Lincoln Center
A world-renowned performing arts complex hosting opera, ballet, theater, and jazz with iconic architecture and vibrant public spaces.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free outdoor events & festivals
Lincoln Center
Best Time
Free outdoor events & festivals

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A world-renowned performing arts complex hosting opera, ballet, theater, and jazz with iconic architecture and vibrant public spaces.
"Lincoln Center is a must-visit for its incredible performances and stunning architectural beauty."
🤫 Secret Public Bathrooms
Discover hidden public restrooms in Alice Tully Hall and the MYT for a convenient break. :toilet:
🎟️ Discounted Tickets
Check out the indoor TKTS booth for great deals on same-day Broadway shows. Skip the lines! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Summer for the City Festival
Various locations within Lincoln Center
Enjoy free outdoor events, food, and performances during the summer months. A vibrant community celebration!

Indoor TKTS Booth
Inside Lincoln Center
Score same-day discounted Broadway tickets without braving the elements or long queues. A true NYC gem!

Broadway Theater Archives
Lincoln Center Theater on Tape Archives
Access recordings of Broadway shows by appointment. A fantastic way to experience theater history!

Silent Disco
Lincoln Center Plaza
Dance the night away to your own beat with headphones at these fun, free events. Pure joy!
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Dress Code & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Secret Public Bathrooms
Discover hidden public restrooms in Alice Tully Hall and the MYT for a convenient break. :toilet:
🎟️ Discounted Tickets
Check out the indoor TKTS booth for great deals on same-day Broadway shows. Skip the lines! :ticket:
🎶 Free Concerts & Events
Many free performances and festivals happen, especially during summer. Check schedules! :musical_score:
🎭 Theater Archives Access
Book an appointment to watch recordings of Broadway shows. A unique cultural experience! :movie_camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Secret Public Bathrooms
Discover hidden public restrooms in Alice Tully Hall and the MYT for a convenient break. :toilet:
🎟️ Discounted Tickets
Check out the indoor TKTS booth for great deals on same-day Broadway shows. Skip the lines! :ticket:
🎶 Free Concerts & Events
Many free performances and festivals happen, especially during summer. Check schedules! :musical_score:
🎭 Theater Archives Access
Book an appointment to watch recordings of Broadway shows. A unique cultural experience! :movie_camera:
🚶♀️ Explore the Campus
Wander through the plazas and discover hidden gems like Riverside Park South. :park:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lincoln Center's world-class performances and stunning architecture. The 'Summer for the City' festival is a highlight for its free events and vibrant atmosphere. While ticket prices can be high, the indoor TKTS booth and other discount options offer accessible ways to enjoy the arts. Some find navigating the large campus a bit daunting.
"I had the chance to visit Lincoln Center during the Summer Festival, and it was a fantastic experience. Despite all the events being free, everything was impressively well-organized and professionally run. I haven’t had the chance to attend a jazz performance there yet, but I’ve heard it’s an amazing venue for that too — it’s definitely on my list for next time!"
Nurdan Kilincoglu
"I went to a Summer for the City event at Lincoln Center and man, did I have a blast. The energy was amazing with nonstop dancing, great music, and good vibes all around. The crowd was full of friendly people just enjoying the moment. It felt like the heart of New York came alive right there. I’m definitely looking forward to more events in the future. Highly recommend checking it out if you’re in the city."
Hassan Hashi
"Attended Swan Lake at Lincoln Center from the balcony and it was absolutely breathtaking. Even from up high, the view was perfect and the performance felt deeply immersive. The dancers were mesmerizing, and the orchestra brought the story to life in the most powerful way.
It was my first time seeing a full-length ballet, and I was genuinely amazed. The elegance, the emotion, the energy unforgettable.
Lincoln Center knows how to create magic."
Yuvi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lincoln Center is easily accessible by subway. The 1 train stops at 66th Street-Lincoln Center, and the A, B, C, D, 1, 2, 3 trains stop at 59th Street-Columbus Circle. Several bus lines also serve the area.
Yes, there are several parking garages near Lincoln Center, including one directly beneath the complex. However, parking can be expensive, so public transportation is often recommended.
Yes, Lincoln Center is about a 15-20 minute walk north of Times Square. It's a pleasant walk, especially during good weather.
Absolutely! You can find public restrooms in Alice Tully Hall and the MYT (Metropolitan Opera House).
These are often less crowded than other public facilities.The campus is quite expansive. Walking is the best way to experience it. Consider exploring the plazas, fountains, and the nearby Riverside Park South for a more relaxed experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The indoor TKTS booth at Lincoln Center offers same-day discounted tickets for many Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, often with shorter lines than the Times Square location.
You can also explore rush tickets, lotteries, and digital rush options for potential savings.Linctix is a program offering discounted tickets for Lincoln Center performances, often for those aged 35 and under. Check the Lincoln Center website for current eligibility and availability.
It's generally recommended to arrive 15-30 minutes before showtime to find your seats and settle in.
For popular shows or free events with first-come, first-served seating, you might need to arrive much earlier.There is no strict dress code for most performances at Lincoln Center. While you can wear anything from casual to semi-formal, it's considered bad manners to dress overly sloppily.
Yes, Lincoln Center has a Theater on Tape archive where you can watch recordings of Broadway shows by appointment. It's a unique opportunity to experience theater history.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
Lincoln Center is home to numerous venues, including the Metropolitan Opera House, David Geffen Hall, David A. Koch Theater, Vivian Beaumont Theater, Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, Alice Tully Hall, and the Claire Tow Theater.
Yes, especially during the summer months, Lincoln Center hosts 'Summer for the City' which features many free outdoor events, concerts, and performances.
Keep an eye on their schedule for other free offerings throughout the year.The Josie Robertson Plaza is a large, central outdoor space at Lincoln Center, often used for public events, performances, and gatherings. It's a prominent feature of the campus.
The Film Society at Lincoln Center is a renowned cinematic institution that hosts film festivals, screenings, and retrospectives throughout the year. It's a must-visit for film enthusiasts.
Absolutely! The campus itself is architecturally significant and offers beautiful public spaces, fountains, and art installations. You can also visit the David Rubenstein Atrium for information and sometimes free events.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Lincoln Center offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. Many are located within the performance halls or on the plaza.
You can find a range of cuisines, including American, Italian, and international options. During events like 'Summer for the City,' food trucks and pop-ups offer diverse culinary experiences, like tacos from Habanero Pibil.
Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola (now often referred to as Dizzy's Club) is a premier jazz venue located within Frederick P. Rose Hall at Lincoln Center, offering stunning views of Central Park.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the performance halls. There are concessions available for purchase within the venues.
While dining within Lincoln Center can be pricey, the surrounding Upper West Side neighborhood offers a wide array of more budget-friendly restaurants, cafes, and delis.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies vary by venue and performance. Generally, flash photography is prohibited during performances. It's best to check the specific rules for the venue or event you are attending.
The Josie Robertson Plaza with its fountains and iconic architecture is a popular spot. The David Rubenstein Atrium also offers striking modern design. The exterior views of the various halls are also photogenic.
No, taking photos or videos during performances is strictly prohibited to avoid disturbing the artists and audience. This applies to most professional theater and music venues.
Yes, drone usage is generally prohibited in and around Lincoln Center due to security and safety regulations. Always adhere to local airspace rules.
Popular shots include the grand architecture of the plazas, the fountains, people enjoying outdoor events during 'Summer for the City,' and candid moments of performers or attendees.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎶 Jazz Aficionados
🎭 Theater Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Lincoln Center's Performance Venues
Beyond these major halls, Lincoln Center features intimate spaces like the Vivian Beaumont Theater and the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, both part of the Lincoln Center Theater, which present acclaimed Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Alice Tully Hall is celebrated for its exceptional acoustics, making it a premier destination for chamber music and recitals. The Claire Tow Theater and Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater offer more experimental and intimate theatrical experiences.
For jazz enthusiasts, Dizzy's Club in Frederick P. Rose Hall provides world-class live jazz performances with breathtaking views of Central Park. The David Rubenstein Atrium serves as a central gathering space and often hosts free events and performances, making it a vibrant hub for visitors. Understanding these distinct venues can help you choose the perfect performance and venue for your visit.
Unlocking Ticket Deals and Access
For those planning ahead, exploring rush tickets and lottery drawings can yield substantial savings on popular shows. Many shows offer rush seats on the day of the performance, while lotteries are typically held the day before. Websites like Playbill and TodayTix often list comprehensive information on these opportunities. Additionally, programs like Linctix offer discounted tickets to eligible individuals, often targeting younger audiences.
For free events, especially during the 'Summer for the City' festival, tickets are often first-come, first-served. In these cases, arriving early is crucial to guarantee entry. Always check the official Lincoln Center website or contact their Guest Experience department for the most up-to-date information on ticketing policies and availability.
Beyond the Stage: Free Events and Hidden Gems
A lesser-known but highly practical tip is the existence of public bathrooms within venues like Alice Tully Hall and the Metropolitan Opera House (MYT). These facilities are often well-maintained and less crowded than public restrooms elsewhere in the city. For those seeking a quiet escape or a different perspective, exploring Riverside Park South, adjacent to Lincoln Center, offers scenic walkways and piers with fewer tourists than Central Park.
Furthermore, the Theater on Tape archives provide a unique opportunity to watch recordings of past Broadway productions by appointment, offering a deep dive into theatrical history. The David Rubenstein Atrium also frequently hosts free performances and events, serving as an accessible entry point to the Lincoln Center experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit