Queens, New York
Queens, New York: The Urban Gem
Arriving in New York City, many travelers will be tempted to head straight for the lights of Times Square or the hip streets of Brooklyn. But there’s more to NYC than Manhattan and Brooklyn; welcome to Queens, an often overlooked borough that boasts a rich cultural diversity, thriving arts scene, a foodie’s paradise, and iconic sports venues. Trust me, Queens is a must-visit, and our three-day itinerary will reveal why.
Day 1: Arrival and Astoria Exploration
Astoria Park
Start your Queens experience by soaking in the beauty of Astoria Park. Nestled alongside the East River, this park offers splendid views of the Manhattan skyline and the picturesque Hell Gate and Triborough Bridges. Take a leisurely morning stroll, enjoy a cup of coffee, and if you’re an early bird, watch the sunrise over the river.
Museum of the Moving Image
After a restful morning, head to the Museum of the Moving Image. The museum is a treasure trove of multimedia experiences dedicated to film, television, and digital media. Try your hand at dubbing your own voiceover in a film, delve into the world of video game design, and explore the Jim Henson Exhibition, featuring your favorite characters from The Muppets and Sesame Street.
Lunch at Taverna Kyclades
Ready for a hearty lunch? Head to Taverna Kyclades, an Astoria staple and one of the best Greek restaurants in New York City. Don’t miss their famous fried calamari and grilled octopus, and remember to leave room for their delicious baklava.
The Welling Court Mural Project
After lunch, take a walk to the Welling Court Mural Project. This extensive outdoor gallery of stunning street art showcases the work of artists from around the world, and offers a vibrant, colorful backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos.
Day 2: Flushing Meadows and Nightlife
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Begin your second day at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Here, you’ll find the iconic Unisphere, a massive steel globe created for the 1964 World’s Fair. Explore the Queens Museum, which hosts the Panorama of the City of New York, a scale model of the city, and dive into science at the New York Hall of Science.
Lunch at Joe’s Shanghai
For lunch, visit Joe’s Shanghai in Flushing, known for their soup dumplings. Order the pork or crab soup dumplings and watch as the staff skillfully prepares these delicacies.
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
In the afternoon, head to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open. Take a tour of the grounds, where you might even catch professional players during practice sessions.
The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
As the day winds down, visit The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, one of the oldest beer gardens in New York City. Enjoy a night out with live music, Czech beers, and hearty Eastern European food.
Day 3: Art, Food, and Shopping
MoMA PS1
Start your final day in Queens at MoMA PS1, one of the largest contemporary art institutions in the United States. The museum is housed in a converted school building, and its ever-changing exhibitions are always thought-provoking and innovative.
Lunch at Casa Enrique
For lunch, make your way to Casa Enrique, a Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant in Long Island City. The enchiladas and the Cochinito Chiapaneco (slow roasted baby pork ribs) are must try dishes.
Shopping in LIC Flea & Food
After lunch, head over to the LIC Flea & Food, an open-air bazaar where you can find a vast array of vintage items, handmade goods, and delicious international food.
Gantry Plaza State Park
End your trip with a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline at Gantry Plaza State Park. The park is dotted with restored gantries, which were once used to load and unload rail car floats and barges; today they stand as a reminder of the area’s industrial past.
From its diverse cuisine to its fascinating museums and beautiful parks, Queens offers visitors an authentic slice of New York City life that you won’t find in the more tourist-ridden areas. This itinerary just scratches the surface of what Queens has to offer. So, come explore this vibrant borough and see why locals are so in love with it.
