Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
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Build a trip to New York City
About
Lincoln Center is the world's leading performing arts complex, home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic. Built in the 1960s as part of an urban renewal project, its travertine-clad buildings surround a central plaza with a famous synchronized fountain. The atmosphere is sophisticated and glamorous, especially in the evenings when the buildings are illuminated. Expert recommendation: Look for the Marc Chagall murals through the glass windows of the Metropolitan Opera House. Pro tip: You don't need an expensive ticket to enjoy the vibe; during the summer, the 'Summer for the City' festival offers many free outdoor performances and silent discos in the main plaza. For opera fans, 'Rush Tickets' are released online for a fraction of the regular price.
Highlights
- Metropolitan Opera House
- Revson Fountain light show
- Avery Fisher Hall music
- World-class ballet and theater
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Per Se
Thomas Keller’s New York masterpiece overlooks Central Park from the Deutsche Bank Center. This three-star Michelin establishment is known for its legendary nine-course tasting menu where no single ingredient is repeated. The atmosphere is hushed and opulent, with a focus on 'The French Laundry' style of American-French fusion. The view of Columbus Circle through the floor-to-ceiling windows provides a dramatic backdrop to the meticulous plating. Expert recommendation: The 'Oysters and Pearls' is a signature dish that has reached cult status. Pro tip: If the main dining room is beyond reach, the Salon offers an à la carte menu that provides a taste of the kitchen's brilliance without the four-hour commitment; reservations are still highly recommended.
Levain Bakery (W 74th St)
Levain is famous for one thing: a massive, six-ounce cookie that is crisp on the outside and molten on the inside. This tiny, basement-level original shop on the Upper West Side often has a line snaking down the block. The aroma of baking chocolate and butter is irresistible. It has become a global sensation, but this specific location remains the most iconic. Expert recommendation: The 'Chocolate Chip Walnut' is the original and most famous, but the 'Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter' is a close second. Pro tip: The line at the original 74th St location is always the longest. If you’re in a hurry, their larger location on 77th Street and Amsterdam is just a few blocks away and usually has a much shorter wait with the same cookies.
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New-York Historical Society Museum & Library
Founded in 1804, this is New York's oldest museum. It houses a vast collection documenting the history of the city and the nation, including a world-class collection of Tiffany lamps and the Center for Women’s History. The atmosphere is scholarly but accessible, with engaging multimedia displays. Expert recommendation: Don't miss the 'New York Story' panoramic film which provides a great overview of the city's development. Pro tip: It is located right next to the American Museum of Natural History, but it is much quieter. It's an excellent place to escape the crowds while still engaging with high-quality museum exhibits. They also have a 'Pay What You Wish' policy on Friday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Le Bernardin
Eric Ripert has run Le Bernardin since 1994 and the philosophy has never changed: the fish is the point. Not the sauce, not the presentation, not the theater of the kitchen — the fish. It arrives barely touched, poached or just-seared, in preparations that require enormous skill precisely because there is nowhere to hide. When the ingredient is that good and the cooking is that restrained, a single degree of heat becomes the difference between perfect and overdone. The dining room is quiet in a way that feels intentional — no sharp angles, no statement lighting, the kind of space that makes you lower your voice without knowing why. It has held three Michelin stars and four New York Times stars since it opened in 1986. At this point the ratings are almost beside the point; the restaurant has simply outlasted the conversation about whether it deserves them. Lunch is the practical entry: the prix-fixe is shorter, less expensive, and the room is calmer. If you're going once, go at lunch.
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