The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York City, New York, US

The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue is one of the world’s largest encyclopedic museums, covering five millennia of art across continents. Its breadth lets travelers wander from ancient Egyptian relics to contemporary installations without leaving Manhattan.
Why choose The Metropolitan Museum of Art
You’ll find a depth of cultural history that few single‑site venues can match, letting you trace artistic evolution in one day. The museum’s layout and curated galleries give a focused experience that a city‑wide walking tour can’t provide.
Best for: Art · History · Photography · Families
Start your Upper East Side morning at the Met
Begin with the Met’s highlights, then stroll into Central Park for a quick walk and finish with views from Belvedere Castle.
- Morning — The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- 11:30 — Central Park
- Afternoon — Belvedere Castle
Visit tips
- Download the museum app for a free audio guide and map before you arrive.
- Visit the Egyptian wing first; it’s less crowded early in the day.
- Arrive early; the museum opens at 10 am and crowds build after 12 pm.
- Allocate at least three hours to see the highlights without feeling rushed.
Plan your visit
- Recommended duration: 3–4 hours
- Best time of day: Early morning, before 11:00
- Hours: 10:00–17:00 (closed Wednesday)
- Booking: not required — tickets at the gate
- Category: attraction
- Rated 4.8 by 94131 reviewers
- Tags: art history, city landmark, family friendly
Nearby attractions
- Central Park — park, 5 min walk
- American Museum of Natural History — attraction, 12 min walk
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum — attraction, 7 min walk
- The Frick Collection — attraction, 12 min walk
- Theodore Roosevelt Park — park, 12 min walk
- Belvedere Castle — attraction, 6 min walk
More things to do in New York City
- Central Park
- Times Square
- Rockefeller Center
- Empire State Building
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Top of The Rock
See all things to do in New York City or plan a full New York City itinerary with Next Getaway.