Central Park

Central Park is not only New York’s most famous; it is also the most visited park in America. Park Drive, a 6-mile loop around the park is a great place to talk a walk, jog, or bicycle ride. Other facilities at the park include tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, and Lasker Rink, an ice skating rink which doubles as a swimming pool in the summertime. Warmer weather is also synonymous with free open-air concerts in the park’s Public Theater. Central Park’s zoo and 21 playgrounds make it a popular spot for parents to bring their children. The park is located between West 59th (AKA Central Park South) and West 110th (AKA Central Park North) streets, and Fifth Avenue on the East.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The MET is one of the biggest and most impressive museums in the world, and any trip to New York should include a visit. From ancient to modern art, there are exhibitions from all over the world. The MET is located at the corner of 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street.

Chinatown

Popular with locals and tourists alike, New York City’s Chinatown is a must-go for anyone visiting the city. Until the 1970’s, Chinatown was bordered by Canal Street in the north and Worth Street in the south, and The Bowery and Baxter street on east and west. The center of old Chinatown lies around the intersection of Canal Street and Mott and Mulberry, and the corner of Pell and Doyers Streets.

Museum of Modern Art

MoMA is considered by many to be the most important museum of modern art in the world. Anyone who is interested in contemporary or modern art should make time to visit the museum, and with its vast collections of architecture, design, painting, photography, sculpture, film, illustrated books, electronic media, and drawings, there is something for everyone to enjoy. MoMA is in Midtown Manhattan on 11 West 53rd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues.

Empire State Building Observatory

The Empire State Building, named after New York States nickname, was the tallest building in the world from 1931 to 1972, when the first World Trade Center building was completed. One of the most popular tourist destinations in New York City, it has been visited by over 110 million people since its completion. The best observation deck is on the 86th floor, where you can see a breath-taking 360-degree view of the city. There is also a much smaller observation deck on the 102nd floor, though it may be closed on days with lots of visitors. The Empire State Building is located at 350 5th Avenue.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by France in 1886 as a token of friendship between the two countries. Admission to Liberty State Park is free but you have to take a ferry to get Liberty Island where the statue is located. There are several tours available so make sure to check out what each one includes before getting a ticket.

Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is a world-renowned zoo and, at 265 acres, is the largest metropolitan zoo in the US. Popular features are the Wild Asia monorail that goes through the section with Asian animals, an indoor exhibit on tropical rain forest plants and animals, the Congo Gorilla Forest, butterfly gardens, and the World of Darkness, where you can see bats, caimans, and other nocturnal creatures. Other zoo highlights include watching the penguins being fed and watching zoo keepers give the Siberian Tigers their daily checkup. The Bronx Zoo is the headquarters of the Wildlife Conservation Society and is located at 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx Park.

Staten Island Ferry

Known as ‘the best bargain in New York’, the Staten Island Ferry is free. It’s a 25 minute boat ride between Manhattan and Staten Island. It offers great views of the lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. You can also bring your bicycle onboard at no extra charge. Boats depart from the southern tip of Manhattan at South Ferry, near Whitewall Street, where you can also catch a ferry to Liberty Island. To get to South Ferry, take the 1 to South Ferry, the N, R, or W to Whitehall Street-South Ferry, or the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green.

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is one of the most famous botanical gardens in the world and there are tons of things to keep you occupied at this 52-acre wonderland. Highlights include 200 Asian cherry trees (they bloom in early spring), the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, a rose garden, an herb garden, and the Children’s garden. From children to seniors, there is something for everyone at the BBG. Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is located at 1000 Washington Avenue in Brooklyn.

Times Square

Times Square is a world icon and has become a symbol of New York City. Time Square is THE place to be on New Years and some 750,000 revelers come to celebrate and watch the ball drop every year. There are plenty of attractions found around Times Square, though its most interesting asset is probably all of the people that gather there and pass by every day. Some of the famous buildings include the New York Times Tower, 1 Times Square, Times Square Tower, and the Bank of America Tower. Of course, there are also many shops and restaurants around that cater to the daily hoards of people. Times Square is located at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue, and stretches from West 42nd to West 47th Streets.

• New Directors/New Films Festival - March 26 to April 6, 2008. Dedicated to the discovery and support of emerging artists.
• Native American Film and Video Festival - March and April 2008.
• Brooklyn Arts Council Film and Video Festival - April 1 to May 9, 2008
• Gen Art Film Festival - April 2 to 8, 2008. “…a weeklong celebration showcasing independent films by today’s most talented emerging directors.”
• New York Underground Film Festival - April 2 - 8, 2008.
• Tribeca Film Festival - April 23 - May 4, 2008
• Brooklyn Underground Film Festival - April 21-23, 2008
• Bosnian-Herzegovinian Film Festival - May 9-10, 2008
• New York Asian Film Festival - June 20 - July 6, 2008
• New York Korean Film Festival - August 21 - 31, 2008. They also have year-round events.
• New York City Horror Film Festival - Dates to be announced.
• New York Film Festival - Fall 2008, dates to be announced.
• ACE Film Festival - September 12-14, 2008
• MetroCAF - Metropolitan-Area College Computer Animation Festival. Screening takes place in September 2008.
• Chinatown film festival - October 2008, dates to be announced.
• Margaret Mead Film Festival - Dates to be announced. Held at the American Museum of Natural History.

GE Building

The GE Building is a 70-story Art Deco skyscraper built in the 1930s. It now houses NBC Studios, and shows like Saturday Night Live are filmed here. There is also an observatory that offers a spectacular panoramic view of New York City!

Flatiron Building

The Flatiron Building is a famous landmark of New York City. It was completed in 1902 and was one of the first buildings in the world to use a steel skeleton.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world for over 40 years, and is still the 10th largest building in the world in 2008! Click on the thumbnail image below for a panoramic view of New York City from the Empire State Building:

33 Liberty Street

33 Liberty Street contains the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and 25% of the world’s gold bullion. The gold is so heavy that it sits on bedrock 85 feet below sea level! The bank offers free tours.

Carnegie Hall

Built in 1890, Carnegie Hall is famous for music performances. A large number of famous works had their world premiers at Carnegie Hall, including pieces by Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, Bartók, Stravinsky, Ives, Shoenberg, Dvořák, and others.

Central Synagogue

This famous synagogue was build in the early 1870, based on the Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest. This fascinating building is open for free public tours.

Woolworth Building

The Woolworth Building was the tallest building in the world from 1913 to 1930. Built at a cost of $13,500,000, paid in cash. The photo above is from 1928 and shows the top of the Woolworth Building poking through clouds.

Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building was the first man-made structure over 1000 feet (305 meters) tall, and was the tallest building in the world for a short time in 1930 to 1931.

40 Wall Street (Trump Building)

Also the tallest building in the world at one point, but just for a brief period of about one month in 1930. It is now owned by Donald Trump and is called the Trump Building. Trump paid just $8 million for it in 1995; compare that to the $13,500,000 spent in 1913 to build the Woolworth Building!

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower

This was the tallest building in the world from 1909 to 1913, though the base of the building dates to 1893. There are four clocks on the Met Life Tower, each 26.5 feet (8 meters) in diameter. The photo above was taken during the building’s construction and dates from somewhere around 1908.

MANSION
1235 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
Tel: 305-532-1525
Three rooms and a strict dress code, be sure to go with girls for speedy entry.
Website: http://www.mansionmiami.com/

NIKKI BEACH CLUB
1 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-538-1111
Website: http://www.nikkibeach.com/
Enjoy being right on the beach at this top restaurant and club.

OPIUM GARDEN
136 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
Tel: 305-531-5535
Website: http://www.opiummiami.com/
Like its sister club PRIVE, be sure to be well-dressed and in mixed groups to gain entry to this far eastern-styled outdoor club.

PRIVE
136 Collins Avenure
Miami Beach, FL
Website: http://www.theopiumgroup.com/
This exclusive club often hosts the rich and famous.

CAMEO (formerly CROWBAR)
1445 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
Tel: 305-532-2667
A glamorous club inspired by the “dark and dirty side” of the disco era. Sister club of VICE.
Website: http://www.cameomiami.com/

BASH
655 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL
Tel: 305-538-2274

DEK23
65 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
Tel: 305-674-1176
Website: http://www.dek23.com/
New lounge with a New York-inspired indoor/outdoor atmosphere.

SET
320 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL
Tel: 305-531-2800
Website: http://setmiami.com/
The newest venue from the people behind PRIVE, OPIUM GARDEN, and MANSION.

Jazz on South Beach Hostel offers budget dorm rooms and private room accommodation in South Beach.

Here are 10 things that you can do in Miami when traveling on a budget.

1. Go to the Beach
Any trip to Miami should include a visit to South Beach to enjoy the great Art Deco architecture, outdoor restaurants and, well, the beach. Ocean Drive is the place to go for people watching and this is the Miami that you see in movies and on TV. Best of all, enjoying the beach is FREE. Jazz on South Beach Hostel is the closest hostel to South Beach and is on Collins Ave, just next to Ocean Drive.

2. Visit the Miami Metro Zoo
Because of its sub-tropical climate Miami Metro Zoo has one of the best exhibits of animals from Asia, Africa and Australia in the United States. Don’t like to see animals locked up in cages? No problem. Miami Metro Zoo’s exhibits are all free-range and cageless, and animals are only placed with others animals from the same geographic location.
Adults: $13.95 plus tax
Children: $9.95 plus tax

3. See Endangered Manatees in the Wild
The best place to see manatees is from the shore along Miami’s canals, harbors, and Intracostal Waterway. Some good spots are Black Point Marina, Oleta Park and Dante Facell Visitor Center. Another option is to go to Miami Seaquarium, where you can view manatees both above and below water at the Celebrity Pool.

4. Rent a Scooter
Renting a scooter is a great way to enjoy the sun and cruise along South Beach. To get a scooter, you will need a drivers license and a credit card (age 18 and over only).

5. Go Mountain Biking
Head on over to Oleta State Park for more than 6 miles of off-road trails built especially for mountain bikes. Need a bike? You can rent them at the park at Blue Moon – Tel: 305-957-3040.

6. Ruff N Tuff Paintball
13200 NW 43 Ave
Miami, FL
Tel: 305-953-7776.
Ruff N Tuff has two outdoor fields in a pine forest. Feel the adrenalin flow as you run from bunker to bunker in the thick brush.

7. Grab a Cuban Coffee
No trip to Miami is complete without trying a Cuban coffee. Sweet and strong, a colada is a strong sweetened espresso, a cortadito is with a little steamed milk, and café con leche is with regular milk.

8. Go Swimming at the Venetian Pool
2701 De Soto Boulevard
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Tel:305-235-1668
The only swimming pool in the National Register of Historic Places, the Venetian Pool was build from a rock quarry in 1923. Natrual spring water fills the pool (no chlorine) and there are two waterfalls, coral caves, a palm tree island, and a 3 story look-out tower. The Venetian is located in Coral Gables but, at $6.75-10 for admission, it’s well worth the trip out there.

9. Tour the Charles Deering Estate
16701 SW 72nd Ave
Miami, FL
Tel: 305- 235-1668
Whether you take a guided canoe tour or just stroll around the Charles Deering Estate park, this 444-acre property is a great way to escape from the city.

10. Explore the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
Tel: 305-250-9133
The Vizcaya Museum was a former dwelling of Charles Deering’s brother James, this Italian Renaissance style mansion sits on 10 acres of beautiful gardens. $12 for admission, $9 with a student ID.

The 2007 Ultra Music Festival (UMF) on South Beach played host to some 50,000+ dance and music fans, cementing its place as the largest electronic dance music festival in the United States. The UMF is one of the most exciting times to be in Miami, and this is definitely one party you don’t want to miss. Different tents and outdoor amphitheaters showcase trance, Breakbeats, Electro, House, Drum & Bass, Techno, and other specialized music. Also, being part of the Winter Music Conference, you can be sure to experience all the best and most modern club equipment at the UMF, including sound systems, laser light shows, 3-D projections, and much, much more.

Organizers of Miami’s Ultra Music Festival have maintained a steady stream of world class DJs, and the crowds get bigger every year. The list of past performers include:

The Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim, Underworld, Paul Oakenfold, Dieselboy, Richie Hawtin, Bad Boy Bill, Carl Cox, Adam Freeland, Pete Tong, Paul van Dyk, Technical Itch, John Digweed, Tiesto, Rabbit in the Moon, Josh Wink, DJ Icey, D:Fuse, Goldie, DJ Craze, Donald Glaude, keoki, DJ Baby Anne, Rennie Pilgrem, DJ Hyper, TeeBee, Andy C, Electric Skychurch, Luke Fair, DJ Dan, Simply Jeff, Fabio, Grooverider, DJ Dara, Junior Vasquez, Christoper Lawrence, Deep Dish, Sasha, AK1200, The Prodigy, BT, and Marco MC & Hamburg City Allstars.

Learn more about the Miami Winter Music Conference.

The dates of the 2008 Miami Boat Show are February 14-18.

The Miami Boat Show happens in three locations:

Miami Beach Convention Center
1901 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139

The Miami Beach Convention Center is where the main action is – 1.5 million square feet packed with every kind of boat, watercraft and accessory on the market, all ready for boarding and purchase. Spend a day strolling through the aisles checking out 15 foot runabouts, 85 foot luxury yachts, and everything in between. And if the Miami sun is making you thirsty, just stop by the bar and get a tropical drink to enjoy as you look at the boats, engines, and marine accessories on display.

Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center
1635 N. Bayshore Drive
Miami, FL 33132
NOTE: This location does not require a pass or ticket for entry.

If you want to see what the boat looks like on the water, hop on over to the Sea Isle Marina and Yachting Center. All 145 of the boar slips are filled with the world’s most impressive powerboats. You can find everything here from sport fishing boats and cruisers to high-performance boats and luxury yachts. Want to see what it feels like to drive one? Look for boats that offer demo runs!

Miamarina At Bayside (Strictly Sail Miami)
401 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132

Sailing enthusiasts should make their way to the Miamarina At Bayside (Strictly Sail®), the premiere all-sail show in the US. The Miamarina is the place to shop, eat, catch a seminar or see a celebrity. Oh, you can also check out cruisers, daysailers, and multihulls, and all the sailing gear you could ever want.

The Miami Boat Show is sure to have something for every watercraft lover, from $1000 portable boats to multi-million dollar yachts. With such a wide variety of products on display for people of all ages (and wallets!), it’s no surprise that the show brings in almost a billion dollars to the state economy. Whether you are an avid sailor, a sport fishing addict, a yachter, or just someone looking to enjoy the weekend, head on over to 2008 Miami Boat Show from February 14-18.

Check out the Miami Boat Show website for the latest news about the event, and be sure to book accommodation in advance as our beds fill up quickly.

It is different for each school, but Spring Break in the USA generally takes place in the month of March, with the third week of March being the busiest week of Spring Break. Some schools take their spring break in early April.

The Jazz on South Beach Hostel in Miami is the best place to stay during spring break in Florida. We are located on Collins Avenue, just a block from the beach. Collins Avenue houses some of South Beach’s historic Art Deco buildings and within walking distance of South Beach’s best night clubs.

East of Collins Ave is Ocean Drive, and this is where you will find the the Miami you see on TV and in the movies. There are plenty of famous restaurants and clubs on Ocean Drive, including Pearl and Nikki Beach. Being on the Florida coast, Ocean Drive is also a great place to go people-watching during your spring break vacation.

Washington Avenue runs parallel on the other side of Collins and it is one the most famous spots in South Beach. This is where some of the worlds largest and most well-known clubs are, including Crobar and Mansion. Washington Avenue is packed with party goers every night of the week from evening until early morning, and Spring Break in South Beach is definitely no exception.

If you are looking for cheap eats during your spring break in Miami head on over to Alton Road, where you can find plenty of fast-food joints, restaurants, and grocery stores. For art galleries, restaurants, and quirky boutiques, head north to Espanola Way. For shopping, many people consider the Lincoln Road open-air pedestrian mall to be Miami South Beach’s premiere spot.

Jazz on South Beach Hostel has the perfect location for your to enjoy your Florida Spring Break 2008. Enjoy the beach, meet other students and travelers and, most importantly, save money on your hotel room for going out to the many restaurants, clubs and bars in Miami’s South Beach – Florida’s best Spring Break location!

Book online here

The 2008 Miami Winter Music Conference is expected to draw visitors from over 62 countries, including some 6,500 industry professionals. With so many top artists performing at WMC, it is no surprise that clubbers and music lovers from about the world flock to the week long party. Festivities are around the clock and the majority of events are held at more than 38 locations, with most of the main events happening in clubs around South Beach and Downtown Miami. Some of the more popular venues are Space, Twilo, Cameo, Opium Garden, Ink, and Mansion. The whole South Beach/Downtown Miami area comes together to host WMC, and parties are held everywhere from hotels to clothing stores to private houses.

For those that manage to get up during the day, the WMC Exhibit Hall showcases all the newest equipment related to clubbing and the electronic music industry, including lighting, sound, DJ hardware, bar products, music magazines, commercial retailers, and more. Even if you are not in the industry, per say, it is worth stopping by the Exhibit Hall to check out all of the cool gadgets.

The Winter Music Conference culminates with the Ultra Music Festival, the biggest electronic music concert in the United States. The only word to describe the UMF is “massive” and, with 14 hours of straight music by 200 DJs on 12 stages and a crowd of 50,000 people looking for a good time, this is THE place to be for anyone who happens to be in Miami in March. In fact, the event has grown so big that, although it was originally held on South Beach, the numbers have grown so much over the last 8 10 years that it has been moved 4 times to accommodate the crowds.

Some of the past performers at the Ultra Music Festival include:

The Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim, Underworld, Paul Oakenfold, Dieselboy, Richie Hawtin, Bad Boy Bill, Carl Cox, Adam Freeland, Pete Tong, Paul van Dyk, Technical Itch, John Digweed, Tiesto, Rabbit in the Moon, Josh Wink, DJ Icey, D:Fuse, Goldie, DJ Craze, Donald Glaude, keoki, DJ Baby Anne, Rennie Pilgrem, DJ Hyper, TeeBee, Andy C, Electric Skychurch, Luke Fair, DJ Dan, Simply Jeff, Fabio, Grooverider, DJ Dara, Junior Vasquez, Christoper Lawrence, Deep Dish, Sasha, AK1200, The Prodigy, BT, Marco MC & Hamburg City Allstars, and more

The Miami Winter Music Conference 2008 will be held from March 25-29 at the Miami Beach Resort and Spa. Book accommodation at the Jazz on South Beach Hostel.