Senior Discounts Galore in NYC
Older tourists can get reduced fare on transit, museums, sightseeing
Many lower prices are available for seniors and older boomers visiting New York City, including Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, tours, buses, subways
Most of the top New York City attractions offer discounts for senior tourists 62 or 65 and older. The discounts may not seem like a lot, but considering the cost of hotels in New York, they add up quickly.
Landmark Senior Discounts
Enjoy the view from the Empire State Building observatory for only $14.76.The iconic skyscraper is open from 9:30am to midnight daily. (Regiular adult price: $ 16 61.)
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island immigration museum are must-sees, accessible only via special. ferries from Battery Park at the lower tip of Manhattan. One ticket includes visits to Liberty and Ellis Islands and costs $9.50 for seniors 62+ vs. $11.50 for other adults. Advance tickets may be purchased by calling 800-600-1600 (301-784-9023 outside the US and Canada) or by visiting www.statueoflibertyferry.com.
Museums Welcome Seniors
Many museums offer senior rates. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Fifth Avenue at 82nd St. Entry fee is $15 for seniors 65+ and includes entrance to the Cloisters, way uptown in Manhattan. This not-to-be-missed spot is the Met's medieval art branch.
The NY Historical Society (Central Park West and 77th Street), is an eminent collection that not enough out of towners visit. $7 for seniors 65+.
Broadway Theater Discounts
There are several ways to see plays for less. TKTS, the booth in Times Square (temporarily located at Marriott Marquis Hotel) offers half-price tickets for certain Broadway and off Broadway shows on the day of performance.
Also, there are discount vouchers for Off-Off-Broadway productions, musical performances and other events sponsored by small, companies: $36 buys four vouchers that can be redeemed at the box office of any participating organization.
Note that the downtown TKTS booth at South Street Seaport is less crowded than Midtown but does not offer matinee tickets. TKTS takes cash or travelers checks only. See the TKTS Web site for details on booths and vouchers.
Tours -- Bus, Ferry Subway
New York Waterways (Hudson at W. 38th Street) offers a 50-minute harbor cruise that is $14 for seniors 62+, with free bus service from points across the city.
See Ellis Island, Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline absolutely free from aboard the Staten Island Ferry. It leaves about every half hour from the tip of lower Manhattan next to Battery Park.
Best way to get around? Take the subway and buses for half price-- $1 (65+). Alternatively, buy a 7-day unlimited pass for $12 (65+) or a one-day unlimited pass for $7 (no discount). Bring a photo ID to MTA office near Battery Park at 3 Stone Street weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details and ideas at the official NYC visitors site.
