6

Known as the “Kissing Room,” the Biltmore Room served as a space for arriving travelers to greet and reunite with loved ones. In its peak, many travelers were soldiers returning home from the battlefield. Located in the Northwest corner of Grand Central Terminal’s main upper level, it gained its name because it sits directly below the former Biltmore Hotel, from 1913.

7
Stop 7

Track 34 - The "20th Century Limited" originally ran from New York’s Grand Central Terminal to La Salle in Chicago, from 1902 to 1967, and was the flagship train of the New York Central railway. From the start of the journey in New York, every aspect of the 20th Century Limited was geared towards glamourous. Passengers would walk along Track 34 towards their berth along a long red carpet, The ‘20th Century Limited’ is where the expression ‘red carpet treatment’ was formed.

8
Stop 8

The Whispering Gallery. If you stand close against the tile wall in the domed intersection of walkways on the lower floor of Grand Central Terminal and you'll discover a secret: a corner-to-corner whispering gallery.

9
Stop 9

Grand Central Terminal is one of the most-visited destinations in NYC for good reason: Incredible history, architecture, dining, and shopping, all in one place. View the Celestial Ceiling aka Zodiac Ceiling painted in 1871

10

The Campbell is a bar and cocktail lounge in Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The space, long known as the Campbell Apartment, was once the office of American financier John W. Campbell, a member of the New York Central Railroad's board of directors. It was later used as office space, as a studio by CBS and as a jail by Metro-North Railroad. Renovations in 1999 and 2007 restored the space to its original opulence at a total cost of nearly $2 million.

What's not included

Gratuities always appreciated

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
some portions of Grand Central are not accessible by wheelchair/scooter

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of the entrance to 60 E 42 street - directly across from the Grand Central Terminal. See Photo of building.

Important notes

Meet the Guide in Front of 60 E 42nd Street who will have a check in list

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
  • LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown
By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls
650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.
370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia
150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

  • Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
  • Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
  • Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
  • Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 6-120
1
Infants
Age 0-4
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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