It's on 5 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- Subway1 to 66 St-Lincoln Center, 1 min
- AddressLincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Lincoln Center is one of the most famous cultural landmarks in NYC, and it always feels like an event just to be there. I’ve come here for ballet, opera, live concerts, and outdoor screenings. The architecture alone is worth seeing, especially at night when the plaza is glowing and the fountain is lit. It’s easy to see why this one of the most photographed and visited spots on the Upper West Side.
I never get tired of this view.
Even if you’re not catching a performance, Lincoln Center is still worth the stop. You can take a guided tour, explore the nearby public art, or just sit by the fountain and soak in the atmosphere. It’s close to Central Park and Columbus Circle, so it fits easily into any day spent uptown. For travelers looking to experience the best cultural attractions in New York City, Lincoln Center stands out as a top destination.
Here’s the thing, if you’re visiting NYC during Christmas, you can’t afford to miss the breathtaking Nutcracker performance at the Lincoln Center. Here’s the other thing, if you’re NOT visiting during Christmas, you’ll still have an opportunity to participate in this romantic NYC activity.
Founded in 1950, the Lincoln Center is home to the Metropolitan Opera House, New York Philharmonic, New York City Opera, New York City Ballet, the School of American Ballet, Julliard School of Music, the Chamber Music Society and the Film Society.
In other words, the Lincoln Center is the cultural capital not only of the Upper West Side, but of NYC as a whole. This the place to go to see world-class opera, theater, ballet and jazz. So if you’re looking to impressive someone with an unforgettable date night in New York City, this would be my suggestion.
A great way to stay warm while visiting New York City in winter is by attending a world-class performance at the Lincoln Center. Founded in 1950, the cultural hub houses the city’s most revered cultural institutions like the New York Philharmonic, New York City Opera, New York City Ballet, and the Julliard School of Music.
Ideal for romantic date nights, seeing performances at the Lincoln Center is on constant rotation in my New York City winter itinerary. The two most popular winter performances are George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker and the New York Film Festival hosted mid-January.
Seeing a performance at the Lincoln Center, one of the world’s leading performing arts centers is a quintessential NYC experience. Home to 11 resident art organizations, including the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the New York City Ballet, this famous complex hosts thousands of performances annually.
She still talks about it.
Whether you’re captivated by the soaring arias of an opera, the mind-boggling movements of a ballet, or the moving performances of a drama, Lincoln Center is a top choice for a rainy day activity in New York City.
The Lincoln Center is home to the Metropolitan Opera House, New York Philharmonic, New York City Opera, New York City Ballet, the School of American Ballet, Julliard School of Music, the Chamber Music Society and the Film Society.
In other words, the Lincoln Center is the cultural hub of the Upper West Side. The venue sits on 16-acres and consists of five concert/theater buildings, a library, band shell and two outdoor plazas. This the place to go to see world-class opera, theater, ballet and jazz. There’s never a shortage of exciting events to attend.