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Grand Central Terminal Tour with Optional Empire State Access

27 Reviews 4.93 out of 5 stars Based on 27 reviews collected by Cool NYC and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 96% of reviewers
96% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. New York City, USA
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from $32 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Grand Central Terminal Tour with Optional Empire State Access Image 1
Grand Central Terminal Tour with Optional Empire State Access Image 2
Grand Central Terminal Tour with Optional Empire State Access Image 3
Grand Central Terminal Tour with Optional Empire State Access Image 4
World Famous Clock
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.
2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

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

  • Local Licensed NYC Tour Guide
  • Hidden Gems and Secrets of Grand Central
  • Guided Tour of Grand Central Terminal
  • Gratuities
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

90 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Pershing Square

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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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grand Central Terminal

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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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Dining Concourse

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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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Campbell Apartment

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.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Empire State Building

Enjoy seamless access to 86th Floor of Empire State Building after your tour at Grand Central Terminal.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Grand Central Terminal Tour with Optional Empire State Access?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-122012P29

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.93
27 reviews

Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 27 traveler reviews collected by Cool NYC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
26
4 stars
0
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool NYC customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Grand Central Terminal Tour with Optional Empire State Access?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Local Licensed NYC Tour Guide.
  • Hidden Gems and Secrets of Grand Central.
  • Guided Tour of Grand Central Terminal.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Grand Central Terminal Tour with Optional Empire State Access is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Grand Central Terminal Tour with Optional Empire State Access will be included in your confirmation email from Cool NYC. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Local Licensed NYC Tour Guide
  • Hidden Gems and Secrets of Grand Central
  • Guided Tour of Grand Central Terminal
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name