Come February, stressed out college students’ thoughts start turning toward sun and sand in southern climes. If you’re not into following the herd, take the road – or the plane – less-traveled by celebrating Spring Break in New York City.

Spring is the perfect time to visit New York; winter has left the building, and summer’s stifling heat hasn’t taken hold. Plus, the crowds of tourists are thinner, hotels are often cheaper, and student discounts are available just about everywhere.

• Want a taste of the real New York? Bring comfy shoes and spend a couple hours walking Broadway from Battery Park to the Upper West Side.
• Purchase a Metro card. It’s cheap, safe, and it goes literally everywhere you want to go.
• Don’t forget your jacket – the snow may be gone but nights can be chilly. An umbrella will come in handy, too.
• People-watch in Central Park, of course, but don’t forget about the city’s dozens of other parks and gardens. Springtime is prime time for blooming flowers.
• Hop on the ferry at Battery Park to see the Statue of Liberty.
• Satisfy your love of the theater by taking in a show (or two, or three).
• See some of the world’s great artworks at the Museum of Modern Art. Or, if history is more your thing, check out the Museum of Natural History or the Tenement Museum to see how early immigrants really lived.
• Shake your booty at a Radio City Music Hall concert.
• Love sports? Catch a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.
• Food, glorious food! Get your fix of ethnic fare in Greenwich Village, Little Italy, SoHo and Chinatown.
• Check out the student mecca of Williamsburg in Brooklyn for hip cafes and alternative arts.
• Look good in mittens and a red nose? Go ice skating – yes, ice skating – in one of New York City’s many year-round rinks, including Wollman Rink in Central Park.