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17 Things To Do In Queens: The Complete Guide To NYC's Boroughs

New York City's boroughs are destinations all their own; explore this travel guide to Queens and find out what to do there on your next trip.

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More Things To Do In Queens

Home to over 150 cultures, Queens is the largest and most diverse borough in New York City. While it's not as touristy as its neighbors, like Brooklyn, it is definitely one of the most wonderful destinations in New York.

Covering an area of 108 square miles, Queens boasts gorgeous cultural attractions, incredible museums, and some of the most impressive sports venues. It is surrounded by Long Island's western end, giving access to more magnificent sights to explore.

UPDATE: 2023/09/25 16:29 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

Queens is a popular New York City borough with a rich mix of cultures, world-class attractions, and a vibrant overall atmosphere. There is never a dull time in this gorgeous locale and this refreshed article highlights extra things to do in Queens for tourists.

Related: These Are The 10 Cheapest Places To Visit In New York State

Things To Do

Exploring the many boroughs of New York City? There are plenty of things to do throughout each unique neighborhood, whether it's sightseeing, shopping, or heading to a museum. Keep reading because this is the ultimate guide to Queens and things to do there.

1 Explore The Museum Of The Moving Image

Located in the beautiful neighborhood of Astoria, the Museum of the Moving Image is one of the best things that vacationers can do in this borough.

Bringing the film and photography history to life, this museum offers amazing exhibits and is a perfect spot for visitors to pop culture. Vacationers can even test their skills in sound and film editing.

• Admission : $10-$20 (free of Thursdays (2-6 pm)
• Hours : Thur (2-6 pm), Fri (2-8 pm), Sat & Sun (12-6 pm)

After exploring the exhibits in the museum, stop by the shop to buy souvenirs like movie posters, DVDs, and video games.

2 Visit The Louis Armstrong House Museum

Another fun thing to do while in Queens, New York, is to visit the Louis Armstrong House Museum. Here, visitors can view a historic house museum at 34-56 107th Street in the Corona neighborhood of Queens and learn about the late Louis Armstrong and his upbringing/personal life.

This home hosted Louis and his wife, Lucille, from 1943 until his death in 1971.

• Admission : $13
• Hours : Thur to Sat, 11 am - 4 pm

Generally, going through this museum won't take more than an hour, and tickets are available via their official website .

3 Soak In The Sun At Queens Botanical Garden

Covering 39 acres of space, Queens Botanical Garden boasts 25 beautiful gardens that guarantee an incredible experience of the borough.

During the warm season, vacationers can explore Oak Allee, herb garden, bee garden, and more. All travelers, regardless of their ages, will have fun being here.

• Admission : Adults $6, Seniors $4, Students $4, Kids 4 thru 12) $2, Kids under 4 FREE
• Hours : Tue to Sat, 8 am - 6 pm

Visitors are advised to keep the garden clean and green by avoiding littering, smoking, and other activities that may harm/soil the environment. Also, picking flowers on the grounds is prohibited.

4 Witness Thought-Provoking Art At MoMA PS1

A must-see art museum in Queens is the MoMA PS1. Visitors can find experimental, thought-provoking art at the nation's first nonprofit arts center. This entire museum features underground work, as well as more known pieces from established creatives.

There is also an option for a guided tour through the museum, which may be better for those wanting a deeper dive into each exhibit.

• Admission : $25, discounted $18
• Hours : Sun, Mon, Thu, Fri, 12–6 p.m. Sat, 12–8 p.m.

Tourists holding a New York Pass can access the museum freely. However, they must make an online reservation in advance and present the email upon arrival at the venue.

5 Spend The Afternoon At Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Considering this is one of the city's most iconic parks, visiting Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a must. Notably, this park was the site of two twentieth-century World's Fairs, adding to its rich historical impact.

Additionally, Flushing Meadows Corona Park is now the largest in Queens—after it was reverted to the city and fully landscaped/re-imagined.

• Hours : 6 am - 9 pm

Flushing Meadows Corona Park offers numerous recreational opportunities that visitors should take advantage of, such as scenic trails, various sports activities, kayaking, and an indoor pool.

6 Stop By The Queens Museum

Initially known as the Queens Museum of Art, this is one of the top-rated attractions and the best things to do in Queens, New York. Located in the famous Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the museum offers fascinating exhibits related to art and design.

There are over 10,000 pieces of art to explore, including the Neustadt Collection of Tiffany lamps and glass windows.

• Admission : Adults $8, Seniors $4, groups pay $6 per person
• Hours : Wed to Fri (12 - 5 pm). Sat & Sun (11 am - 5 pm)

To get the most out of the visit, guests can book a private tour and enjoy an immersive experience.

7 Enjoy Nature At The Rockaways

Home to two of the most popular beaches in NYC; Rockaway Beach and Jacob Riis Park Beach. Located in Rockaway Peninsula, the Rockaways includes the Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, and seven other neighborhoods. Its beaches are a popular destination among sunbathers and surfers.

The Rockaways are a perfect New York summer destination. Pack enough sunscreen and a wetsuit to soak in the sun, or dip in the toasty waters.

Related: 10 Quirky Roadside Attractions In New York Worth A Road Trip

8 Enjoy A Laid Back Day In Astoria

Brimming with fun adventures, businesses, and trendy spots, Astoria is an amazing neighborhood to stay in. It has plenty of shops, restaurants, parks, and beautiful attractions.

Plus, some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the borough are located here, including Astoria Park and the Museum of the Moving Image.

Astoria is a melting point of cultures with a delightful cosmopolitan flair. Remember to sample the scrumptious Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines while exploring the neighborhood.

9 Meet The Animals Queens Zoo & Aquarium

Queens Zoo & Aquarium is another top point of interest in the attraction-rich Flushing Meadows Park. The 18-acre facility was established in 1968 and houses at least 70 species of animals natively from America.

The zoo schedules helpful educational programs to benefit the public, and kids will have a great time learning interesting facts about animals and petting farm animals. This makes it an excellent visit for the whole family.

• Admission : Adult (13 & over). $9.95, Senior (65 & over). $7.95, Child (3 - 12). $6.95, Child (2 & under).
• Hours : 10 am - 5 pm, daily

Guests with an occasion to celebrate can book space at the zoo for weddings, birthday parties, and anniversaries.

10 Visit The King Manor House

At this historical landmark, tourists are introduced to the rich legacy of Founding Father Rufus Kings, credited with signing and framing the American Constitution. King Manor House will surely excite historians in the city with intimate exhibits of relics and artifacts from the Rufus Family.

The iconic figure lived on the homestead with his family, changing hands between three generations, and today serves as a museum. Its exhibits gradually walk guests through the renowned politician's storied career.

• Admission : Free
• Hours : 11 am - 3 pm

11 Catch A Live Game At Citi Field

Located on Roosevelt Avenue in the popular Flushing Meadows Park, Citi Field is the home stadium for the Major League Baseball outfit New York Mets. The almost 42,000-seater arena was constructed in 2009 to replace Shea Stadium and spots an overwhelming atmosphere whenever the home team plays.

The stadium’s design is a work of art, highlighted by the Jackie Robinson Rotunda on its facade. Besides watching a thrilling MLB game, spectators can pop into Taste of the City for a quick bite and take advantage of FanFest, a nice family entertainment section.

Visit the official website to check the event schedule, ticket prices, and time.

12 Learn Cool Facts At The New York Hall Of Science

Flushing Meadows Park houses this remarkable facility, where visitors who love the sciences can stop by for an exciting lesson. The New York Hall of Science was launched in 1964 during the World’s Fair but has undergone renovations through the years to be what it is today.

A great place to spark’s a child thirst for new knowledge, the center is home to about 400 interesting exhibits focusing on subjects like physics, biology, and chemistry. It also hosts hands-on educational programs and interactive experiences to introduce young enthusiasts to the magnificent world of science.

• Admission : $13-$16
• Hours : Wed to Sun, 10 am - 5 pm

13 Commune With Nature At The Alley Pond Environmental Center

The second-biggest public park in the city, Alley Pond Park, is a delightful green space spanning over 650 acres. In the sprawling park, tourists will find the Alley Pond Environmental Center , which opened in 1976 for preservation and educational purposes.

It is home to acres of salt marsh and wetlands that host various wildlife. The venue offers a vivid snapshot of the area’s rich ecosystem and guarantees a remarkable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Queens.

• Hours : Mon to Fri (9 am - 4:30 pm), Sat & Sun (10 am - 1 pm)

Carry binoculars when visiting the Alley Pond Environmental Center; there are almost 300 species of birds to stake out.

14 Long Island City: Incredible Arts Scene, Top-Notch Restaurants

Located on the western edge of Queens, Long Island City is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the borough and offers a great vacation experience. It's known for its thriving arts scene and incredible water parks. It is a quiet spot boasting friendly and welcoming locals. Visitors will find plenty of luxurious restaurants here.

While there are numerous sights to see in Long Island City, first-timers must plan to visit the Gantry Plaza State Park for awe-inspiring views.

15 Flushing: Incredibly Diverse Cultures

Home to multiple cultures, Flushing boasts NYC's largest Chinatown, plus numerous historic homes, colorful shops, restaurants, and gorgeous sidewalks.

Vacationers will find an incredible food scene, some of the best Chinese cuisine , Indian, Korean, and more delicious food cultures. Queens Zoo and Botanical Garden are located in this neighborhood.

Many small restaurants and stores in Flushing don't accept cash, so carry enough cash if planning to shop around.

16 Bayside: Plenty Of Outdoor Adventures

Bayside is known for its numerous green spaces, making it a great spot to spend time outdoors. Located in Queens' northeastern side, Bayside is brimming with restaurants, beautiful shops, parks, and top-notch bars.

Public transportation is easily accessible, and there are many things to see and do. Some top spots to explore are Fort Totten Park, Crocheron Park, Oakland Lake, and the Bayside Historical Society.

17 Rockaways Beach: A Perfect Destination For Sunbathers And Surfers

Rockaways Beach is a popular year-round destination for swimmers, surfers, the Ramones, and everyone else. It is most vibrant during summer, especially from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends, receiving millions of visitors.

Tourists will also find plenty of playgrounds and outdoor opportunities to explore. Think of this as the perfect way to spend a day out in the sun while in the city.

Rockaways Beach is among the best outdoor spots in Queens and the city's only legal surfing area, so prepare for a remarkable time on the water.

Related: 12 Best Foodie Neighborhoods In NYC

18 Best Time To Visit Queens, New York

The best to explore Queens depends on what one is looking to explore. But April through June and September to early November are amazing times to see Queens since the crowds are thinner and the weather is at its most splendid.

Vacationers planning to explore the borough on a budget should target winter or summer. The cheapest months are January and February. During this time, one can save lots of money and obtain the best deals on accommodation and flights.

Summer is the best season for families with kids because there are a lot of fun activities for everyone. However, with Labor Day and Memorial Day being the high season, travelers planning a summer vacation in Queens must plan and book flights, hotels, and restaurant reservations in advance.

• Best time overall : April through June, September to early November
• Best time for families : Summer
• Best time for budget travelers : winter and summer
• Cheapest months to visit : January and February

19 Best Ways To Get Around Queens, New York

The New York City Subway is one of the most efficient transportation systems in the United States and serves all five boroughs. It is also the busiest in the country and the seventh busiest in the world. Queens boasts 81 New York City Subway stations, 10 of which are express-local stations.

The subway gets travelers wherever they want, making it one of the best ways to get around.

• Cost: $2.75 per ride

Many Queens' neighborhoods, especially the most touristy ones, like Astoria, are walkable. So, visitors on a budget can enjoy one of the best ways to get around, which won't cost anything, and allows them to have a wonderful experience of the borough.

Uber/Lyft is a great choice for those who prefer getting around in a private car. However, cabs are way cheaper and easily accessible. Most of the main streets are full of cabs.

One can also rent a car, especially if exploring the furthermost areas of the borough or planning to visit other spots, like Brooklyn and Manhattan.

• The cheapest way to get around Queens: The subway system, but there are some things to know before riding .

20 Where To Eat In Queens, New York

• Court Square Diner : This is one of the oldest restaurants in Queens since it’s been there since 1946. An amazing dining experience is guaranteed here, thanks to quality service and a delicious menu. It is one of the best breakfast restaurants and boasts items like oatmeal, eggs benedict, Canadian bacon, Turkey bacon, and beef sausage on the menu.
• Bruno's Restaurant : This is a perfect spot to eat Italian food, making it a great restaurant to grab some eats for lunch. It boasts a delightful selection of daily specials, ranging from pasta dishes to fresh seafood.
• Trattoria L'incontro : Also an Italian restaurant, vacationers will have the best dining experience in this spot. Their food is cooked using fresh ingredients and ranges from modern to traditional dishes.

16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Queens, NY

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

These days, Queens is New York City's fastest-growing borough. As a resident of Queens for more than a decade, I could not understand why it took so long for the world to find out about Queens. It is the largest and most diverse borough in New York, with one of the largest presences of international neighborhoods, languages, and cuisines in the world. In my opinion, it is Queens that has helped to keep New York City one of the biggest melting pots on the planet.

Spreading 108 square miles east of Manhattan, Queens has 91 distinct neighborhoods and borders the western end of Long Island. It has a wealth of entertaining museums, world-class sports venues, and more. The borough gained worldwide attention for hosting the 1964 New York's World Fair ; those visiting Flushing Meadows Corona Park can still see the Unisphere and Observation Towers of the New York State Pavilion that were built for the fair.

These days it could not be easier to visit Queens. Many of the city's most popular subway lines run across the borough. You can even take the NYC Ferry System across the East River, which offers fantastic skyline views and a unique way to tour around.

Visitors venturing out to Queens have many choices: Marvel at massive art at the Socrates Sculpture Park and learn about the history of film-making at the Museum of Moving Image in Astoria; indulge in Indian, Thai, Chinese, Nepalese, or Dominican food in some of the bustling melting pots, like Jackson Heights and Flushing; take in a baseball game at Citi Field ; and end your stay with a beach day in the Rockaways.

Explore the many places to visit in Queens on a day trip or a multi-day outing during your visit to New York City . Plan the most exciting trip possible with our list of the top things to do in Queens.

1. Citi Field

2. museum of the moving image, 3. gantry plaza state park, 4. flushing meadows corona park, 5. usta national tennis center, 6. rockaway beach, 7. louis armstrong house museum and armstrong center, 8. moma ps1, 9. socrates sculpture park & noguchi museum, 10. new york hall of science, 11. queens botanical garden, 12. queens museum, 13. alley pond park, 14. astoria park, 15. queens night market, 16. forest hills stadium, where to stay in queens, ny for sightseeing, queens, ny - climate chart.

First thing's first: baseball. Queens residents are die-hard sports fans and they are rooting for none other than the Mets. (If you want Yankees fans, you'll have to head to Manhattan or the Bronx.)

For years, Shea Stadium was the home of the Mets until the city built the now-legendary Citi Field. Located in the Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the iconic Citi Field baseball park is the home base for the New York Mets.

The Mets are part of the National League division of Major League Baseball and can be seen competing against the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Colorado Rockies. They occasionally play against their rival NYC team, the Yankees (who are in the American League) during the Subway Series.

The Bark At The Park events throughout the year attract sports fans and their pooches to the Coca-Cola Corner for a fun-filled day out at the ball game.

Those looking to learn about the history of the Mets can visit the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum , located next to the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, for highlight videos, interactive kiosks, and trophies from the 1969 and 1986 World Series wins. The museum remains open during game days. During non-game days, visitors can take a tour of the ballpark and have access to some of the restricted areas.

The Museum of the Moving Image is a high-tech space in the hip Astoria neighborhood. It is an absolute must-visit for cinephiles and pop culture fans. It brings to life the history of movies and television through interactive exhibits. One of my favorite museums in New York City, this museum allows visitors to get up close with costumes like Freddy Krueger's striped shirt and artifacts like the Yoda puppet. Try your skills with sound and film editing in private booths.

Spoil your inner child and come face-to-face with your favorite muppets in the permanent Jim Henson Exhibition . There's something for everyone at this all-ages educational experience. The museum wouldn't be complete without the gorgeous Sumner M. Redstone Theater , featuring exclusive screenings and conversations with celebrity guests - not to mention, it's arguably the cleanest movie theater in New York City.

Address: 36-01 35th Ave, Astoria, New York

One of the best places to visit to watch the sunset among the skyscrapers of midtown Manhattan is the Gantry Plaza State Park , located across the East River in Long Island City. On a clear day, you'll have unfettered views of the United Nations and the Chrysler and the Empire State buildings from the 12-acre park.

Today Long Island City has become one of the hottest neighborhoods in New York, home to great restaurants, cafes, high-rise luxury apartments, and, of course, spectacular Manhattan views.

Walk along the riverfront with your leashed dog, take a selfie in front of the landmark 1936 red neon Pepsi-Cola sign, or take in the beautiful gardens and mist fountain. The park boasts basketball and handball courts, playgrounds, and a fishing pier. It can be reached via the 7 train or the East River Ferry.

Address: 4-09 47th Road, New York, New York

Flushing Meadows Corona Park took center stage during the 1964 World's Fair. The largest park in Queens features several top tourist attractions and cultural institutions in the borough, including the Queens Botanical Garden , New York Hall of Science , Queens Museum , Queens Theater , and Citi Field .

Also here are large open spaces; a zoo; and other things to do like boating, biking, and hiking. It also plays host to the U.S. Open Grand Slam tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center .

The park's main attraction – the iconic Unisphere – a 140-feet-high steel representation of our planet, popularized by the 1997 film, Men in Black, remains a central place for pictures, along with the Observation Towers of the New York State Pavilion, also built for the World's Fair.

Tennis fans will no doubt know the borough of Queens, as it is home to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center . This tennis complex is one of the largest public tennis facilities in the world and is home to the US Open. At its heart is the Arthur Ashe Stadium , a nearly 24,000-seat-arena, and the largest tennis stadium in the world .

The US Open is held at the end of the summer every year, but if you're visiting when the games aren't in play, you can still take a tour of the stadium, which gives tennis fans an unbelievable perspective of the stadium from the players' areas.

Address: 124-02 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, New York

Home to two popular New York City beaches , the Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk and Jacob Riis Park Beach, the Rockaways in the Rockaway Peninsula, are made up of nine neighborhoods. Among them are Far Rockaway, Breezy Point, Belle Harbor, and others.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the beaches of these seaside towns come alive with sunbathers and surfers from near and far. The Rockaway Beach and Broadway, located in its namesake neighborhood, is the largest urban beach in the country; however, it sees far fewer crowds than Brooklyn's Coney Island.

During the height of summer, you can see sun worshippers enjoying this six-mile-long stretch of sand. The beach has playgrounds and surf schools. The Rockaway Beach Surf Club, located on the boardwalk, serves tacos from its popular food stand, Tacoway Beach, among other delicious foods.

A 10-minute ride from Rockaway Beach brings you to Jacob Riis Park for a less crowded beach-going experience. At this stretch, nicknamed the "People's Beach," you'll find a Bazaar, with some of the best and most diverse food in the city, and several Art Deco structures. The Bazaar hosts live shows, sporting and film events, and fun games. The beach also has a golf center, ball courts, concession stands, and vendors.

Some of the most iconic legends in the world called Queens home over the decades. Among them is Louis Armstrong, the legendary trumpet player who won the world over with his raw talent and charm.

Visitors to Queens can walk in his footsteps with a visit to the Louis Armstrong House Museum . While he was born in New Orleans, in 1943 he decided to make the neighborhood of Corona, Queens his home with his wife, Lucille.

Today their home is a historic site and museum, featuring archives of 1,600 recordings, tapes, scrapbooks, photographs, letters, manuscripts, and even some of his trumpets.

In July 2023, the new Armstrong Center opened featuring its permanent exhibit, Here to Stay , which houses the 60,000-piece archive of Louis and Lucille, as well as a 75-seat venue for performances, lectures, films, and educational programming.

Founded in 1971, PS1's main purpose was to organize art shows. A few years later, a permanent gallery opened in Long Island City. Now, a collaboration with MoMa in 2001 established MoMA PS1 as a creative space fostering innovative contemporary art incorporating photography, technology, and performance.

If you are visiting on a Saturday in the summer, be ready to tap your feet to live music in the museum's courtyard during the Warm Up music series. In its 20-year run, the summer series had a lineup of top artists like Black Dice, Lizzo, and Cardi B perform.

Address: 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Queens, New York

Socrates Sculpture Park in Astoria is a testament to the beauty of repurposing land. American sculptor Mark di Suvero created the sculpture Park on a five-acre abandoned landfill and transformed it into an outdoor museum.

The museum, overlooking the East River and the Manhattan skyline, has been showcasing large-scale works of art from famous artists since 1986. It remains the only one of its kind to exhibit art in an outdoor space in New York City. The sculptures are built on-site, and visitors can leisurely take them in for free.

A block away from the park is the Noguchi Museum , exhibiting a wide collection of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi's work. The museum comes with its own outdoor sculpture garden.

Address: 32-01 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, New York

The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), also built for the 1964 World's Fair, makes science accessible and fun for kids and adults. This family-friendly museum, located in the Flushing Meadows Corona Park, offers 450 interactive exhibits, workshops, and programs in 100,000 square feet of indoor space.

Make your own experiment at the Design Lab, learn about evolution on Earth through a series of exhibits, search for life in the solar system, or catch a nature or animal-centric 3D movie in the theater on-site.

Address: 47-01 111th Street, Corona, New York

The 39-acre oasis in the middle of Queens presents visitors with 25 wonderful gardens to experience. The Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing first came into being during the 1939-1940 World's Fair as the "Gardens on Parade" exhibit and has expanded to now contain several gardens worth exploring on your outing to Queens.

Take a nice stroll in the warmer weather and admire the Oak Allee, annual and perennial beds, arboretum, herb garden, bee garden, and ornamental grass garden, among others. The essence of the flowers and shrubs in the Fragrance Garden provides a beautiful olfactory experience, for kids and adults alike.

The Wedding Garden, featuring a white picket fence and a lovely gazebo, makes for a nice background for engagement and wedding photos. The Garden is within a short distance of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and other attractions in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Address: 43-50 Main Street, Flushing, New York

Built for the 1964 World's Fair, the Queens Museum (formerly Queens Museum of Art) is housed in a sleek, modern building in the Flushing Meadows Corona park, and showcases exhibits related to architecture, art, and design. The permanent collection includes 10,000 items, with a majority of them related to the World's Fair.

Visitors will also get a chance to marvel at the Neustadt Collection of Tiffany glass windows, lamps, and objects that are on long-term display from Tiffany Studios, which was shuttered in the 30s.

Don't miss the museum's highlight, " Panorama of New York ," a massive room-sized scale model of the five boroughs as seen during the 60s, with buildings that have never even been built.

Address: New York City Building, Corona, New York

Alley Pond Park, the second largest park in Queens, is home to the oldest and tallest tree in the city. Nicknamed the Queens Giant, the 133.8-foot tulip poplar tree is estimated to be more than 300 or 450 years old and was gifted to the Walloon Belgian Protestant families (who were among the first to settle Manhattan) from the Dutch West India Company in the 17th century. Don't miss a chance to see this flowering beauty on your visit to the park on an Urban Park Ranger Tour.

For adrenaline junkies and those looking for an exciting team-building exercise, the high ropes adventure course promises to provide thrills. The park's many trails allow visitors a chance to experience New York the way it used to be, with meadows, forests, tidal flats, and wetlands. The park has BBQ areas, playgrounds, courts, and fields.

Astoria residents are fiercely proud of their neighborhood, especially on a warm summer day on the rolling grassy fields of Astoria Park. Located underneath the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, overlooking the East River, Astoria Park is the largest park in the neighborhood, and the heart of so much community activity.

The 60-acre park is a veritable playground for people of all ages. Here, you'll find outdoor tennis courts, a track, a bandstand, walking trails, basketball courts, and actual playgrounds. But one of the main draws to Astoria Park in the summertime is its outdoor public pool – the oldest and largest in New York City.

On warm afternoons and evenings, you'll find residents sprawled out on blankets looking out toward the Manhattan and Bronx skylines. Outdoor events are common from spring to fall, like concerts, movie nights, and more.

Address: 19 19th Street, Astoria, New York

Queens holds the Guinness World Record for being the most ethnically diverse city on the planet. It's true! At least 138 languages are spoken in the borough of Queens, so you can imagine the kinds of delicious foods that are waiting to be discovered here.

One way to start the adventure is to visit the legendary Queens Night Market . This massive, family-friendly, outdoor night market hosts approximately 100 vendors selling everything from international cuisine to art. The market also features nightly cultural performances and live music, all of which pay homage to the diverse cultures that call Queens home.

Vendors represent a broad range of exciting ethnicities in Queens, from Taiwanese and Korean to Sudanese, Tibetan, Jamaican, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Italian, Ecuadorian – and more.

Address: 4701 111th Street, Queens, New York

Manhattan may have Madison Square Garden, and Brooklyn may have the Barclay's Center, but Queens has its own live event venue that is beloved by residents. Forest Hills Stadium is an outdoor music venue located in the neighborhood of Forest Hills. With a capacity of 13,000 spectators, it is one of the best spots in the city to catch a live show.

The venue has been open in Queens for almost a century and was designed with visuals and audio in mind. It has fantastic acoustics, and no seat is obstructed, making it one of the only outdoor venues of its quality and size in the city.

Some of the biggest names in history have performed here, from Frank Sinatra and The Rolling Stones to Mumford and Sons and Ed Sheeran. What's great about Forest Hills Stadium is that it isn't as massive as Madison Square Garden, which means fans are able to see their favorite acts on a much more intimate level.

Address: 1 Tennis Place, Forest Hills, New York

Luxury Hotels :

• Boro Hotel is a trendy 4-star property in Long Island City and is within walking distance from some of its top attractions, including the Fisher Landau Center. Choose from urban contemporary rooms and suites with comfy beds and stand-alone, deep soaking tubs. The hotel is pet-friendly if you're traveling with a dog. Other amenities include a coffee shop, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace.
• If you are planning to stay for a few weeks - although you can also book for a single night - check out The Collective Paper Factory in Long Island City. The contemporary luxe property has an industrial chic vibe throughout and doubles as a co-living space. Rooms and suites are private, but there are a lot of communal spaces designed for connecting with like-minded digital nomads and travelers.
• For a boutique upscale property, the Ravel Hotel Trademark Collection is a good choice. Rooms and suites have wide wood-planked floors and other wood-focused accents. There are city and river views from large windows, and some rooms have furnished balconies. Amenities include a fitness center, restaurant, and rooftop terrace.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Aloft Long Island City - Manhattan View is a top choice in this price range. The boutique hotel has loft-style rooms and suites that come with fabulous views of the Manhattan skyline located just across the East River from the hotel. The property is just a block from two subway stations offering easy access to the city. Amenities include a lobby with a pool table, a 24-hour grab-and-go café, and a fitness center.
• For an extended stay option check out Home2 Suites by Hilton New York Long Island City/Manhattan View . This is a popular choice with travelers who have business in Manhattan but don't want to pay downtown city prices. The location in Long Island City, just across the East River, makes it easy to get into Manhattan quickly. The all-suite property features rooms with work desks, kitchenettes, and blackout kitchens. The hotel is pet-friendly, and a free breakfast is served daily.
• Hyatt Place Flushing/La Guardia Airport is a perfect choice if you have an early or late flight from La Guardia Airport. The hotel has free airport transportation. It is located atop a shopping center with numerous shops and restaurants. Amenities include a rooftop garden and a restaurant with fabulous views of the Manhattan skyline.

Budget Hotels :

• Travelers looking for budget accommodation have a number of options in Queens. Try the Quality Inn Long Island City - Astoria . Rooms are tidy and comfortable. There is a 24-hour front desk and a complimentary breakfast.
• The Feather Factory Hotel is another budget-friendly option. Rooms have desks and small sitting areas. There is also free breakfast and a convenience store on-site. If you're traveling with kids, the hotel is family-friendly.

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Exploring Long Island: While you are venturing east to Queens, head farther out to see Long Island and its many attractions , from Gold Coast mansions to world-class beaches. Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) trains connecting from Woodside or Jamaica (two major hubs) can bring you to various points on the island, as well as take you to the Hamptons.

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10 Best Things to Do in Queens, New York

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There are many interesting things to do in Queens , so if you haven’t yet explored this New York City borough , I highly recommend you do so. Queens is full of parks, museums, sports venues, and other attractions where you can learn more about the history of NYC and its most diverse neighborhoods.

In addition to being quieter than Manhattan and Brooklyn, Queens is more walkable and closer to JFK and LaGuardia Airports, which are also in Queens. So, if you’re flying into New York City, Queens will probably be your first introduction to the city. Besides, it is on Long Island , so you will have some wonderful beaches close by.

Take advantage of your time here by visiting some of the best places in Queens , like Flushing Meadows – Corona Park and Rockaway Beach. While Queens may be less crowded than other boroughs, it still has great nightclubs and bars, as well as accommodation options.

In this guide, I’ll share the top 10 places to go in Queens so you can plan a fun day out with your partner or as a family. Also, if you need another day here, I’ll share some of the best hotels where you can spend the night.

1. Museum of the Moving Image, a fun place in Queens, New York

The Museum of the Moving Image is one of the best museums in NYC , and it’s right in Queens. More specifically, it’s in Astoria Studios, a historic venue built in 1920 to accompany the nearby Theater District in Manhattan.

This museum is an awesome place to go if you’re a film or TV buff, or you’re interested in the technology and techniques behind different forms of digital media. The multimedia exhibits here explore audio-visual elements like stop-motion animation, TV and movie production, character design, and virtual reality. So, it’s a unique place to gain more insight into some of the most beloved masterpieces in cinematic history.

There are also two theaters where you can see a variety of productions and extended cuts of famous films. Also, if you’re a fan of The Muppets, you’ll love the museum’s Jim Henson exhibition. It’s a great thing to do in Astoria, Queens with kids, and the museum even has a vast collection of video games and related memorabilia.

If you’d like to visit, be aware that the museum is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Admission is $20 for adults and $12 for kids under 18, but it’s one of the best museums in Queens .

2. Walk through Queens Botanical Garden, a romantic thing to do in Queens

For something romantic to do in Queens , check out the Queens Botanical Garden . Created in 1939 for the New York World’s Fair, the 39-acre venue has become one of the most beautiful spots in the entire borough.

Here, you’ll find gorgeous blooms and plants throughout the different specialty gardens, which include a bee garden, an herb garden, and a rose garden. There is also a children’s garden for the little ones to learn about native flora and environmentalism. If you visit the perennial garden and meadow, you can see all kinds of plants, flowers, and trees that used to grow all over the New York City area.

Without a doubt, strolling through the botanical garden is one of the best things to do in Queens as a couple. The Fragrance Walk is a beautiful outdoor walkway bordered by blossoming flowers, and the Floral Border provides the perfect photo op for you and your partner. I also recommend going to the arboretum and browsing the art gallery, which is filled with botanical paintings, drawings, and photographs.

Queens Botanical Garden is closed on Mondays and is free from November to March. Otherwise, it’s $6 for adults and $2 for children ages 4-12.

3. Flushing Meadows – Corona Park, the best park in Queens

Queens is full of lovely outdoor spaces, but one of the best is Flushing Meadows – Corona Park . It’s one of the best parks in NYC and the fourth largest in the city, so you can’t miss it.

The park was built for the 1939 New York World’s Fair and is most recognized by the Unisphere , a 140-foot-tall steel globe that symbolizes unity and peace. You’ll also find the Queens Botanical Garden here, as well as the New York Hall of Science and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, two other famous places in Queens .

Get some fresh air and take a stroll around Meadow and Willow Lakes, then take a ride on the Flushing Meadows Carousel.

While Flushing Meadows – Corona Park is a must-see in Queens , I also recommend visiting Astoria Park , which has tennis courts, a soccer field, a playground, and a skatepark. It’s also home to the Astoria Pool and Bathhouse, which was used for the U.S. team’s Olympic Trials in 1936, 1952, and 1964. Today, the pool is free and open to the public, as is the Astoria Play Center, a rec center with various sports facilities.

Finally, Gantry Plaza State Park is another cool place in Queens along the East River in Long Island City. The park is part of a former dockyard where you can see old gantries and transfer bridges that were used to transport cars and vehicles across the river to Manhattan. There is also a playground and a waterfront promenade.

4. MoMA PS1, one of the best museums in Queens

Another museum in Queens I highly recommend is MoMA PS1 . It’s affiliated with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), so if you don’t have time to get over to Manhattan, MoMA PS1 is a great alternative.

This huge contemporary art center is full of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs, not to mention a rotating roster of temporary exhibits. You’ll also find multimedia installations ranging from murals and textiles to architectural projects from artists around the world.

The themes of these pieces vary, touching on things like city life, politics, social issues, different cultures, nature, science, and more. The museum holds regular panel discussions with the artists, as well as a weekly performance series called Sunday Sessions. If you visit from June to August, you can catch the summer music series.

So, if you’re into art and you’re looking for a rainy day activity in Queens , a visit to MoMA PS1 is a great idea. Admission is $10 for adults, although it’s also included in the New York Pass , one of the best attraction passes in NYC . Just remember that the museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

5. Go to the Queens Museum, a free thing to do in Queens, NY

The Queens Museum may be the most famous museum in the borough, and for good reason. It’s one of the most interesting places in Queens , thanks to its vast collection of historical artifacts, art exhibits, and community events.

The museum is part of Flushing Meadows – Corona Park and contains thousands of relics from the 1939 and 1964 New York World’s Fairs. Looking through the collection is like finding a time capsule from decades gone by and provides insight into how life in the city was back then.

Another part of the permanent collection is the Panorama of the City of New York , a room-sized scale model of NYC’s five boroughs. You can also find intriguing paintings by Salvador Dalí, photographs from Robert Moses, and several Tiffany Glass objects.

The Queens Museum also hosts public film screenings, dance performances, and concerts, so there is always something to see here. For all these reasons, visiting the museum is considered to be one of the best free things to do in NYC . Plus, it’s close to other top attractions in Queens, New York , so you can make the most of your day.

While admission is free, the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.

6. Visit the Noguchi Museum & Socrates Sculpture Park, something to do in Queens as a couple

If you’re looking for more free things to do in Queens , check out the Noguchi Museum . This is another free museum in NYC , specifically in Long Island City, and it’s named after its founder, Isamu Noguchi. Noguchi was a Japanese-American artist, sculptor, and landscape architect with a career that spanned six decades.

He created the Noguchi Museum to put some of his most prized pieces on full display for the public, including outdoor sculptures, stage and furniture designs, drawings, and architectural models. His work often explored subterranean landscapes, humans’ place in nature, and the relationship between visible and invisible forces, so they’re very thought-provoking.

Also, just a block from the museum, you’ll find the Socrates Sculpture Park , another cool place in Queens to visit. Located along the East River, the park is full of decorative plants and contemporary sculptures by Noguchi and other artists. Not only can you see beautiful works of art, but the views from the park are lovely.

Socrates Sculpture Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to dusk, and admission is free. The Noguchi Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and general admission costs $12.

7. Rockaway Beach, a beautiful place in Queens, New York

You may be surprised to hear that you can go to the beach in NYC , but it’s true! Over on the Rockaway Peninsula, you can visit Rockaway Beach , one of the few surfing beaches in the city.

In addition to surfing and swimming, Rockaway Beach offers other activities in Queens , including basketball, handball, and roller hockey. There is also a skatepark and a boardwalk, as well as several parks and playgrounds, so this is a fun thing to do in Queens with family .

Don’t forget to check out the Rockaway Beach Surf Shop, the oldest surf shop in the country. It sells all kinds of surfing gear, and you can even book a lesson if you’re new to the sport.

For something more laid-back, go to Jacob Riis Park Beach on the southwestern edge of the Rockaway Peninsula. This beautiful place in Queens boasts a delightful swimming beach as well as a boardwalk, restrooms, and outdoor showers. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer, and there are playgrounds, sports fields, and mini-golf for the kiddos.

Another cool part of Jacob Riis Park is its historic bathhouse, which was built in 1932. It features Moorish and Art Deco-style elements, making it a unique landmark along the coastline.

8. Go to the Alley Pond Environmental Center, an outdoorsy thing to do in Queens

While you’re sightseeing around Queens , consider veering off the beaten path and checking out the Alley Pond Environmental Center . It’s open daily and offers free admission to kids and adults who want to learn more about the native flora and fauna and conservation efforts.

The Center educates visitors about the different plant and animal species in the area as well as how to identify and care for them. You can take a walk along one of the paved or unpaved trails or sign up for a guided forest walk. The Center also holds craft workshops and tutorials for all ages, so you can go here as a family. Among the forests and marshlands, you’ll find a playground, ballfield, and adventure course.

An alternative to the Alley Pond Environmental Center is the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge . This attraction in Queens, New York is a seven-minute drive from Rockaway Beach, on Broad Channel island in Jamaica Bay.

Surrounded by open water and intertidal salt marshes, the wildlife refuge is a great spot for boating and birdwatching. In fact, a large migratory bird population passes through the area every year, including snow geese, peregrine falcons, and cooper’s hawks. Horseshoe crabs, terrapin turtles, and ospreys are also common in this area.

In addition, the refuge has a Visitors Center and several hiking and walking paths, so it’s a great place in Queens to get away from the crowds and connect with nature. The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is free and open daily.

9. New York Hall of Science, a place to go in Queens with kids

Back at Flushing Meadows – Corona Park, the New York Hall of Science is another fun place to go in Queens as a family. This museum has all kinds of hands-on exhibits designed to teach children about technology, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

In addition to its permanent collection, the institute has temporary exhibitions that touch on a variety of subjects like microbes, electricity, and health. The interactive elements encourage kids to engage with the sciences and have fun while retaining information. It’s an excellent thing to do in Queens on a rainy day , and adults may learn a thing or two as well!

Along with its indoor displays, the New York Hall of Science has an outdoor Science Playground where the kids can burn off some energy. There is also Rocket Park, an outdoor attraction inspired by the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Its space-age design and interactive activities provide even more fun, so you can make a day of it.

The New York Hall of Science costs $16 for adults and $13 for kids, although it’s included in the New York Pass . Be aware that it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

10. Visit the USTA National Tennis Center, another interesting thing to do in Queens

The last attraction in Queens, New York that I recommend is the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center . This huge complex consists of three stadiums, 22 indoor tennis courts, and 12 outdoor courts. Also, if you’re a big fan of tennis, you’ll know that the USTA National Tennis Center hosts the US Open Grand Slam tournament, which Serena Williams won six times.

The US Open is held every year in late August and early September, so you can get tickets to see the tournament. During the rest of the year, the Tennis Center is open for rentals and lessons for children and adults. Guided tours are also available and cost $30 for adults and $15 for kids ages 5-15.

The USTA National Tennis Center is in Flushing Meadows – Corona Park, so if you needed another excuse to visit this Queens landmark , this is it.

Where to stay in Queens

Finally, if you want to experience all the best things to do in Queens , consider staying overnight. This way, you can make the most of your time and get to all the attractions you want to see. Below are three of the best places in Queens to stay:

• The Collective Paper Factory – This cozy boutique hotel in Long Island City has a fitness center, family rooms, and a convenient location near the Museum of the Moving Image. It’s also one of the cheapest hotels in Queens .
• Ravel Hotel – Located along the East River, this hotel offers free transportation to the New York City subway , an outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant.
• LIC Hotel – This accommodation has the perfect location since it’s 20 minutes from Central Park and 30 minutes from LaGuardia Airport by public transit.

You can find more ideas and recommendations in our guide on where to stay in NYC .

Map of Queens, NY

I hope you enjoyed discovering all the fun things to do in Queens, NY . Before I go, here is a map of all the attractions and hotels I mentioned so you can see how close they are to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and anywhere else you want to visit.

If you have any questions or want to share your favorite places to visit in Queens , feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear from you. Until then, have an amazing time in Queens!

Ascen Aynat

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Simply Queens

Explore Queens Village NY – Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Discover the charm and hidden gems of Queens Village, New York, with this comprehensive guide. A unique and vibrant neighborhood, Queens Village offers visitors a blend of rich history, diverse culture, and warm hospitality. This …

Discover the charm and hidden gems of Queens Village, New York, with this comprehensive guide. A unique and vibrant neighborhood, Queens Village offers visitors a blend of rich history, diverse culture, and warm hospitality. This Queens Village NY guide will provide you with all the essential travel tips Queens Village has to offer, so you can fully explore Queens Village and make the most of your visit.

Key Takeaways

• Experience the rich history and diverse culture of Queens Village, NY.
• Discover historical landmarks, museums , and art galleries.
• Sample delicious local cuisine and explore unique shopping destinations.
• Enjoy outdoor adventures at parks and recreation areas.
• Find the perfect accommodations for your stay in Queens Village.
• Learn practical tips for getting around and staying safe during your visit.

Introduction to Queens Village, NY: A Hidden Gem

Queens Village, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of bustling New York City, offers travelers an authentic, local experience that sets it apart from typical tourist destinations. This quaint, charming neighborhood affords visitors an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and culinary delights, all the while delivering a unique, engaging atmosphere that is truly one-of-a-kind.

As a serene oasis amidst the vibrant cityscape, Queens Village draws travelers with its tree-lined streets, diverse architecture, and small-town vibe. The community’s rich cultural heritage is evident as you wander the streets, encountering everything from traditional row houses to stunning revitalized estates reminiscent of bygone eras. On top of that, visitors can enjoy an array of cuisines from around the world, reflecting the melting pot that is Queens Village and the broader New York City area.

“Queens Village offers a unique blend of history, culture, and charm, making it the perfect destination for travelers seeking a more authentic, yet engaging New York City experience.”

Queens Village beckons adventure-seekers and art enthusiasts alike, boasting a vibrant local arts scene with a host of galleries and exhibits. Street fairs and festivals add to the neighborhood’s lively ambiance, creating splendid opportunities for visitors to engage with the spirited community that shapes this diverse haven.

• Discover the area’s rich history and architectural wonders
• Indulge in global culinary delights at local eateries and food spots
• Immerse yourself in the thriving arts and culture scene
• Participate in community events and street fairs brimming with local spirit

In summary, Queens Village promises an extraordinary travel experience for those who venture off the beaten path. Its enchanting charm and distinctive character make it an ideal destination for those seeking hidden gems in NYC. From its historical roots and architectural beauty to its vibrant arts scene and gastronomic delights, a Queens Village NY travel adventure provides a truly distinctive, immersive experience that is bound to capture the heart of every traveler who strolls its lovely streets.

Historical Highlights of Queens Village

Queens Village has a rich history that contributed to its transformation from farmland to the vibrant suburban community it is today. This section will delve into the origins of Queens Village, NY, and take you on a journey through its historical landmarks and monuments, providing a deeper understanding of its past and cultural significance.

The Origins of Queens Village

Queens Village traces its roots back to the early 18th century when it was primarily farmland, known as Little Plains. In the 1800s, the Long Island Rail Road developed a station in the area, which led to its growth and development. By the early 1900s, this burgeoning community, now called Queens Village, was rapidly being transformed into a bustling suburban neighborhood with numerous parks, schools, and homes for its growing population.

The name “Queens Village” was adopted in 1924, commemorating the broader borough of Queens and reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the community.

Throughout the 20th century, Queens Village continued to evolve and grow into the thriving neighborhood it is today, offering a more serene and family-friendly alternative to Manhattan’s bustling streets.

Landmarks and Monuments

Queens Village is adorned with numerous landmarks and monuments that showcase its historical and cultural significance. Some of the most notable sites include:

• St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church : This beautiful church, constructed in 1856, is an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture and a symbol of faith in the community.
• Queens Village Station : Established in the late 19th century, the station played a vital role in the area’s development and serves as a reminder of its close ties to the railroad.
• Bell House : A classic example of Victorian architecture, this historic residence was built in 1891 and remains a treasured piece of local heritage.

Visiting these historic landmarks throughout Queens Village offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stories and milestones that have shaped the neighborhood and its residents.

Discovering the rich history and cherished landmarks in Queens Village will surely leave you with a deeper appreciation for this suburban oasis within New York City and an understanding of its past’s pivotal moments and influences.

Local Cuisine: Where to Eat in Queens Village

Queens Village offers a fantastic dining scene for food enthusiasts. From family-owned eateries to fine dining experiences, Queens Village presents a host of mouthwatering options for diverse tastes. In this guide, we explore the best restaurants in Queens Village NY , celebrating local eats that truly embody the culture and diversity of this vibrant community.

Let’s start with a list of some of Queens Village’s finest establishments:

• Caribbean and Latin American flavors from Tropical Cuisine
• Delicious Italian dishes at Miraj Restaurant
• Authentic Indian cuisine at Tandoori Hut
• All-American eats at George’s Diner
• Delectable seafood dishes at Monterrey Seafood Restaurant

For a more detailed look into the local culinary delights, let’s dive into some of the neighborhood’s favorite eateries:

Tropical Cuisine – Caribbean and Latin American Fusion

Located in the heart of Queens Village, Tropical Cuisine offers a scrumptious blend of Caribbean and Latin American flavors. Known for their flavorful oxtail, jerk chicken, and rice and peas, this eatery will transport your taste buds to the islands. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for a relaxed dining experience.

“I’ve been coming to Tropical Cuisine for years, and they consistently serve the best oxtail around!” – Rachel, Queens Village resident

Miraj Restaurant – A Taste of Italy in Queens Village

For a European twist, Miraj Restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting. With classic dishes like homemade lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and a wide selection of pasta dishes, Miraj truly satisfies your Italian cravings. Don’t forget to try their tiramisu for a sweet ending to your meal.

While exploring Queens Village, don’t hesitate to sample local delicacies and specialties from these diverse dining options . They are certain to please even the most discerning palate. Bon appétit!

Shopping in Queens Village: From Boutiques to Markets

Queens Village is a delightful shopping destination that caters to all tastes and preferences. Its diverse retail landscape, brimming with distinctive boutiques and vibrant markets, offers a unique shopping experience for those looking to discover one-of-a-kind items and unforgettable souvenirs. In this section, we’ll guide you through some of the best places for Queens Village shopping to help you make the most out of your retail adventures in the neighborhood.

Queens Village is home to a variety of charming boutiques that boast an eclectic mix of fashion, accessories, and home decor items. If you’re in search of stylish clothing and trendy accessories, make sure to visit Charlotte’s Closet , a popular local boutique that offers a curated selection of fashionable finds for women of all ages. For art enthusiasts, the Crystal Blue Gallery is a must-visit destination, showcasing an array of local art pieces and unique crafts that make perfect gifts or additions to your personal collection.

Pro-tip: Don’t hesitate to chat with the friendly boutique owners and staff—they often have great recommendations on finding hidden gems and local favorites in Queens Village!

When it comes to traditional markets in Queens Village NY , you’ll find no shortage of options. Check out the Queens Village Farmers Market to stock up on fresh, locally-sourced produce, artisanal goods, and delicious baked treats. For bargain hunters, the Queens Village Flea Market is a treasure trove of vintage goodies, rare collectibles, and unique finds at unbeatable prices.

To sum it up, the wide range of shopping options makes Queens Village a shopper’s paradise. From quaint boutiques in Queens Village to lively markets offering a taste of local life, you’re sure to leave this charming neighborhood with unique items that’ll forever remind you of your visit.

Cultural Experiences and Community Events

Queens Village offers a vibrant cultural scene that caters to the interests of art lovers and community enthusiasts alike. With an abundance of museums, art galleries, and community events, visitors can immerse themselves in the diverse cultural fabric of Queens Village. Read on to learn about the neighborhood’s fascinating museums, art galleries, and traditional community events.

Museums and Art Galleries

From contemporary art to historical artifacts, the museums in Queens Village and Queens Village art galleries provide a fascinating look at the creative and cultural diversity of this charming neighborhood. Some of the must-see institutions include:

• Queens Village Museum: A local history museum featuring exhibits on the area’s rich past, architecture, and community life. This museum offers a unique insight into what makes Queens Village the vibrant neighborhood it is today.
• Brushstroke Art Gallery: Showcasing works by talented local artists, this art gallery offers a glimpse into the thriving art scene in Queens Village and presents a chance to purchase original pieces and support the local creative community.
• The Sculpture Garden: This outdoor space features a rotating collection of sculptures by both established and emerging artists. A picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll and a visual feast for art enthusiasts.

Festivals and Street Fairs

Queens Village is also home to various annual festivals and street fairs, celebrating the diverse cultures and community spirit in the neighborhood. Mark your calendars and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that these events bring to Queens Village:

• Queens Village Arts Festival: This annual event showcases an exciting range of visual arts, performances, and interactive workshops from local and international artists. Art lovers will delight in exploring the various exhibits and installations throughout the neighborhood.
• Queens Village Harvest Festival: Held each fall, this traditional street fair features live music, craft vendors, and delicious local cuisine. Families can also enjoy various kid-friendly activities such as pumpkin painting and scarecrow making.
• International Food Festival: Celebrating the diverse culinary offerings of Queens Village, this festival is the perfect opportunity for food enthusiasts to sample dishes from around the world, all within the cozy neighborhood streets. Restaurants and food vendors come together to create an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for unique and engaging experiences during your visit to Queens Village, the neighborhood’s array of cultural attractions will undoubtedly leave you enriched and entertained.

Outdoor Adventures: Parks and Recreation Areas

Amidst the bustling streets of Queens Village, one can find a variety of green spaces , parks, and recreational areas that provide the perfect escape from the urban landscape. These havens for nature lovers offer opportunities to engage in outdoor activities, unwind, and explore the serene environments they have to offer. Let’s take a closer look at some of the must-visit Queens Village parks and recreational areas.

• Cunningham Park : This spacious park is a favorite for family outings, sporting events, and outdoor get-togethers. With its vast playgrounds, basketball courts, and well-maintained trails, Cunningham Park encourages an active lifestyle for all ages.
• Alley Pond Park: A diverse park boasting wetlands, meadows, forests, and fresh water ponds, Alley Pond Park has something for everyone. Explore scenic walking trails and discover diverse flora and fauna indigenous to the area.
• Roy Wilkins Park: Known for hosting numerous community events and festivals, Roy Wilkins Park also offers an array of outdoor activities. Enjoy the park’s sports fields, swimming pool, and barbecue areas, making it an ideal location for a fun-filled day in the sun.

Queens Village parks provide visitors with the perfect opportunity to take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover the variety of outdoor activities Queens Village NY has to offer. From hiking and birdwatching to sports and leisure activities, everyone can find something to enjoy amidst the area’s green spaces. The table below offers an overview of recreational offerings at popular Queens Village parks .

No matter your outdoor preferences, Queens Village offers exceptional parks and recreation areas to suit every traveler’s interests. Be sure to schedule some quality time outdoors during your visit to experience the beauty and tranquility that nature has to offer right in the heart of Queens Village, NY.

Accommodations: Best Places to Stay in Queens Village

Queens Village offers a variety of accommodations for travelers seeking a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Whether you prefer a quaint bed-and-breakfast or a practical hotel, you’ll find excellent places to stay in Queens Village that cater to different budgets and preferences. In this section, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Queens Village lodgings you might consider for your trip.

• Howard Johnson by Wyndham Jamaica JFK Airport NYC
• Best Western Jamaica Inn
• La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Queens
• Sleep Inn JFK Airport Rockaway Blvd
• Holiday Inn Express Kennedy Airport

When choosing your accommodation, it’s essential to consider factors such as location, budget, and the amenities provided. The following table showcases a comparison of these lodgings to help you make an informed decision:

“The best part about visiting Queens Village is that you can enjoy all the urban comforts without the steep price tags found in Manhattan. It’s a much-welcomed relief to the wallet.” – A satisfied traveler

In conclusion, Queens Village offers accommodations that provide varying degrees of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal destination for all travelers. From cozy bed-and-breakfasts to practical hotels, you can find accommodations in Queens Village NY to suit your preferences and budget. So go ahead and explore this charming neighborhood on your next visit to New York City!

Practical Tips for Travelers to Queens Village

Visiting Queens Village is an enriching experience that allows you to explore the hidden gem of NYC. To make the most of your trip, it’s essential to be prepared with practical information about getting around and ensuring your safety. In this section, we’ll provide you with helpful tips on navigating the area and staying safe during your visit.

Getting Around: Transportation Options

Queens Village offers a variety of transportation options for visitors, whether you’re looking for convenience, speed, or affordability. The neighborhood is well-connected with public transportation options such as the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) buses. Utilizing these services allows you to easily access other parts of New York City while enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere of Queens Village. Alternatively, tourists can also opt for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, or traditional taxi services for a more personalized transportation experience.

Safety and Emergency Information

As with any travel destination, it’s important to prioritize safety during your visit to Queens Village. While the area is generally considered safe, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety guidelines. Keep your belongings close to you and avoid displaying valuable items in crowded areas. In case of emergencies, it’s essential to know who to contact for assistance. Familiarize yourself with the contact information for local police stations, hospitals, and other emergency services, so you can respond quickly to any unexpected situations. By keeping these practical tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped for a memorable and safe adventure in Queens Village.

What are some must-see attractions in Queens Village?

Queens Village boasts a mix of historic landmarks, parks, and cultural institutions. Some popular places include the Bellerose LIRR station, Cunningham Park, and the Alley Pond Environmental Center. Museums, art galleries, and local festivals also provide an insight into the neighborhood’s culture and history.

What kind of cuisine can I expect in Queens Village?

Queens Village offers a diverse range of dining options that reflect its multicultural residents. You can find local eats and international flavors, from Caribbean to Indian cuisine, at various cafes, restaurants, and food trucks within the neighborhood.

Where are the best shopping spots in Queens Village?

Queens Village features a unique retail landscape, including boutiques, markets, and shopping centers. Check out Jamaica Avenue or Queens Village Shopping Center for an array of shopping experiences and local art and souvenirs to take home with you.

What types of accommodations are available in Queens Village?

Accommodations in Queens Village cater to a range of budgets and preferences, from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to practical hotels. Browse online or consult local guidebooks to find the best places to stay based on your needs and comfort level.

How can I get around Queens Village and explore nearby NYC attractions?

Queens Village is well-connected with various public transportation options like the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), buses, and the subway system. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available for easy navigation and transport within the city.

Are Queens Village and the surrounding areas safe for tourists?

Queens Village is generally considered a safe neighborhood, but it’s always important to be cautious and use common sense when visiting a new area. Be aware of your surroundings and have emergency contact numbers available for added security, such as 911 for emergency police, fire, or medical assistance.

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Discover Little Neck Queens – A Hidden Gem of New York City

Discover lovely briarwood, ny: your ultimate neighborhood guide.

The 15 Best Things to Do in Queens, NY

Queens has been lauded as the most diverse county in the nation. It’s not hard to see why when you consider the dozens of unique neighborhoods that make up the borough, each one with its own distinct character, cuisine, and history.

Much of Queens, especially along the Hudson waterfront, was once prime industrial space. Factories, unloading docks, and warehouses made up the bulk of the business, though the borough also hosted two World’s Fairs. Over the years, old industrial buildings were decommissioned and repurposed and began housing art galleries, boutique hotels, and other creative local businesses.

These days, Queens is going through a renaissance, not unlike Brooklyn to the south. Set along the East River, Long Island City is a vibrant arts district, while Astoria retains the charm of its boutique businesses, and Flushing is home to one of the most famous Chinatowns in the world and is undergoing major investment.

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Queens for you. Stick to these fun and unique Queens bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this up-and-coming part of NYC!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to Do in Queens, NY

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

15 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Queens, NY

1. eat the best dim sum in nyc.

It’s a bold statement, we know, but there’s a reason Asian Jewels always has a line out the door. Located in the heart of Flushing’s historic Chinatown, this restaurant is a must-visit for its authentic Cantonese dim sum!

Dim sum originated in Guangzhou, China, in the 10th century. As travel became more widespread, teahouses began serving small sweet and savory dishes meant to accompany tea drinking. The result was a culinary explosion that’s since spread around the world.

This massive banquet-style restaurant in Flushing does things the old-fashioned way: waiters shuttle steam-heated carts stacked with piping-hot dishes around the restaurant. If you want something, just grab it. This brings a new meaning to first come, first serve.

The steamed shrimp dumplings are a standout dish and are served fresh, with a thin and well-formed skin. Siu mai is a classic choice, and we’d also recommend the perfectly flaky egg tarts. For the adventurous, the chicken feet in black bean sauce is a Cantonese classic.

We’d recommend sticking mainly to the dim sum or specialty seafood options if you want to order a la carte. If you don’t want to wait in line, there are so many top-notch restaurants in Flushing for noodle and rice dishes that you don’t necessarily need to put all your buns in one steamer!

2. Sample local wines at Keuka Kafe Wine Bar & Kitchen

Upstate New York is famous for the New World wine-producing region around the Finger Lakes . If you’re looking for fun things to do in Queens, you can easily get a taste of it without ever leaving NYC at Keuka Kafe Wine Bar & Kitchen .

The vibe is cozy and unpretentious. This is a family-run neighborhood spot with tons of charm and great service. Locals and tourists alike mingle here because of the ambiance and friendliness – that and the inspired wine menu.

If you’re after the classics, look no further than the Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cab Franc options, which are all local. Keuka also specifically highlights unusual varietals and blends on its menu. These selections make for unique sips, so check them out!

For the full wine tasting experience, you can choose from a variety of cheese and meats to create your own custom charcuterie board. Selections include specialty New York produce alongside carefully chosen imports from across North America and Europe.

In case you get peckish, the sandwiches and burgers are standouts, but you really can’t go wrong. Finish everything off with a dessert wine, then get ready to come back the next day for everything you couldn’t try on your first visit!

3. Catch the waves at NYC’s only surfing beach

Queens is home to the only legal surfing beach in NYC: The Rockaways. Well-known to NYC natives, this beach is usually less crowded in comparison to hotspots like Coney Island and Orchard Beach. Plus, you’ll have over 120 acres of sandy shoreline to stretch out on here!

Getting to Rockaway Beach is easy. You can catch the NYC ferry or take the subway, but there are also dedicated coaches you can jump on that will take you directly to the shore, complete with AC and cold drinks – essentials during a New York summer.

The best surfing beaches are Beach 92nd Street, Beach 67th Street, and Beach 69th Street. Of the three, Beach 92nd gets bigger waves, but it’s also the busiest. You’ll get consistent waves up to three feet high usually.

As one of the top Queens attractions, this is a great place to pick up some lessons and check something off your Queens bucket list. Locals Surf School offers them all year long.

Sip on a seasonal sour beer after working hard out on the water. Rockaway Brewery has a location just a short skip and hop from the beach. It’s the first brewery to open right in Queens, and you’ll love the cool beachy vibes of the taproom.

4. Go behind the scenes at the Museum of the Moving Image

The Museum of the Moving Image is one of the best museums in Queens. To start with, the building architecture is a perfect backdrop for your own moving images. The exhibits cover the craft, history, and techniques of filmmaking from its humble beginnings till now.

The MoMI goes deep into the tech of filmmaking alongside the art of it. We love the unique collection of vintage cinematography equipment on display in a detailed timeline that makes up the museum’s core exhibition. You won’t be able to think of movies the same way once you see how far the form has come!

Special exhibits here cover seminal films and series or important figures in the history of film. We love the range on display – everything from a deep dive into practical effects in Jim Henson’s work to the making of educational science films to the production of The Walking Dead !

If you want to make a day of it, you can catch special showings of movies here every weekend. Consider it a taste of film school. Think Golden Age, experimental animation, classics (and cult classics), and foreign cinema – all incredibly curated to a new theme every month.

5. Get contemporary at MoMA PS1

You know MoMA, but do you know MoMA PS1 ? This alternative museum is a cultural landmark, and it’s located right in Long Island City, Queens. Plus, it’s the best gallery space in the area for local, contemporary art and easily one of the coolest things to do in Queens.

This art institute had a past life as a public school. The school closed in the ‘60s but was reopened by a local non-profit as a studio and exhibition space. It’s now part of the MoMA family, but those original countercultural roots still remain in the museum’s curatorial focus on emerging artists and public engagement.

Keep an eye out for special events. Weekly programs like Sunday Sessions feature NYC art collectives, DIY spaces, and community organizations. The Courtyard Commission features interactive, year-round installations and frequently hosts outdoor shows.

Admission is always free for NYC residents and is affordable for everyone else passing through. Plus, if you buy a ticket to MoMA, you’ll also get admission to MoMA PS1. Expect to spend about an hour on the exhibits indoors, but do linger a while in the courtyard with a cup of tea and catch up on your reading.

Once you’ve gotten your art fix, just head down the street to check out some of Queens’ best restaurants and lounges.

6. Picnic in the Queens Botanical Garden

The Queens Botanical Garden is a welcome break from the bustling concrete jungle that is NYC. You might never want to leave this 39-acre urban oasis. It’s one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the area and one of the top Queens activities if you’re looking for a reprieve from the city.

This amazing garden started as an exhibit at the 1939 World’s Fair. Local residents lobbied to keep and expand it, and we’re so glad they did! The current garden still features historic plantings from the original exhibit, which, incredibly, moved from the old site to the current one on Main Street in Flushing. 

The garden features several areas inspired by the diverse communities in Queens. The Circle Garden contains plants significant in Korean cultures, an orchard of cherry blossoms erupts with color in the spring, and the Herb Garden features Native American and Asian flora.

We love the Fragrance Walk, which smells like the most floral of essential oils and is just divine. You can’t go wrong when choosing where to picnic, but we love the shade under the trees in the Arboretum. 

The Rose Garden is also picturesque and peaceful. Just pack some brie and seltzer and settle in! There’s a Children’s Garden for the little ones and a Bee Garden if you’re looking for some hands-on ecological exploration.

7. Question everything at the New York Hall of Science

A visit to The New York Hall of Science is one of the most fun things to do in Queens for those of all ages. It’s perfect for families, but you’ll also enjoy the respite from the city as a solo visitor or a couple. It’s located right by the Queens Botanical Garden, so you have a whole day’s agenda ready to go.

This delightful space in Queens was founded as part of the 1964 World’s Fair, and it has since grown into New York’s foremost science center. Over 500,000 people visit every year, making this a world-class attraction.

NYSCI features over 450 interactive art and science exhibits. There’s an awesome immersive experience called Connected World that’s a must-see, VR activities, a hands-on Design Lab, Maker Space, and live demos of scientific experiments.

Catch an animated feature film at the 3D Theater, or bring the kiddos (or your inner child) to the preschool section. Clamber around on a massive outdoor playground or go par for par in Rocket Minigolf. There’s enough to do that your trip could fill up the entire afternoon.

8. Try authentic Asian street food at New World Mall

Flushing’s historic Chinatown has so many restaurants it’s hard to choose just one. Instead, you can try a bunch of Asian street food at New World Mall . Trust us – this is not your typical food court.

With over 30 vendors, you can find pretty much anything you might have a craving for and many things you might never have heard of. Chinese and Korean foods make up the majority of options, but you’ll also find Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese selections too.

We’re talking hand-pulled noodles, dry hot pot, skewers, scallion pancakes, bao, and malatang, to name a few. The sheer variety will transport you from NYC to a Hong Kong market or Singaporean hawker center. Some of the menus are not translated, which is part of the experience that makes this food court a quintessential Queens bucket list activity!

Finding the food court can be tricky – just head to the basement level – but be warned as it can get very crowded.

There’s plenty to do in the mall and the area once you’ve packed in your fill of noodles, rolls, and dumplings. Belt tunes at a karaoke bar, do some shopping, or just stroll around Main Street and take in the sights, smells, and sounds of this unique part of Queens.

9. Get the perfect skyline view at Gantry Plaza State Park

That is, skyline and riverside views. Gantry Plaza State Park is a Queens institution, and it is hands down one of the coolest things to do in Queens if you want to get a view of Manhattan. This park offers 12 acres of green space right on the eastern bank of the Hudson River.

The most distinctive features, and the park’s namesake, are the restored gantries that serve as a monument to the park’s industrial past as a barge unloading station. The gantries now serve as stages for outdoor concerts during warmer months.

You can easily glimpse the Empire State Building and the United Nations Headquarters along with the rest of midtown from across the water. Stroll around the manicured gardens and the piers, then have a seat by the mist fountain.

If you’re feeling more active, you’ll find basketball courts, playgrounds, handball courts, and a fishing pier here. Pick up some 3-on-3 with the locals, or just people-watch. The park is popular but rarely crowded, and there are plenty of places to lounge and take in the view.

10. Catch a baseball game at Citi Field

Citi Field is the home field of the New York Mets, and it’s lauded as a perfect stadium for the sport, with modern amenities and elevated concessions. Even if you’re not familiar with the sport, spending an afternoon here for a game is easily one of the coolest things to do in Queens.

This baseball stadium contains a rotunda named after Dodgers legend Jackie Robinson to honor his contributions to the sport. The Mets Hall of Fame & Museum is a must-see if you’re a fan. It houses plaques and trophies honoring the team.

You might settle into the stands here with a Fuku chicken sandwich, a salmon belly roll, and some vegan nachos to round things out. There are some seriously fun selections here: you can even order a whole steak! And don’t forget the drinks. From craft beer and rosé to fresh lemonade, there’s something for everyone.

The park contains fun additions like the Home Run Apple, a massive sculptural apple that rises whenever the Mets score a home run. You’ll also be able to do some batting of your own at a cage in the stadium or check out the arcade when not attending a game.

11. Birdwatch at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Get a breath of fresh air away from the crowds and streets of the city. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge sits in the middle of the marshy tidelands near JFK. It’s the most peaceful place in Queens, and it’s open from sunrise to sunset

 This 12,600-acre wildlife refuge lies fully within city limits. You might see Brooklyn to the west and Queens to the east, depending on where you go. The NYC skyline is visible across the bay, and catching sunsets here is definitely one of the best things to do in Queens.

The refuge provides a habitat for the many birds, aquatic critters, and small mammals of the salt marshes. Keep an eye out for majestic falcons, herons, and osprey, among many others. During migration season, you could see hundreds, if not thousands, of birds! 

The West Pond is particularly gorgeous. You can hike around the pond’s loop trail, then head to the shorter trails on the east pond. Don’t forget the bug spray, and bring your binoculars if you have them.

12. Spice things up with authentic Szechuan hot pot

Shoo Loong Kan is a famous hot pot chain that originated in Chengdu, China. The location at Tangram in Flushing is the first to come stateside. It held its grand opening in July of 2022, and this is one of the must-do things in Queens if you’re a serious foodie.

The international acclaim is well deserved. This restaurant serves inspired ambiance alongside mouthwatering flavors. For the uninitiated, Szechuanese cuisine features the infamous Szechuan pepper. This spice creates a tingling sensation that enhances the taste of other chilies and flavors.

The tomato broth is a standout with milder spice, but you’ll want to go with the mala soup if you want that classic Szechuan heat. You can order dishes of fresh bluefin tuna and Kobe beef to cook right at your table paired with handmade noodles.

The stone walls and floors recall historic Chinese architecture, while the banquet tables take inspiration from designs dating back to the Han Dynasty. Colorful lanterns sway overhead, giving the restaurant a soft glow. 

The restaurant’s courtyard is designed in a traditional Sichuan style. All the custom architecture and furnishings were designed by a Flushing firm. The result is a fusion of the local style of Flushing with the deep history of Szechuanese cuisine and culture.

13. Shop unique boutiques in Astoria

Astoria is a quiet neighborhood in Queens with a lot of personality brimming beneath the surface. This comes out in the many small boutiques that line the borough’s streets. Come here if you’re looking for unique jewelry, stationary, beauty products, or other handmade and craft wares.

Lockwood stocks a little bit of everything. There are three locations in Astoria, including the flagship Home & Gift store, Lockwood Paper for stationary, and Lockwood Style for apparel. This is a fantastic lifestyle boutique to shop for yourself or anyone in your life. The selection is excellently curated and many items are made right in NYC.

For one-of-a-kind furnishings, make an appointment at StandOut Spaces . This homegrown enterprise stocks amazing antiques – hello, Napoleon daybeds and Bergère armchairs.

We love the vibe of Hellenic Aesthetic . This shop offers Greek-made fine jewelry and lifestyle products, and the apparel is gorgeous. This place is perfect if you’re looking for prints that really pop.

Side B specifically supports small batch makers, women-owned companies, and POC and LGBTQ+ businesses. You’ll find beautiful prints, unique board games, and candle scents like Steamed Rice and Melona Honeydew here. It’s the most unique shop in Astoria!

14. Meditate on Zen artwork at The Noguchi Museum

The beautiful Noguchi Museum is a must-see in Long Island City, Queens. It was designed by Isamu Noguchi himself to display his own work, and in that sense, it’s a building-scale installation featuring open-air and indoor galleries.

You won’t find blurbs on each piece in the collection. The space and artwork encourage individual connection and an experiential, rather than intellectual, connection to spaces and art objects.

Many of the works on display are large-scale sculptures, now arranged carefully within open-plan spaces that take advantage of the natural light and textures in their surroundings. Temporary exhibitions reflect on Noguchi’s body of work and his influence on contemporary artists.

The site itself is a repurposed 1920s factory building, and it also features an outdoor sculpture garden designed with Zen principles in mind. It’s a lovely place to relax and enjoy a quiet moment with your fellow travelers. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Queens, this place is a must!

15. Eat authentic Michelin-star Mexican cuisine

Start the day right with a seven Michelin-star brunch at Casa Enrique , a multiple award-winning restaurant in the heart of Long Island City. Casa Enrique’s menu honors the Mexican regions and cities of Chef Cosme Aguilar’s childhood. 

This is the most authentic Mexican food you’ll find in the city. Many of the recipes are traditional family recipes passed down through generations. These classics have made it all the way to Queens, where they’ve been given a refined twist.

From the outside, you wouldn’t think that this little neighborhood spot is so decorated – save for the line out the door. The atmosphere of the restaurant is casual and unpretentious, and prices have remained reasonable over the years. This means that the focus is all on good food and good company.

The outdoor seating is lovely, especially in the daytime. Consider trying the Sopecitos de Chorizo and Rajas Con Crema to start before digging into the Pastor Tacos, Chicken Enchiladas with Mole, or Hominy and Pork Pozole. 

And don’t skip the drinks. From the Fresh Fruit Margaritas to the Mezcal-infused cocktails, they make for a great accompaniment.

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Queens, NY. What’s your favorite thing to do in Queens?

Planning a trip to New York? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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15 Awesome Things To Do in Queens You Can’t Miss

Welcome to New York City ’s largest borough, where you can explore the streets of Queens to find endless cultures and diverse backgrounds. Home to compelling museums, quirky shops and entertaining zoos and parks, you’ll find a world of wonder in Queens. 

With a bustling food scene, don’t be afraid to try everything from Nepalese to Dominica cuisines, in this ever growing melting pot. Venture into Queens for a long weekend or day trip and stop by famous sites like Citi Field, or lounge by the ocean for a laid back beach day. With infinite opportunities to enjoy good food, understand new cultures and appreciate worldly museums, New York State ‘s Queens borough might be perfect for you! 

Here are 15 things to do in Queens that you don’t want to miss!

MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE

Head into the hip and trendy neighborhood of Astoria in Queens and enter a high-tech space that blows your socks off when you visit the Museum of The Moving Image . Watch as historic movies and television shows are brought to life through interactive exhibits and technological miracles. Marvel at iconic costumes, like Freddy Krueger’s shirt from Nightmare on Elm Street , and feel the essence of film all around you. 

With permanent exhibits, like the Jim Henson Exhibition, featuring his famous work with the Muppets, all ages will find the Museum of Moving Image a joy and spectacle. With a private screening room, get an inside look at interviews and conversations with celebs before you head out into the big city. 

Have a go at sound and film editing in booths to test your skills. Who knows, there might be the next major composer or film producer among you. 

ROCKAWAY BEACH, PARK AND BOARDWALK

Throw on your shades and rub on that SPF 50 as Rockaway Beach is open for season come Memorial Day through Labor Day. Known as New York City’s top beach, it’s time to relax, get your tan on and have a cold swim in the ocean. 

Encompassing nine neighborhoods of Queens, watch as the beach and boardwalk come alive with surfers, tourists and locals, who all enjoy a bit of sun, salt and fun. With a park and playground found along the shores, watch on as children play classic beach games or enroll in surf schools and find a new hobby. 

Grab some snacks or fabulous meals from a plethora of restaurants and food stands lining the boardwalk, or bring coolers packed with sandwiches for an ideal beach day. It’s time to let the good vibes roll in with that summer sun!  

In our opinion, there are two great money-saving options for exploring NYC. If this is your first visit then opt for the New York CityPASS . It offers five popular tourist stops for one low price. If this isn’t your first visit, you are staying for more than a few days, or you are with kids and need a lot more flexibility then opt for the New York Sightseeing Pass . Pick Day Passes or the FLEX Pass, and then select from over 150 different attractions, big and small.

THE NOGUCHI MUSEUM

With a wide variety of Japanese American art by artist Isamu Noguchi, the Noguchi Museum is outstanding. The museum features an outdoor museum and pieces of art that take you through time, culture, and inspiration. View remarkable sculptures, models and exhibits that will encompass your thoughts and take you through a world of creativity. 

The Noguchi Museum is near the Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City. Spend the day wandering from museum to park and admiring the grand sculptures and artistic treasures that surround you. This is the perfect time to enjoy some outdoor activities on a summer day, or share a moment with someone special in the cooler months. 

QUEENS BOTANICAL GARDEN

Sometimes a little piece of paradise is closer than you think. Bursting with peace and serenity, the Queens Botanical Gardens offers 39 acres of pure bliss to explore, discover and unearth. With 25 wonderful gardens to meander through, take your time and find inner peace in the Queens oasis. 

Take pictures in the picturesque wedding garden or simply admire the first bloom of the year filled with bright colors and vibrant gardens. Smell the fresh flowers and bask in the fragrance of clean and pure energy. With a gorgeous bee garden and impressive herb garden, flower lovers and garden enthusiasts have found their spot. 

Tip: Bring a little picnic and relax on the ground as the busy city surrounds you. 

Looking for online tickets to attractions or cool tours offering insider info? Get Your Guide is our go-to resource for online purchases. Yes, there are a lot of NYC tours listed on their site…but here are the 7 most popular. They have sensational ratings, but book them now because they do go fast!

• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket
• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Ticket Options with Ferry
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum Timed-Entry Ticket
• Empire State Building Tickets & Skip-the-Line
• Museum of Ice Cream Entry Ticket
• Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Timed-Entry Ticket

FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK

Featuring the Queens Botanical Garden, the New York Hall of Science, the Queens museums and much more, Flushing Meadows Corona Park is actually larger than Central Park. Home to the 1964 World’s Fair, Flushing Meadows is a top attraction in Queens and offers plenty of fun and engaging options to its guests. 

Whether you go for a casual stroll or walk with a purpose, find your way through the park and experience Queens. Stop for a quick snack at one of the many food trucks before popping in for a quick game at Citi Field or simply people watch and gaze at the world around you.

Keep your eyes peeled for pop culture reference, as this lovely park has been used in movies like Men in Black and Two Weeks Notice .

JAMAICA BAY WILDLIFE REFUGE

Pack those binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for the best bird sighting adventure of your Queens dreams when you visit the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge . From birds in migration to the occasional glimpse of rare birds, set your position and wait for the birds to descend. 

Go for a walk around the West Pond and find trails that take you off the beaten path of busy New York streets. Keep an eye out for signs describing which birds will be in each location and area. Make sure to visit the nature center, as guides will recommend places where you’ll find the best birds and tell you the best spots in the refuge. 

Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some of these trails and walks can be over 2 miles long. 

NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE

Enter the New York Hall of Science and be engrossed in yet another building built for the iconic 1964 World’s Fair in New York. Get your thinking noggins rolling and get prepared to learn about the wonderful world of science. This family-friendly museum will have sparks flying, no matter your age.

Enjoy workshops and specialized programs, with New York’s Hall of Science offering 100,000 square feet of indoor activity space. From understanding the evolution of earth to kick starting a STEM career, learn freely and embrace science in the best way possible. 

Create your very own experiments in the Design Lab and find hidden truths about planets that soar high above in space. Invent what a new type of science looks like to you, and see how the littlest things in everyday life can be related to science and how it interacts with your life. Find new opportunities and see, build and create a new world today! 

GANTRY PLAZA STATE PARK

Overlooking the East River, with spectacular views of Midtown Manhattan, get ready to relax at Gantry Plaza State Park . Wander around 12 bright and beautiful acres while enjoying backdrops featuring the Empire State Building.

From morning coffee strolls along the riverfront to vibrant and effervescent sunsets, enjoy this gorgeous park in the middle of a bustling city. Breathe in the fresh air while you people watch, or take a picnic and sit with friends and family among fresh blooms and lush gardens. 

Get your selfie sticks ready and take a picture with the famous Pepsi-Cola sign that’s been a landmark since 1936. Feel free to have a little workout, join in on a game of basketball or watch as children climb the jungle gym in the playground. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Queens!

VISIT JACKSON HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD

I highly suggest taking some time out of your busy Queens trip to see the diverse neighborhood of Jackson Heights . From delicious Asian supermarkets to lively and colorful Latino dancing halls, Jackson Heights is bustling with culture and lifestyles. 

Shop til you drop with boutiques lining the streets or read a book at a cool coffee shop with locals all around you. Try some of New York’s best street food with vendors from Mexico, Columbia, India and much more, and experience the flavors of Jackson Heights. Whether you stay in Jackson Heights or just visit for a day, you’ll be in for a treat!

Search for innovation and contemporary art at the MoMA PS1 . With strong ties to music, technology, photography, and performance, look inside creative expression and find a new passion. Not only is the MoMA PS1 a cultural institution, but it’s one of the oldest and largest nonprofit contemporary art institutions in the world. 

See local artists and discover unique exhibits that share common interests with Queens and cities in New York. With thought provoking art and captivating displays, spend a few hours uncovering something mind blowing and special. 

If you visit during the summer on a Saturday, get ready to dance and move to the beat at the courtyard’s music series. With special guests and fabulous performances, this is the perfect time to let loose and have fun with the music. 

QUEENS ZOO & AQUARIUM

Listen to the bird’s chirp and wave hello to some of the great animals of North and South American animals at this small yet lovely museum in Queens. The Queens Zoo & Aquarium is a family-friendly zoo that’s perfect for children. With significantly smaller crowds than the bigger zoos of New York, your kids can see animals up close here.

Fancy a look into the wonderful wet and wild side of Queens? Stop by the aquarium for a quick feeding of the sea lions or see the power of the American Alligator. With a core belief system based on conservation and preservation, ask the staff great questions and learn more about these fabulous animals. 

QUEENS MUSEUM

Head into fabulous and diverse Flushing Meadows Corona Park and find yourself within the sleek and modern building of the Queens Museum . With exhibits focusing on art, design and architecture, gaze at plenty of pieces that are related to the 1964 World’s Fair. 

Have you ever wondered what the city of New York was like back in the day? Take a trip down memory lane at the museum’s highlight exhibition, the “Panorama of New York City.” Enter a large room where you see the 5 boroughs of New York during the 60s, featuring never before seen buildings and layouts. See how the past has determined the present and will lead to the future. 

Open your eyes to the fine arts and see a changing world in the Queens Museum. Check online to view upcoming exhibitions and reserve your free ticket and time slot.

ALLEY POND PARK

Welcome to the second largest park in Queens and home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in the entire city. With a flourishing environmental center at Alley Pond Park , you’ll find plenty of outdoor treasures and activities in this great park. 

With an adventure course focusing on high ropes and team building activities, come with family, friends or colleagues on an adventure that takes you through all the thrills. Hike on trails and see the untouched side of New York with bright greens, lush gardens and calm, clear water. 

Take an Urban Park Ranger tour and see first-hand some of the impressive trees that this park calls home. Play at the park, or simply grill out at this natural oasis. 

THE LOUIS ARMSTRONG HOME MUSEUM

Honor the life and legacy of legendary jazz entertainer Louis Armstrong at The Louis Armstrong Home Museum . See the life he lived, the struggles he faced, and the amazing music he created and performed. Wander through the halls and rooms of his last home and discover his theories on the world, neighborhood, and music. 

Look at Armstrong’s impressive archived collection of work that is now intended to educate, inspire and preserve the love of art, performance and music. Gather around this unbelievable home, speak with tour guides and chat with locals about the importance of this museum in the cultural and historical landscape of today.

GOTTSCHEER HALL

Come hungry, leave happy! From domestic and international beer halls to worldwide spirits, get tasting some of the best drinks at Gottscheer Hall , where people and community work together to make the experience possible. 

Listen to great music, have a little dance and taste some of the best German cuisines in Queens. Whether you’re popping in for a quick meal at the bar and grill or showing up for an occasion, the Gottscheer Hall will be one to remember. 

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO NEW YORK

• YOUR NEW YORK VACATION
• NYC WITH KIDS:  31 Perfect Things To Do In NYC With Kids
• BROOKLYN:  18 Things To Do In Brooklyn: A First Timer’s Guide
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WHERE TO STAY IN QUEENS

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• 1.1 Visitor information
• 2 Districts
• 3.1 By foot or bicycle
• 3.3 By subway
• 3.4 By Long Island Rail Road
• 6.1 Records
• 11 Stay safe

Queens is a crescent-shaped (with a tail) borough traversing the north-to-south width of Long Island and including two of the major New York City area airports, LaGuardia ( LGA  IATA ) and John F. Kennedy International ( JFK  IATA ). It also carries the largest ethnic diversity in its area of any region in the world, with many small enclaves. Jackson Heights, for example, includes a huge Indian area, followed by a Colombian area, and then a Mexican area. Each offers a wide array of authentic shops, native-style cuisine, and festivals modified only slightly by the generally colder New York City experience.

Understand [ edit ]

The geographical center of New York City is in nearby Brooklyn, and Queens is home to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the site of the 1939 and 1964 World's Fairs. The area around the park still includes an interesting museum and some architectural and artistic relics of the events (including the Unisphere, a 300-ton spherical grid of steel, the world's largest globe, as featured in "Men In Black"). The northern end of the old fairgrounds includes Citi Field, home of the New York Mets professional baseball team, and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open (tennis); further north one can walk along the edge of the marina along the Long Island Sound . The park also includes a science museum, a zoo, and pedal-boats, and hosts frequent special events.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Discover Queens Visitor's Center , 90-15 Queens Blvd ( inside the Queens Center, Subway: M/R trains to Woodhaven Blvd ), ☏ +1 718 592-2082 , [email protected] . M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa Su 11AM-7PM .  

Districts [ edit ]

Queens has many distinct neighborhoods, some of which are ethnically diverse.

Get in & around [ edit ]

By foot or bicycle [ edit ]

For information on how to walk or bicycle to and from Queens, check out the Transportation Alternatives website . Except for the Whitestone and Throgs Neck bridges, all the bridges can be crossed by pedestrians and bicycles. Be prepared, however, for long walks, as Queens is big and many neighborhoods are not well-designed for a walking tour. A map is necessary, and one of the best is available for free at any bike shop.

By car [ edit ]

Sadly, most Queens visitors spend their visit on a bus to or from LaGuardia Airport or JFK . A proper tour of Queens is worthwhile. It can be conducted by a stalwart driver; others may find the roads tough to navigate.

By subway [ edit ]

A lot of Queens can be seen by subway. A trip on the 7 train, made nationally famous by the contempt of former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker, is a cultural experience in and of itself. The 7 runs elevated through most of Queens, so you'll be able to get a good sense of much of the borough through its windows. A good tour of Queens should include at least three meals in three different ethnic enclaves.

Other subways for getting around (and in and out of) Queens include the A, E, F, G, J, M, N, Q, R, and Z.

By Long Island Rail Road [ edit ]

The Long Island Rail Road makes several stops in Queens: the main line runs through central Queens and the Port Washington line runs along the north shore (including a stop in Flushing).

By bus [ edit ]

Express buses stop in places in eastern Queens and the Rockaways, usually in places where the subway doesn't stop. Main arteries for express buses (that are closer to Manhattan) are Queens Boulevard and Woodhaven Boulevard.

Local buses that go to Queens from Midtown Manhattan include the Q32, Q60, and Q101. The M60 goes from upper Manhattan from LaGuardia Airport.

The Q48 is a great bus for going to eastern Queens from LaGuardia Airport. It leaves you at the Flushing-Main Street station. Other buses from LaGuardia Airport include the Q33 and Q47 to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station, the and the Q72 to the Rego Park and Junction Boulevard subway stations.

The Q10 and Q3 go from JFK Airport. The Q10 goes to Lefferts Boulevard and serves the A train, J/Z trains, and E/F train subway stations. The Q3 goes out towards eastern Queens and goes into Northern Jamaica to the 179th Street F station.

See [ edit ]

Queens is quite diverse in density and character. While western Queens (closer to Manhattan) is urban, much of eastern Queens is relatively suburban. As in every borough, the closer you get to Manhattan, the rarer it is to find a stand-alone house. The more urban clusters are in the northwest: Astoria and Long Island City (LIC). LIC also contains Queens' most prominent skyscrapers, including the "other" Citibank building, located directly across the East River from the more prominent angled-roof skyscraper in Manhattan. Rising 50 stories, the building, the result of Citibank's attempt to create a new business district in LIC, is the tallest building in New York State located outside of Manhattan.

There are a number of museums in Long Island City and Astoria, including the Isamu Noguchi Sculpture Museum in Noguchi's former sculpture studio, the Museum of African Art , Sculpture Center , and the Museum of the Moving Image which includes interactive exhibits on the history of video games. The area also includes a free place to view art, Socrates Sculpture Park which overlooks the East River and is next to Costco on Vernon Blvd.

A general tip on NYC Museums: if you work for a large company such as IBM, GE, or Citigroup, check to see if your company is a member -- this goes for all museums in NYC; different museums have different sponsors of course.

In Flushing Meadows Corona Park (also on the 7 line; exit at Shea Stadium), the Queens Museum offers visual art, cultural events, Worlds' Fair Memorabilia, and a sprawling scaled-down Panorama of the entire city. It's incredibly accurate, except they've yet to remove the World Trade Center.

Just off Northern Blvd in the area between Astoria and L.I.C, at 35th Avenue and 36th street, you'll find the Museum of the Moving Image [dead link] , which showcases movies and the televisual arts, including video games, with revolving exhibitions. Kaufman-Astoria Studios (home of the Sesame Street, among others) stands next door; there's also a gigantic movie theater, and a nice new 24-hour diner/bar (which serves pitchers of beer) known as Cup . Take the R/V/G or the N/W line.

Do [ edit ]

• Watch a New York Mets game at Citi Field - Flushing
• Go to the U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing .
• You can also visit the beach without leaving Queens, as the Ramones put it, "we can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach." Rockaway Beach (on the Atlantic Ocean) is actually a fine stretch of relatively unpolluted sand on a narrow peninsula linked by bridge (bicycle accessible) and the subway (A train) to the rest of Queens (it can also be reached by road from Nassau County, Long Island, and by bridge from Brooklyn). Aside from the still-visible Empire State Building, and the frequent planes landing at nearby John F. Kennedy Airport, it is perhaps the most pastoral experience in New York City. The cleanest beach on Rockaway can be found at Jacob Riis Park , part of the Gateway National Recreation Area . Women can legally go topless at any public New York beach, although not very many do. Note: Jacob Riis is a federal beach and subject to different laws than the rest of the Rockaways.

Visit farmers markets at:

• New York Hall of Science Farmers Market . 111th St and 48th Ave off Corona Ave. Wednesday, 10AM-3:00PM, June to November.  
• Queens Botanical Garden Farmers Market at Queens Botanical Garden off of College Point Blvd. and Blossom St - Flushing . Friday, 8:30AM-4:00PM, June to November.
• Jamaica Farmers Market . 160th St. off Jamaica Ave. Friday and Saturday, 8:30AM-4PM, June to November.  

Buy [ edit ]

• There are many sari stores in Jackson Heights, centering on 74 St. north of the subway stop.
• There are many excellent Chinese supermarkets and smaller food markets in Flushing.
• You can find lots of good shopping for discounted clothes along Steinway in Astoria (R train) and along Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica (E train).
• There is a mall at 90-15 Queens Blvd with dozens of stores and a decent cafeteria.

Records [ edit ]

As New York City is the birthplace of hip-hop culture, there are hundreds of records stores scattered around the boroughs, and some are in Queens. Also, though vinyl has disappeared from the shelves of regular record stores, many stores still sell used and new vinyl.

Eat [ edit ]

The snobby feel of Manhattan may not always make it to Queens, which is one of its great appeals for those who live there. There are a few top-notch bars in Queens, but it's the restaurants that really shine, for a simple reason: If Manhattan food is Yuppie food, Queens food is created by and aimed towards genuine ethnic inhabitants. To put it another way, come here if you like spicy food. If you want a real taste of Hong Kong--or Tibet, Indonesia, Colombia, Peru, India, Argentina, or just about anyplace (including France)--you'll find it in Queens.

Suggested general areas for culinary roving:

• Flushing for Taiwanese, Chinese and Korean ( Fay Da on Main St., among others, offers reliably good Dim Sum). (The 7 line ends in Flushing - Main St., and you'll think you've gone all the way to Hong Kong). If you're driving, you'll notice an endless selection of Korean restaurants along Northern Blvd as you move in the direction of Nassau County . For more recommendations, see the Flushing guide.
• Woodside near 61st St is home to the Thai restaurant widely considered the best in New York, Sripraphai , 6413 39th Av. near Roosevelt Av. and 65 St, (718) 899-9599. You can access it via the 7 local or express at 61 St. or the Long Island Railroad's Woodside station in the same location. Also in Woodside is the Filipino barbecue restaurant Ihawan , 40-98 70th St near Roosevelt Av., (718) 205-1480. Quite popular with Filipinos & non-Filipinos alike for pork BBQ. Can be especially busy during holiday weekends.
• Jackson Heights near 74th street for Indian and Afghan. There are more than a dozen South Asian restaurants in the Little India section of Jackson Heights. Try the Jackson Diner or India Taj a few feet north on 74th from Roosevelt Ave. (E and F express trains as well as concurrent lines stop there, as does the 7 local).
• Jackson Heights near 82nd and 90th Sts. (take the 7 local to either of those stops) for Colombian, Peruvian, Ecuadorian, and Mexican. Pollos A La Brasa Mario has branches in many Queens locations, and two here (one is at 83rd and 37th Ave; there's also a flagship closer to 81st street on Roosevelt).
• Elmhurst offers great Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Thai, and Indonesian food. Try Pho Bang if you like Vietnamese (there are also other Queens branches, including one in Flushing on Kissena Blvd). Penang (Malaysian), which has branches in many U.S. cities, is located in the same complex on Broadway, just beside the LIRR bridge.
• In the Middle Village/Ridgewood/Maspeth region (near the end of the M line) you'll find Rosa's Pizza (one is at Fresh Pond Rd. and Metropolitan Ave.; another is down Metropolitan Ave. at the end of the Middle Village strip). This is one of the great undiscovered pizza parlors of Queens. It also has branches in several locations.
• Fancier food can be found in Forest Hills , including Nick's Pizza on Austin St, which is fine brick oven-style chow. In the basement of the hotel at station square (right in front of the LIRR stop) you'll find Bartini's, a small lounge offering 1,000 different martinis. Take the E or F express trains to 71st-Continental Av.

• Astoria offers great Greek and Czech food, as well as some of the hipper bars and diners in Queens, (you're right next to the movie studios). Kabab Cafe at 25-12 Steinway St is a great spot to go for Egyptian food. Mombar Egyptian Restaurant is an Astorian institution. Remember the address 25-22 Steinway St as there is no sign. Then again, a sign isn't necessary when you can recognize a stunning and ornate tile work framing the door. It was completed by Mombassa himself. His brother owns Kabab Cafe. Also along Steinway Street's Egyptian corridor near Astoria Boulevard is Sabry's , which serves some of the most delicious and fresh fish and shellfish in the entire area, all at a fraction of Manhattan prices. Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is somewhere to definitely check out during the summer. This Czech beer garden and cultural center is swarmed over the summer with crowds enjoying the huge back patio filled with picnic tables. There is food served until about midnight. During the year, the center also holds various cultural events. Tokyo 1 located at 3105 24th Avenue (near 31st street) is a Japanese restaurant that has good and cheap sushi. Los Amigos is a Mexican restaurant just beneath the Ditmars Avenue stop on the N train. It's on 31st Street. They have very good food and drinks.

• If you just want a hamburger, you'll find the Jackson Hole Diner along Astoria Blvd between Jackson Heights and Astoria, just west of LaGuardia airport. This is a real diner (formerly the Airport Diner as seen in "GoodFellas") converted to suit Jackson Hole (another NYC-only chain). Jackson Hole burgers are good, although they need salt. Imagine a half-pound hockey-puck-shaped meatloaf and you're pretty close. But unlike a hockey puck would taste, this tastes good.
• There's some fine dining to be had in Hunters Point , or so it's said, just southwest of Long Island City. Spacious riverfront restaurants appear here and there in the warehouse zone. It would be wise to drive or take a taxi.
• Along Cross Bay Blvd in Howard Beach you'll find Captain Mike's , what appears to be a converted yacht now selling crabs, shrimp, and beer (dine at the bar or take it home; summertime only).
• Corona is home to an Italian and Hispanic community and the famous "Lemon Ice King of Corona". A favorite place for Mets fans to stop after the game, the corner shop offers over 20 flavors of ices including cantaloupe, watermelon, rum raisin, licorice, pistachio, pina colada and peanut butter.

Drink [ edit ]

If you like bubble tea with sago and tapioca, there are several good spots within a few blocks of the Flushing-Main St stop on the 7 train. One of the best is on the corner of Main St. and 39th Av.

Queens is home to one of the most entertaining and pleasant places to sip a brew, the Bohemian Hall (known citywide simply as "The Beer Garden"), near the Astoria Boulevard subway stop. This bar, popular in the summer, covers an entire city block, is walled and filled with trees, indoor and outdoor picnic tables and a cool crowd, and serves great Czech and German beer. Drink ales by the pitcher at wooden picnic tables under leafy canopy, surrounded by hundreds. 29-19 24th Avenue, just west of 31st Street. N/W to Astoria Blvd.

Woodside is home to an Irish population and is loaded with bars and cheap happy hours, as well as drinking festivities before a Mets baseball game. There are several Irish pubs by the Woodside train station. Check out the burger at Donovan's.

Parades [ edit ]

Every first Sunday in March, there is the St. Pat's for All Parade in Sunnyside and Woodside. The parade route begins at 43rd Street and Skillman Avenue and ends at Woodside Avenue and 60th Street.

You can take the M60 or Q32 bus from Manhattan or Western Queens to get to the starting route of the parade.

There is also the Three Kings Parade on January 3. The parade stretches across Northern Boulevard in the neighborhoods of Corona and East Elmhurst.

Sleep [ edit ]

There are a number of hotels in Flushing that serve LaGuardia Airport, including a Sheraton. There are also many hotels near Kennedy Airport in Jamaica, but the location is generally considered undesirable for visitors, except for its proximity to the airport. Some hotels in Jamaica are listed as three stars but are nevertheless poorly kept. Other hotels are scattered through Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Elmhurst, Long Island City, and various other neighborhoods.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Queens doesn't have any really dangerous neighborhoods anymore, though of course you should not put down your guard completely and should continue to do sensible things like use only your front pocket for valuables and keep your wits about yourself.

But that said, the most dangerous thing you may do is cross Queens Boulevard, nicknamed the Boulevard of Death because of the number of people who've been killed trying to cross this broad thoroughfare which, though not a controlled-access highway, is a major artery where drivers tend to drive fast. Some measures were taken in the 2010s to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists on this boulevard, but you should still exercise special caution when crossing.

Connect [ edit ]

Unlike in the rest of New York, addresses in Queens include the neighborhood rather than the borough (e.g., Flushing, NY; Woodside, NY).

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Named in honour of the wife of Charles II of England, Queens was one of the rare places where postwar immigrants could buy their own homes and establish their own communities (Astoria, for example, holds the world’s largest concentration of Greeks outside Greece). It’s worth going to Long Island City and Astoria for the restaurants, bars and scattered art scene or to Flushing for another version of an NYC Chinatown (or to see the Mets play baseball); otherwise, must-see sights are thin on the ground.

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5 Days, 5 Boroughs: A Guide To Queens

Queens is New York City ’s most diverse borough and the second-most populated county in the state (right after Brooklyn ). As such, it boasts a plethora of culturally-rich institutions, lush parks and arenas, and delectable cuisine with flavors from around the globe. It could take several days to fully experience all that this large borough has to offer; luckily, we’ve rounded up some of the best attractions to visit during your trip. The first stop on our guide is Flushing Meadows-Corona Park . It contains some of the most famous venues in New York City, including the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center where, since 1978, the U.S. Open tennis tournament has been played. It also contains Citi Field , home to the New York Mets baseball team. The 41,922-seat stadium features a rotunda at the front entrance that honors the life and accomplishments of Brooklyn Dodgers legend Jackie Robinson. You can also find the Mets Hall of Fame museum where visitors can find plaques, trophies and autographed memorabilia and various restaurants and clubhouses throughout.

If you’re more into tours than tournaments, you might be interested in visiting the New York Hall of Science , which is also located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Standing proudly as the only hands-on science and technology center in the city, it boasts more than 400 hands-on exhibits that focus on biology, chemistry and physics. Located close by is the Queens Museum of Art . Founded in 1972, this fine arts collecting museum also assumes the roles of community center, historical site and an educational classroom.

For a day filled with family fun, take a 20-minute walk from the museums to the Queens Zoo , an 18-acre oasis for more than 75 species of North American animals. The zoo includes an insect house as well as an aviary which once served as the Winston Churchill Pavilion during the 1964-65 World’s Fair. Its dome structure and spiral walkway makes it a stunning sanctuary for a number of exotic birds.

The Queens Botanical Garden is located a mere five minutes away from Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, making it an ideal addition to our guide. It features a sprawling landscape of seasonal blooms and idyllic walking trails within 28 unique small gardens. The Bee Garden, for example, houses a collection of plants and trees that attract bees, and also contains a beehive house. Picnicking in the Queens Botanical Garden is discouraged, however it is ultimately a beautiful and serene place to relax and appreciate nature.

For a glimpse of history, check out the Louis Armstrong House Museum where the revolutionary trumpet player lived from 1943 until his death in 1971. Visitors are escorted through the two-story estate by a tour guides who, along with audiotapes, give insight into the life of the great Satchmo.

Moving westward through the borough, one can find more museums and galleries, including the Museum of the Moving Image , where a three-story extension holds a state-of-the-art 267-seat cinema, expanded gallery spaces, and an exhibition that examines the fascinating process of filmmaking. Ten minutes away, within a distinctive Romanesque Revival building, is MoMa PS1 , one of the largest contemporary art institutions in the United States.

Along the way, pay a visit to the Noguchi Museum , where an impressive exhibition space dedicated to the Japanese-American sculptor, Isamu Noguchi, with his sculptures, drawings, and designs is on display. Just a block away is Socrates Sculpture Park . What used to be a city landfill has been turned into a beautiful alternative exhibition space, showcasing the work of New York City’s up-and-coming contemporary artists.

To enjoy more of the outdoors, take a drive past Howard Beach to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge where more than 330 bird species inhabit near the open water and intertidal salt marshes. The refuge is considered one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the Northeastern United States and a “must-see” for avian enthusiasts.

Finally, end your trip with a visit to Resorts World Casino —the only gambling den in the greater New York City area. Guests can enjoy up to 5,000 slots and electronic table games as well as live entertainment by the bar. The casino sits beside Aqueduct Racetrack , a seasonal horseracing complex with free admission and trackside dining. The best time to visit the track is between November and April when most of its racing meets are held.

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22 Best Things To Do In Long Island City, Queens

*By Jessie Festa. A big thanks to Hostelworld for sponsoring my stay. Note that this post contains affiliate links to trusted partners I think you’ll love!

Looking for the best things to do in Long Island City, Queens ?

Then you’re in the right place!

As a native New Yorker who is obsessed with my home city, I try to explore new local places as much as possible.

Which is why when Hostelworld invited me to stay at one of their Long Island City (Queens) properties, the artsy Q4 Hotel , I jumped at the chance.

I’d only been to the Queens hood a handful of times, and the stay offered me the opportunity to make local discoveries from a hip home base full of fun yet non-touristy things to do in New York City .

I share these in the below travel guide — as well as fun things to do in Long Island City that I’ve discovered since my stay (because, yes, I enjoyed it so much I’ve gone back numerous times).

😍 Long Island City Top Picks: Short on time? Some of my top recommendations for Long Island City NYC include: 🏨 Accommodation: Click here for a full list of Long Island City hostels & hotels . The map will allow you to easily compare your different options based on price and location. 📸 Long Island City Photoshoot: Want beautiful photos taken of you in scenic New York spots like Long Island City? Book a private NYC photo tour or opt for a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through an NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot . Email [email protected] with inquiries. 💸 Save Money:   Save money while exploring top attractions in Long Island City and the rest of NYC with a  New York CityPASS  or a  New York Explorer Pass . ☔ Safety: While Long Island City is safe, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves .

Table of Contents

Explore Long Island City & Beyond [Free NYC Guide]

But first, before we dive into our list of Long Island City attractions , I invite you to grab a copy of my  NYC Top Picks From A Local Guide . The printable PDF guide takes you beyond the popular attractions to uncover a more local and lesser-known side of the city.

Just a few highlights from the guide include:

• Where to get creative java drinks and delicious dishes from  unique NYC restaurants
• How to discover opportunities for exploring nature in New York City
• Ways to get off-the-beaten-track to discover a side of the city many tourists miss

Note: If you’re thinking that you’d like a local to plan your trip, I also offer custom NYC travel planning services . Keep in mind, I’m a New Yorker as well as a licensed sightseeing guide, so I can speak to both tourist attractions and lesser-known experiences.

On that note, keep reading to dive into our guide to the best things to do in Long Island City, Queens.

What Is The Difference Between Long Island And Long Island City?

Despite the name, Long Island City is Queens’ largest neighborhood , though was historically part of Long Island, which, by the way, offers some of the best places to hike in New York .

Anyway, Long Island City was also its own city until it became a part of New York City in 1898.

Today its borders are the East River on the west, Newtown Creek on the south, 36th Avenue on the North, and Van Dam Street on the East.

That being said, like all NYC neighborhoods there are blurs to the borders, especially as neighborhoods like Astoria, Sunnyside, and Hunters Point are debatably sub-neighborhoods of Long Island City.

According to  Queens West Villager ,  when the Dutch came to Long Island City in the 1630s the area was used for farming due to the healthy soil.

Eventually, it became an industrial area and then a haven for people wishing to escape the bustle of Manhattan, but still wanting access to what it has to offer.

In my opinion, Long Island City still offers this today, though it is also rapidly growing in its own right.

First of all, wherever you are in Long Island City you almost always have a prime view of the Empire State Building, best seen from the waterfront with its stunning skyline views . If you’re wondering why NYC is so popular , these views will quickly answer that question.

There’s easy subway access to Manhattan, or you can walk over the Queensboro Bridge to arrive between 59th and 60th streets in Manhattan.

The place is also undergoing a massive rezoning, with former factories and warehouses being turned into living spaces.

One thing to note, unlike the West Village in Manhattan or Williamsburg in Brooklyn , the many Long Island City things to do are spread out.

This means it can be tricky to simply wander without a plan, though not impossible. To help, I’ve mapped out most of the suggestions below so you have an idea of where to go before you set out.

You’ll find the map in the Things To Do In Long Island City  section.

Where To Stay In Long Island City: Q4 Hotel

Despite being in my 30s, I do still stay in hostels.

The trick to hosteling as you get older : get a private room.

Many hostels offer them today, and you’ll be able to partake in the budget prices and social activities that make hostels so awesome while retaining your privacy.

With this in mind, the Q4 Hotel, which is also a hostel, was a great place to stay. I actually brought my husband Andy along for the fun, and we loved having this hostel as our base.

It’s located in Queens Plaza, near a ton of Long Island City attractions and experiences (listed below) as well as subways for accessing other parts of NYC .

They offer a mix of 2-to-8-person dorms as well as private rooms with en suite bathrooms.

We loved the hostel’s funky art theme — there are a lot of Keith Haring-style murals — and the nightly events like Drink & Draw on Mondays and comedy shows on Wednesdays in their basement game room and lounge.

They also provide a towel and earplugs, which come in handy due to the hostel’s proximity to the above-ground subway (it can get quite loud!).

Other Long Island City Stay Options

Looking for other Long Island City accommodation?

➡️ Click here for a list of top-rated Long Island City hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

➡️ Click here to check out unique local rentals! The map is currently set to Court Square, but you can easily change it based on your specific Long Island City location:

And if you’re interested in living in a hotel in New York City , there are numerous extended stay hotel options too!

What Is Long Island City Known For?

Today, Long Island City is known for being a hip area with an industrial vibe.

Amidst old factory buildings, you’ll find luxury apartment complexes, stylish restaurants and bars, trendy cafes, and art offerings like the MoMA PS1 Contemporary Art Center and the Dorsky Gallery.

Moreover, you’ll find the LIC Piers and waterfront parks offering stunning skyline views.

Best Things To Do In Long Island City, Queens

So what exactly makes this neighborhood worth leaving Manhattan for?

In fact, after our weekend exploring things to do in Long Island City NY, Andy and I actually started a discussion about how cool it would be to move there.

Will this Manhattan lady turn into a Queens gal?

Maybe in the future.

For now, I plan to return regularly to re-visit the following unforgettable Long Island City activities , which are some of the most fun things to do in Queens .

1. Book a private NYC photo tour or custom shoot

Shameless plug! I own a photo experience company called NYC Photo Journeys that offers private NYC photo tours , professional NYC photo shoots , and private NYC influencer shoots that can absolutely visit Long Island City.

For the tours, you pick a route and get a tour led by a certified guide and photographer, leaving with professional photos from the day to keep.

With the photo shoots, we’ll go over exactly what you’re looking for to come up with a concept and locations that bring your vision to life.

Below is a shot from a recent Influencer Shoot. You can can see more examples here on Instagram .

2. Rock Music & Bulletproof Coffee At Etto Espresso Bar

Wondering what to do in Long Island City?

Start here.

This cozy coffee bar sources premium java from places like Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, offering cold brews, slow drips, and creamy art-adorned lattes laced with caramel, mocha, and white chocolate.

If you’re visiting Etto Espresso Bar in the morning, don’t miss the healthy fat-filled bulletproof coffee made with Kerrygold Grass-fed Butter and brain oil that will leave you extra alert.

If coffee isn’t your thing, unique iced teas like Black Pear Gunpowder and Arctic Raspberry — along with fresh sandwiches — are also on offer.

Sip along to music by the Arctic Monkeys and other upbeat rock bands.

3. Get Active At The Cliffs At LIC

For those who think you can’t rock climb in NYC, the Cliffs at LIC  will prove you wrong.

Andy actually climbs at this indoor rock gym and I’ve gone with him before. In fact, he actually rescued a wounded kitty in their parking lot years ago, and this kitty is now our sweet little furball, aptly named Cliff.

As you can see, I share a certain affinity for this spot, though I think many would agree it’s one of the top Long Island City things to do — and also a great option if you’re looking for rainy day activities in NYC .

It’s enormous with tons of route options, and there are auto belays if you’re on a solo trip to NYC .

Also check their fitness class schedule for yoga, Pilates, and AcroYoga.

Afterward head to John Brown Smokehouse , a popular food spot for climbers after a workout.

4. Go Shopping In LIC

If you’re looking for great shopping in Long Island City, you won’t be disappointed.

Love thrift stores?  The neighborhood is home to the Goodwill NYNJ Outlet Store & Donation Center, as well as the more local  Just Things LIC , which sells everything from tie-dyed shirts to antiques and beyond.

If you’re looking for local boutiques or the best places to buy souvenirs in New York , a few recommendations include:

• Long Island City Kleaners , a streetwear and creative lifestyle shop that looks like a dry cleaning spot.
• Matted LIC , a frame shop that also sells unique gifts.
• Slovak-Czech Varieties , where you can shop for Czech and Slovak products.
• The Brass Owl , an adorable boutique selling clothing, accessories, beauty supplies, and gifts in the adjacent Astoria neighborhood.

5. Shop, Eat & Play At LIC Flea & Food

LIC Flea & Food is a seasonal outdoor market with vendors selling handmade goods, antiques, food, and drinks.

In addition to the market, LIC Flea & Food hosts events and concerts.

If you are hunting for some vintage pieces or unique gifts, it’s the perfect place to shop, but the real standout is the food, with dozens of local vendors offering cuisine from around the world.

And if you need to cool off after a hot summer day, there’s also a craft beer garden.

LIC Flea & Food is situated close to the waterfront, just a few blocks away from Gantry Plaza State Park which offers incredible views over Manhattan.

6. Enjoy Free Things To Do In LIC

Surprisingly, Long Island City is full of greenspaces situated along busy streets.

Right outside the Q4 Hotel is a lovely 1.5-acre  Fresh Kills Green  with some short trails and wooden benches, while across the street is a beautiful stone garden.

You’ll also find a bike trail that starts at LIC’s Pulaski Bridge and takes you on a scenic ride all the way down to Manhattan’s Lower East Side, with beautiful skyline views mixed in.

Cycling is a great way to feel the beat of a city. Plus, it’s budget-friendly as CitiBike offers passes for $15 per day or $185 for the year.

7. Drink For Dirt Cheap At The Shannon Pot

If you’re looking for fun things to do in LIC , this divey Irish pub fits the bill — while keeping your bill small with cheap drinks.

The Shannon Pot ‘s big plates of food are budget-friendly. Order the hot wings, fish and chips, or shepherd’s pie.

8. Take In Views Galore By Walking The Queensboro Bridge To The Roosevelt Island Tram

Riding the Roosevelt Island Tram allows you to take some in some of the beautiful places to see in Long Island City and the rest of NYC from above.

Here’s how I recommend enjoying this excursion:

From Long Island City, you can do the scenic walk over the Queensboro Bridge — which offers incredible views of the Manhattan skyline from Queens !

You’ll snag vistas of the East River, One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and the Chrysler Building from the bridge.

When you exit on the Manhattan side, you can enter the Roosevelt Island Tram with a subway swipe.

Try to go in last so you can get close to the window (vs being pushed into the middle of the car).

This way you’ll get to really take in the aerial views.

Roosevelt Island itself has walking and cycling paths along the water, so you can take pictures under the Queensboro Bridge and get the Long Island City skyline, too.

This is definitely one of the top things to do in Long Island City if you love taking photos!

By the way, if you enjoy NYC adventures like these you may also like walking the Manhattan Bridge and walking the Williamsburg Bridge .

9. Visit the Museum of the Moving Image

Long Island City plays a big part in the film and television industry in New York City. It’s home to a number of production studios, including Silvercup Studios with its iconic red sign and 23 shooting stages.

So it’s no surprise that the Museum of the Moving Image is located in Long Island City. This museum celebrates the past, present, and future of film and television through engaging exhibitions, film screenings, and other special events.

10. Learn The Art Of The Cocktail At Dutch Kills

Talk about great Long Island City places to visit!

Dutch Kills is a craft cocktail bar started by Richard Boccato and Sasha Petraske of Milk + Honey fame. It’s one of the top places to go in Long Island City if you’re looking to imbibe.

If you’re feeling sleepy after a day of exploring, order one of their hot coffee drinks laced with liquor.

Or, if you’re in an adventurous mood, opt for the bartender’s choice — as in, simply give them a few keywords about your preferred flavor profile. From there, your mixologist will mix and muddle away to create something uniquely tailored to you.

For those who love cheap things to do in NYC , Dutch Kills offers a great happy hour: $14 craft cocktails Sunday through Thursday from 4pm to 6pm.

That being said, for those wondering what to do in NYC after midnight , this bar is also open late!

11. Explore Socrates Sculpture Park

Speaking of creativity, why not soak up some more art in Long Island City at Socrates Sculpture Park ?

Located just one block from the Noguchi Museum (discussed below), this park is the perfect complement to the museum. Located on a former landfill site, the space has now been turned into a beautiful waterfront park.

Along with scenic river views, visitors to the park can explore large-scale outdoor sculptures and multimedia installations from modern artists.

It’s totally free to visit Socrates Sculpture Park, and it’s a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch after a morning of exploring the neighborhood.

12. Dine At One Of The Best Places To Eat In LIC At BLVD

Andy and I stumbled upon this place after trying to have dinner nearby at Blend on the Water , but the place was packed.

We were pretty disappointed because I wanted to eat on the water with a view of the Manhattan skyline; but it all ended up for the best when we discovered the cozy BLVD Wine Bar , one of the most aesthetic restaurants in NYC .

This wine bar and restaurant is also on the water.

Surprisingly, we got a table right away, despite it being 8pm on a Friday.

The food was phenomenal, from the lobster mac and cheese to the squid ink risotto to the bowl of mussels (we actually drank the broth like soup – it was so good!).

Paired with a $30 bottle of wine, it couldn’t have been a better meal.

Bonus: they often host live music, too!

If you’re looking for the best places in Long Island City for food, you must add this spot to your list.

13. Get In Touch With Your Creative Side At Q.E.D.

If you’re looking for a truly local experience, Q.E.D. Astoria is a must.

This cozy bar and performance space offers a rotating schedule of comedy shows, live storytelling, poetry readings, movie screenings, theater performances, and creative workshops.

Come to watch, or get on stage during one of their open mic nights.

14. Inspire Your Creativity At PS1

One of the top places to visit in Long Island City is MoMA PS1 , a satellite operation of the world-renowned MoMA, showcasing thought-provoking contemporary art.

Instead of stale polished walls, you’re roaming around a weathered hundred-year-old Romanesque Revival school building, which gives a laid-back feel.

When we visited we saw everything, from dystopic multi-dimension depictions of bodies under duress to themed showcases of “found memories” that make you ponder recent transitions in technology.

There was also a LED light-outfitted sunroom that unintentionally acted as positive light therapy for me.

Make sure to check out their calendar as MoMA PS1 constantly puts on events and programs.

For instance, in the warmer months don’t miss their crazy popular Warm Up series , where you’ll drink and dance to outdoor live music and DJs.

There are many other galleries to put on your list of things to do in Long Island City, too.

A few include:

• Local Project
• BrickHouse Ceramic Art Center
• The Fisher Landau Center For Art
• SculptureCenter

15.  Dig Into Unusual Burgers At The Baroness Bar + Kitchen

The Baroness Bar + Kitchen is one of many burger joints in Long Island City, though they take a quirky approach to their recipes.

First of all, you can choose between beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, seared ahi tuna, or veggie before picking your toppings.

Recommended burger: “The Marilyn” featuring a beef and bacon patty stuffed with macaroni and cheese and pancetta crumbles, and wrapped in peppered bacon, Vermont cheddar, beer cheese, and spicy bacon ketchup on a potato bun.

Another pick:

The burger-themed “Quinn” featuring a seasoned patty with an egg cooked inside. From there its fixed with bacon, American cheese, hash browns, and spicy ketchup on an English muffin.

Make your meal even more exciting by participating in their Champagne sabering where you chop off the neck of a Champagne bottle with a saber!

16. Have A True Diner Experience At Court Square Diner

New York State is full of classic diners, though in the city itself these are harder to find.

Walking into Long Island City’s Court Square Diner ,  we were immediately enveloped by the familiar aromas of ketchup, eggs and French fries, reminding me of childhood road trips with my family.

The portions are large and inexpensive, just like diner fare should be.

We opted for the veggie-stuffed garden omelette with toast and a baked potato, and a fluffy stack of maple syrup-soaked pancakes with sausage.

With our two coffees the meal came to $23.03, including tax.

It’s truly a hungry budget traveler’s dream !

17. See The Manhattan Skyline From Gantry Plaza State Park & The LIC Piers

Want the best NYC views for free ? Looking for the top things to see in Long Island City ?

This 12-acre riverfront park is a gorgeous walk both during the day and at night, though especially at sunset.

From Gantry Plaza State Park   you’ll get prime views of the Manhattan skyline and all its popular landmarks.

There are also tons of benches and Adirondack chairs for sitting, beautiful gardens, four piers you can fish off, and sports fields for playing.

The park is actually named after the restored gantries that once loaded and unloaded rail car floats and barges.

Andy and I spent a lot of time wandering through this park and simply enjoying the scenery.

In my opinion, this is one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC !

18. Snap a Photo of the Pepsi-Cola Sign

You can’t miss the bright red Pepsi-Cola sign in Long Island City. Visible from Manhattan, this massive sign dates back to 1940.

It originally adorned the roof of a Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in the neighborhood and was relocated to its current spot in Gantry Plaza State Park in 2003 after the facility closed.

In 2016, the sign was officially designated as a New York City historical landmark!

Now, it’s a cool spot to snap a photo, before enjoying the waterfront views at Gantry Plaza State Park (mentioned above!).

19. Try The Atypical Beers At SingleCut Beersmiths

This Astoria brewery is super laid back; the type of place where you can play board games all day while sipping their delicious craft beers.

SingleCut Beersmiths does a lot of interesting beers, too, like a “Kim Hibiscus Sour Lager” (it’s even pink!) and a number of India Pale Lagers (IPLs).

After a day of exploring, make this your last stop.

20. Do The LIC Brewery Trail

Speaking of beer, SingleCut is hardly your only option. Right in Long Island City, you can do the LIC Brewery Trail — which features at least six unique breweries within walking distance, including:

• Fifth Hammer
• ICONYC Brewing
• Rockaway Brewing Company
• Big aLICe Brewing
• LIC Beer Project

It’s a great way to sip some local culture in Long Island City!

21. Check Out the Noguchi Museum

One of the best Long Island City tourist attractions is the Noguchi Museum. Created by legendary Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, this museum is dedicated to his legacy and his works.

Strolling through the museum, you can admire Noguchi’s mixed-media sculptures in a tranquil indoor and outdoor space. Noguchi was known for his blend of abstract and surrealist sculpture combined with traditional Japanese art styles.

It’s a calming experience to wander through the museum seeing how each sculpture-filled room flows into the next one.

Tickets to the Noguchi Museum cost $12 for adults and $6 for seniors and students. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month.

22. Get Sweet At Martha’s

Martha’s Country Bakery has now expanded to Williamsburg, Brooklyn , though Astoria is its original beloved home.

If you’re not good at making decisions then you may want to ask a server to choose from their enormous selection for you.

Along with the standards — Andy loves their carrot cake — you can opt for their quirky fare.

Picture Sour Cream Apple Pie, giant Kitchen Sink Cookies, Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding, and Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate.

This is New York, so the classic Egg Cream is also a great choice, made with neither egg nor cream !

Long Island City Travel Insurance

While you hope everything runs smoothly, sometimes travel just doesn’t go according to plan.

This is why I recommend always purchasing travel insurance. The scary truth is it only takes one bad accident to lose everything — or be thankful you were covered.

Personally, I use SafetyWing, as they’ve got a large network, offer both short-term and long-term coverage (including limited coverage in your home country), are budget-friendly, and offer $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

What would you add to this list of best things to do in Long Island City, Queens? 

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Thanks for all of the advice! Etto Espresso Bar in amazing!

There seems a lot of happenings taking place in the Long Island City. I would love to indulge in all things that you’ve listed. Can’t wait long to visit this amazing place.

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The Ultimate New York Travel Guide 2024

Our new york travel tips for first time visitors.

Are you traveling to New York for the first time and want to get an overview of what you should pay attention to? Here, I show you step by step the most important information you need to know for your New York trip. There’s a lot to see and do in New York, from world-famous landmarks like the Empire State Building to a wide selection of unique museums and New York-style foods that you should definitely try.

You may also like:

Where in new york should you stay.

• The 33 Absolute Best New York Attractions
• New York on a Budget

Now, sit back and enjoy our New York Travel Guide to help you have a wonderful time in New York City!

By the way, we now have over 1,600 spots in the city on our site. So, if you’re looking for suitable tours, bars, restaurants, and awesome spots to visit, then you’re in the right place!

Everything you need!

Hello you 👋 Here you will find everything you need for your New York trip!

These are our best New York Travel Tips for first time visitors:

Table of Contents

New York at a Glance

Best time to travel to new york.

Visiting New York is worthwhile at any time of year, but I personally like the warm months best. Summer in New York can be very hot and humid. So, for many, the best times to visit New York is April and June, and September and October.

Spending Christmas in New York or enjoying the pre-Christmas season in New York City is also a wonderful experience.  The ice rinks are open, the city is beautifully decorated, and, if it snows, the dream vacation at wintertime is perfect!

Paying in New York

You can pay for almost everything with your credit card, even the smallest amounts. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, stores, restaurants, and bars. Don’t have one yet? Then, check out the best credit card to have in the USA here.

New York for First Time Visitors: Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip (70+ pages)

Best Way to Travel in New York

Finding your way around New York is quite easy, even if it doesn’t look like it at first. The streets’ checkerboard pattern makes finding your way around easy. These are the best ways to get around New York:

Metro / Subway: If you have longer distances ahead of you, then the Subway is your friend, because here you can travel really cheap. It’s easy to use! The MetroCard is available at every Subway station. You can buy single rides or the popular MetroCard for 7 days; that way you can travel for a week in New York at a fixed price. You can learn more about using the  Metrocard in New York here.

Taxi:  In New York, you can choose between the Yellow Cab and Uber. You can check out our tips and all the information you need to know in our following blog:  Taxi in New York City .

By bike: With many of the New York sightseeing passes (you can find out more about this budget tip in my New York Pass comparison ), the bike rental is included. We ourselves really love using New York’s Citi Bikes. This city bike program has over 1,000 stations throughout New York City, and it’s super-cheap. We’ll show you how it works in the Citi Bike New York article.

On Foot: You’ll be surprised how much walking you’ll do in New York. After all, there’s something to see on every corner. So be sure to bring comfortable shoes!

Where to Stay in New York?

Which neighborhood is best for you depends on several things: your interests, how close you want to be to the attractions and what your travel budget is. In the image below, I’ve drawn you my favorite neighborhoods of New York including the main attractions nearby.

And, on the subject of safety: In all of Manhattan, the Bronx , Brooklyn, and large parts of Queens, you don’t have to worry about being out and about in the evening. New York City is one of the safest cities in the world!

More than 100 hotels and over 70 neighborhoods to choose from –and after just 4 quick questions, I’ll show you which hotels in New York are best suited for you!

Where Should you Stay in New York?

Manhattan – it doesn’t get more central than this: Manhattan is the most famous borough of them all. Plus, it contains 95% of all the attractions New York is known for. Everything is within easy reach, and you are right in the middle of it all. On the other hand, the hotels are a bit more expensive than in Brooklyn or Queens .

Here, you can find my 33 hotel tips for Manhattan .

Brooklyn – urban and relaxed: For a long time, Brooklyn was the insider’s tip: now it’s “completely” normal neighborhoods. However, you’ll quickly notice one thing: life is much more normal, because it’s more of a residential area. It’s super relaxed, pleasant, and just as diverse as Manhattan. Above all, you can enjoy the Manhattan skyline from here!

Here, you can find my 20 hotel tips for Brooklyn .

Queens – the new trendy neighborhood: Queens is a bit more “normal” than Brooklyn is, but, lately, we’ve noticed that it is getting more and more gentrified. The hotels in Long Island City (not to be confused with Long Island!) are especially popular because they are cheaper compared to Manhattan—and they have a perfect connection to the Subway, which makes Queens a great alternative to Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Here, you can find my 20 hotel tips for Queens .

What to See in New York?

One thing to know in advance: just because there is so much to see in New York, a little planning makes absolute sense. For highlights like the Empire State Building ( here ), the Edge Hudson Yards observation deck ( here ) or the One World Observatory ( here ), I recommend buying the tickets online in advance. This will not only save you waiting time on site, but you can also be sure that you will actually be able to visit your desired sights.

👉 These are our 33 best attractions in New York .

These are my tips after more than 20 visits to New York:

• Observation decks:  New York City has no less than five (!) major observation decks to offer, and each one is a dream in itself. My two favorites are The Edge Hudson Yards and the One World Observatory , because from here you have a sensational view of New York from above and you can see the Empire State Building . From the end of 2021, another cool option will be added with the glass One Vanderbilt . One more thing about the Empire State Building: It’s the most visited observation deck in New York, so it’s always busy. Avoid the crowds in the morning – and if you really want to go to the Empire State Building in the evening, choose Thursday, Friday or Saturday. During those times, a saxophonist plays on the observation deck. Important: book the Skip-the-Line-Tickets (you can do that here). Then, you can easily save 1-2 hours of waiting time!
• Visit the Statue of Liberty : The trip from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty is super-popular. To save yourself long waiting times, make sure you take the first ferry of the day. Here, you can find the best Statue of Liberty Cruises right now.
• Definitely take a boat tour , because seeing New York from the water is like being on vacation. Choices range from the free Staten Island Ferry or the NYC Ferry ($2.90 each way) to sailing tours (gorgeous) and the classic sightseeing tours that are included with all major New York passes.
• Walk along the High Line from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards .
• Visit Times Square in the evening – that’s when it’s at its most impressive.
• Relax in Central Park or Bryant Park .
• Plan a maximum of three attractions per day . After all, you don’t want any sightseeing stress.

The 41 Absolute Best New York Attractions In 2024

10 FREE Things to Do in New York City

The 36 Absolute Best Museums in New York

The 9 best observation decks in new york city, new york budget tip.

With the right New York sightseeing pass , you can easily save a lot of money on up to 100 tours and attractions. To find out if a New York Pass is worth it (or not), check out our free New York Pass Advisor to find out which New York Pass is best for you.

And on this page you’ll find our New York Pass comparison .

Itineraries in New York

You don’t know where to start? Then let us inspire you! We have some suggestions for you. By the way, the most popular is the 1 week New York itinerary .

The Perfect Itinerary For Your New York Trip

This itinerary contains over 50 spots and highlights of the city, including a map that shows you the best way to travel each day, taking you to or past the many big attractions. In addition, we‘ve added our favorite places, from great breakfast spots to start your day right to small bars and restaurants and hidden insider spots.

What awaits you here now is the perfect New York week, because this is what my itinerary would look like if I were visiting the Big Apple for the first or second time right now!

What to Do in New York?

For me, an unforgettable New York trip includes the following things in addition to visiting the main sights:

Go Shopping

New York is also really good for shopping. There are many small shopping spots and addresses, but also the big brands can often be found with flagship stores. If that’s not enough, you can go shopping in one of the outlets and flea markets of New York.

The best shopping areas in New York are Broadway, SoHo , Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, and Williamsburg in Brooklyn. And, of course, 5th Avenue!

Avoid Times Square for shopping!

A real tourist trap are the stores around Times Square – they are not only overpriced, but also the quality is not right in most cases!

Here you can find our Guide to Shopping in New York  with everything you need to know!

Shopping in New York: The Ultimate Guide 2024

The Best Outlets in NYC – The Ultimate Guide for 2024

The 15 Best Flea Markets in NYC – Shop Vintage and Rare to Find Items

Shopping in SoHo NYC: The 25 Best Stores Right Now

Visit a rooftop bar.

I love the rooftop bars of New York . You can sit and relax, enjoy a sensational view of the city and listen to relaxing music. All this mixes with the so-typical sounds of the city in the background, and if you have something delicious to drink or eat on top of that, it can’t get any better! You can see where we like to go in our article on the 43 best rooftop bars in New York .

By the way, if you want to experience the view of New York when you get up early in the morning, check out my list of the 26 best New York hotels with a view !

Visit a Broadway Show

New York is known for its many musicals and Broadway shows – most of which are performed in the Theatre District around Times Square. Here are our tips on the  best Broadway Shows in New York . If you already know which Broadway show you want to see, I recommend ordering the tickets in advance ( here ). If you’re still flexible, you can buy leftover tickets at TKTS in Times Square, for example.

Attend a Parade or Special Event

OK, hotel is booked, attractions are on the list, the myNY itinerary is ready, shopping spots are sighted and the first restaurants and bars are also noted. Now comes the last step on the list to the perfect travel planning for New York: the events, parades, and holidays.

They are the icing on the cake of every New York vacation and, therefore, could not be missed in our New York Travel Guide! Just check out our monthly specials that are relevant to you:  January , February , March , April , May , June , July , August , September , October , November and December .

Enjoying the Gastro Scene (in the Evening)

Now comes one of my favorite parts of planning our New York trips: the city’s many bars, restaurants, rooftop bars, and food markets. In our travel guide and insider guides on the website, we put a lot of emphasis on finding the best gastro spots and rooftop bars. So, feel free to browse through them, and if you like something, just add it to your myNY itinerary. Just click on the heart symbol, and you’re done!

The 24 Most Beautiful Bars in NYC Right Now

The 12 Best Food Markets in NYC

The 23 Best Waterfront Restaurants & Bars in New York Right Now

The Best Burger in New York City

Marvel at grand central station.

Be sure to take the time to see Grand Central Station . Not only is it the setting for many series and movies set in New York, it’s also very impressive and has a fantastic ceiling!

The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)

Walking through DUMBO and Soho

The neighborhoods of DUMBO in Brooklyn and Soho in Manhattan are among the most iconic neighborhoods in the city and are fascinating for their combination of old New York with new New York.

Things to Do in DUMBO

The 15 Best Things to Do in SoHo NYC – The Complete Guide 2024

What to eat in new york.

What should I start with first? With the New York pizza slice, the New York cheesecake, the wonderful pastrami sandwiches at Katz’ Delicatessen, or at the Pastrami Queen? In addition, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse and Luger are two really good steak restaurants waiting for you and if you want to eat really good burgers: go to J.G. Melon, the hidden Burger Joint or Shake Shack!

Get personal tips & tricks, specifically tailored to your trip!

We will provide you with individual tips & tricks as you prepare for your trip. How to plan, save money and make sure you experience the most of NYC are only some of the topics covered!

Specify dates

I hope my New York Travel Guide helped you plan your first trip to New York. Was there anything missing? Feel free to write it in the comments!

I wish you a wonderful time in New York City!

New York on a Budget: The 19 Best Money-Saving Tips for 2024

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

Get exclusive content, real insider tips, and the best deals in NYC for FREE!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

New York City Area: A Guide To The Big Apple's Most Popular Airport For Private Jets

• Teterboro Airport is the busiest for private jet travel in New York, with 55,000 departures in 2023.
• Westchester Airport is the sixth most popular airport in the US for private jets. It is 33 miles from NYC and offers commercial airlines and private jet services.
• Republic Airport on Long Island serves as a general and private aviation airport with notable FBOs, a museum, and a golf course.

There is no doubt that since the pandemic, business aviation has become a growing trade, and private jet travel has become increasingly popular. Traveling by business jet is known to be extremely convenient and flexible, avoiding all the usual hassles of the airport. It saves a lot of time, too, so corporations are using private jets or investing in their own jets, knowing that time is money.

New York is one of the busiest cities in the world for private jet travel, both for business and leisure. Let's take a look at the most popular airports for private jets in New York City.

Teterboro Airport, New Jersey, New York

One of the world's most famous private aviation facilities, Teterboro Airport , was the busiest airport for private jet travel in 2023, with 54,577 departures, up 1.4% on the previous year, according to Argus TraqPak . The airport's close proximity to the city makes it a popular choice for business executives and celebrities wishing to remain under the radar. It is known to be a discreet and exclusive airport and is just 12 miles from Manhattan and across the Hudson River.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here .

Commercial aircraft landing there are restricted based on weight limitations and noise abatement, making it ideal for business and private jets. There are no scheduled commercial flights from the airport. Teterboro Airport's goal is to focus entirely on private jets so that they can move away from the more congested airports in the city.

• Runways: 7,000 feet | 6,013 feet
• FBOs: Atlantic Aviation (East & West) | Jet Aviation | Meridian Teterboro | Signature Flight Support (East, South & West)
• In 2023, there were 54,577 private jet departures from the airport.
• Airport codes: IATA: TEB ICAO: KTEB

Westchester County Airport, New York

Westchester County Airport, or White Plains as it is sometimes known, is the 6th most popular airport for business jets in the US. It is 33 miles from Manhattan and an auxiliary airport for the city. There is a commercial and private jet terminal and two runways. Five commercial airlines use the airport as well as serving private jets. Secondary to Teterboro, it is popular with private jet clientele. Tradewind Aviation offers private charters from the airport.

• Runways: 6,549 feet | 4,451 feet
• FBOs: Ross Aviation (East & West) | Signature Flight Support (East & West) | Million Air
• In 2023, there were 32,895 departures.
• Airport codes: IATA: HPN ICAO: KHPN

Republic Airport, Farmingdale, New York

Republic Airport is also commonly known as Farmingdale Airport. It is a small regional airport on Long Island. It is classified as a general aviation airport but is also available for private jet use. There are two runways, a private jet terminal, and FBOs. Hotels, an airplane museum, and a golf course are available close by. Some private jet charters from here are operated by Air Rutter International, Northeastern Aviation Corporation, Talon Air, and Ventura Air Services.

• Runway: 6,833 feet | 5,516 feet
• FBOs: Atlantic Aviation | Modern Aviation | Talon Air
• There were 219,672 aircraft operations in 2019.
• Airport codes: IATA: FRG ICAO: KFRG

John F. Kennedy International Airport, Queens, New York

Also known as New York International Airport, it is the most congested airspace in North America. Many private jets avoid using the airport, but it is convenient for those who need immediate access to the Queens area. There are four runways, five active passenger terminals, and four helipads.

• Runways: 14,511 feet | 12,079 feet | 9,999 feet | 8,400 feet
• FBOs: Modern Aviation
• There were 480,793 aircraft operations in 2023.
• Airport codes: IATA: JFK ICAO: KJFK

LaGuardia Airport, Queens, New York

LaGuardia receives more private jets than JFK, but service can also sometimes be delayed due to the sheer amount of traffic. However, landing here by private aircraft can be rather efficient if the trip is for a quick business meeting at non-peak hours.

• Runways: 7,003 feet | 7,001 feet
• There were 369, 393 aircraft operations in 2023.
• Airport codes: IATA: LGA ICAO: KLGA

Long Island MacArthur Airport, Islip, New York

The airport is also known as Islip Airport and is perfect for those living or staying on Long Island. It serves 200 million airline passengers a year, as well as its private jet customers. The airport has two helipads and three runways. It is known for its excellent service and convenient hours for private jet operators. It is 50 miles east of Manhattan, but the roads are less congested than in the city. Frontier Airlines, Breeze Airways, and Southwest Airlines all operate from the airport commercially.

• Runways: 7,006 feet | 5,186 feet | 3,175 feet
• FBOs: Hawthorne Aviation | New York Jet | SheltAir
• In 2022, there were 161,159 aircraft operations.
• Airport codes: IATA: ISP ICAO: KISP

Read More: Across The US: The Top 6 States With The Most Private Jets

It is clear that Teterboro Airport is the most used airport and most suited to private jets and being so close to the city. Westchester Airport comes a close second in popularity with private jet clients. Other airports in the city can be convenient, depending on the time of arrival and departure and the intended purpose of the trip.

Related: Examined: Private Jet Activity At The 2024 Masters Golf Tournament

The FAA's monthly OPSNET report shows that business aviation trends were on the rise in 2023, with 3.8 million operations in total. Of these, 600,000 were international flights, showing that domestic private jet travel is on the increase. The most utilized aircraft were the Embraer Phenom 300, Cessna 560X Citation Excel, Cessna 680A Citation Latitude, Bombardier Challenger 350, and the Hawker Beechcraft 850XP. These aircraft contributed to 40% of the entire private jet traffic in the US.

NY Mets' new City Connect uniforms are unveiled. Here's how they look

The New York Mets' City Connect uniforms have shed the team's traditional blue and orange color palette for a mix of graphite and purple.

The new jerseys, which were released on Friday morning, pay homage to the heartbeat of New York City, including nods to its bridges, trains and concrete that connect the team's fans.

The new color scheme is designed to represent the concrete jungle of New York City, with the purple accents representing the 7 Line — the subway which runs through Queens to Citi Field. The gray pinstriped uniforms feature "NYC" across the chest in the Mets' traditional road font, with the hat and pants featuring imagery of the Queensboro Bridge.

When will the Mets wear City Connect uniforms?

The Mets will debut their City Connect uniforms on the field on April 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. They will wear the designs for all 10 Saturday home games (except June 1) over the course of the 2024 season.

MLB SALARIES: Baseball's top 25 highest-paid players in 2024

"Our new City Connect uniforms are an homage to everything that makes NYC the greatest city in the world. We wanted to honor different parts of the city that connect to our home in Queens.” Mets Chief Marketing Officer Andy Goldberg said in a statement. “From the bridges to the trains to the streets, Mets fans across New York and beyond can wear this streetwear style look with pride.”

What do the Mets' City Connect uniforms mean?

The black pinstripes on the jerseys are the circles and diamonds that represent the local and express lines on the subway. While the circular patch on the left arm is a nod to the New York Subway token.

The inside of the new hat's features a colorful twisting design to represent the New York subway map. The bottom of the top features the words "The World's City" in a purple font.

The team teased the new designs over the last two weeks with videos featuring a purple Mets logo, along with subway and crosswalk imagery.

Behind the Mets’ new City Connect jersey design: Why is it NYC instead of Queens?

NEW YORK — James Benesh rode the 7 line last spring with one of his most critical tasks as an employee of the New York Mets.

He had to find the right purple.

Benesh, the Mets ’ executive director of consumer products, carried with him a half-dozen swatches sent by Nike to compare with the purple circle on every 7-line sign. While there is an official, mandated purple of the 7 line, this is the subway, and the execution of that purple varies stop by stop.

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After about an hour hopping off trains and comparing the swatches to the signs, Benesh found it.

74th Street and Broadway in Jackson Heights. Pantone 2622C.

Deciding on that specific shade of purple was one of the final elements of the project Benesh and Andy Goldberg, the club’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, had managed for more than a year. On Friday morning, they could unveil their work to the fan base: the Mets’ new City Connect jerseys.

Started in 2021, Nike’s City Connect series challenges teams to design a new uniform, distinct from their usual set, that tells a story about its home. The Mets are the 21st team to unveil a City Connect jersey.

For the Mets, the process with Nike started after the 2021 season. Nike issued a brief on what goes into a City Connect uniform, and Goldberg and Benesh filled out a 12-page questionnaire posing queries such as, “What does New York mean?” Nike sent five design concepts based on the answers, and the team gave notes or directions to scrap whatever look altogether; five more designs would follow.

Goldberg estimated the Mets and Nike went through 25 or 30 designs before landing on the one unveiled Friday.

The first major decision facing Goldberg and Benesh was how to interpret “city.” Should the Mets place the emphasis on their home borough of Queens, the way the Cubs and White Sox staked claim to Chicago neighborhoods with their jerseys? Or should they go with the more expansive (and frankly, marketable) landscape of New York City as a whole?

They opted for the latter, with the jerseys branded “NYC” across the front. (The Yankees , for what it’s worth, are one of two teams that will not participate in the program.)

“We actually had many designs with Queens across the chest,” Goldberg told The Athletic . “Frankly, the decision was that we are more than Queens. When you look at where the fan base is from, it’s not just Queens. In New York, we have fans in Queens, fans in Manhattan, fans in New Jersey, Brooklyn. We have such a huge fan base in Long Island.

“Yes, the ball team plays here, but this is not just another uniform for the Mets. This is bigger than that, so take it way beyond just the central area around the ballpark. And that’s how we ended up with New York City.”

That decision meant myriad possibilities. San Francisco built a uniform around the Golden Gate Bridge, Houston around the space program. In New York …

“It doesn’t have one iconic thing,” Goldberg said. “It has many iconic things.”

And it has many iconic things already integrated into uniforms for the city’s other sports. The Rangers used the Statue of Liberty for years. The Nets have regularly drawn inspiration from New York’s art scene, the Knicks from the FDNY and the idea that the city never sleeps.

“We looked at them without overfocusing on them,” Goldberg said of other teams in the city. “We just wanted to know in the back of our heads that we weren’t just doing what they did with a different variation for baseball.”

Goldberg said they wanted to narrow in on that idea of connection and the experiences that bind everyone in New York together. In the uniform, that manifests largely in transportation.

The color of the jersey is dark gray with black speckles — asphalt. The purple from the 7 line is the primary accent color, and the sleeve patch is designed as an old-school subway token; the jersey’s pinstripes are made out of diamonds and circles representing the express and the local trains. The Queensboro Bridge appears on the hat, and its distinctive steel latticework is cross-sectioned on the sleeves and down the pant legs.

The Mets did carry over certain important elements of their core identity: The hat still has the usual interlocking “NY,” and the font used on the front and back of the jersey is taken from the road gray jerseys.

Several other teams have gone with dark pants; the last six City Connect jerseys to be unveiled featured navy or black pants. The Mets toyed with that idea before landing back with more traditional white pants.

“We actually had a long discussion with Nike about that, and some of the feedback they were getting from players is that, if you have a very dark pant, it can get very hot,” Goldberg said. “So we also thought about comfort.”

Goldberg and Benesh solicited input from two Mets players: Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo . They’re the two signed through 2030 and beyond, after all.

“I think that’s why they gravitated toward us,” Lindor said. “They knew we were going to be here the longest and that we’re two different players in the way we view fashion. We aligned a lot on our thoughts.”

“Right from the beginning, I thought, ‘Oh, yeah,’” Nimmo said. “We thought it’s going to be different but it’s going to be cool.”

According to Goldberg and Benesh, the player reaction when players saw the jerseys in spring was universally positive.

“I think that’s the purpose of them, to be different,” said Edwin Díaz . “I really like them.”

“New uniform, new gear — every time we get new stuff, it makes you feel like a little kid,” Lindor said. “I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

Goldberg and Benesh acknowledged that, given that this is a Nike project, the target demographic of the jerseys skews younger and to less experienced baseball fans. That said, they hope they’ve created something that will hit with all parts of the Mets fan base.

The Mets will wear the City Connect jerseys for Saturday home games starting next week against the St. Louis Cardinals and excepting the June 1 game, when Darryl Strawberry will have his number retired. The players could always opt to wear the uniforms more often.

When the City Connects are worn, the ballpark will “transform,” Goldberg said, with all the graphics on the scoreboard, ribbon video boards and concessions signs tailored to the different look.

“We have tried to think of every way to make the fan experience City Connect that night,” Goldberg said. “You will feel it come alive.”

The City Connect program is slated to run in three-year cycles, meaning the Mets will wear this version through 2026. The club has contemplated evolving the City Connect merchandise that goes with the on-field look during that time. The subway map on the cap brim’s underside, Benesh pointed out, offers a large color palette to explore, if the Mets so chose.

On Friday, Goldberg and Benesh can show off the end result of their work to the entire fan base — even if they lamented that an online leak earlier in the week took some of the punch away from the reveal. What constitutes success for the design?

“I hope to see it just walking around New York,” Goldberg said.

And is there time to appreciate it now?

“It is our understanding,” Benesh said, “that in 5 minutes we start designing the next one.”

(Top photo of Francisco Lindor: Courtesy of the New York Mets)

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Tim Britton is a senior writer for The Athletic covering the New York Mets. He has covered Major League Baseball since 2009 and the Mets since 2018. Prior to joining The Athletic, he spent seven seasons on the Red Sox beat for the Providence Journal. He has also contributed to Baseball Prospectus, NBC Sports Boston, MLB.com and Yahoo Sports. Follow Tim on Twitter @ TimBritton

A New Statue of Queen Elizabeth II Complete With Corgis Is Unveiled

The statue in Rutland is one of the first memorials to the late Queen to be unveiled since her death.

A new statue of Queen Elizabeth II was unveiled in Rutland, England on Sunday on what would have been her 98th birthday. And to further cement her link with the corgi, several members of the Welsh Corgi League proudly brought their dogs to be part of the 400-strong crowd at the unveiling. The seven-foot bronze statue by Sculptor Hywel Pratley depicts the Queen in state robes. One corgi is at her feet and another two are on the plinth.

According to reports the scupltor told the crowd at the unveiling that the plinth was designed to be sat on and could be a hit with the Instagram generation. "It will make perfect backdrop for pictures and people will be able to reach up and pat a dog or if small enough even sit in it's back,” he is said to have told the crowd.

An engraving on the monument reads, “Queen Elizabeth II, 1926 - 2022. Erected as a tribute to her late Majesty through public subscription by Rutland people.” The statue was commissioned by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland (the King’s representative in the county) Dr Sarah Furness. The sculptor told the Telegraph newspaper last July that he believed the statue was the first commissioned specifically as a memorial to her after her death. There have been other statues unveiled since her death which were being made beforehand, such as the one that King Charles unveiled in York in November 2022 designed to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee that year.

No member of the royal family was at the unveiling on Sunday. King Charles and Queen Camilla attended church at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral. The King and Princess of Wales are unable to carry out duties as normal due to their cancer treatments , with the Princess of Wales asking for space to recover following major abdominal surgery and while she receives chemotherapy . Prince William is also operating a reduced number of duties to care for his wife and children, meaning that the royal family is thin on the ground when it comes to the number of engagements they can carry out.

Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth owned more than 30 corgis. She had them in her household as a young child, but it was corgi Susan , who was an 18th birthday present from her parents that is often described as her first corgi and the dog from whom many of her other pets were descended. Susan accompanied then Princess Elizabeth on her honeymoon, and when she died in 1959, the young Queen had a special gravestone made for her at Sandringham House, Norfolk.

The late Queen owned corgis and cross breed dorgis right up until her death in 2022. When she died, she left corgis Muick and Sandy to Sarah Ferguson who shared a year later that they were “thriving."

Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures , released in 2021. 

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Shorely they can’t be serious.

Travel & Leisure released its list of the “25 Best Beaches in the USA.” Although two unlikely New York City entries made the cut, the coastal gem of Long Island — constantly in the conversation of the nation’s nicest beaches — was snubbed.

Brooklyn’s Coney Island and Rockaway Beach in Queens were awarded the same prestige as Hawaii’s Poipu Beach on Kauai and California’s Santa Monica Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea, to name a few.

The crowded NYC spots were praised for their miles of boardwalk and plenty of sandy entertainment options.

Coney Island is described as “a perfect seaside wonderland of nostalgia and kitschy fun” — and the New York Aquarium is near the beach.

Known for its amusement parks, games, plus the one-of-a-kind Cyclone roller coaster, Travel & Leisure said it is also the little things like access to volleyball and basketball courts that make Coney Island and Rockaway stand out.

Although not mentioned in the rating, it’s hard to have a bad day on Coney Island after a visit to the original Nathan’s Famous on nearby Stillwell Avenue, despite out-the-door lines.

Also, catching a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game at the boardwalk’s Maimonides Park to cheer on the New York Mets’ future prospects is almost always a blast — especially when fans experience a stunning sunset with views over the Atlantic Ocean and Luna Park from their seats.

The ballpark even made its way into the video game “Spider-Man 2” as a true NYC icon.

Geographically close by in Queens, the Ramones’ favorite Rock-Rock-Rockaway Beach has also enjoyed a major facelift in recent seasons. Its 1932 art deco Jacob Riis bathhouse underwent a $50 million renovation in late 2022.

The scene also changed greatly in the past few summers as it became a hub for vintage shops, food trucks and trendy bars.

In 2020, the south Queens surf haven also became posh thanks to the opening of its swanky Rockaway Hotel and pool .

It’s nothing against either evolving city institution, but one must wonder why Coopers Beach in South Hampton on LI was not mentioned. It is often in other listings of the nation’s top 10, placing third in the US last year in Dr. Beach’s annual ranking.

The public Fire Island National Seashore, beloved by Long Islanders and city visitors alike for its deer-filled, beachside trail to the Fire Island Lighthouse from Robert Moses Field 5, also did not make the cut.

However, there was room for Park Point Beach in Duluth, Minnesota.

In Connecticut, Ocean Beach Park in New London also made the cut, whereas Rhode Island’s Watch Hill — home to Taylor Swift’s oceanfront mega-mansion and many more nautical sights — is just a stone’s throw up I-95.

Also in New England, Good Harbor Beach near the setting of “The Perfect Storm” in Gloucester, Massachusetts, was selected over any Cape Cod destination — or Martha’s Vineyard.

In New Jersey, Bruce Springsteen’s home nabe of Asbury Park , which still carries a rock legacy with clubs like the Stone Pony plus other beachy fun, also made the list, as did Ocean City, Maryland.

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