Grand Central Terminal - New York's most popular station

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Brief History

The Grand Central Terminal was created by the vision of the great tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1869. Through audacious financial maneuvers, he had managed to take over all the railway lines in New York at which point he had only to build a train station to complete his total domination of the NY rail system. The first station was built between 1869 and 1871 to a design by John B. Snook. It occupied the whole area from Fourth Avenue (now Park Ave) and 42nd Street and was called Grand Central Depot.

Already in 1903, there was the need to enlarge the station and the two architects Reed and Stem won the competition for the design of the new station. The other large architect company Warren & Wetmore joined the project immediately after.

The station now covers three city blocks, from 42nd to 45th Street between Vanderbilt and Madison Ave and remains the largest station in the world by number of tracks and tunnels. Over 100 tracks and 44 tunnels serve over 750,000 commuters every day!
The area surrounding Grand Central Station is called -- Vanderbilt territory.

Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) of Dutch origins, created his maritime and railway empire from scratch during the 19th century making him one of the richest men in the world at that time. The Vanderbilt family dominated during the legendary Gilded Age, the descendants of Cornelius were amongst the most important merchants and patrons of American life in the US and around the world and used their wealth to build magnificent palaces.

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Highlights Inside Grand Central Terminal

Stepping inside Grand Central Terminal, visitors are immediately captivated by the vast Main Concourse, home to one of the terminal’s most remarkable features—the celestial ceiling. Originally painted in 1912 by French artist Paul César Helleu, the mural depicts a gold-leaf constellation map against a deep turquoise sky. Interestingly, the star map is reversed—an error that has sparked debate for decades, though some claim it was intentionally designed from a divine perspective. By the mid-20th century, the ceiling had darkened due to decades of tobacco smoke and grime, nearly obscuring its beauty. In the 1990s, an extensive restoration project revealed its original brilliance, uncovering a small uncleaned patch near Cancer, left intact as a reminder of its past condition.

GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL -  PHOTO GALLERY 

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At the center of the concourse stands the iconic four-faced opal clock, a meeting point for travelers and New Yorkers alike. Nearby, the Whispering Gallery, tucked beside the Oyster Bar, offers a fascinating acoustic trick—stand at opposite corners and whisper to hear your voice carried effortlessly along the vaulted ceiling. Below ground, the lower-level Dining Concourse provides a range of eateries, while the elegant Campbell Bar, once the private office of a wealthy financier, exudes the glamour of 1920s New York. Before leaving, visitors can browse the Grand Central Market, a bustling indoor marketplace offering gourmet foods, making the terminal not just a transportation hub but a true cultural and architectural landmark.

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View on Grand Central Terminal

You will enjoy the best view of the facade from Park Avenue, where three large arched windows, framed by stately columns, evoke the grandeur of ancient triumphal arches. Above them, a magnificent sculptural group by Jules-Félix Coutan crowns the terminal. At its center, a Tiffany glass clock, the largest of its kind in the world at 13 feet in diameter, is surrounded by three towering figures—Hercules (symbolizing physical strength), Mercury (representing commerce), and Minerva (embodying wisdom and intellect).

GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL -  PHOTO GALLERY 

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Directly beneath this clock stands the bronze statue of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a tribute to the railroad tycoon whose vision shaped New York’s transportation network. Installed in 1911, the statue stands 8.5 feet tall atop a grand pedestal, portraying Vanderbilt in a dignified stance, gazing outward as if surveying his empire. Unlike many statues that depict him in elaborate attire, here he is shown in a simple yet authoritative pose, dressed in a long coat and holding a cane, a nod to his pragmatic nature and business acumen. The pedestal is adorned with relief sculptures celebrating the achievements of the Vanderbilt family in rail travel, reinforcing the station's deep historical significance. Today, this statue remains a powerful reminder of Vanderbilt’s legacy and his role in shaping the American railroad industry.

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Visit Grand Central Terminal

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The Restaurants inside Grand Central

On the lower floor - see map Lower Level Dining Concourse - you can find everything for a quick but good lunch with the opportunity to sit down at one of the open tables. Here you will also find the famous:
Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant. It is the most famous eatery within Grand Central and also the oldest ... oysters and wine, please!!!
Amongst the many spots, I'd like to point out:

• Shake Shack, known for its delicious burgers.
• Shiro of Japan, if you love sushi even as a quick lunch.
• Donut Plant, who can pass up a good doughnut?
• Eata Pita, if you like Middle Eastern cuisine
• La Chula Taqueria for those who love Mexican food and tacos
• Tartinery, Parisian-style eatery with many excellent sandwiches and cocktails
• Jacques Torres Ice Cream for a homemade ice-cream
• Zaro’s Family Bakery here you can find the best artisan bread, cakes, and desserts, some homemade Jewish dessert, all prepared in the Bronx.

To access the Dining Concourse:
From the large stairs in the main lobby found on the east and west sides.
Via the Oyster Bar Ramp accessible via the entrances at 105 E. 42 St and 87 E. 42 St (at Vanderbilt Ave)
Taking the elevators located near Track 30 and Track 23 and going down to level L (lower level)
Via the staircase in the Graybar passage in front of Track 11.

If you want an internationally recognized restaurant, here you find -- Cipriani Dolci. It is located on the Balcony Level and it's part of the Cipriani empire with their typical Northern-Italian cuisine.

The new Grand Brasserie serves classic French cuisine. It has two bars and elegant dining rooms, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or late-night drinks.

Campbell Bar -- is an iconic New York institution in a completely restored environment that has brought it back to its original splendor. It serves classic and modern cocktails, wines, and craft beers accompanied by a menu, soups, salads, and sandwiches. It is located on the Balcony Level, i.e. on the upper floor (entrance at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue or from the elevator on the Oyster Bar Ramp).

GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL -  PHOTO GALLERY 

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The Movie Sets

How many times has Grand Central Terminal been chosen as a film set? The central atrium with the ceiling decorated with the constellations, the golden clock in the center placed above the information kiosk, the windows that reflect the colored lights, and the marble staircases ... many famous directors have chosen the terminal, we see some famous movies:

• North by Northwest - with Cary Grant 1959
• Carlito's Way - with Al Pacino 1993
• I Am Legend - with Will Smith of 2007
• Falling in Love - with De Niro and Meryl Streep 1984
• The Avengers - 2012 by Marvel
• The Fisher King - with Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams 1991
• Cotton's Club - with Richard Gere 1984

Just to name a few!

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Map How to reach Grand Central Terminal