Tour Met Opera backstage areas and the 4,000-seat auditorium
75 min
Up to 12 people
English guided tour
Go behind the scenes at the Metropolitan Opera House and see how productions come together in working backstage spaces. Explore the iconic lobby and step into areas that are not typically open to the public.
The tour includes considerable standing, walking, stairs, and elevators. Backpacks and large bags are not permitted, and there is no checkroom. Photography is not permitted, and there are no restrooms on the tour route.
Public tours: Full refund for cancellations made more than 24 hours before the tour. No refunds for late arrivals, no-shows, or cancellations within 24 hours of the tour start time. Private tours: Full refund more than 72 hours before; no refunds within 72 hours.
Arrive early—tours begin promptly. Latecomers may not join a tour already in progress, and missed tours due to late arrival are not refunded or exchanged.
Stay with your tour group for the full tour. You can’t leave before the conclusion of the tour.
No. Backpacks, briefcases, shopping bags, luggage, and other packages aren’t permitted. You may carry a small purse/handbag/wallet, and there’s no checkroom. If you show up with a large bag, you may be turned away and not refunded or rescheduled.
Lobby of The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center
Visitors consistently rave about the exceptional tour guides here, particularly Richard, who leads several different walking tours including Grand Central Terminal, Gilded Age mansions, and Fifth Avenue experiences. People describe him as incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and engaging, with one reviewer noting he knew so much that guests didn't even have questions. The tours reveal hidden secrets and fascinating historical details that bring iconic NYC locations to life, and guides come prepared with visual aids and even hearing devices for elderly participants who need them. The variety of themed tours appeals to history buffs and casual tourists alike, from New Amsterdam colonial history to Gilded Age architecture. Justin, who created and leads the New Amsterdam tour, receives special praise for his depth of knowledge and passion for the subject. Other guides like Ro also get mentioned for keeping groups engaged throughout multi-hour walking experiences. Expect about 90 minutes to two hours of walking, but reviewers consistently say the time flies by thanks to intriguing stories and enthusiastic guides who handle questions graciously.
Great walking tour by Richard! Insight into history and art.
kazumi ehara
April 1, 2026
Great walking tour by Richard! Insight into history and art.
kazumi ehara
April 1, 2026