When you're not in session, debating resolutions or casting your vote in the union elections, there is plenty to do in the city that never sleeps.

Whether this is your first or 50th trip to New York City, make the UFT hospitality table on the second floor promenade your first stop. There, your union brothers and sisters will have insider tips on restaurants, attractions and transportation.

If you want to stay within walking distance of the hotel, the city's famed Central Park is just north of the Hilton. Also located within blocks of the hotel: Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and Times Square.

For those theater buffs hoping to catch a Broadway show, visit the TKTS booth (Marriott Marquis Hotel, W. 46th St. between Broadway and 8th Ave) for day-of-performance tickets at 25-50 percent off.

You must pay with cash, travelers checks or TKTS Gift Certificates. The booth is open Monday through Saturday 3-8 p.m. For matinee performances, go Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

From here to there

Public transportation is plentiful and mostly inexpensive. No matter how far you ride, a subway or bus trip costs $2. A single-day, unlimited ride MetroCard is $7.50; a 7-day, unlimited ride card is $25. MetroCards are sold at all subway stations and thousands of stores.

There are also plenty of taxis. Most yellow cabs accept cash or credit/debit payments.

Things to do

Whether you love the nightlife or are into museums and cultural centers, New York is a happening town.

Admission to the Museum of Modern Art (11 W. 53 St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues) is free Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. The museum offers a joint ticket purchase with the Top of the Rock Observation Deck on 50th St. to see the New York City skyline from 70 stories above Rockefeller Center ($30.)

Those delegates arriving a day or two before the convention or staying a few days after the RA may want to check out CityPass. For $65 per adult and $49 per child, you receive tickets to six famous New York attractions including the Empire State Building Observatory and a sightseeing cruise for views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The deal also includes discounts for shopping and restaurants. Visit http://www.citypass.com/ for more info.

The Lion King is celebrating 10 years on Broadway with an exhibit at The Shops at Columbus Circle (main entrance is 59th St. and Col. Circle). Costumes and other original pieces from the set will be on display. There's also a sweepstakes to win free tickets to see the show on Broadway.

Bird enthusiasts might want to try a spring bird walk in Central Park. Learn how to use field marks, habitat, behavior and song as aids in identification. The naturalist-guided tours are offered Tuesday through Thursday at different times. Some walks require reservations a week in advance. Visit http://www.amnh.org/ for details.

If enjoying cuisine is more your thing, New York City offers everything from hot dog and souvlaki street vendors to five-star restaurants.

Feeling hungry and adventurous? Check out the New York City Food Tours offered in the Lower East Side, Chinatown and Little Italy. Tours include food samples, a bottle of water and an itinerary for $50 per person. Group sizes are limited and reservations are required for the three-hour tours. For more information, visit http://www.enthusiasticgourmet.com/.

For more ideas, visit http://www.timeoutny.com/ or http://www.nycvisit.com/.

Be alert, prepared

While the RA is an exciting, busy and fun time, please remember these basic tips:

• Be aware of your airline's policy on baggage and restricted items. Several carriers are now charging for a second carry-on item.
• Allow enough time for check-in, especially for your return flight.
• Keep a photo ID on you at all times, but do not wear your RA credential around the city.