Guide: How to spend a day at the Metropolitan

It’s time to spice up your weekly Midtown Trader Joe’s run.

The Metropolitan Shopping Center, also known as “the Met,” is like a self-sufficient mini neighborhood with shopping, dining, outdoor spaces, events, and plenty of free (yes, I said free) parking.

Here’s how to spend a full day making the most of everything the Met has to offer.

(1) Break a sweat on the greenway or at a workout class

The Little Sugar Creek Greenway practically runs right through the Metropolitan and stretches a few miles in each direction. It’s the perfect place to stroll alongside nature or to go for a jog or bike ride (there’s even a Joy Ride bike-share station outside of Trader Joe’s).

If group classes are more your thing, Metropolitan often organizes fun fitness events throughout the center (including on the rooftop with 🔥 skyline views). There’s also an Eat the Frog Fitness studio on-site.

(2) Refuel with a coffee or smoothie

Need some caffeine or nutrients after your workout? Head to Waterbean or Frutta Bowls (or both). Both serve breakfast entrees like toast, pastries and granola, too.

Hours: Waterbean is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Frutta Bowls is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

(3) Take a self-guided art tour

The Met is like an outdoor art museum, with sculptures and murals sprinkled throughout the center. It’s hard to walk around without something catching your eye.

This guide includes information about all the murals. Be sure to check out the newest installation: Umbrella Alley in collaboration with Studio Cultivate (which will be at the center until July 1, 2021).

(4) Treat yourself to some retail therapy

It’s a bold claim, but I think there’s virtually nothing you can’t buy at the Metropolitan. Here are some of the retailers:

• Best Buy
• Marshalls
• Trader Joe’s

Pop-ups: Plan to stop by for the quarterly Metropolitan Markets in collaboration with Starving Artist Market.

If pampering is your preferred form of self-care, check out Modern Salon and Spa for hair care, facials, massages and nail services.

Check out the full directory. 

(5) Happy hour

Our picks for pre-dinner drinks (and snacks, of course) are Pizzaria Omaggio or Pisces Sushi Bar & Lounge.

What to order: Go with an Aeperol Spritz at Pizzaria Omaggio or the “Screamin ‘O'” roll at Pisces.

(6) Dinner al fresco

What better way to end a day at the Metropolitan than on the patio at Dressler’s with a perfectly cooked steak in front of you? Don’t forget a slice of cheesecake for dessert – the recipe comes from Dressler’s mom.

Dinner and a show: Dressler’s patio also overlooks the stage where the Metropolitan hosts live music every Thursday as part of the Music at the Met series.

Ready to explore the Metropolitan yourself? Browse the directory to plan your day and follow @metropolitanclt on Instagram for event news, restaurant specials and more.

This content was created in partnership with the Metropolitan.