A Brief Review and Quick Guide to Navigating the MET Opera Easily one of the top 10 opera houses of the world, the MET Opera at Lincoln Center is legendary. As a current resident in NYC and frequent visitor to all Lincoln Center has to offer, there are a few tips and tricks we've learned and we can't leave out a few restaurant recommendations to boot! 1. Booking Booking is easiest via the MET Opera website, although it can be clunky and annoyingly requires an account to be created. Prices can be excellent mid-week but be sure to bring your glasses for some seats. Pro-tip: the "boxes" on the sides of the Dress Circle and above have great views and great prices. 2. Must Try Pre-Dinner Options
Bar Boulud - World-renowned Chef Daniel Boulud's casual French bistro with a $70 pre-fixe.
Lincoln Ristorante - Modern glass and steel, fine-dining Italian, steps from the Opera.
Atlantic Grill - Classic, upscale seafood with a $68 pre-fixe.
3. La Bohème Review
One of the most famous and beloved operas by Giacomo Puccini and first performed in 1896, La Bohème is a classic of the Italian opera repertoire and tells the story of young love, friendship, and the harsh realities of life in Paris. Set in the Latin Quarter of Paris during the 1830s, it revolves around a group of impoverished artists—mostly poets, painters, and musicians—living in a cramped attic apartment. At it's core, it is a love story with highs and lows, laughs and cries.
This is one of the more easy to follow and accessible operas in our opinion, all of course with english subtitles. With 4 Acts and 2 intermissions, there are plenty of breaks and the MET produces exceptional sets, in La Bohème, the second Act steals the show. If you're looking for a change from Broadway or are yet to experience the MET Opera, this is a must experience!
Bonus Pro Tip: Dress
For many, the prospect of dressing up or even of how to navigate dress at the Opera can be intimidating - not to worry! For the MET Opera, business casual is typical but you'd not be out of place in jeans and sneakers or a tuxedo. An opening night or special event may see more formal wear but gone are the days of everyone in tails and ball gowns.
(view from the Dress Circle Boxes $95 inclusive of fees)
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