Is The Cloisters worth it?
Worth itUnderrated · +19The Met's medieval-art branch in a monastery-style building above the Hudson in Fort Tryon Park
Worth it. 4.8 on Google across 9,185 reviews and 4.7 on Tripadvisor; reviewers consistently call it a highlight, with complaints mostly about distance.
Hype51How famous and hyped it is
Reality70Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.8 ★ Google · 9,185 reviews4.7 Tripadvisor · 5,209— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to The Cloisters? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 art & history lovers vote
The only museum of its kind in the US, rated 4.8 across 9,000+ Google reviews; the Unicorn Tapestries alone justify the trip.
Why Reality is 70
Lives up to its fame4/54.8 on Google across 9,185 reviews and 4.7 on Tripadvisor; reviewers consistently call it a highlight, with complaints mostly about distance.
Value for money4/5$30 is steep for a compact museum on its own, but it includes same-day Met entry, kids are free and NY residents pay what they wish.
Can’t get it elsewhere5/5Medieval European cloisters, chapels and gardens reassembled above the Hudson; nothing comparable exists elsewhere in the city.
Easy to do2/5About 45 minutes from Midtown each way, closed Wednesdays, and weekend subway work can complicate the trip; no timed entry helps.
What people loved
Genuinely transporting: medieval chapels, cloisters and stained glass that make you forget you're in NYCWorld-famous Unicorn Tapestries (c. 1500) in a dedicated roomMedieval herb gardens and Hudson River views, best in spring and fallTicket also covers the main Met the same day; NY residents pay what they wishFree guided tours and garden tours are frequently praisedWhat wore them down
Far from Midtown at the northern tip of Manhattan; budget around 45 min each way plus a walk$30 for a relatively small collection if you don't also use the same-day Met entryClosed Wednesdays, and weekends get busy in good weatherLimited step-free access in the landmark building and scarce free parkingKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: Walk up or buy online; no timed slots. Weekend A-train maintenance can disrupt the trip, so check the MTA first.
Entry$30 adults, $22 seniors 65+, $17 students, free 12 and under; pay-what-you-wish for NY State residents and NY/NJ/CT studentsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Combined ticketEvery ticket includes same-day entry to The Met Fifth Avenue (date printed on ticket only)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Hours10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, Dec 25 and Jan 1Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereA train to 190 St (exit by elevator), then a 10-min walk through Fort Tryon Park or one stop on the M4; roughly 45 min from Times Square. The M4 from the main Met takes about 1 hr 25 minSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationNo timed entry; advance tickets not required. Groups of 10+ must registerSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time needed2–3 hoursSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
CaféTrie Café is seasonal, open April–OctoberSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
In their words
“We did not feel like we were in the largest city in America in this quiet, pastoral location”
“I have wanted to go to the Cloisters for years, today was finally the day.....I should have gone a long time ago.”
“Getting there is part of the adventure—take the A train to 190th Street and then transfer to the M4 bus.”
“Be warned-for some, a big draw is the unicorn tapestry but it's next to some violent tapestry where it's hunted & speared.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
How much are tickets to The Met Cloisters?
$30 adults, $22 seniors, $17 students, free for kids 12 and under. NY State residents and NY/NJ/CT students pay what they wish.
Does a Met ticket include The Cloisters?
Yes, but only on the same day: every ticket covers both Met locations for the date printed on it.
How do I get to The Cloisters?
Take the A train to 190 St, take the elevator up, then walk about 10 minutes through Fort Tryon Park or ride the M4 one stop.
When is The Met Cloisters closed?
Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1. Other days it's open 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
How long do you need at The Cloisters?
Plan 2–3 hours for the galleries and gardens, plus travel time.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- The Met – Plan your visit to The Met Cloisters
- The Empty Nest Explorers – A trip to The Met Cloisters: everything you need to know
- Tripadvisor – The Cloisters
- Google Maps – The Met Cloisters