I forgot to mention this in my trip report (below)...every Friday at 12:30, a free walking tour of the Grand Central area begins in the sculpture garden of the Whitney Museum. It was an interesting glimpse behind the scenes of the area and its architecture and ending in a fascinating tour of Grand Central. I must say that the guy (Justin Ferrate)can sure talk! Although I wanted to hear more, my feet just couldn't take it as he was still going at 3pm...and we were right near the Oyster Bar...so I couldn't resist sitting down to a clam chowder and I bowed out. But still worth considering for those interested.

Hi Kat, that IS a really good tour. We took it a few years ago and really enjoyed it - so much interesting information!

Just a heads up for others reading this---this is the Whitney Museum at the Philip Morris building on 42th & Park-NOT the regular Whitney uptown.

Hi KatPen,
This sounds like fun - we probably couldn't last the whole thing either! He must have been good for you to stay the 2 1/2 hours. Just one question? Was the crowd small enough that you could hear him and keep up? I think I read about this on some post - where it sounded like there were (literally) over a hundred people and I couldn't imagine that.

Glad that you enjoyed the Candian Rocky TR - that was really a gorgeous trip. Our first time there and our first time to spend a whole week in NYC so we're happy. Leaving in about 10 days!

Not sure if our experience was typical or not, but our group was small, I would say under 20 people and we could hear the guide.

Glad you clarified that, Mclaurie, because I was thinking that was a loooong walk.

Thanks McLaurie for the clarification. I didn't know there were 2 Whitneys and now I know why they say Whitney at Altria. Brahmama, there was quite a crowd when we started out, and because of something going on in the sculpture garden, we started outside. Usually he starts his stories inside apparently. The crowd thinned out quickly at the beginning and we were left with a manageable group of interested listeners and there was no trouble following him. Enjoy New York. I am already jealous!

how long is the tour?

The tour is supposed to be 90 minutes..but as I said, I bowed out just before 3pm and it was still going. I don't know if this is unusual, but people dropped out during the tour and it was not a problem.

KatPen - Thanks for telling us about the Justin Ferate's free walking tour that meets every Friday at 12:30 pm (42nd and park Avenue across from Grand Central Terminal). I want to do that.

Love NYC and so much to do and enoy.

Sandy