Bucket list experience:
The Met is the largest art museum in the world, with an extraordinary collection of over 2 million works
One of the largest art museums in the world, this treasure house hoards more than two million artworks, artefacts and decorative arts spanning thousands of years of human civilisation.
It’s focus is historical and classical art – Ancient Egyptian, Islamic, Asian, Oceanic, Greek and Roman amongst others – as well as a fine collection of contemporary art that includes Picasso, Matisse, Miro, and Balthus.
The collections, all beautifully displayed, are so vast you would need a week to see them all.
The Met’s spacious rooftop Cantor Roof Garden Bar has one of the best views in Manhattan, overlooking the treetops of Central Park. Perfect for a pick-me-up tonic after all that serious contemplation.
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Destination Guide >Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street and walk three blocks west to Fifth Avenue. This walk is about half a mile and takes approximately 10 minutes. You can just turn up, but booking tickets in advance on the website avoids any queuing.
The collection is vast, so it’s worth planning ahead for what you want to see. First, go to the museum website and check out the audio guides on specific themes of the collection. go.
Then look at the online interactive map of the galleries to plan where you need to go to see what you want to see. You can also download a map PDF before you go, or pick up a printed one at the information desk when you get there.
The mobile-delivered City Pass gives you entry to 6 top New York attractions at a 40% discount: the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
The museum is open all year round, Thursday to Tuesday. Closed Wednesday.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[1.9 miles]
One of the world’s most famous and luxurious hotels in a prime location overlooking Central Park, for traditionalists seeking an old-school sense of occasion.
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New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[2 miles]
A typically luxurious Mandarin hotel with top-notch facilities and faultless service – in an unrivalled location on Central Park. As good as Manhattan five stars get, and in the perfect location – walking distance to New York’s top attractions.
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New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[2.2 miles]
Sumptuous luxury hotel with lauded bar, spa, eateries, right next to Manhattan’s best shopping and museums.
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New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[2.7 miles]
Funky and efficient affordable option in a handy location for Fifth Avenue, Museum Mile, and Central Park.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
New York, United States of America (USA)
The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a 24/7 thrill of soaring skyscrapers, jaw-dropping architecture, dynamic culture and world-class art, dining and performing arts scenes.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
New York, United States of America (USA)[0.4 miles]
The world’s most famous park – a vast, nostalgic oasis in the heart of frenetic Manhattan. Fifty blocks long and the width of four avenues filled with secrets, curios, and nostalgic delights.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
New York, United States of America (USA)[0.5 miles]
A world-class collection of 20th- and 21st-century art, including works by Calder, Chagall, Kandinsky, Klee, Picasso, and van Gogh. All housed in Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece.
Best for ages: 18+ | £22
New York, United States of America (USA)[0.9 miles]
A staggering emporium of world-beating nature and science exhibitions and interactive displays, in a majestic building. A world-class attraction and a must-see for anyone remotely interested in nature.
Best for ages: 4+ | £17
New York, United States of America (USA)[2.4 miles]
One of the world’s greatest museums of contemporary art, taking you on an artistic journey through Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Impressionism and Pop Art.
Best for ages: 8+ | £22
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
New York, United States of America (USA)[1 miles]
One of America’s pre-eminent small art museums with an enviable bequeathed collection of European paintings, sculpture and porcelain, including Bellini, Constable, Gainsborough, Degas, Rembrandt, and Whistler. Housed in the late steel magnate and art collector Henry Frick’s magnificent mansion.
Best for ages: 18+ | £18
New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[1.2 miles]
A year-round, Sunday bazaar packed with local artists, designers, food producers and antique/vintage dealers come together to sell one-of-a-kind and limited edition finds.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[1.9 miles]
Known for its iconic ‘Big Brown Bag’ and bold, contemporary style, this legendary department store combines luxury with a more modern, youthful, trendsetting edge than its more traditional rivals. The store’s vast selection encompasses high-end designer brands, emerging labels, and exclusive collaborations.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[2 miles]
This iconic Fifth Avenue department store, founded in 1899, exudes an air elegance and sophistication. It’s renowned for curated collections of designer clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and home goods, and impeccable, personalised customer service.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
From New York to London, Paris to Berlin, here’s our round-up of the must-see art galleries and museums around the world that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.
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