The Met
"The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is one of the world's largest and greatest art museums, housing over 2 million works spanning 5,000 years of human history. The Beaux-Arts building (1880) on Fifth Avenue has 2 million square feet of gallery space. Highlights include the Temple of Dendur (Egyptian temple saved from the Nile), European paintings (Vermeer, Rembrandt), and the rooftop garden with city views. It's impossible to see everything in one visit."
Logistics
Expensive
Vibe
Grand, overwhelming
Duration
3-5 hours
Best For
Art lovers
The Backstory
Founded in 1870 by civic leaders to bring art education to Americans. The current building opened in 1880 and has expanded continuously. The Temple of Dendur was gifted by Egypt in 1965 and installed in 1978. The Met is NYC's most-visited museum (6+ million annually). Admission is 'suggested' but mandatory for non-NY residents ($30).
Local Secret
"Pick one section and explore deeply—trying to see everything is exhausting and futile. The Egyptian wing and Temple of Dendur are must-sees. The rooftop garden (open May-October) has drinks and skyline views. Go on weekday mornings for thinner crowds. 'Pay what you wish' ended—admission is now mandatory for tourists. Plan 3-4 hours minimum."