Where to begin for a returning player?

[Qaaliaa]

http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodest...t/?category2=1

That is dead useful, tells you where you are.

[oochie989]

One other question. In order to proceed past level 50, do I have to catch up on the main story and get to the new zones? Or will I level up while doing the 2.1-2.5 main quests?

[Aegrus]

As long as you purchased the expansion, you can level past 50.