Grand Central Terminal
As many as 750,000 people pass through this glorious space every day. As the commuters come and go, you can join them and stand beneath the stunning roof of the architecturally magnificent Grand Central Terminal, admiring the beauty of the building as you explore its great shops and eateries.
This Beaux Arts building is a fascinating space to explore. Its huge Main Concourse is a masterpiece, and you may well recognise it from all sorts of Hollywood films. Gaze up at the ceiling, which rises 38 metres above the floor and was decorated by French artist Paul Cesar Helleu over a century ago using gold leaf on cerulean blue oil. Admire the mural portraying the zodiac constellations – albeit famously depicted backwards in error. Beneath the ceiling, you'll see the sunlight flooding the station through six grand 23-metre-tall arched windows.
Descend one of the two luxurious marble staircases that you'll find here. These were based on the grand staircase of the Paris Opera House. Admire the similarly striking four-faced opal clock which you'll find on top of the information booth.
The station was originally designed by architectural firms Reed and Stem and Warren and Wetmore. However, the influence of other famous figures can be felt throughout. For instance, have a look at French artist Jules-Alexis Coutan's sculpture depicting Mercury flanked by Hercules and Minerva on the façade of the building, around a striking clock which contains the largest piece of Tiffany glass in the world.
If you're looking for somewhere to eat in these sumptuous surroundings, head for the Dining Concourse where you'll find a range of options. A visit to the Oyster Bar and Restaurant is a treat in itself. Dating back to 1913, this is the terminal's oldest establishment, where you can admire a fine example of the tiled vaulting system designed by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino, whose mark can be seen across New York.
As well as being a beautiful spot, Grand Central Terminal remains a teeming transport hub with 44 platforms and 67 tracks passing through to the rest of New York as well as other states. It is situated at East 42nd Street and Park Avenue and, as well as arriving by train, you can get here by subway or bus.