The train station with the largest number of platforms in the world (44) should not be missed. Its architectural design is majestic and the interior spaces will surely captivate you.

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Gran Central Terminal is so architecturally interesting that it is the 4th most photographed place in all of New York City. Over 23 million tourists visit it annually in addition to the 68 million regular travelers.

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We recommend combining a visit to the train station with a visit to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, located in the skyscraper directly across the street.

The breathtakingly beautiful architecture

Grand Central Terminal isn't just a train station.

The building is an architectural gem built between 1903 and 1913 in the Beau-Arts style.

The station impresses with many unique architectural features.

A ceiling with a mural

The most striking feature of the interior is the central hall with its magnificent vaulted ceiling.

It features an unusual colour, which is a combination of navy blue and khaki. The ceiling features restored murals of constellations and starry skies.

The original paintings were painted in 1913, but they gradually became completely clogged with dirt and the entire ceiling was restored in 1996.

The Beaux-Arts façade

The building is also interesting from the outside, where you will discover several beautiful architectural elements.

For example, the eagle sculptures above the entrance or the 4-metre wide clock with decorative stained glass framed in bronze are interesting.

The American flag in the main lobby

The most visible symbol of the station lobby is the large American flag hanging over one of the main entrances.

It was flown after the terrorist attacks of September 2001 as a symbol of unity and determination.

Whispering Gallery

The Whispering Gallery is a circular archway on the ground floor of the main station concourse near the Oyster Bar.

If you stand on one side of the corridor and whisper towards the wall, diagonally on the other side of the wall another person will hear what you say.

The sound is transmitted in waves that travel around the perimeter and stick to the walls. This phenomenon was first observed in St Paul's Cathedral in London.

Campbell Bar

You're probably used to seeing restaurants, fast-food joints or cafes at railway stations.

Grand Central Terminal has them too, of course, but you'll also find an original and beautiful cocktail bar on the 2nd floor.

The Campbell Bar is located in a beautiful setting reminiscent of a chapel (to me, the room evoked the setting of Hogwarts Castle from Harry Potter).

It was formerly the apartment of John W. Campbell, a board member of the New York Central Railroad.

The bar has been open since 2006.

The Campbell Bar's cocktail prices are between 22 usd and 26 usd, slightly lower than, say, the Overstory Bar or Peak Restaurant.

If you're heading here in the afternoon or evening, reservations are definitely recommended.

Without a reservation, the wait time for an available table is 30-60 minutes, or you can go to the bar without a reservation.

• Reserve a table at thecampbellnyc.com
• Opening hours: daily 12:00-2:00

Hotels nearby

Grand Central Terminal's location in the middle of Manhattan makes it a great place to look for accommodations nearby.

We recommend these hotels:

• Hotel Boutique at Grand Central **** - smaller hotel with great value for money
• Hyatt Grand Central New York **** - a huge hotel complex right next to the station
• Library Hotel **** - a stylish and well rated hotel 2 minutes from the station

How to get there

Directly below Grand Central Terminal is the metro station of the same name, where the following lines cross:

• Green lines 4, 5, 6
• Purple Line 7

Approximately 350 metres to the west, you can also use the 42 St Bryant Park / 5 Av station, where the Orange lines B, D, F, M stop.

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