(LifeWire) - New York City is fast-paced and cosmopolitan, but seniors may be surprised to find the city both affordable and hospitable. The public transportation system is easily navigable and offers discounted fares to seniors. Museums and other attractions also offer senior discounts and free admission on particular days. If you can find an affordable hotel and limit yourself to inexpensive eateries, traveling to New York City is a worthwhile adventure, even on a budget.
Getting There
New York is served by three major airports, John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. You can travel by Metro-North Railroad to Grand Central Terminal or by Amtrak passenger rail to Penn Station.
Where to Stay
On average, New York hotels charge about $300 a night. If you can find clean, convenient accommodations for $200 or less, you've found a bargain. Two affordable options, The New Yorker Hotel and The Milford Plaza, put you right at the center of Midtown in Manhattan. If you'd prefer to stay in a less touristy area try the Comfort Inn Central Park West or the Milburn Hotel on the Upper West Side. The latter has inexpensive suites with kitchenettes. Note that rates tend to be higher around holidays. Always check to see if hotels offer an AARP discount.Dining Options
Eating on the cheap can actually be simple in New York, whether it's noodles in Chinatown, a slice from the corner pizzeria, or a bagel from one of the city's myriad bagel shops. Some renowned restaurants offering affordable fare are Katz's Delicatessen in the Lower East Side, the Edison Cafe in Midtown and New York Noodle Town in Chinatown. During New York Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer three-course prix fixe meals for under $25.
Getting Around
Reduced subway and bus fares are offered if you have a qualifying disability or are 65 years of age or older. Buses are equipped to accommodate disabled users; however, most subway stations are not wheelchair-accessible. You can find a list of accessible stations on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's website.
Senior-Friendly Attractions
Many highlights of New York City, like Central Park, Times Square, Fifth Avenue, Grand Central Station, and neighborhoods like Chinatown and Brooklyn's Park Slope, can be explored on foot.
Those who prefer to relax while taking in the sights can opt for a boat tour around Manhattan or a scenic bus ride. Circle Line has many cruises to choose from. Buses are the most economical way to see the city and give you the opportunity to live like a local. Hop on the M5 bus from Greenwich Village to Riverside Drive, and see Chelsea, Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center and Central Park South along the way. Or take the M4 all the way from Midtown, and pass through the diverse neighborhoods of the Upper East Side, Harlem and Washington Heights until you reach The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park. Guided bus tours that include admission to the Statue of Liberty and other popular attractions are also available through Gray Line.
Take advantage of senior rates offered at most attractions. Visit museums and cultural attractions on days (or during particular hours) when entry is free for seniors, such as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (all day Friday) and the Museum of Modern Art (Fridays, 4 to 8 p.m.). Some attractions, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, allow you to pay what you can afford regardless of the posted admission price. The Bronx Zoo also has a pay-what-you-wish admissions policy on Wednesdays.
To connect with a free tour guide, fill out a Big Apple Greeter request form. This volunteer organization pairs local guides with visitors, and itineraries can be tailored to individual interests.
Events and Festivals
Some of the most popular events fall around the holidays, such as the Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, New Year's Eve in Times Square and Chinese New Year in Chinatown. Central Park hosts many summertime concerts and performance events at its SummerStage, and more than 30 of them are free. During the warmer months, street fairs are held in neighborhoods throughout the city. Visitors can sample food from an array of vendors and shop for bargains on clothing, jewelry, handicrafts and more.
