Metropolitan Opera House New York
An elegant night out
For a glamorous evening in New York City, I love seeing a performance at the Metropolitan Opera House. Located in the elegant Lincoln Center complex, the Metropolitan Opera performs classic operas such as Carmen, La Boheme, Turandot, and even new contemporary operas. The Metropolitan Opera House is famous for putting on lavish performances, combining the talents of the world's best performers, musicians, artists and costume designers.
If you are thinking that opera is only for the wealthy elite, think again! Tickets for many performances start at $30. The incredible acoustics of the theater ensure that every seat gets a great sound. Many opera buffs claim that the best seats are those at the very top, where the sound resonates most. Steer clear of seats with obstructed views, however. While cheaper, you won't get the full experience. All seats have built-in electronic subtitles, so you can follow the plot in the language of your choice.
During intermission, you can explore the opera house, which is filled with opera memorabilia like vintage costumes and photos of famous singers who have performed at the Met. Don't miss the colorful Chagall murals on either side of the opera house. Or, simply find a spot at the balcony to sip a glass of champagne and people-watch. From here, you have a view of the glittering crystal chandelier and the central stairway.
If you don't have time to attend a performance, the opera house is also open to the public during the daytime.
About this spot
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Patsy's 'El Barrio'
Historic Pizzeria
Patsy’s, famed for its 900°F coal-fired pizza, still thrives in Spanish Harlem, gritty, iconic, and sublime. Thin crust, no tables, just pure NY history.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Dublin House
Irish Bar Centenarian
"The Dublin House" in NYC has been around since Prohibition and it still is neighborhood-sized. By the end of the night, everyone speaks Irish here...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pain d’ Epices
French / American patisserie
"Pain d' Epices" is a French bakery in NYC that makes croissants so flaky & buttery, the only way to avoid the crumbs is to 'put your back to the wind...'
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Django
Tribeca jazz boîte
"Django" in NYC is proof that the city's jazz club world is recovering. I celler/cavern is intimate enough that after performances I walk over to engage...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pastrami Queen
Traditional kosher Jewish deli
"Pastrami Queen" in NYC has if not the best, among the very best pastrami sandwiches in the city. It's the kind of American excess you just can't miss...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Grandma's Place
Inclusive Books and Toys
I stumbled across a store about which I had read but never visited—the very inviting and colourful playground of Dawn Harris-Martine), retired teacher, now famous—named Grandma’s Place.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters Uptown Bookstore
African diaspora hub
"Sisters Uptown Bookstore" in NYC is a hidden shop/cultural center w/ an eye-opening trove of books by African diaspora authors. A true neighborhood spot!
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Color World
Curb Side BBQ
Color World sets up on the corner of 116th and 2nd Avenue, rain or shine. There they serve beef, pork, goat, oxtail, and chicken for $10 a plate.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Don Alejo Coffee
Coffee, toasts and burritos
Their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Icons' Homes
James, James & Dorothy
There are three houses not far from each other in NYC of three icons: James Dean, James Baldwin, and Dorothy Parker...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heckscher Field/Central Park
Broadway show league
"Heckscher Field" in Central Park, New York, is used for softball. Here you can see games played for the Broadway Show League. Celebrity stars may be seen.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
74St Café
American overlooking Beacon Theater
Among its offerings are a $10 breakfast special and its enormous $15 lunchtime hamburger, a price unobtainable anywhere else within walking distance.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York this weekend?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
