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.