The Met Cloisters

The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The complex includes architectural monuments from five French monasteries, plus a Romanesque chapel and extensive gardens. The famous Unicorn Tapestries are displayed here as are numerous paintings, sculptures, glorious stained glass, illuminated manuscripts, and other objects from medieval times.

Best and worst times to go to The Cloisters
It's best to visit The Cloisters in nice weather so you can enjoy the beautiful gardens and view the architecture from the outside as well as from the inside. Also, visiting on a rainy day prevents you from seeing the stained glass in its full glory.

Must see/do at The Cloisters
A visit to The Cloisters is a must for those interested in the art and architecture of the Middle Ages--and for anyone interested in stunning views of the Hudson River. Highlights tours of the collection are available Mondays through Fridays and Sundays at 3 p.m., year-round. If you've come as much for the gardens as for the art and architecture, consider taking one of the garden tours, which are offered daily from May to October at 1 p.m. Tours are free with museum admission.

Admission to The Cloisters
The Cloisters is open 7 days a week. From March to October, hours are 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.; from November to February, hours are 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. The recommended admission fee is $25 for adults and $17 for seniors and students; free for members and children 12 and under. This fee includes admission to The Cloisters museum and gardens and same-day admission to the main Metropolitan Museum building.

Parking and Public Transportation to The Cloisters
Visitors to who drive to The Cloisters may use free city parking available in Fort Tryon Park.

By subway, take the A train to 190th Street and Overlook Terrace and then take the #4 bus to Fort Tryon Park/The Cloisters. Or simply take the #4 (Madison Avenue) bus all the way to the Cloisters (this second option is easier, but it takes longer).

Food at The Cloisters
The outdoor Trie Café, which offers sandwiches, snacks, dessert, cold beverages, and coffee, is open from April through October.

Insider tip for visitors to The Cloisters
The Cloisters frequently hosts Sunday afternoon concerts in the 12th-century Spanish Fuentiduena Chapel, which is often cited as one of the most visually and acoustically appropriate places for medieval music performances. Ticket prices for these concerts also includes museum admission. For further information, call 212-650-2290.

Other places to visit near The Cloisters
The Cloisters are at the northern end of Fort Tryon Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., son of the architect of Central Park. Bring a picnic, run, play, and soak up the delights of the gardens and grounds of this beautiful park.

Author's bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.