Things To Do
in Queens
Queens is a borough of New York City known for its immense cultural diversity and vast neighborhoods. It offers a mix of green spaces, waterfronts, world-class museums, and a famously varied food scene. It is the easternmost of NYC's boroughs, spanning urban neighborhoods to more suburban-style enclaves.
It is easy to navigate with the subway and road networks and is a gateway to multicultural cuisines and experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the iconic Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, home to the Unisphere and the Queens Museum. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park's beautiful landscapes and take in the views of the historic buildings. Don't forget to stop by the Queens Botanical Garden for a refreshing dose of nature.
Head over to Flushing's vibrant Chinatown for a delicious lunch of dumplings, noodles, and bubble tea. Afterward, explore the bustling streets filled with shops and cultural landmarks, including the beautiful Mahayana Buddhist Temple. Spend some time at the Queens Public Library, which often hosts art exhibits and community events.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant in Astoria to indulge in authentic Greek cuisine. After dinner, take a relaxing walk along Astoria Park, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Cap off the evening with a visit to a local bar or café to experience Queens' vibrant nightlife.
Begin your day with a visit to the vibrant Jackson Heights historic district, where you can admire the beautiful Art Deco architecture. Stop by a local café for a traditional South Asian breakfast, such as parathas or dosas. After fueling up, explore the international shops and markets lining the streets.
Spend your afternoon at the Queens Museum, where you can discover fascinating exhibitions showcasing the borough’s rich history and diverse cultures. Don't miss the famous Panorama of New York City, an intricate scale model of the city. Later, enjoy lunch at one of the many global eateries, sampling cuisine from Indian to Colombian.
In the evening, make your way to Roosevelt Avenue for a street food adventure, trying out various local delicacies from food carts. Afterward, visit the nearby Travers Park to unwind amongst locals and perhaps catch a live music performance. Finish your day at a local dessert shop, indulging in sweet treats from around the world.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $3-5 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🚆30-day subway pass | $127 |
| 🏠One-bedroom apartment rent (monthly) | $1800-2600 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Enormous culinary diversity and neighborhoods to explore
- Excellent value for a New York City borough with easy transit connections
- Some areas can be crowded and busy, especially near transit hubs
- Long commutes from parts of Queens to Manhattan can be time-consuming
Places to Visit in Queens
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic 1964–65 World’s Fair symbol set against a water feature and skyline backdrop.
Industrial piers and a skyline view of Midtown Manhattan—perfect for sunset and night photography.
Riverside sculpture park with dramatic works and water views along the East River.
Open-air space with terraces and striking eastward views of the East River and skyline.
Vibrant street life, colorful storefronts, and market scenes ideal for candid or documentary photography.
Food in Queens
Queens Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Shanghainese dumplings with broth-filled pork filling; iconic in Flushing's Chinatown.
Must-Try!
Cornmeal sandwiches from Venezuelan/Colombian street food; popular in Jackson Heights and surrounding areas.
Popular Thai dishes found at SriPraPhai in Woodside and other Thai spots in the borough.
Spiced and smoky chicken, widely available in Jamaica/Corona and nearby corridors.
Fresh seafood and small plates, especially in Astoria at Taverna Kyclades.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal gathering in Flushing with a wide array of Asian street foods and drinks.
Seasonal outdoor market featuring global street food vendors and live entertainment.
Food court in Flushing with Chinese and Taiwanese specialties, great for quick bites.
Bustling neighborhood markets offering Latin, South Asian, and East Asian street foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People generally queue in an orderly fashion; be patient in crowded areas like markets and transit hubs.
English is dominant; you’ll hear Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and many other languages in neighborhoods—polite introductions are appreciated.
Treat places of worship with respect; dress modestly if visiting religious sites and observe local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Queens
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard NYC practice is 15-20% at restaurants; round up at casual spots; tip taxi and rideshare drivers 10-20% depending on service.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is still handy at markets and smaller vendors; contactless payments are common on transit and in many shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with possible thunderstorms; stay hydrated, seek shade, and plan indoor museum visits during peak heat.
Mild days with crisp air and fall colors; excellent for outdoor photos and neighborhood strolling.
Cold with potential snow; bundle up and enjoy indoor attractions like museums and food halls.
Pleasant temperatures, blooming trees, and many outdoor events; great time for walking tours and photography.
Queens at Night
Hiking in Queens
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Conservation area in Bayside with woodlands and ponds; relatively easy hiking.
Marsh-edge trails with birdwatching and expansive saltmarsh views.
Varying degree hikes with woodlands and fields; part of the southeastern Queens network.
Airports
How to reach Queens by plane.
Major international hub in Queens; connected by air, road, and Rail (AirTrain).
Domestic and international flights; quick access to Manhattan and Queens by car or public transit.
Major international hub in New Jersey; reachable via car or rail connections through NYC.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large Chinese, Indian, Korean, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi communities in Flushing, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and nearby areas.
Significant Dominican, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Colombian, and other Latin American communities, especially in Jamaica, Corona, and Woodside.
Strong presence of Caribbean and African American residents, with cultural hubs in various neighborhoods.
Suburban-influenced and immigrant communities that contribute to the borough’s diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Home to Mets games and a broad local amateur scene across parks.
Community leagues and pickup games in parks; courts across Queens.
Strong immigrant and local communities support youth and adult leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Queens.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Queens offers abundant vegetarian options across Indian, Chinese, Mexican, and Middle Eastern restaurants; look for vegetarian labels or ask for dishes made with lentils, chickpeas, paneer, or vegetables. Common vegetarian staples include dal, chana masala, paneer dishes, baba ghanoush, falafel, and vegetable curries.