A Guide to the Best Things to Do in Queens: The World’s Borough
A Guide to the Best Things to Do in Queens: The World’s Borough
Explore Global Cultures, Thriving Art Scenes, and Sprawling Parks
Welcome to Queens, the most linguistically and ethnically diverse place on Earth. A journey through this borough is like a trip around the world, offering authentic experiences from dozens of countries, all connected by a single subway ride. Queens is where the global identity of New York City is most vibrantly on display.
While often overlooked by first-time tourists, Queens is packed with world-class museums, massive parks, major sporting events, and arguably the best food scene in all of New York. As we’ve hinted in our guide to Queens’ neighborhoods, the borough’s true appeal lies in its authentic, community-focused attractions.
This guide, carefully curated by the team at AZ New York, highlights the essential destinations that make Queens a must-visit part of any true NYC exploration.
Queens’ Top Attractions at a Glance
| Attraction | Type | Best For… | Neighborhood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flushing Meadows Corona Park | Historic Park | Museums, Sports, Recreation | Flushing |
| Museum of the Moving Image | Specialty Museum | Film & TV Lovers, Interactive Exhibits | Astoria |
| MoMA PS1 | Art Museum | Contemporary & Experimental Art | Long Island City |
| The Food Scene | Culinary Experience | Authentic Global Cuisine | Jackson Heights / Flushing |
| Rockaway Beach | Beach & Boardwalk | Surfing, Sunbathing, Relaxation | The Rockaways |
Attraction Spotlights: The Essential Queens Experiences
To truly understand Queens, you need to experience its unique blend of culture, history, and recreation.
Spotlight 1: Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This is the iconic heart of Queens. Site of two 20th-century World’s Fairs, the park is home to recognizable structures like the Unisphere. It’s a massive cultural campus containing the Queens Museum (famous for its Panorama of the City of New York), the New York Hall of Science, and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open tennis tournament.
Spotlight 2: The Art Hubs of Western Queens. Just across the river from Manhattan, a thriving arts scene has taken root. In Astoria, the Museum of the Moving Image offers a fascinating and interactive look at the history of film, television, and digital media. Nearby in Long Island City, MoMA PS1 serves as one of the world’s premier exhibition spaces for experimental and contemporary art.
Spotlight 3: The Culinary World Tour. For food lovers, Queens is paradise. The borough’s incredible diversity is best experienced through its food. Head to Jackson Heights for a tour of Latin American and South Asian flavors, from Colombian bakeries to Tibetan dumpling spots. Or dive into Flushing, one of the world’s most dynamic Chinatowns, for an endless variety of authentic regional Chinese, Korean, and other East Asian cuisines.
Tips for Exploring Queens
- Ride the 7 Train: Known as the “International Express,” the elevated 7 train line offers a scenic tour through the heart of the borough’s most diverse neighborhoods.
- Come with an Empty Stomach: The number one activity in many Queens neighborhoods is eating. Be adventurous and prioritize exploring the local culinary scene.
- Look for Global Events: Throughout the year, Queens hosts cultural festivals, parades, and events celebrating its diverse communities. Check local listings for events like the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival or various street fairs.
- Plan Your Museum Visits: The major museums in Queens are spread out, so it’s best to plan a trip around one specific institution, like MoMA PS1 or the Museum of the Moving Image, and explore the surrounding neighborhood.
“Queens is the world. It is a living, breathing encyclopedia of humanity, and its library is its food.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Queens worth visiting if I have limited time in NYC?
If you are a food lover or interested in seeing a more authentic, less tourist-focused side of New York, then yes. A short subway ride to Long Island City for skyline views or Astoria for dinner is an easy and rewarding trip.
2. How do I get to the beach in Queens?
Rockaway Beach is accessible via the A train subway line and the NYC Ferry service, which offers a scenic boat ride from Manhattan and Brooklyn during the warmer months.
3. What is the Unisphere?
The Unisphere, located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, is a massive stainless-steel globe built for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. It has become an iconic and beloved symbol of the borough of Queens.
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