Things To Do
in Queens
Queens, located in New York City, is the largest in area and second-most populous of the five boroughs, offering a vibrant tapestry of ethnic diversity and cultures. It is home to two of the major airports in New York, JFK International and LaGuardia, making it a vital hub for international and domestic travel.
Queens also boasts an array of attractions, including Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the Queens Museum, and diverse culinary options from all around the world, reflecting its rich multicultural community.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting Astoria Park, where you can enjoy a beautiful stroll along the waterfront. Grab breakfast at a local café to fuel your adventure.
Take a tour of the Museum of the Moving Image to learn about film and television history. Enjoy lunch at a nearby ethnic restaurant to experience Astoria's diverse cuisine.
End your day with a visit to a rooftop bar for stunning views of the New York City skyline. Don't forget to try a craft cocktail while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Kick off your day by exploring Flushing Meadows Corona Park, where you can see the Unisphere and visit the Queens Museum. Enjoy breakfast at a nearby diner.
Head to the Queens Botanical Garden for a peaceful hike among beautiful flora. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the serene surroundings.
Wrap up the day by heading to Flushing for some authentic Asian cuisine. Try out an interesting dessert from one of the local bakeries to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Diverse culture and population
- Variety of food options from around the world
- Access to numerous parks and recreational facilities
- Proximity to Manhattan and ease of transportation
- Affordable housing compared to other NYC boroughs
- Strong community ties and local events
- High cost of living compared to other U.S. cities
- Traffic congestion and limited parking
- Some areas can be noisy due to urban environment
- Public transportation can be crowded during peak hours
- Varied safety perceptions depending on the neighborhood
- Limited nightlife compared to Manhattan
Best Activities in Queens
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a day of outdoor activities such as walking, running, cycling, and picnicking in this expansive park. You can also visit the Queens Museum or the Queens Zoo while you're there.
Take a stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the Manhattan skyline views, have a picnic, or simply relax in this beautiful park located in Long Island City.
Head to this popular beach for swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and surfing. It's a great spot to enjoy outdoor activities by the ocean.
Tours
Uncover the best of Queens with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Queens
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River, as well as the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign.
Iconic landmark and great for capturing panoramic shots of the surrounding area, including the Queens Museum and the Queens Botanical Garden.
Scenic beachfront location with opportunities for capturing sunsets, waves, and the vibrant atmosphere of the boardwalk.
Food in Queens
Queens Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential New York street food, the Halal Guys' chicken and gyro combo is a must-try. The tender, flavorful meat served over rice with pita and a choice of white sauce and hot sauce can be savored at their famous food cart at the corner of 53rd Street and 6th Avenue.
Must-Try!
Head to the Arepa Lady, a beloved food cart in Jackson Heights, for a taste of authentic Venezuelan arepas. These thick, crispy corn cakes stuffed with a variety of fillings are a local favorite.
Visit Little Tibet in Jackson Heights to indulge in delicious Tibetan momos. These steamed or fried dumplings filled with savory ingredients are a specialty in the area.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Queens better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Queens Night Market is a treasure trove of international street food. Open on weekends, it offers a wide array of delicacies from various cultures, providing a perfect opportunity to sample global flavors in one place.
Explore Flushing's bustling Chinatown, where you can find an abundance of food vendors and markets offering authentic Chinese street food such as dumplings, bubble tea, and hand-pulled noodles.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Queens, it's considered respectful to greet people with a handshake, especially in formal or business settings. It's also polite to use titles such as Mr., Mrs., or Miss when addressing someone until invited to use their first name.
Queens is known for its cultural diversity, so it's important to show respect for different customs, traditions, and languages. Being open-minded and embracing diversity is highly valued in this community.
Respecting personal space is important in Queens. It's customary to maintain an appropriate physical distance when engaging in conversations, especially with those you may not know well. Being mindful of personal boundaries is considered respectful.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Queens with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Queens
Ensure a smooth experience
In Queens, United States, tipping is a common practice in the service industry. It is customary to tip waitstaff at restaurants, bartenders, taxi drivers, hotel staff, and other service providers. The standard tip is around 15-20% of the total bill, but it may vary depending on the level of service and establishment.
Payment in Queens, United States, is predominantly made using credit and debit cards, although cash is also widely accepted. Many businesses, including restaurants, shops, and services, offer various payment options, including contactless payments and mobile wallet apps. Online payments are also popular for shopping and bill payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Queens.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for pleasant weather and blooming flowers, with events like the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Ideal for outdoor activities and beach trips, but tends to be hot and humid.
Great for fall foliage and cultural festivals, with comfortable temperatures for exploring.
Perfect for holiday events and indoor attractions, but expect cold temperatures and possible snowfall.
Queens at Night
Hiking in Queens
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large park with wooded areas and trails for hiking, located in the heart of Queens. Offers a variety of paths and scenic views.
This park features more than 600 acres of natural forests, wetlands, and hiking trails, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
A smaller, lesser-known park with trails suitable for short hikes, great for a quick outdoor escape within Queens.
Offers a serene setting with pathways for walking and light hiking, featuring a view of the historic towers and the trees surrounding them.
This park provides a mix of hiking trails and historical sites, along with stunning views of the waterfront and surrounding areas.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Queens through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Queens by plane.
Located in Queens, JFK is the primary international airport serving the New York City area.
Also located in Queens, LGA primarily handles domestic flights but has some international services.
Located in Newark, New Jersey, EWR is one of the major international airports serving the New York metropolitan area.
Located in White Plains, New York, HPN serves a mix of domestic and limited international flights.
Located in Ronkonkoma, Suffolk County, this airport offers a few international flights primarily during peak seasons.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population, primarily from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and other Latin American countries.
Includes a diverse range of ethnicities, with a significant number of individuals from China, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.
Covers various European descents, including Italian, Irish, and other groups, though the percentage has decreased over the years.
A notable demographic group composed of both long-established communities and recent immigrants, with roots primarily in the Caribbean and Africa.
This category includes individuals from a variety of racial backgrounds, encompassing mixed-race individuals and others not classified.
The Soul of Queens
Discover the essence of Queens through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Queens is home to the New York Mets, which enhances the popularity of baseball in the area.
Soccer has a significant following in Queens, bolstered by a diverse community and local youth leagues.
Basketball courts are prevalent throughout Queens, and the sport is widely played at the youth and amateur levels.
American football, with local schools and amateur leagues, remains a popular sport among residents.
Due to the diverse population, cricket has gained popularity in Queens, with many local leagues and events.
Running and track events attract many participants, especially in the community parks and during local marathons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Queens.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Queens boasts numerous eateries catering to vegetarians and vegans. Places like The Butcher's Daughter in Long Island City and The Loving Hut in Glendale offer delectable plant-based dishes to satisfy veggie enthusiasts.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can delight in gluten-free offerings at many establishments in Queens. Pala Pizza in Elmhurst and The Alcove in Sunnyside are known for their delicious gluten-free options, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Queens with these cultural adventures.
