9 Freebies Seniors Can Claim in New York City

There are a couple of things seniors can claim in New York City for FREE!

Are you looking to do some activities that aren’t going to drain your wallet, but you happen to be a senior citizen in one of the most expensive cities in the whole country? We got you! To help its elderly citizens, New York City provides a range of low-cost and free activities and programs. These freebies include public transportation, museums, rides on the Hudson River, free meals, and so on.

The benefit is that the whole family can engage in these activities—from grandparents to young children—without worrying that one of them might get bored. Now let’s see what freebies for seniors are available at this time in NYC.

seniors can claim in New York City
Photo by Karolis Kavolelis from Shutterstock

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Are you a fan of museums, but somehow they’re still pricey for your budget? Good news because among the best freebies for seniors is the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC which offers a discount for all the seniors who want to indulge themselves with art and history and not pay a fortune on the tickets.

With almost two million pieces available for the incredible price of $22, you may spend a relaxing day perusing the exhibitions, which highlight the history and culture of several civilizations, including ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Americas.

New York Public Library

For all the avid readers out there who are looking to lose themselves in a place that’s abundant in culture, the New York Public Library offers a lot for free. All you need to have is a card that’s permanent for the citizens and temporary for those who are just passing by NYC.

Additionally, the library provides a range of senior-focused programs that support social interaction, intellectual development, and connections to the local community. There’s always something fresh and fascinating to discover, from entertaining film screenings and concerts to thought-provoking author discussions and artistic workshops. These include The Library After Hours: After the main library has closed, take advantage of live music, poetry readings, and other special events.

If you want to take the grandchildren with you and have some fun together, join in on the excitement at the Children’s Literary Salon with author lectures, family-friendly readings, and interactive games.

Bus Tour

Among other freebies for seniors in NYC, bus tours are some of the most popular. If you’re thinking about visiting New York City and want to experience its well-known sites and cultural attractions, Big Bus Tours are ideal.

The most often-used option is the Classic Ticket, which comes with two routes. The first one is destined for those who want to explore Downtown because the bus takes you through places like Wall Street, 5th Avenue, Broadway, and Times Square. On this tour, you will also be able to see the Statue of Liberty.

The other one is going to take you through the uptown, and you will pass near famous galleries, theaters, museums, and even Central Park. For $81, you may visit the famous Empire State Building with the Classic Ticket.

New York Botanical Gardens

Woop, woop! Another freebie for seniors is the amazing botanical garden. What other place do you know that’s also pretty quiet and peaceful compared to other places in the city and perfect to spend a beautiful day?

Seniors who purchase an All-Garden Pass with a few dollars off receive cheaper entrance. If you reside in New York City, you might want to consider the Resident Grounds Access Pass, which requires a $7 ticket for entry. Wednesdays are free for everyone who lives there, and non-residents can enter the grounds for free between 10 and 11 a.m.

Oh, and I almost forgot! Take your most comfortable shoes with you since you will have to walk through a 250-acre garden.

Grocery stores

Food is getting more and more expensive each day, and with this inflation, everybody loves to see they can get a discount no matter how small it is, especially seniors who are always more tight with the money.

If you’re seeking senior discounts, the following grocery stores in NYC provide them: Food Bazaar Supermarket usually offers 5% discounts for all citizens who are 65 or older. On Tuesday, visit Gristedes to receive 10% off the cost of your purchase. Then follow the track of discounts and make a quick stop at DeCicco Family Markets, which has amazing offers for seniors on Wednesdays.

Photo by PQK from Shutterstock

Take a Hudson River boat ride

Everybody may enjoy the magnificent skyline of New York City and its famous monuments, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, with Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Elders people and those with restricted mobility will particularly enjoy the tranquil boat ride, which provides a distinctive viewpoint of the splendor of the city.

All this for a reasonably priced experience for all budgets, with options ranging from a $24 1.5-hour port tour to a $34 2.5-hour circular line cruise.

We know everybody relies on their smartphones for Google Maps when visiting a new place, but what if the battery dies unexpectedly and you don’t have a pocket map with you? To prevent this from happening, why don’t you purchase yours from Amazon for $9.95? Carry the best sights, the complete subway map, and the ferry routes with you, all in a perfectly laminated size to fit in your smallest pocket.

Real estate discounts

Are you not a resident of NYC, but are you considering visiting the city soon? Then you must know about the discount for seniors when it comes to renting. Senior travelers may also take advantage of senior hotel discounts in New York City, which include 10% off at Marriott Delta hotels and exclusive pricing at IHG Hotels.

If you’re a citizen, don’t feel discriminated against because you can benefit from legal assistance and rent freezes plus other perks if you’re looking to rent an apartment. On the other hand, if you’re planning to buy a place, all citizens over 65 years old can get a substantial discount for any type of property. For more accurate details about how this program works, you have to contact a local real estate agent.

Picnic in Central Park

When everything else fails and you’re super low budget but you’re looking to enjoy a nice sunny day, grab a blanket and a basket, fill it with a couple of sandwiches, throw in some drinks or your favorite tea, and go to Central Park.

It’s the best spot in New York City to enjoy some sunlight, sandwiches, and good conversation—there are plenty of park spots to pick from and an outstanding perspective of the city.

Central Park Zoo

With hundreds of exotic creatures from all over the world, the Central Park Zoo is well-known among the best places in America. That’s why both first-time tourists and long-time New Yorkers should not miss it. Zoos offer an excellent means of keeping our elderly loved ones active and on their feet.

Of course, seniors can get a nice discount when visiting; you will pay $16.95 for a ticket to enter which includes a ton of perks. With access to a 4D theater with built-in sensory effects, you will be able to witness penguins and sea lions being fed, and you can take as many pictures as you want.

Insight tip: It could be wise to visit the zoo as soon as it opens if you want to escape the crowds. The zoo opens its gates at precisely ten in the morning.

Now tell us, are you from NYC? What do you like the most about this place and why, of course, if you know any other freebies for seniors that we forgot to mention, please share them in the comments section below. 

You may also be interested in reading: 10 Negotiation Techniques for Successful Bargaining: Get the Price YOU WANT!

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