Grand Central Terminal: Private Tour with SUMMIT ONE Vanderbilt
What your day looks like
Grand Central is an iconic New York landmark that was opened to the public in 1913. Situated in Midtown Manhattan, this transport hub is visited by over 20 million people per year - only Times Square beats this! Grand Central has been made famous by movies and TV; it is best known for its Beaux-Arts architecture, and because of this it has been designated an important historic building. On your private tour, you’ll have plenty of time to admire the stunning ceiling murals and statues, absorb the thrumming atmosphere, pass by delightful boutiques and delicious restaurants, discover hidden passages and secret rooms, enjoy its general opulence and of course stand under the four-faced clock on the main concourse that is possibly the most famous meeting place in the whole of New York City (all New Yorkers know what you mean when you say 'meet me at the clock!'). Your tour ends at the entrance to Summit One Vanderbilt, where your guide will hand over your tickets to this incredible observation deck that is also a multi-sensory museum on three different levels, and with truly breathtaking views of the iconic New York Skyline. Attractions along this route: - Chelsea Market: A food hall built inside the factory complex where the Oreo cookie was invented. - Hudson Yards: The most expensive real estate development in American history, coming in at $25B, the Hudson Yards rejuvenated the entire western side of midtown. - High Line: Innovative urban park on the old train route. - Empire State Building: The building that defined an epoch, it stood as the world's tallest for over 40 years. - Grand Central Station: One of the USA's most famous landmarks, this historic transport hub made New York what it is today.
The experience, in brief
- Enjoy a privately guided tour of New York’s famous Grand Central Terminal
- Discover its iconic architecture, history, vibrant food and shopping scene, and many hidden gems
The journey, in full
-Enjoy wonderful views of the Chrysler Building and the MetLife Building - the original PanAm building, located competitively next to the train station, to symbolise the dominance of aviation over railway transport; -Learn about the life of the 19th-century self-made millionaire, shipping magnate, and railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt; -Explore this vast and fascinating Beaux-Arts building, designated of important historic note; -Discover the main concourse, and learn how Grand Central Terminal survived the proposed demolition; -Learn all about the restoration, the Preservation Landmark Commission, and the role played by Jackie Kennedy Onassis in saving it; -Admire the famous four-faced clock, a trusty meeting place for all true New Yorkers; -See the largest Tiffany Glass clock in the world; -Explore the events spaces like the Vanderbilt Hall with its twinkling chandeliers, as well as the myriad of secret passageways and winding staircases to lower levels; -Pass by the Oyster Bar - the oldest restaurant in the GCT; -Visit the amazing Whispering Gallery - designed by Rafael Guastavino - and experience the magic; -Hear about Track 61 - the secret rail line used by President Franklin Roosevelt to get to the nearby Waldorf-Astoria hotel - and so many other hidden gems and stories; -End at the entrance to SUMMIT ONE VANDERBILT where your guide will give you tickets to this unmissable, unique attraction - a multi-sensory experience and a mindblowing observation deck with unbeatable views over the Manhattan skyline.
Your day, step by step
New York City
Sightseeing at Madison Square Garden.
New York City
Sightseeing at Chrysler Building.
New York City
Sightseeing at Chelsea Market.
New York City
Sightseeing at High Line (New York).
New York City
Sightseeing at Hudson Yards (Development).
New York City
Sightseeing at Empire State Building.
New York City
Sightseeing at Grand Central Terminal.
What to know before booking
Included
- A friendly, professional English-speaking tour guide for your own private group - Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places - Tickets to SUMMIT one Vanderbilt
Not Included
- Food and drink - Gratuities - Hotel pick up and drop off - Transportation
What to Bring
-This experience is not recommended for anyone who is afraid of heights. Recommendations to enter Summit One Vanderbilt: - Make sure to bring your sunglasses. The reflective materials used throughout the space create a bright environment during the day. - Wear comfortable shoes. Stiletto heels, steel toe boots, sports cleats, and other footwear that can damage flooring are not permitted. - Please dress appropriately to avoid unwanted exposure on glass and mirrored floors. We recommend wearing pants, shorts, or tights when possible.
Meeting & Pickup
Your guide will meet you at the entrance to 'Blue Bottle Coffee' located at 60 E 42nd St #140, New York, NY 10165, United States
Languages Offered
[object Object]
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic