Explore The Met and Central Park with an expert guide in a small group of up to 8, with reserved entry included
Discover what we've curated for you
5 - 5.5 hours
Up to 8 people
Reserved entry, Expert guide
Explore masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, then stroll through Central Park on a 5 to 5.5 hour semi-private tour capped at 8 guests. Enjoy reserved entry and insights from an expert guide.
Not wheelchair accessible; moderate walking required. Bring photo ID and only small bags; security screening cannot be bypassed. Children under 18 must be with a guardian; tour covers the permanent collection and runs rain or shine.
What time should I arrive?
Arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
How will I recognize my guide?
Your guide will wear a Babylon badge and lanyard and will reach out the morning of the tour to confirm the meeting point.
Are tickets included?
Yes, reserved entry tickets for the permanent collection are included.
Can I reschedule my tour?
You can reschedule for free with at least 24 hours' notice; fees may apply within 24 hours.
What if I am running late?
Inform your guide as soon as possible; the semi-private tour starts on time.
Can I get tickets before the tour and meet inside?
No, meet your guide at the designated meeting point; you may stay in the museum after the tour.
Can I stay in the museum after the tour?
Yes, you may remain until closing.
Will the tour run if the weather is bad?
Yes, tours run rain or shine.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour start. No refund within 24 hours. No-shows and latecomers are charged full price. If booked through a third party, cancel or reschedule with them; reschedule fees may apply.
Travelers rave about the caliber of guides here, with names like Katherine, Mark, Jonathan, Jeff, and Robin repeatedly earning enthusiastic praise. What stands out most is how these guides balance deep art knowledge with genuine enthusiasm, making complex museum visits feel accessible and fun. Multiple reviewers mention guides tailoring tours to specific interests—whether that's introducing an 11-year-old to fine art or focusing on particular wings that matter most to visitors. Beyond the facts, guests appreciate the storytelling approach, with guides connecting present to past and pointing out hidden gems that would be easy to miss on your own. The personalized attention really shines through. Katherine gets special mention for helping guests navigate the subway and adjusting schedules, while others highlight how guides read the room and adapt pacing accordingly. People consistently note that guides are approachable and engaging rather than stuffy, sharing bonus tips about NYC food spots and entertainment. One minor note: a guest wished for slightly less time in Egypt and broader museum coverage, but they'd still book again in a heartbeat. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the Met's massive scale, these tours seem like the perfect way to make sense of it all.
We had the absolute privilege of taking a private tour of The Met with Katherine, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Katherine is a true connoisseur of art—deeply knowledgeable, eloquent, and passionate in a way that brings every piece to life. She thoughtfully curated our experience, weaving in fascinating insights while guiding us through hidden corners and masterpieces we would have surely overlooked on our own. What impressed me most was how attentive she was to our personal interests. She ensured we spent time in the wings that mattered most to me, while still surprising us with treasures and perspectives we never would have discovered without her. Katherine has that rare gift of making the museum feel both intimate and expansive—like walking with a friend who also happens to be an expert art historian. Her warmth, thoughtfulness, and dedication made the experience unforgettable. Meeting Katherine was a joy in itself, and her expertise turned our visit into something truly special. I left not only more informed, but more inspired. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
Shauna Cassity
September 7, 2025
We had the absolute privilege of taking a private tour of The Met with Katherine, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Katherine is a true connoisseur of art—deeply knowledgeable, eloquent, and passionate in a way that brings every piece to life. She thoughtfully curated our experience, weaving in fascinating insights while guiding us through hidden corners and masterpieces we would have surely overlooked on our own. What impressed me most was how attentive she was to our personal interests. She ensured we spent time in the wings that mattered most to me, while still surprising us with treasures and perspectives we never would have discovered without her. Katherine has that rare gift of making the museum feel both intimate and expansive—like walking with a friend who also happens to be an expert art historian. Her warmth, thoughtfulness, and dedication made the experience unforgettable. Meeting Katherine was a joy in itself, and her expertise turned our visit into something truly special. I left not only more informed, but more inspired. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
Shauna Cassity
September 7, 2025