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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
More Things To Do In Queens
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.
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.
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
Queens, NY: The historic 1750 Rufus King Manor House built in the colonial American Georgian style with double chimneys and a gambrel roof in Jamaica Park
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
Queens, New York: Citi Field stadium located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and home of the New York Mets.
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.
- Admission: Free
- 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.
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.