GRAND CENTRAL STATION NYC

 

East 42^nd Street at Park Avenue
(212) 935-3960

Grand Central Terminal is the world’s largest and busiest transportation building, occupying forty-nine acres and servicing over 426,000 commuters on a daily basis. The main entrance to the station is located at East 42^nd Street at Park Avenue; believe me, you really can’t miss it. Tours are available for free on Wednesday afternoons (12:30 in front of the information booth inside the terminal’s main level,) but to be honest, this is less of an exhibit and more of a utility for New York’s many, many commuters.

The terminal was officially opened in 1913 and has recently undergone a massive, three hundred million dollar renovation to restore its outward appearance above and beyond that of the original. It has a dramatic Beaux Arts façade which is made even more striking by three 75-foot arched windows which are separated by massive, fluted columns.

Doors on Vanderbilt Avenue and on 42^nd Street lead into the main concourse, an absolutely huge amphitheater of sorts, dominated by a map of the stars (on the ceiling, of course) and restaurants on the balconies which afford spectacular views of the surrounding area. Underground, over 60 tracks usher trains upstate and to Connecticut through the services of the MetroNorth Commuter Rail.

The Grand Central Terminal’s renovated dining concourse has over two dozen food vendors, as well as the aforementioned balcony-located restaurants. Among them is a relatively new Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, our personal recommendation. As stated earlier, the balcony seating looks out over the main concourse, which is 470 feet long, 160 feet wide, and 150 feet high (just to give you an idea of how big the thing really is).

The place tends to get a little dicey around rush hour, as you can well imagine, so you may wish to steer clear if you’re not entirely sure where you’re going. If you have a destination in mind, by all means take advantage of one of the most efficient and beautiful terminals anywhere. For more information, please call (212) 935-3960. Donations to the Municipal Art Society are accepted in lieu of tour admission prices.