There’s no better way to start a Christmas holiday vacation across the pond then at one of New York City’s most famous landmarks: Grand Central Terminal.
A Busy Tranport Hub
The famous terminal is located in Midtown Manhattan on 42nd St and Park Avenue. It is one of the busiest train stations in the world, with 750,000 people and passengers passing through the station each day. There are 44 platforms inside, more than any other railroad station in the world, with 41 tracks on the upper level and 26 on the lower.
The Terminal serves both long distance and regional trains, with 220,000 commuters each day from outside the city daily. Growing up just a few hours outside the city, Grand Central Terminal was always my first stop upon arrival. Each time, the “wow-factor” never gets old.
Features of Grand Central Terminal
Built in 1871, the Terminal features intricate designs both inside and out, with the highlight being the main concourse. You can spend forever staring up at the celestial ceiling mural that covers the entire ceiling of the vast main concourse.
Conceived in 1912, the ceiling has been restored a few times, first in the 1930s to repair falling plaster and again in the 1980s to clean off the nearly 60 years of tar and nicotine from tobacco smoke. A single patch was left in the corner to remind visitors of what the ceiling once looked like.
In the center of the main concourse is the information booth, with a four-faced clock on top. This is perhaps one of the most recognizable features of Grand Central Terminal and a common meeting point.
Holiday Season
Personally, I think the Terminal has an extra sparkle during the holiday season with wreaths and lights reflecting off the shiny granite, a predominate building material in construction. You can see carolers singing holiday songs, people whizzing past on their way to an important meeting and the greeting of loved ones who haven’t seen each other in a long time. There is also the holiday market inside the Terminal, though it is very expensive.
What Else Can You Do At Grand Central Terminal?
Along with serving its primary purpose as a transport hub, Grand Central Terminal also has many great shops and restaurants. Some of the most famous include the Oyster Bar, or the Gourmet Culinary Market.
As well there are over 68 shops, with anything from clothing to accessories to make up to olive oil. For passengers on the go, the bottom floor of the concourse also has lots of delicious fast food options such as the New York City legend Zaro’s Bakery.
Grand Central Terminal also holds many secrets within its walls (which go to a staggering 13 floors below ground!). At either end of the Oyster Bar ramp is the Whispering Gallery, where you stand on the opposite corner of the gallery as your partner and you’ll be heard on the other side. Also, there is an abandoned railroad cart and track which used by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
When you’re done exploring all that Grand Central Terminal has to offer (and believe me, it’s a lot!) take the Subway (located within the Terminal) to your destination or simpy head out the main doors onto 42nd Street. Times Square is close by (with a shuttle from the Terminal) as well as the iconic Empire State Building.
[Wikipedia], [NYC Tourist]
