New York Magazine

CROWD AVOIDANCE
Rush hour is, obviously, the worst time to go; make it a midday shopathon.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Plan your shopping route with the maps and stores list at grandcentralterminal.com.

GETTING THERE
Take the 4, 5, 6, 7, or S lines to the 42nd Street–Grand Central subway stop.

GETTING CASH
Most of Grand Central’s ATMs belong to Chase. There’s a North Fork Bank in the Lexington Passage and a Bank of America ATM in the Graybar Passage.

GENERAL STORE HOURS
Monday through Friday, 8 to 8; Saturday, 10 to 8; Sunday, 11 to 6; December 24, 11 to 6.

SNACK, CAFFEINATE, FIND A BATHROOM
There are numerous food options, but the Oyster Bar & Restaurant and the Campbell Apartment are pretty and tucked away. For a quick cup of coffee, go to the Oren’s Daily Roast on the main concourse. Inside the stationmaster’s office is an often-overlooked public restroom. The main restrooms are on the lower level.

GIFT WRAPPING
Many stores offer gift wrapping, but there are also two Papyrus locations that sell a small selection of beautiful paper and will wrap for at least $2 per gift.

EXIT STRATEGY
Cabs are plentiful at the 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue exits.