Although it has been mentioned under previous posts, I thought it deserved its' own. Recently refurbished, it is back to its' turn-of-the-century splendor. It is chock full of stores and restaurants (The Oyster Bar, Michael Jordan's Steak House, Zocalo, Pershing Square, Metrazur (comming soon). On the Lower Level there are fast food and take out places but you will not find the regular national chains like McDonalds and Burger King, strictly local favorites like Juniors, Zaro's, The Little Pie Company and the like. Just yesterday the food market opened on the main level and offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, cheese, coffee, spices and prepared foods, to name a few. Just up the escalator to the MetLife building(formerly the Pan Am building) are additonal stores and restaurants. Don't miss the Campbell Apartment tucked away on the balcony level, it is currently a bar but even if you don't drink, it is worth a look. It's hard to believe that Grand Central was slated for demolition in the 1970's. The grandeur of the architecture is magnificent and it is fast becomming a major tourist attraction. About 90% completed, it surely warrants an hour or two when you're in town. A great place to take a quick lunch break or for evening dinning.

To add to Frank's rave review, there is a stand on the lower level called "Drink City" which is an outpost of the heavenly City Bakery. They have the BEST lemonades in the summer and hot chocolates in the winter (I'm assuming they are having h.c. at Grand Central starting this winter). It costs a little more but is so worth it-and if you get the hot chocolate, be sure to ask for a homemade marshmallow to go with it.

Frank, As you probably know, the sad thing is that an even greater NY train station (if that seems possible) was demolished in the 1960s, before enlightened people were able to have the clout to stop it. That martyred work of art, Pennsylvania Station, or Penn Station as it was called, led to Preservation acts which protected Grand Central from a similar death. The good news is that Penn Station, rebuilt so mundanely, will be recreated across the street in a grand building designed by the same architects who built the original, so in a way, will be resurrected in the next century. Seems almost religious....

When there, be sure to look up in the corners above the mezzanine levels where the vaulted blue ceiling meets the marble wall. In one corner is a small square section (large enough to see from below)that was covered and left unrestored when the ceiling and walls were returned to their original state. The "untouched" area is almost black in comparison to the cleaned areas! No wonder it always seemed so dim and grim in there when I visited back in the 70's...

Frank, on the Fodor's board, you may Grand Central Station sound SO enticing, I'm thinking of going on my next trip to NY. I've NEVER been to GCS and I even visited NY twice last year. What street is it located on??? Thanks SO much!

Cira, The Grand Central Station is located in Midtown at 42nd Street and Park Avenue.

Cira, I e-mailed a response to your question along with other highlights in the area.

I forgot to mention that Grand Central has its own website at(www.grandcentralterminal.com). Although incomplete, it gives a listing of retail establishments and other information. Unfortunately not many pictures yet.

Also tours of the station are very interesting and are free. I took it several years ago and found it enjoyable and informative. You get an opportunity to walk through the windows of the station, suspended on glass walkways over the station.

The following information came from the website.

Tours of the station are available as described below:

The revitalized Grand Central. It combines the romance of train travel, the history of a magnificent terminal building from a bygone time, a destination for superb restaurants, and convenience of outstanding retail shops. It's unlike any other New York attraction right in the heart of midtown.
Grand Central is truly grand again! After a four year monumental effort, the terminal is even grander than when it first opened in 1913 and we would like to share this with you!

Group Tours
Group tours are booked through the Jones Lang LaSalle Tourism Department. These tours cost $5.00 per person for groups of 10 people and over or a $50.00 flat fee for groups under 10 people. The tour is a one-hour historical walking tour with the group's own personal tour guide. These tours are given 7 days a week with flexible time options to suit your group's needs. Tour must be arranged and booked with full pre-payment 3 weeks prior to the group arrival. Groups can book tours by calling (212) 340-3404.

Individual Tours
Every Wednesday at 12:30 pm, there is a free tour catering to the individual run by the Municipal Arts Society. Meet at the information booth on the Grand Concourse. For more information on this tour call (212) 935-3960.

Every Friday at 12:30pm, there is a free tour catering to the individual which is run by the Grand Central Partnership. Meet on 42nd Street in front of the Phillip Morris/ Whitney Museum across the street from Grand Central. For more information on this tour call (212) 818-1777