If you are heading to New York City and want to know the best things to do near Grand Central Station, then we’ve got you covered.
Grand Central Terminal is a recognisable New York landmark and sits on 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
If you want to explore some of the best tourist attractions near Grand Central Station then look no further, there are so many things to do.
No matter whether you are just dropping into Grand Central for an hour or so, or you’ll be in the city for some time, there is something fun to do.
If you are really pushed for time Grand Central Terminal is also an awesome New York City attraction.
Check out these things to do around Grand Central Station which include places to eat, tours and big-name attractions.
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Checking out the Chrysler Building
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 2 min / 0.1 mile
The Chrysler Building is one of the most iconic New York City landmarks. This impressive building is located right outside of Grand Central Station.
This is one of the best things to see near Grand Central station but it’s just a short two-minute walk away. The moment you step outside the station you’ll be able to see this well-known landmark.
Built in the unique art deco style, this skyscraper was the world’s tallest building for 11 months after it was finished in 1930.
This impressive building is best viewed from New York’s streets. Head out of Central Station and you’ll be able to see this imposing building.
Whilst you can go inside the Chrysler Building free of charge you can’t go past the lobby. You don’t need a ticket to enter the lobby and you can check it out from Monday to Friday.
The Chrysler Building is leased to businesses so if you are looking for a skyscraper panoramic view head to the Rockefeller Center or the Empire State instead.
Going up to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 1 min / 100 yards
This is one of the closest and epic things to do near Grand Central. When taking the E 42nd Street exit out of the station turn right and walk just 100 yards.
Isn’t this one of the best things about New York? There’s something to do literally everywhere you turn!
The SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is one of the newest Manhattan observation desks and another highly unique way to see New York from above. At 1,401 feet this is New York’s fourth tallest skyscraper.
This observation tower provides visitors with a unique multi-sensory and highly immersive experience. There are mirrors everywhere, impressive art pieces and the reason you are all visiting…the view!
Basic general admission tickets start at $39 for adults and $33 for youths (6-12 years). You can book them online here.
There are two other levels of tickets that provide you with the opportunity to try the glass elevator and drink some cocktails.
Whilst these experiences are pricey, you must do one of these panoramic views when in New York. The views alone are worth the price, but SUMMIT One Vanderbilt adds that extra pizzazz.
Discovering the Gossip Girls Filming locations in Grand Central Terminal
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 0 min / 0 mile
Any fan of the hit TV show Gossip Girl will arrive at Grand Central Terminal and think of Serena’s returning to the Manhattan scene.
Picture, ogling Dan gazing across the terminal at his high school crush and seeing where Manhattan’s elite show characters acted out their scenes.
Though there are so many things to do near Grand Central, spending some time inside the terminal is super fun.
If you are really into Gossip Girl, then most of Manhattan will have you in utter fan girl mode. So, to make sure you are hitting all the Gossip Girl hotspots, why not take a guided tour?
You can take a three-hour bus tour of the city searching for all those classic Gossip Girl filming locations. With this tour, you’ll discover Chuck Bass’ illustrious Empire Hotel and an array of other elite Upper East Side locations.
Whilst it’s best if you are a fan of the show to take this tour, those who have never seen Gossip Girl will also enjoy it.
As the tour takes you to some well-known Upper East Side locations, you’ll all be snapping pictures whether you can picture the characters in the shots or not!
Click here to see the latest prices.
Join a walking tour of Grand Central Terminal
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 0 min / 0 mile
Grand Central Terminal is a popular New York City attraction. Yes, it’s a train station but it’s also one of the most breathtaking stations in the world.
From the Zodiac ceiling to the Main Hall and the Whispering and Kissing Galleries, there’s so much to see inside Grand Central Terminal.
If you want to learn more about this station then you should definitely take a tour. This 90-minute guided tour covers the fascinating and extensive history of the station.
Alternatively, if you’d like to go at your own pace try this self-guided walking tour. This tour is super affordable and taken via an app on your phone.
A personal guide, map and narrator allow you to move through the station and still learn about its impressive history. You’ll also learn the secrets as to why the terminal’s clock may be worth around $20 million!
Click here to see the latest prices.
Getting a delicious bagel from Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 3 min / 0.2 mile
If you are searching for things to do near Grand Central Terminal that involve food, then check out Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish.
From the E 42nd Street Grand Central exit, take a left out of the station and then take a right onto Lexington Avenue.
This eatery does what it says on the sign, they serve up some of the best bagels and smoked fish in the city. Their crunchy, yet chewy hand-rolled bagels are to die for.
Be prepared for a queue outside the shop during the weekend mornings. With more than 20 varieties of bagels, you are bound to find something to suit your taste.
The Max Zucker is one of the most popular options. Smoked whitefish salad, tomatoes, red onion, and beefsteak on your choice of bagel.
Visiting AKC Museum of the Dog
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 3 min / 0.1 mile
If you are searching for what to see near Grand Central Station and want something a little different check out this next spot.
The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog is a quirky New York Museum dedicated to our four-legged friends.
This museum aims to celebrate the role that dogs have played in society throughout history. AKC was founded in 1982 and now offers rotating exhibits with more than 1,700 pieces and a 4,000-volume dog-related library.
General admission tickets are $15 and can be purchased on the AKC website or in person at the museum.
Discovering the iconic New York Public Library
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 6 min / 0.3 mile
Literature lovers will enjoy the next of these attractions near Grand central station.
This historic branch of the New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an important part of the city’s culture for more than 100 years.
Though this location is the most famous of New York’s libraries, the NYPL system extends across Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx.
At the library’s opening in 1911, it was home to more than three million books! This is one of the best free things to do near Grand Central.
Wander inside by yourself or take one of the free guided tours that the library offers.
Some of the main highlights of a visit to the NYPL include Astor Hall, the Rose Reading Room, and the McGraw Rotunda.
Strolling around Bryant Park
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 6 min / 0.3 mile
Of course, people dote over New York’s revered Central Park, but Bryant Park is a brilliant city park. It’s bursting with character, charm and city workers taking a break from their hectic day.
During winter there’s an ice-skating rink and in summer people flock to the grass area to enjoy picnics. This park is fantastic for a break if you are exploring the city.
There are even tables with charging points, handy if you are running low on battery.
There’s always something going on; people playing table tennis and circus performers entertaining the summer crowds.
From Grand Central it’s around a six-minute walk. Head west on E 42nd Street and you’ll find the park on your left.
Discovering The Secrets of Grand Central Terminal
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 0 min / 0 mile
If you didn’t know there’s a hidden tennis court inside Grand Central then you should definitely take this guided tour.
There’s so much to discover inside Grand Central Terminal you don’t even need to leave the station to have an interesting couple of hours.
This tour will take you around all Grand Central’s hidden gems.
See the tennis court, find a multi-million-dollar jewel, discover the glass walkways, and find an old speakeasy. You can book your tour tickets here.
Shopping at Grand Central Market
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 2 min / 0.1 mile
If you are looking for shopping near Grand Central Terminal look no further than Grand Central Market. Grand Central Market is an emporium of food flavours and internationally inspired cuisines.
This is the ultimate food shopping destination near Grand Central Station.
Whether you are looking for ingredients for a dinner party, something to eat on the go or the freshest local produce, this market has it all.
The market is located at Grand Central Terminal East Entrance. This place is a celebration of local vendors and suppliers, with 100% of merchants being local businesses.
From bread to chocolate and cheeses, sushi, spices, and fine foods, your tastebuds will feel tantalised at this New York City attraction.
Doing a scavenger hunt in Midtown
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 0 min / 0 mile
This is one of the interesting things to do near grand central terminal. You’ve probably been on a scavenger hunt before, but perhaps not since you were a child!
There’s no better way to discover the history of Manhattan than through this fun scavenger hunt.
The scavenger hunt starts at Grand Central, and the aim is to solve clues and challenges using an app on your phone.
This scavenger hunt will take around an hour and a half to complete and will finish at The Plaza Hotel.
Whether you are traveling with kids or a group of friends this is a super fun activity to try.
Click here to see the latest prices.
Going to The Escape Game New York City
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 3 min / 0.2 mile
Right around the corner from Grand Central Terminal, along Madison Avenue you’ll find The Escape Game.
By now you are probably familiar with the escape game concept, but this being New York, the game is taken to a whole new level.
This escape game center hosts five different games. There’s Playground, Gold Rush, The Heist, Prison Break, and Special Ops: Mysterious Market.
This is an excellent way to enjoy an afternoon with friends or family just for fun or a celebration. The rooms are family-friendly and provide a fully immersive and thought-provoking experience.
You can buy your tickets on-site directly but it’s worth checking their Groupon page since they often have deals on.
Shopping on the 5th Avenue
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 6 min / 0.3 mile
If you are searching for some of the best shopping near Grand Central Terminal, then head straight to Fifth Avenue.
Fifth Avenue is not just one of the most famous shopping streets in New York but also the world. You’ll find all the luxury brands around 5th Avenue. There’s Hermes, Tiffany, Prada, Gucci and more.
If you wander the entirety of 5th Avenue (which stretches from Washington Square Park to 143rd Street, you’ll find a diverse range of shopping opportunities.
From Grand Central, head west on East 45th Street for three blocks then take a right onto 5th Avenue.
Discovering St Patrick’s Cathedral
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 8 min / 0.4 mile
To find the stunningly juxtaposed St Patrick’s Cathedral you want to head to 5th Avenue. This cathedral sits between E 50th Street and E 51st Street.
St Patrick’s Cathedral was built in the 1800s in honour of the patron saint of Ireland.
As the years passed modern New York skyscrapers began to be built up around it, so now it looks quite unusual in comparison to its surroundings.
It is free to enter the cathedral, though there are donation boxes at the doors.
This is one of the best attractions near Grand Central Station and a great place to take photographs.
Visiting The Morgan Library & Museum
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 8 min / 0.4 mile
The Morgan Library & Museum is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Grand Central. Head west on E 42nd Street and then take a left on Madison Avenue.
After just five blocks you’ll reach The Morgan Library & Museum.
The Morgan Library & Museum started out as the private library of Pierpont Morgan, a notable financier.
The library was built between 1902 and 1906 opposite Morgan’s New York home on Madison Avenue and 36th Street.
Some of the highlights at the Morgan Library include The Crusader Bible, Johanna Gutenberg, and work by Mozart.
Going up to the Top of the Rock
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 9 min / 0.5 mile
This has got to be one of the best things to see near Grand Central Station.
The iconic Rockefeller Centre is well known for its impressive outdoor Christmas tree and incredible New York skyline views from the Top of the Rock.
This is an unmissable New York City attraction. There are many places you can get panoramic skyline views of the city, but Rockefeller is arguably the best.
With views of the Empire State Building and the luscious green Central Park, it’s hard to beat.
The Rockefeller Center is an entire amalgamation of buildings which started being constructed in 1931.
These buildings were built as an urban renewal project to help rejuvenate Midtown Manhattan.
Now visitors can head up 850 feet to the observation deck to marvel at the rest of New York unfathomably dense urban scape.
From Grand Central you need to head to 5th Avenue, walking towards St Patricks Cathedral. When you reach W 50th Street take a left and you’ll soon recognise this iconic landmark.
Make sure to book your tickets online beforehand. Click here to see the latest prices.
PRO TIP: Book a ticket with a timed entrance. That way you can go straight to the elevator and won’t have to queue at the front desk to exchange your voucher for a timed entrance ticket.
READ MORE: Top of the Rock Review: is the Top of the Rock in NYC worth it?
Discovering the lights in Times Square
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 10 min / 0.5 mile
Of the things to do near Grand Central Station, Time Square has got to be on your list.
Visiting Time Square during the day is also an enjoyable experience but visiting at night when the neon signs and billboards are switched on is another level of impressive.
Midnight Moment is the name given to this impressive illumined digital light/art show in Time Square.
Every night from 11:57pm to 12am more than 92 digital display boards light up in a striking show.
This is the longest-running and largest digital public art program of its kind, and it runs for 364 nights of the year.
From Grand Central head west on E 45th Street to the intersection with 7th Avenue. Be sure to arrive a bit early so you can have a look around and find a good spot to take photos.
Visiting Madame Tussauds NYC
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 10 min / 0.6 mile
A visit to Madame Tussauds is a classic NYC experience, and it’s just a 10-minute walk from Grand Central.
There’s no need to get lost walking to this attraction. From Grand Central take a right, west along E 42nd Street, past Bryant Park for around 10 minutes.
You’ll instantly see signs for Madame Tussauds on your right!
These Madame Tussaud wax works either fascinate people or freak them out, but it’s quite a fun activity to while away a few hours. It is also a brilliant rainy-day activity!
You can book your tickets in advance here, so you aren’t waiting in any unnecessary lines.
Pose with Obama and Martin Luther King, take selfies with Rhianna and pretend you’re a guest on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
It is a brilliant attraction to take the children too or for those interested in celebrity culture.
Visiting the Museum of Modern Art
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 15 min / 0.7 mile
The Museum of Modern Art or MoMA is one of the best cultural things to do in New York and it’s just 15 minutes from Grand Central.
If you want to book your ticket for MoMA and enjoy the satisfaction of skipping the line inside check out this ticket option.
With one of the best collections of modern art there also comes a super modern digital gallery experience.
Once inside be sure to connect to MoMA’s Wi-Fi to experience free audios and the gallery maps.
MoMA has more than 200,000 items in their permanent collection. One of the most praised and exciting pieces is the famed “Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh.
You’ll also find work by Pablo Picasso, such as “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon”.
This is a fascinating New York activity and art lovers will lose track of time wandering around this impressive gallery.
Click here to see the latest prices.
Going up the Empire State Building
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 13 min / 0.6 mile
Ask someone to name a building in New York and chances are they will say the Empire State Building. This is a striking emblem of the city and one which has become a popular tourist attraction.
In just over 10 minutes you can walk to the Empire State Building from Grand Central Terminal.
Whilst many choose to take the subway to different New York attractions, walking is one of the best ways to experience the city.
From Grand Central you’ll want to head right along W 42nd Street and then south down 5th Avenue.
You’ll walk past Bryant Park, and you will easily be able to find the Empire State Building.
One of the best things about navigating around this city is most of the time you can see the skyscraper you are looking for! Always handy for those with little sense of direction.
The Empire State Building has an 86th and 102nd floor observation deck. Each deck provides spectacular 360-degree views of this metropolis.
You can purchase tickets in advance online. It does get very busy at peak times, so it is always better to purchase a ticket in advance.
Taking the Hop On – Off Bus
- Walking distance from Grand Central Terminal: 0 min / 0 mile
Perhaps you are not in New York for very long and want to experience as much as possible.
The Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing tour is an excellent way to see the main attractions. What’s better is that you can hop on right outside Grand Central.
You’ll travel to New York’s most famous neighbourhoods, ogle at iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Time Square and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Your ticket entitles you to a whole day of bus trips, to use at your leisure. View New York from the top deck of the bus whilst also hopping off and exploring on foot.
Click here to see the latest prices.
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