First time in NYC on a business trip--advice?

My husband is headed to NYC for a business trip in 2 weeks, and I just have a few questions:

*He's staying on Long Island, is going to purchase train tickets to Manhattan, and is going to be able to go out 3 nights (Monday-Wednesday)*

1) What free or cheap (under $10) is there in the Big Apple? Other than sight-seeing, what is suggested?

2) His meals are provided (breakfast and dinner at the hotel, lunch at the training center), but he wants to experience some vendor food as well. How much should we budget for this?

3) I am suggesting that he take cash with him instead of depending on his debit card. He says that if his money is stolen, he's just out of luck. While I understand, we just had a baby and are on a strict, strict budget. I trust him with money, I just know from experience that relying on the debit card can easily blow a budget. We aren't talking about hundreds of dollars here-$50-$75 at most.

Any other advice would be great.

We're from Kansas City, so we aren't going from a town of 500 to NYC. HOWEVER it's still going to be a culture shock for him!

Unfortunately, If he is out on Long Island at a conference during the day, he will not have too much time to travel to New York and see things or eat before having to head back to his hotel. Depending on where in Long Island he is located, and the train schedule, it will take up to 1-1 1/2 hours total travel time just to get to the city.

However, if he is adventurous, and still goes, when he gets off at Penn Station, he will at 34th Street and 7th Avenue. That is the location of Madison Square Garden where the NY Knicks and NY Rangers play.

If he walks two avenues East to 5th Avenue, he will be at the Empire State Building.

If he would walk up 8 blocks on 7th Avenue from Penn Station, he will be at 42nd Street, Times Square.

All of this is within walking distance of the train station for starters. If he were to take the subway, he could go down to Greenwich Village or up to Central Park.

If you give exactly where he will be at on Long Islnd, it will be easier to gauge whether it is worth it to travel into the city. Also unfortunately, there are not too many touristy spots on Long Island and it is hard to get around there without a car.

The ladies only take cash....

Depending on where he is staying on Long Island, it's 110 miles long, the LIRR (commuter railroad) to Manhattan will be about $20 round trip.

A dirty water dog is about $2.

Central Park is free.
A ride on the Staten Island Ferry is free.
Walking around Times Square is free.

1) A good place to go around New York City is Central Park in Manhattan for a stroll, another good place would be the Art Museum there, a must go is the Statue of Liberty.

2) Vendor food(hot dogs, ETC) shouldn't cost more then $3-4 for a hot dog.

3) Buy a prepaid credit/debit card. You could probably buy them in $25 or $50 denominations from a lot of convenience or grocery stores.

In regards to 2: Why just vendor food? It's not actualy the cheapest if you consider quantity and quality for the value. Check menupages.com or travelchannel.com and see the plethora of dining option that are in NYC even for a small snack he can do so much better than vendor food...definetely try it once but not three days and nights in a row!

Training center in L.I. would be at the Melville area, between Exit 48 to 48 on LI Expressway (I-495) - many large companies are in that area. Take LIRR from there to 34th St. Penn Station/Madison Sq. Garden - round trip cost about $20, about 1.5 hours each way. After training, it will be about
5P.M. By the time arriving at the Penn Station wii be 6:30P.M. Eat a quick meal at a self-serve buffet place will cost him $9.
1st day, He can walk around the Madison Square area, up to 42nd street, Time Square (8th Ave., to 7th Ave.,), go back to 34th street Penn Station, back to LI.
2nd day, get to 34 St.Penn station, walk uptown on 6th Ave., or, on 5th Ave to 47-50th Streets, Rockfeller Center, Radio City, walk around in that area for an hour or so, go back to 34th St./Penn Station, back to LI.
3rd night, get to 34 St Penn station, take subway# 1,2,3, local, go North, get off at 68 Street, that is the famous Lincoln Center - where you can see concert, opera, etc. (11th Ave/10 Ave), walk around in that area, not to see a concert due to high cost and limited time, get back to 34st Penn Station, back to LI.
If he follows my advise, he could spend the least time and taste a flavor of the NYC. Do not stay too late (9P.M. he should go back). A person comes from KC without any ideal of NYC metropolitan area, should be careful! Bring cash in $20 bills, put in different pockets to minimize any loss. Do not use debit card - he does not see the money disappears in front of his eyes so fast. The safe way is to come to NYC with friends; not to go in any bar please.Keep cool, and alert! Especially, during late night, after work. Good Luck!

1. all museums are actually free (though recommended price is like $$$20) i strongly suggest a walk in lower manhattan...because i go to high school there...and i love it there...

2. omfg!!! dirty water hot dogs (idk where it got its name)
real delish!!! and only $1...just like the giant pretzels...

3. the lirr(long island railroad) is more on the expensive side... i think its $20 for a round-trip ticket...manhattans most scenery...so wont be so expensive...

nyc is not a place for a budget...i live here...and i understand more than the tourists...new york is somplace that everyone wants to go to...try not to give up a good expereance for budget issues...

DO NOT carry only a debit card...because the best places in new york only except cash...especially the very best steak houses!!!

have fun!!!