I guess I don't understand how 4.5 hours before the show is less than 4.5 hours after the show? If we get to the museum shortly after it opens at 9:30, it seems like it should work.

You don't? The big difference is time for a meal. Going first, you're expecting travel from east to west, the Met and a meal. Going after, you can grab a sandwich for dinner if necessary and eat on the train.

Yes, but the Met museum is further from Penn Station than the Met Opera, so travel time also has to be part of the equation.

I think people fret too much about what is a "perfect" itinerary and miss the forest for the trees.

The OP's plan makes more sense because it places them on the west side right before they have to get down to Penn Station for their train home.

Get to the museum early, grab something quick for lunch (the food at the Metropolitan Museum is horribly overpriced but generally pretty good). See the play, and then have a more civilized dinner. I like that.

If you do end up eating at the Cafe at Bouchon Bakery, the food isn't cheap, but it's got lovely views out the windows onto Columbus Circle, and the food is good. But make a reservation. They have a nice prix-fixe for $25 for 2 courses (get dessert over an appetizer).

And if you feel you need to escape the museum for an hour, there's a Panera Bread on 86th Street between Lex and Park (or Shake Shack, for that matter between 3rd and Lex). Once you pay your admission, just retain your button, exit the museum, and use it to come back in. As for myself, I need to stick my head up for a breath after 2 hours of museum viewing, so an early lunch might be a nice way to break up the visit as long as you do the more crowded exhibits first.

How did your day go? I actually did the walk in the opposite direction a couple of years ago.
http://thestarryeye.typepad.com/expl...uggenheim.html

We agreed on the train home that it had been an excellent day!

We would have walked more, especially in Central Park, if a shower wasn't imminent, and we had more time, but other then that,it all worked out.

We got to the museum by 10:30, got in quickly (thanks, nyer!), and went directly to the impressionist exhibit. It wasn't horribly crowded, and we had time to appreciate it. Great! We followed that with a quick walk through the punk exhibit, which was fun.

Took a taxi to Lincoln Center, and had a pleasant lunch at:
http://americantablecafeandbar.com

ANN was really enjoyable, really well done. I suspect our late 50s age group was especially appreciative of her story. Loved it!

After the play we walked to Columbus Circle, and had drinks and dinner at:
http://gerberbars.com/stone-rose-ny
OK, I was outvoted, but it served the purpose, and had a great view. I don't think the 3 or so lounge/bars on that floor have been mentioned much...seems like a good place to go for drinks with a view.

By 7:30 we were on a train back home, and planning another visit.

BTW, the thunderstorm struck during the play, and at first we were sure it was sound effects...HT looked up and said something like "good things always happen in the rain..."

~Liz

Liz, thanks for your report on your busy day in NYC. I knew that rain had been predicted so I was wondering how it affected your plans. Happy to learn that everything worked out so well.

We'll have to check out the fourth floor next time we're in the TimeWarner Center and a drink is in order. Looks like a good destination before or after Jazz at Lincoln Center (also in the TW building).
k

Next time for a GREAt view on Central Park, try ROBERT at the top of the Museum of Art and design at Columbus Circle!!!