| :: New York City >Midtown
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Attraction >Landmark
| Grand Central Terminal |
Address:
East 42nd St. at Park Ave.
| New York City | 10022
Region:
Midtown
Rating:
 
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More Info
Phone: 718-330-1234
FAX:
Website
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Description and Basic Information ::
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 Grand Central Terminal is the world’s largest and busiest transportation building, occupying 49 acres and servicing more than 426,000 commuters on a daily basis. The main entrance to the station is located at East 42nd Street at Park Avenue, and is easy to locate. Tours are available for free on Wednesday afternoons (12:30pm in front of the information booth inside the terminal’s main level,) but this is really less of an exhibit and more of a utility for New York’s many, many commuters---a renowned attraction nonetheless.
The terminal was officially opened in 1913 and after a massive 300-million-dollar renovation its façade has been restored to above and beyond that of the original. Its dramatic Beaux Arts-style architecture is made even more striking by three 75-foot arched windows, which are separated by colossal fluted columns.
Doors on Vanderbilt Avenue and on 42nd Street lead into the main concourse, an immense amphitheater of sorts, dominated by a ceiling map of the constellations, as well as restaurants situated on the balconies that overlook the made pedestrian promenade. Underground, more than 60 tracks usher trains upstate and to Connecticut through the services of the MetroNorth Commuter Rail.
Grand Central Terminal’s modern dining concourse offers more than 24 food vendors, in addition to the aforementioned balcony-level restaurants. Among them is a relatively new Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse---our personal recommendation. A highlight of the underground area is the Grand Central Market, offering a variety of fresh seafood, meat, vegetables and other such fare in a market-type atmosphere.
If you have a destination in mind, by all means take advantage of one of the most efficient and beautiful terminals in the world. For information about the Municipal Art Society, please call (212) 935-3960. Donations to the Municipal Art Society are accepted in lieu of tour admission prices. |
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:: New York City >Midtown :: |
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