VIBE

From Pavarotti to Springsteen, via Baryshnikov and Bernstein, the Lincoln Center has seen it all when it comes to la crème de la crème of performance art. It’s been the city’s premier performing arts complex since it opened in 1959, and its spacious 16-acre campus is home to a host of legendary arts organizations, including The Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, the Julliard School, and the School of American Ballet. The imposing mid-century architecture and swank chandelier-and-red-carpet interiors make attending any event here seem like a special occasion–though the newly added David Rubenstein Atrium now provides a more laidback spot to grab a bite or chat with friends before the performance if you’re not the heels-and-pearls type.

GO HERE WITH

Music aficionados; a date; friends; family

WHY WE LIKE IT

The fabulous programming–the Lincoln Center offers over 400 events a year, all featuring performers who are the best-of-the-best in their field. To sweeten the deal (as if they needed to!), there are gourmet dining options on site (like Tom Colicchio’s ‘wichcraft), so you can really make a night of it. Also, if you can’t make it for an event, the tours are a worthy substitute–they sometimes offer access to live rehearsals.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Nada.

GOOD TO KNOW

The newest addition to the Lincoln Center schedule is the bi-annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which was previously hosted in Bryant Park. (The change from tents in the park to Lincoln Center has been well received.) The tours start from the David Rubenstein Atrium, and they offer interesting insights into what happens both on and off stage at the Lincoln Center. There are also special theme tours (like “Art and Architecture” and “Jazz at the Lincoln Center”) available. To book or get more information, call (1) 212-875-5350. The Lincoln Center now also offers a free, first-come, first-served concert each Thursday at 8:30pm and a free “meet the artist” event at 11:00am on the first Saturday of every month. Parking is available in a garage under the Lincoln Center, and it can be reserved in advance through their website.

CLOSEST COMPS

Carnegie Hall (New York)