This magnificent train terminal in the heart of NYC is a reminder of the romantic past of long distance train travel. Don’t just walk though it, pick up an audio tour for $8 and spend 10 minutes learning some interesting facts the terminal.

The grand concourse has over 750,000 people a day pass through, with the 45 track platforms with 123 tracks –more than any other terminal in the world.

Many of the magnificent features built in1913 are still intact such as the Vanderbilt Hall, named after the wealthy family who built the terminal. It was once the waiting room with a capacity for 650 travelers, now an exhibition hall. The ceiling has the constellation painted in gold leaf with over 2500 stars, 60 lit with bulbs.

The ceiling of the Grand Central Terminal with the constellation in gold leaf.

The chandeliers with exposed light bulbs was a way of showing off the electric power and the ticket windows are engraved with the Vanderbilt family emblem – an acorn and oak leaf, signifying how acorns grow into mighty things.

The Informtion Centre at the heart of the Grand Central Terminal gets over 1000 questions a day

It’s a reminder of the past and is worth a visit.