Grand Central Station Tourist Guide - New York City

The Grand Central Station in New York is more commonly known as the Grand Central Terminal, and is one of the city's most famous landmarks, boasting a rich history, a range of amenities, and fine architecture. Located at Vanderbilt Avenue in Manhattan, the station was built by the New York Central Railroad, and was designed for long distance passenger trains. Based on the number of platforms this is the largest train station in the world.

With forty four platforms and sixty seven tracks, the Grand Central Station serves commuters that are traveling to Putnam, Westchester, and Dutchess Counties, as well as those traveling to the counties of New Haven and Fairfield in Connecticut. This is an exciting and unique station, with plenty of amenities and facilities for visitors to enjoy, and is well worth a visit even if you are not traveling anywhere simply so that you can enjoy the experience and take in the architecture and glory of the station.

This is a station that enjoys plenty of hustle and bustle and has a lively and vibrant atmosphere. You can take in the four faced clock, which for many is the embodiment of the Grand Central Station, and you will find plenty to keep you busy here. You will find some great restaurants and fast food facilities, news stands, bakeries, fresh food markets, over forty shops, and even part of the New York Transit Museum.

The ceiling of the Grand Central Station alone is worth a look, but for some years was obscured by the dark stains that had been left from cigarette smoke. However, now renovated and cleaned up, the ceiling is an astronomical treat, but visitors will notice that one patch has not been cleaned up by renovators, and has been left as a reminder of the damage that was once caused to the ornate ceiling as a result of people smoking within the station.

Grand Central Station is a station like no other, and is a wonderful place to experience when visiting New York City. This is a station that has enjoyed a long and varied history, as well as rebuilding, restoration, and renovation over the years. Below the main concourse of the station you will find the dining area, where you can enjoy a choice of eateries, the most of famous of which has to be the fabulous Oyster Bar, which is another place that must be experienced within the station.

Just off the main concourse of the station you will find the Vanderbilt Hall, which was named after the family that built and owned the station. This hall used to serve as a waiting area, but is now used for a variety of events. Located near to the Vanderbilt Avenue entrance you will also find the Campbell Apartment, which is a beautiful cocktail lounge where a combination of tourists and commuters can relax and enjoy a drink in elegant surroundings.

The current Grand Station Terminal actually opened in 1913, after the existing building was torn down in phases between 1903 and 1913. Today, the Grand Central Station enjoys popularity amongst both commuters that are on their travels and from visitors that want to take in the beauty and atmosphere of one of the world's most famous and prolific stations.