by Christine Zibas

Created on: February 09, 2009   Last Updated: March 03, 2009

There are few cities that rival the Big Apple in excitement, but New York City is an expensive place to visit. For seniors on a budget, there are a surprising number of discounts and techniques that can help keep expenses under control.

GETTING THERE
Most visitors arrive via one of 3 major airports: JFK, La Guardia, or Newark. JFK (1 hr driving time) and La Guardia (30 minutes) are both located in Queens, but JFK has a decided advantage in on-time arrivals. Newark is located in New Jersey (45 minutes). Taxis from both JFK and Newark have flat rate fares, while La Guardia is metered; tolls must be paid by passengers. There are also less expensive bus and shuttle companies, as well as private car pick-ups. For details call Air Ride at (800) 247-7433 for recorded information 24 hours a day.

For senior budget travelers arriving from a city along the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak may work best. Trains arrive at Penn Station, with easy access to taxis, buses, and the subway.

One means of transportation that can make visiting expensive (and miserable) is arriving by auto. With parking costs at $20-45/day and traffic a nightmare, senior budget travelers should leave cars at home.

WHERE TO STAY
New York hotels are the most expensive in the country, but with senior discounts from groups like AARP and hotel chains like Choice Hotels, senior budget travelers can hold down costs. For a safe midtown location, expect to pay $150/night. Good choices include Red Roof Inn, Travel Inn, and Comfort Inn, all in midtown within easy walking distance of tourist sights.

DINING OPTIONS
NYC is a food lover's paradise, and dining options range from cheap (street food) to expensive (outstanding fine dining). For senior budget travelers, here are some tips in keeping costs down:

* book a hotel that offers free continental breakfast
* abundant, delicious food can be found at famous NY delis, like Carnegie Deli, Katz's Delicatessen, and Stage Deli, where sandwiches frequently feed 2
* Chinatown is a great source of inexpensive, authentic food (try Big Wong King or New York Noodletown)
* check out fixed price, pre-theater dinners at restaurants around Broadway
* make use of bagel shops and pizzerias; New York has some of the best

GETTING AROUND
The good news is that New York is eaily accessible, and the subway and bus system offer seniors half-price fares. There are also several types of MetroCards including daily fun passes, 7-day, and 30-day MetroCards to help save.

Taxis are convenient and heavily regulated, but the best and cheapest way to see New York is by walking. This is also the best bet during rush hour, when the streets can turn to gridlock.

SENIOR-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS
Many NY museums and tourist sights offer discounted senior rates. One of the best deals for senior budget tourists is City Pass, which offers 6 attractions (including a Circle Line Harbor cruise) for one low price. Many great New York sights are completely free, including St. Patrick's Cathedral, Central Park, and strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge for great views.

To get reduced prices on Broadway shows, visit the TKTS booth in Times Square.

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
The good news about visiting New York City is that every season is a great time for budget travelers. From January's Restaurant Week to summertime programs at Lincoln Center to the New Year's Eve ball drop at Times Square, there is something going on. For more complete information, see "Time Out New York" magazine or New York's central tourist website: www.NYCVisit.com.

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