The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Stop on Best of New York City in 24 Hours, a free self-guided tour.

The Met is simply one of the greatest museums on earth. Its encyclopedic collection of over two million objects spans 5,000 years of human creativity across every culture and continent. Highlights include the Egyptian Temple of Dendur, European Old Master paintings, the Arms and Armor gallery, Greek and Roman sculpture, the American Wing, and world-renowned Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections. The Met's Fifth Avenue facade and Great Hall entrance are iconic in their own right. Plan to spend at least 2-4 hours, though you could easily lose an entire day here. Suggested admission applies. The rooftop garden offers spectacular views of Central Park and the skyline.