It's on 8 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Address89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
The first time I rushed through Grand Central Terminal to catch a train, I paused mid-step, not because I was lost, but because I was staring up at the ceiling like a total tourist. That sky-blue mural has been the backdrop for so many movies that it felt instantly familiar. Madagascar, Men in Black, The Avengers, North by Northwest, Friends with Benefits this station has serious screen credits.
It’s not just beautiful (though it absolutely is), it’s cinematic. I’ve watched scenes unfold here in real life that could’ve come straight out of a movie. A couple reunited under the clock. A flash mob of dancers. Once, I even saw someone filming a proposal. I always recommend Grand Central to anyone looking for famous movie locations in NYC, because it delivers every time. Whether you’re marveling at the Main Concourse or grabbing a bite at the food court, you’re part of the story. It’s New York at its most timeless and theatrical.
A 10 minute walk or 6 minute subway ride from Times Square will take you to one of the most famous buildings in New York City. Stepping into one of the main entrances to Grand Central Terminal never fails stops me dead in my tracks every time. The Beaux Arts design transports visitors into an intricately detailed main hall that has a striking celestial ceiling.
It’s hard to believe that this 110-year-old train terminal still serves more than 750,000 visitors daily.
Over the years Grand Central Terminal has become synonymous with New York City itself. In fact, this the third most popular tourist attraction in New York City (after Central Park and Times Square).
While you’re at Grand Central Terminal don’t forget to get a close up view of the clock above the information booth in the center of the concourse. Valued at a whopping $20 million, the clock has been nicknamed “the jewel hidden in plain sight.”
Grand Central Terminal is one of the most beautiful public spaces in New York City. The ceiling alone, with its turquoise zodiac mural, makes me stop every time I pass through. I’ve brought so many visitors here, and their reaction is always the same, wide-eyed amazement.
I like visiting in the early morning when the light pours through the windows or during off-hours to explore the details, the clock, the chandeliers, the hidden Oyster Bar downstairs. You don’t need to be catching a train to enjoy it.
Grand Central is one of the most popular tourist attractions in NYC, and rightfully so. It’s also surrounded by other landmarks like the Chrysler Building and Bryant Park, so it’s easy to work into a Midtown walking route. For architecture lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting a dose of old-school New York glamor, Grand Central is unforgettable.
Stepping into Grand Central Terminal for the first time is an experience you won’t soon forget. It rained the first time I visited New York City so my uncle took me to Grand Central and we spent the better part of two (enjoyable) hours there!
Averaging 750,000 visitors daily, the main hall of this iconic Beaux Arts building is quite a busy hub, and the star of the show here is the magnificent celestial ceiling. Completed in 1944, the elaborate turquoise and gold mural features 2,500 stars!
Downstairs you’ll find a food court with a host of fun restaurants. Of these, my favorite is easily the Grand Central Oyster Bar, one of the most famous restaurants in all of New York City that’s been serving fresh oysters and seafood dishes for more than 110 years (since 1913).
Skip the tourist version and do it like a local, here’s how.
Stepping into Grand Central Terminal for the first time is an experience you won’t soon forget. The Beaux Arts building feels like traveling back in time to an era of opulence few places replicate this well.
The celestial ceiling in the main hall is the star of the show, averaging 750,000 visitors daily. Chances are high that your subway stop might warrant a visit, but if that’s not the case, this gem is definitely worth a detour. One of the best things to do in Manhattan is to swing by and snap a picture with the famous ceiling.
Stepping into Grand Central Terminal for the first time is an experience you won’t soon forget. The Beaux Arts building feels like traveling back in time to an era of opulence few places replicate this well.
The celestial ceiling in the main hall is the star of the show, averaging 750,000 visitors daily. Chances are high that your subway stop might warrant a visit, but if that’s not the case, this gem is definitely worth a detour. One of the best things to do in New York City is to swing by and snap a picture with the famous ceiling.
Stepping into Grand Central Terminal feels like stepping into a European train station. Opened in 1913, this Beaux-Arts transportation hub spans an impressive 48 acres and houses 44 platforms, the most of any train station in the world.
The main concourse, famed for a breathtaking celestial ceiling and grand chandeliers, sees 750,000 visitors daily. There’s a few small shops in the station, along with a dinning hall in the basement, but those aren’t nearly as exciting as the Grand Central Oyster Bar and the Campbell Bar.
Stepping into Grand Central Terminal feels like stepping into a European train station. The Beaux Arts design transports visitors into an intricately detailed main hall that boasts a celestial ceiling and a famous four-faced clock.
Today the Grand Central Terminal is one of the most iconic functioning buildings in New York City and sees an average of 750,000 daily visitors. Chances are high that your subway stop might warrant a visit, but if that’s not the case, this gem is definitely worth a detour.
Grand Central Terminal quickly became one of those Instagrammable places in NYC that everyone knows, whether they’ve visited or seen it in a movie. It’s the perfect spot to make all your friends jealous! 😉
Further Reading: Best Things to Do in New York City