Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

New York City , United States of America

Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

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(61 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Skip the line and immerse yourself in the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a tour that showcases its most iconic masterpieces in just two hours. Led by an expert guide, you’ll explore 5,000 years of art and culture, from ancient civilizations to modern masterpieces.

Begin at the Met’s entrance, where your guide will introduce the museum’s significance before leading you to the Egyptian Wing to admire the monumental Temple of Dendur. Then, discover the American Wing’s iconic works like “Washington Crossing the Delaware” and contrast them with European masterpieces by Velázquez, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. The tour also includes highlights from Modern Art, featuring pieces by Pollock, Warhol, and Picasso, each brought to life with fascinating insights.

If visiting in summer, the experience concludes with stunning views from the Met’s rooftop garden. This City Wonders tour offers an enriching, expertly guided exploration of the Met, perfect for both art lovers and curious travelers.

Available options

10.30am Guided Tour

What's included

Expert, English-speaking local tour guide

Group of 20 people or less

Entry ticket to NYC Metropolitan Museum

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1

25 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.7

36 reviews

5★

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The MET does not allow bags bigger than a bag pack. If you bring a backpack you will be required to hold it in your hands.

Rooftop Terrace of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is closed November through February

Participants who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, behave in a disorderly manner, or pose a threat to other guests are subject to cancellation without refund

It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated. Missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.

Important notes

• The meeting point is located within the Museum at the Egyptian Sculpture in the Great Hall, inside Metropolitan Museum, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York - on the front entrance steps at the far right side.

Arriving by taxi: The MET - Museum is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue
Arriving by foot: Metropolitan Museum is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue
Arriving by subway: 4, 5, or 6 to 86th Street

Google Maps URL - https://maps.app.goo.gl/7ceghdSt2KYxoz5Y6

• Your guide will be carrying a City Wonders flag at the meeting point for easy recognition.
• It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated. Missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.

• This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
• New York city tourist sites are among the most popular in the world, but please be aware that some locations may be unavoidably busy during standard hours.
• Photography is permited throughout the tour, but might be limited in some MET exhibitions.
• City Wonders reserves the right to refuse participation on its tours to any guest under the influence of drugs or alcohol or to any guest whose behavior is disorderly, or poses a threat to other guests or City Wonders staff.
• Gratuities for your guide that provides excellent service are appreciated.

• Tour is ADA accesible and foldable strollers can be brought, however, there's no storage available throughout the tour.
• Most venues/attractions in NYC have airport-like security and item restrictions apply. Please make sure to plan enough time as your meeting point is within the museum.

• MET does not allow bags bigger than a bag pack. If you bring a backpack you will be required to hold it in your hands.
• For further information please visit the Met's Visitors Guidelines - https://www.metmuseum.org/policies/visitor-guidelines

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information