Page 366 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - New York City

364  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Gay and Lesbian Although it is very difficult to
Travelers
obtain permission to work in the
New York has a large gay and US, students are eligible to work
lesbian population. Gay Pride as part of exchange programs or
Week in June brings celebrants as interns. Again, STA Travel can
from around the world for a provide you with further details.
big parade, and the Halloween Note that the minimum age
parade in Greenwich Village for drinking in New York is 21,
also has a large gay following. and patrons may be asked for
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & proof of age.
Trans gender Community
Center is a good first stop for
general infor ma tion. Christopher
Street in Greenwich Village is the
City bus with access ramp lowered for proud birthplace of New York’s
a disabled passenger gay scene. Eighth Avenue around
Chelsea is the epicenter of
Travelers with activity today, with Hell’s Kitchen
Disabilities and the East Village increasingly International Student Identity Card
All city buses have ramps for popular; Park Slope in Brooklyn
easy access. Subways, how ever, is a hot spot for the lesbian
are a challenge for the disabled, community. Next (www.next Traveling on a Budget
as most stations are accessed magazine.com) is a free weekly There are many ways to take
via steps from the street. Only publication that can be found advantage of the best of New
the busiest stops and stations, in these areas. The monthly GO York while on a budget. The TKTS
such as Grand Central and Penn Magazine (www.gomag.com) booth (see p334), near Times
stations and the Port Authority covers the lesbian scene, and Square, offers half-price admission
Bus Terminal, have elevators. Time Out New York (see p371) to same-day Broad way shows,
A list of accessible stations is and the New York magazine while pre-theater prix-fixe meals
available on the Metropolitan website (www.nymag.com) save on dining. The David
Transit Authority website have gay and lesbian listings. Rubenstein Atrium, across from
(www.mta.info). Lincoln Center (see p208), offers
Most hotels, restaurants, discount tickets for same-day
and attractions are equipped perform ances, in addition to a
for disabled visitors, but do free concert in the Atrium itself
check in advance. It is also on Thursdays at 8:30pm. The New
wise to ask about accessibility York Philharmonic invites visitors
to the restrooms. to rehearsals for just $20 on
Some museums offer tours for Thursdays, and the Juilliard
deaf, blind, or other disabled School also presents free
visitors, and all Broadway theaters Sign for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & concerts. In summer, free
have devices for the hearing- Trans gender Community Center Shakespeare plays and music
impaired. The Official Accessibility by the Philharmonic and the
Guide, available free from the Student Travelers Metropolitan Opera are per-
Mayor’s Office for People with formed in Central Park. Many TV
Disabilities, is a great resource, Many museums and theaters shows produced in the city are
as is Access for All, published by in New York offer discounted free to watch live if you request
Healing Arts Initiative. Both admission for students. To receive tickets in advance. The New York
detail disabled access at public this, however, you will need to Pass, while not cheap, is good
places such as museums, land- show proof of your student status. value for those who plan to do
marks, theaters, and stadiums. Provided you have the right a lot of sight seeing. It offers free
credentials, an International entry to attractions, from
Student Identity Card (ISIC) can museums to the Empire State
Senior Travelers
be purchased quite cheaply from Building and river cruises. The
Seniors are welcomed in STA Travel, which has a branch New York CityPASS gives holders
New York, and they are eligible in New York. At the same time, admission to six must-see sights
for many offers. They travel half- ask for a copy of the ISIC Student in the city.
fare on all subways and buses Handbook, which lists places
and get discounted prices at and services that offer discounts
museums, movie theaters, and to card-holders, including Time
many sightseeing attractions. selected accommodations, New York is on Eastern Standard
Drivers of city buses can lower various museums, tours, Time from late October to mid-
the entry steps to make it easier theaters, attractions, nightclubs, March. Eastern Daylight Time
for older passengers to board. and restaurants. moves the American clock

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