Recently Viewed
Grand Central Tour: Uncover NYC's Hidden Historical Secrets
4.8
1,060 Ratings
New York
Uncover the hidden secrets of Grand Central on this engaging tour led by a native New Yorker. Discover a hidden tennis court, a backwards ceiling, and more!
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Grand Central Terminal - We will explore the many hidden gems inside Grand Central Terminal while learning all about the history of this iconic NYC building!
- Midtown - This tour takes place in the heart of midtown!
- MetLife Building - We will see the Metlife as we walk around Grand Central
- Chrysler Building - We will see the beautiful Chrysler building as we go outside to take a close look at Grand Central Terminal’s clock
- Campbell Apartment - We will peek inside this amazing bar hidden inside Grand Central Terminal
- Grand Central Market - We will see it on this tour
- Graybar Electric Building (Graybar Rats) - We will end our tour there!
- New York City - This tour takes place right in the middle of Manhattan in New York City
- Manhattan Skyline - …
What's Included
- Guided walking tour by a local expert
- Ear pieces provided for clear audio
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Are you aware that Grand Central conceals a secret tennis court? Or that its ceiling mirrors the ground? Uncover these and more intriguing facts on this enlightening tour about the unexpected past of this emblematic symbol of New York City, guided by a local New Yorker certified as a New York City Tour Guide.
-
Delve into the mysteries of one of NYC’s renowned structures
Learn about a mistake in design as immense as Grand Central’s central area - Spot one of NYC’s most sophisticated cocktail bars, once an office, a secret bar, and a prison
- Get a glimpse at the entrance of the transparent passageways
- Discover the concealed tennis court in Grand Central
-
Interpret the covert signs of the dynasty that established Grand Central
Observe what remains of Grand Central’s forgotten cinema
- Tour is in English
- The tour starts in front of Track 29, inside Grand Central Terminal’s main concourse. Your guide will be holding an “Untapped New York” sign.
Location
Grand Central Terminal
East 42nd Street
The tour starts in front of Track 29, inside Grand Central Terminal's main concourse. Your guide will be holding an "Untapped New York" sign.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(1060 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Nicolar828
Jun 21, 2024
Grand Central Station tour - We met Jonathan at track 29 and we were mesmerised from the word go. He was informative, interesting, friendly and funny, the hour and a half went by so quickly. Thank you Jonathan I would totally recommend you
Nicky and Lindy
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephanie_s
Jun 19, 2024
Interesting piece of NY history! - Ray was FABULOUS! There were 4 in our group and we all had a wonderful time. Ray was obviously very knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the Grand Central TERMINAL! :) Lots of interesting and fun facts are shared at just the right speed. Before I went on this tour, my friend asked, "what is there to see for 2.5 hours at the train station?" HA! There is plenty to see and hear about in this 2.5 hour tour. Highly recommend this wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon!
Review provided by Viator
Oz_s
Jun 17, 2024
Amazing tour of Grand Central - John was one of the best guides we’ve had the pleasure of meeting. His presentation of the history and essence of Grand Central was captivating. A great guide makes all the difference! It’s fascinating that a building that hundreds of thousands of people walk through each day without giving any thoughts to their surroundings has so much interesting history and architecture.
Review provided by Viator
Companion42851059428
Jun 16, 2024
Great tour! Put this on your list of things to do! - Booked this tour because I was visiting my son and staying close to Grand Central Station. It exceeded my expectations. Jonathan our tour guide was excellent! He learned everyone’s names and where they were from, making for a fun experience. For fans of The Gilded Age , you will learn a lot about the history of NY in the early 1900’s. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Connector59160680960
Jun 16, 2024
Great tour! - Very knowledgeable and enjoyed the guides' personal experiences shared with the group. Learned many facts about the history of Grand Central Terminal. Well worth it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kirstenf830
Jun 15, 2024
Grand Central Terminal the history lives - The tour was only offered in English, but Jonathan was able to explain to us in German many details about the old long-distance traffic from New York. The entrance hall has been restored to its former glory.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kandt8625
Jun 15, 2024
Highly Recommended,! - Ray was a fabulous guide. His knowledge of the history of Grand Central Terminal and interesting stories made the experience truly enjoyable and informative. Don't miss this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
333jenniferd
Jun 15, 2024
Grand tour of Grand Central Terminal - AJ was very knowledgeable about the history of the terminal and NYC. He definitely loved sharing all the stories and made the experience personal. It was cool to see areas of the terminal you wouldn't just see if you were not on a tour. We liked the size of the tour. Only drawbacks were we didn't have earpieces like I saw on the overview of the experience. Since it was a small group we didn't have trouble hearing him though. Also I wouldn't recommend it if you need to have a break to sit every once in awhile as there are no benches or seats along this tour. Definitely be prepared to be on your feet for the full time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seaside769979
Jun 14, 2024
Even a jaded New Yorker Will Enjoy It - I've Lived In NYC My Entire Life and there are just so many hidden gems to explore.
John De Santo brought GCT to life. The secret apartment, the Tiffany clock the "whisper passage" His enthusiasm and love of NY is contagious. Historic photos took you back in time. So many of the original details and treasures of this testament to the gilded age remain.
Bring your tennis racket and you may be able to strike up a game.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth
Jun 12, 2024
Awesome tour! - Our guide, Bob, was so knowledgeable and friendly. He has so much fun information and facts for the group. Our tour was both inside and outside which gave you a more complete history of Grand Central. Would highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
