Grand Central Terminal's Secrets and Stories: An Audio Tour

New York City , United States of America

Grand Central Terminal's Secrets and Stories: An Audio Tour

Active

(1 reviews)

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Grand Central Terminal is one of the world’s top ten tourist attractions, with hidden features and fascinating stories. It’s also the setting for hundreds of famous films and novels, from Hitchcock’s North By Northwest to Salinger’s Catcher In The Rye.

On this tour, you’ll spot the details others miss, like why its famous starry ceiling is backwards, why it has a hole for a rocket, and why it neglected to clean one tiny spot. You’ll learn how Grand Central birthed the phrase “red carpet treatment” and the word “commuter.” You’ll find out how “air rights” were conceived here – and how they made Grand Central possible and nearly destroyed it.

As you walk around Grand Central Station, finding its often overlooked corners, you’ll learn how this historic landmark was created “by accident."

By the end of the tour, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for this architectural masterpiece and engineering marvel that pioneered many features now common in transportation hubs worldwide.

Available options

Grand Central Terminal's Secrets and Stories: An Audio Tour

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Begin your journey through the iconic Grand Central Terminal, a bustling transportation hub steeped in history and adorned with breathtaking architecture.

Explore the vibrant Grand Central Market, a culinary paradise offering an array of gourmet delights and artisanal treats, where locals and visitors alike gather to indulge in gastronomic delights.

Stop 3 Pass by

Experience the enchanting Whisper Gallery, a hidden gem within Grand Central Terminal where whispered secrets are magically carried across the vaulted ceilings, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and mystery.

Stop 4 Pass by

Discover the timeless elegance of The Campbell Apartment, a sophisticated hideaway bar nestled within Grand Central Terminal, offering a sanctuary of luxury and refinement amidst the bustling city.

Stop 5 Pass by

Immerse yourself in the sporting heritage of Grand Central Terminal at the Vanderbilt Tennis Club, where enthusiasts can partake in a game of tennis amidst the historic surroundings of the terminal.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Transportation

Food and Drinks

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please bring your own smartphone and headphones

Meeting point

"Meet me at the clock" -- the famous one atop the information booth in the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal, which is on 42nd St between Vanderbilt Ave and Lexington Ave.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT 
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information