Tickets to The Met are available online and on site, but booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, weekends, and school holidays. Purchasing tickets online allows you to skip the ticket desk and head directly to the entrance, which can save significant time on busy days. While The Met does offer a pay what you wish admission policy for New York State residents, visitors from outside the state should expect to pay full admission. Even so, tickets provide same day access to all three Met locations, including The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Cloisters, and The Met Breuer when exhibitions are on view.

Timing your visit can dramatically affect your experience. Mornings shortly after opening are generally the calmest, particularly on weekdays. Late afternoons can also be quieter as large tour groups begin to leave. Midday tends to be the most crowded, especially in headline galleries like the Egyptian Wing, the Temple of Dendur, and the European painting rooms. If you are visiting during summer, winter holidays, or spring break, arriving early is one of the best strategies for avoiding congestion.

Given the museum’s sheer size, it is best to approach The Met with a flexible plan rather than trying to see everything in one visit. Many first time visitors focus on a few major sections, such as ancient Egypt, Greek and Roman art, and European paintings, before branching out to areas that match their personal interests. Free gallery talks and the museum’s mobile guide are excellent tools for adding context without committing to a full guided tour. Benches throughout the museum make it easier to take breaks and enjoy the art at a comfortable pace.

One of The Met’s unique strengths is how easily it fits into a broader day in New York. Its location makes it ideal to combine with a walk through Central Park either before or after your visit. Food options inside the museum range from casual cafés to more formal dining, but many visitors choose to eat nearby to maximize gallery time. Comfortable shoes are essential, as even a focused visit can involve several miles of walking.

Whether you spend two hours or an entire day, The Met offers an unmatched journey through global history and creativity. With advance tickets, a smart arrival time, and a selective approach to what you want to see, a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art becomes not just a museum stop, but a defining experience of New York City itself.