Met Museum & Central Park - Skip-the-Line Exclusive Guided Combo Tour

New York, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (17 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Skip-the-line tickets
  • inclusion
    Duration 5.5 hours (including a lunch break)
  • inclusion
    Tour will run, rain or shine
  • inclusion
    Professional tour guide exclusively for you
  • inclusion
    All entrance fees
  • inclusion
    Private walking tour & museum tour

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Tour price does not include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend uber or taxi)
  • exclusion
    Tour price does not include gratuities (optional)

Meeting Point

By the Information Desk in front of the Egyptian Pharaoh statue, in the Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Meeting point

1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Start at the Met, where your guide will show you a collection that rivals those of the Louvre and British Museum. With no less than 2 million works of art and artifacts on hand, the Met showcases objects from Ancient Greece and Egypt as well as modern art from Europe and beyond. During this tour, you’ll start at the sumptuous Great Hall before moving to the museum’s most important galleries. In the Medieval Europe Gallery you’ll learn about the Studiolo from the Ducal Palace as well as armory worn by Henry VIII. The American wing hosts the staircase from the Chicago Stock Exchange as well as the iconic portrait of Washington crossing the Delaware River. Learn about the turbulent and inspiring lives of several European painters including Vermeer, Seurat, and Van Gogh in the European wings. The museum itself has stories to tell, and your guide will explain how this American gallery differs from its older European counterparts, especially since it began before the United States was even 100 years old! 

Duration 150 minutes
Admission Admission Included
2

Central Park

After a break for lunch, Central Park. Designed to give New Yorkers a breath of fresh air. More than just green space, it’s also a venue for memorials and artwork honoring figures like Bolivar and Marti, as well as Balto and Hans Christen Andersen. As your enthusiastic young guide shares the park’s history, you’ll cross the famous Gapstow Bridge on your way to the Central Park Zoo. You will follow the tree-lined Mall and discuss the literary figures memorialized in statues on either side. You will discover the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, sight of countless Hollywood moments. Cross Bow Bridge on your way to Strawberry Fields towards the Dakota to learn about John Lennon’s assassination at his memorial. You’ll discover the resplendent restaurant, Tavern on the Green, before joining the locals in Sheep Meadow, where New Yorkers of all walks of life can get away from city life for a moment.

Duration 150 minutes
3

432 Park Avenue

After meeting your guide at the Latin America History equestrian statues on the corner of 6 Ave & 59 St, you will enter the park. One of the first things you will see is the surviving ASPCA horse drinking fountain sited in 1912. Although we are well into the world of the automobile, this represents the only place in the city where one can bring a horse to drink water if they happen to have one. You will then walk west to get a stunning view of the new SuperScrapers. 432 Park Avenue is a residential skyscraper that overlooks Central Park. The skyscraper is the second tallest building in New York behind One World Trade Centre, making it a prime location to live at.

Duration 10 minutes
4

Time Warner Center

Next you will see the Time Warner Center, a mixed-use building complex that consists of two twin towers bridged by a multi-story atrium. The complex contains upscale retail shops as well as some office and residential flats. Yet another impressive skyscraper for you to photograph!

Duration 10 minutes
5

Bow Bridge

Afterwards, you will visit Bow Bridge, the largest bridge in the park. It is a cast iron bridge, decorated designed with Classical Greek refinement during the 19th century. While other bridges in the park are inconspicuous, Bow Bridge is made to stand out from its surroundings, decorated with an interlocking circles banister and intricate elements underneath the arch span.

Duration 10 minutes
6

Gapstow Bridge

Another bridge you will come across during your tour is the beautiful schist Gapstow Bridge that ws initially built in 1874. The bridge offers one of the best views of the New York City skyline and you will be able to get some great shots of the city.

Duration 10 minutes
7

Turtle Pond

Then, you will make your way to the Great Lawn, a site of 55-acres that is considered one of the most famous lawns in the world. The Lawn is a great place to have a picnic on a spring afternoon or catch some rays in summer. Close by you will see the Turtle Pond, where most of the park’s turtles live.

Duration 10 minutes
8

The Dakota

After this you will see the Dakota, perhaps the most famous cooperative building in the city. Constructed in 1884, it still maintains much of its original character. It was the home of John Lennon, former Beatles member from 1973 until his murder in the archway of the building in 1980.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
9

Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial

Following, you will visit Strawberry fields, a 2.5-acre area in Central Park that pays tribute to the late Beatle, John Lennon. A designated quiet area in the park, Strawberry files is lined with elm trees, shrubs, flowers and rocks, making it a tranquil, picturesque site.

Duration 10 minutes
10

Bethesda Fountain

During your walk you will come across what is known as the Angel of Bethesda atop of Bethesda Fountain. Located in the centre of Bethesda Terrace, the angel became New York City’s first major piece of public art commissioned from a woman.

Duration 10 minutes
11

The Dakota

Start at the Met, where your guide will show you a collection that rivals those of the Louvre and British Museum. With no less than 2 million works of art and artifacts on hand, the Met showcases objects from Ancient Greece and Egypt as well as modern art from Europe and beyond. During this tour, you’ll start at the sumptuous Great Hall before moving to the museum’s most important galleries. In the Medieval Europe Gallery you’ll learn about the Studiolo from the Ducal Palace as well as armory worn by Henry VIII. The American wing hosts the staircase from the Chicago Stock Exchange as well as the iconic portrait of Washington crossing the Delaware River. Learn about the turbulent and inspiring lives of several European painters including Vermeer, Seurat, and Van Gogh in the European wings. The museum itself has stories to tell, and your guide will explain how this American gallery differs from its older European counterparts, especially since it began before the United States was even 100 years old!  After a break for lunch, Central Park. Designed to give New Yorkers a breath of fresh air. More than just green space, it’s also a venue for memorials and artwork honoring figures like Bolivar and Marti, as well as Balto and Hans Christen Andersen. As your enthusiastic young guide shares the park’s history, you’ll cross the famous Gapstow Bridge on your way to the Central Park Zoo. You will follow the tree-lined Mall and discuss the literary figures memorialized in statues on either side. You will discover the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, sight of countless Hollywood moments. Cross Bow Bridge on your way to Strawberry Fields towards the Dakota to learn about John Lennon’s assassination at his memorial. You’ll discover the resplendent restaurant, Tavern on the Green, before joining the locals in Sheep Meadow, where New Yorkers of all walks of life can get away from city life for a moment.

Duration 10 minutes
12

Central Park Zoo

Finally, we will end our tour at the Central Park Zoo, at the southeast corner of Central Park in New York City. Here, you can either stay and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the park, or your guide will accompany you to the nearest subway.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Additional information
    A maximum of 8 people per booking
  • Additional information
    Notes: The Met museum may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Provided by Babylon Tours New York City

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit Tavern on the Green for lunch
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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking
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    Bring a small bag for museum entry
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    Check for museum closures in advance
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    Explore nearby Central Park Zoo afterwards

More About this Experience

Introduction

Are you ready to explore the vibrant art scene and picturesque greenery of New York City? Look no further than the Met Museum & Central Park - Skip-the-Line Exclusive Guided Combo Tour! This 5.5 hour tour offers a seamless blend of culture and nature, allowing you to marvel at one of the world's most impressive art collections while immersing yourself in the beauty of Central Park.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can anticipate a captivating journey through art history and a delightful exploration of Central Park's iconic landmarks. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, be prepared to encounter a treasure trove of over 2 million works of art and artifacts. From Ancient Greece and Egypt to modern European masterpieces, you'll traverse the museum's most important galleries, gaining insights into the captivating stories behind each piece. After a break for lunch, the tour continues in Central Park, where you'll discover the park's rich history and hidden gems. Stroll along the tree-lined Mall, cross the famous Gapstow Bridge, and visit the Central Park Zoo. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating anecdotes and insights about the park's literary figures, memorial sites, and natural beauty.

Who is this for?

This tour caters to art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and curious travelers of all ages. Whether you're a history buff seeking to explore ancient civilizations or a nature enthusiast yearning for a breath of fresh air in the heart of the city, this tour offers something for everyone. No prior knowledge of art or Central Park is required; simply bring your sense of wonder and adventure!

Why book this?

Embarking on the Met Museum & Central Park - Skip-the-Line Exclusive Guided Combo Tour allows you to make the most of your time in New York City. By skipping the lines at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, you'll have more time to delve into its awe-inspiring collections. Additionally, having a knowledgeable guide by your side will bring each artwork to life, enriching your understanding and appreciation of the masterpieces. Moreover, exploring Central Park with a local guide provides a unique perspective and insider knowledge. Discover hidden corners, such as the Dakota building where John Lennon once resided, and indulge in the tranquility of Strawberry Fields. Uncover fascinating stories and soak up the serene atmosphere of this beloved urban oasis.

Good to know

It's important to note that this tour covers a significant amount of ground. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as you'll be walking through both the museum and Central Park. Don't forget to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. Whether rain or shine, the tour operates, so be prepared with appropriate clothing and an umbrella if needed.

Reviews

Previous participants of the Met Museum & Central Park - Skip-the-Line Exclusive Guided Combo Tour have been mesmerized by the wealth of art and cultural insight provided by the guide. They commend the seamless organization and skip-the-line access, which maximizes their time spent exploring. Guests also appreciate the tour's balance between art appreciation and experiencing the natural beauty of Central Park. Overall, visitors rave about the knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging guides who bring both the museum and the park to life. Many remark that this tour offers a great value for money, as it combines two iconic attractions into one unforgettable experience. From families to solo travelers, everyone agrees that this tour is a must-do when visiting New York City.

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