Grand Central Terminal Tour with Optional Empire State Access
At a glance
Grand Central Terminal Tour with Optional Empire State Access is a 2h – 3h small-group experience in New York City, United States, operated by Experience NYC™. Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 26 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $32 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Guided Tour of Grand Central Terminal, Local Licensed NYC Tour Guide, Hidden Gems and Secrets of Grand Central.
Highlights
- Small group of up to 20 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 5 stops in one well-planned itinerary
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 2h – 3h
- Group
- Small group, up to 20 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Step inside world-famous Grand Central Terminal and uncover the secrets hidden beneath its Beaux-Arts beauty. On this 2-hour guided tour, explore the grand Main Concourse, the celestial ceiling (painted backwards!), and the four-faced opal clock worth millions — plus secret stairways and hidden passageways most visitors walk right past.
Experience the Whispering Gallery, where a quiet word travels across the arched walkway, and hear how preservationists — including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis — saved the terminal from demolition. The tour ends at the Dining Concourse and Grand Central Market, perfect for a classic New York lunch.
Make it a full NYC day with the Empire State Building option. After lunch, enjoy an easy 15-minute walk down Fifth Avenue, past Bryant Park, to the 86th-floor Observatory — where sweeping views of the city you just explored await, including Grand Central itself, 1,000 feet below.
What's included
What's included
- Guided Tour of Grand Central Terminal
- Local Licensed NYC Tour Guide
- Hidden Gems and Secrets of Grand Central
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 10m
Your tour begins in front of the famous Pershing Square Café, located across from the main entrance to Grand Central Terminal. Your guide will kick off the tour with an introduction to this architectural marvel, sharing its fascinating history and significance.
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Stop 2 · 1h
Next, you’ll go on a tour inside Grand Central Terminal, discovering its hidden gems and iconic features. Your guide will dive into the terminal’s stunning architecture, explaining how it was built, and lead you through the main concourse, showcasing the famous ceiling mural, intricate lighting fixtures, movie scenes filmed here, whispering arches, and much more.
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Stop 3 · 15m
The next stop will be at the Dining Concourse, where you'll have the opportunity to choose from a variety of food options, including snacks, desserts, and light bites. This is also a great time to use the bathroom before continuing the tour.
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Stop 4 · 10m
The next stop is the iconic Campbell Apartment, a stunning former office turned speakeasy bar. Your guide will share the fascinating history of this hidden gem, once the private domain of a railroad tycoon.
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Stop 5 · 1h
Enjoy seamless access to 86th Floor of Empire State Building after your tour at Grand Central Terminal.
Meeting point
Meet your tour guide holding a red Experience NYC flag in front of the Pershing Square Cafe (red building with green signs).
Good to know
- 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Grand Central Terminal Tour with Optional Empire State Access take?
The experience lasts about 2h – 3h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $32 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Guided Tour of Grand Central Terminal; Local Licensed NYC Tour Guide; Hidden Gems and Secrets of Grand Central.
Where does it start?
Meet your tour guide holding a red Experience NYC flag in front of the Pershing Square Cafe (red building with green signs).
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 26 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in New York City.
