New York’s premier opera company is the place to see classics such as La Boheme, Madame Butterfly and Macbeth. It also hosts premieres and revivals of more contemporary works, such as John Adams’ The Death of Klinghoffer. The season runs from September to May. Tickets start at $25 and can get close to $500.
Note that the box seats can be a bargain, but unless you’re in boxes right over the stage, the views are dreadful: seeing the stage requires sitting with your head cocked over a handrail – a literal pain in the neck.
For last-minute ticket buyers there are other deals. You can get bargain-priced standing-room tickets (from $20 to $30) from 10am on the day of the performance. (You won’t see much, but you’ll hear everything.) Monday through Friday at noon and Saturdays at 2pm, a number of rush tickets are put on sale for starving-artist types – just $25 for a seat; these are available online only. Matinee tickets go on sale four hours before curtain.
Don’t miss the gift shop, which is full of operatic knickknacks (like binoculars), and an extensive collection of classical music – many from past Met performances.
For a behind-the-scenes look, the Met Opera Guild (www.metguild.org) runs guided tours ($30) weekdays at 3pm and Sundays at 10:30am and 1:30pm during the performance season.
The 2016–17 season marked the 50th anniversary of the Met's home in Lincoln Center.