We are 80 years old and would like to visit NYC on day trips.

We have not been to NYC in several years and need to learn:

How to hail a taxi
Where to find moderate priced places to dine
How to buy show tickets
Where can we find listings of “Things to see and do in NYC.”

Thank you MOM & DAD

From where are you traveling?

How to hail a cab
http://www.fodors.com/wire/archives/001654.cfm

Moderate places to dine
1) menupages.com is a website that lists restaurants by location, by cuisine and also has menus, most of which have prices.

2) nymetro.com/cheap is a discount guide done by NY Magazine that has tips on dining, shopping etc. on a budget

3)the Zagat guide can be purchased in a bookstore, or buy a subscription online at zagat.com
They estimate the cost of a dinner with 1 drink for every rest. they list. They also have a page of restaurants that do prix fixe lunches and dinners (a great way to dine nicely)

4)chowhound.com and egullet.com are websites for "foodies." If you know what area you'll be in you can post questions there on affordable dining options.

How to buy showtickets
1)Most all shows are listed on playbill.com From the listings there, you will find links to either ticketmaster.com or telecharge.com, the 2 websites that service most all shows both on and off Broadway. This is if you want to buy full price (or premium priced) tickets.
You can also register at playbill for free and get access to discount codes for some shows. Doing this allows you to purchase tickets in advance with a discount (usually 30-50% off the price)

You can also print off those discounts and take them with you to the box office and save on handling charges, but you may not get tickets for that day.

2)broadwaybox.com is a website that also lists discount codes and doesn't require registering.

3)rush tickets for $25 are available for some shows on the day of the show. YOu must appear at the box office a few hours in advance, enter your name in a lottery and hope you get picked. Details here
http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuz...cle/82428.html

4) But for seniors 62 +, joining TDF (theater development fund) is probably the best idea. Info here
http://tdf.org/mailinglist/index.html

5)The TKTS booths, operated by TDF are another option for day of performance discount tickets but you must stand online.
tdf.org/tkts

Here's a website that will show you what's playing on any given day
http://www.nytheatre.com/nytheatre/tripplan1.htm

What to see and Do"
1) Here's a link to the NYC tourism webiste with lots of info
http://www.nyctourist.com/topten_alltime.htm

2)Another website nycvisit.com has a calendar of events you can check for specific dates.

3) NY Magazine
nymetro.com
New Yorker Magazine http://www.newyorker.com/goingson/
Time Out Magazine
http://www.timeout.com/

all have listings.

You should consider signing up for the FREE service, Big Apple Greeters. They typically help visitors navigate the subway and do tours of various areas, but would be happy to give you some practice in hailing cabs, etc.
http://www.bigapplegreeter.org/

Have fun!

Thank you so much for your help!
We are taking the train and/or a bus from Connecticut. We have printed out all your suggestions and will work from there.
Mom and Dad

Nothing to add to the links posted by mclaurie who is surely one of the most helpful posters on NYC.

nacajule - Best wishes for some great day trips and if you decide to stay a night or two come back here for more help.

Sandy

I would also get yourself a bus map. there are times (rush hour, theaters letting out, bad rain) when it becomes impossible to get a cab. And I think for you a bus would be a much easier alternate than the subway (the driver can lower the bus to curb level if necesary) with all the stairs and long passageways.