Queens Travel Guide (New York City/Downstate New York/New York (state)/Mid-Atlantic/United States of America/North America)

Introduction to Queens

Queens is a vibrant and culturally diverse borough of New York City, located in the Downstate region of New York State, in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America, in North America. It is the largest of the five boroughs, with over 2.3 million residents, and is home to various diverse ethnicities and communities, making it a unique and interesting place to visit. In this travel guide, we will take you through some of the best places to visit, things to do, eat, and see in Queens.

List of Places to Visit in Queens

Here are some of the top places to visit in Queens, New York City:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Queens Museum: Located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the Queens Museum is home to various exhibitions, including the Panorama of the City of New York which depicts the entire city in miniature.
Louis Armstrong House Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of famous jazz trumpeter, Louis Armstrong, who lived in a nearby house with his wife.
Museum of the Moving Image: This museum is dedicated to the art, history, and technology of television, film, and digital media.

Natural Attractions of Queens: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Flushing Meadows Corona Park: As New York City’s fourth-largest public park, it’s home to some of the best attractions in Queens, including the Queens Museum and the Unisphere, a famous metal globe sculpture.
Rockaway Beach: Located on a peninsula, Rockaway Beach is the only surfing beach in New York City with a 5.5-mile-long boardwalk that runs alongside the sand.
Gantry Plaza State Park: This park provides amazing scenic views of the Manhattan skyline and is a great place to go for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Queens

Queens offers a wide variety of biking and hiking trails. Here are some popular trails:

Alley Pond Park Trail: This trail is just over two miles, and the loop provides a great workout for bikers and hikers.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park Loop: This 3.5-mile path provides beautiful views of the lake and trails stretch along the park’s edge.
Bayside Marina to Fort Tilden: A 12-mile ride that stretches from the Bayside Marina to Fort Tilden, running through some beautiful scenery and parks.

Best Things to Do in Queens: Activities and Tours

Queens has so much to offer, from sports to culture to culinary experiences. Here are some must-see activities and tours:

Arthur Avenue Food Tour: This walking food tour takes you through Queens’ “Little Italy,” Arthur Avenue, where you can taste authentic Italian eats.
New York Hall of Science: An interactive science museum where visitors can explore over 450 exhibits.
Mets Tickets: Citi Field is home to the New York Mets; watching a game is a unique and enjoyable experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Queens

Here is a suggested itinerary for those visiting Queens for a week.

Day	Itinerary
1	Visit the Queens Museum and Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park
2	Take a food tour of diverse Queens neighborhoods
3	Visit the Louis Armstrong House Museum and Museum of the Moving Image
4	Take a day trip to Rockaway Beach and enjoy the boardwalk
5	Go to the New York Hall of Science for some hands-on exhibits
6	Explore the Gantry Plaza State Park and enjoy the sunset
7	Cycle the Bayside Marina to Fort Tilden trail, an amazing exercise and scenic experience

Food and Drink Scene of Queens

Queens is rich in food and drinks culture. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in Queens:

Must-Try Dishes

Pork Sandwiches: You cannot go wrong with the famous New York-style pork sandwich from the local restaurants or food trucks.
Dumplings: Due to its diverse community, Queens has some of the best dumpling restaurants in the city.
Arepa: A type of flatbread filled with cheese and sometimes meat or vegetables, it is a Venezuelan and Colombian pastry.

Local Beverages

Coffee: Queens is home to many locally roasted coffee shops, and coffee lovers will find some of the city’s best brews here.
Beer: Queens has a thriving beer scene, and so, you’ll find unique breweries throughout the borough, such as SingleCut and Transmitter Brewing.

Where to Stay in Queens: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Queens offers a variety of options for accommodation, from luxury hotels to hostels. Here are some top places to stay in Queens:

The Paper Factory Hotel: This hotel is housed in a converted 100-year-old factory and offers modern accommodations.
Q4 Hotel and Hostel: A boutique hostel with private and shared rooms with a friendly staff and vibe.
The Local Hostel: Another fantastic hostel with shared and private rooms with in-house crafted beers and a large common area.

What to Buy in Queens: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Queens has many local shops and markets where you can find unique souvenirs and products. Here are some best souvenirs that you can take home:

Craft Beer: Queens has some of New York’s best local breweries that make many great craft beers that you can take back home with you.
Artisanal Foods: You’ll find several farmers’ markets and grocery stores with great artisanal food products.
Fashion Accessories: Queens has some of the city’s best markets that sell handmade jewelry and other fashion accessories.

Local Culture and Customs of Queens

Queens is a diverse and culturally rich borough, so it’s best to respect different customs. Here are some customs to keep in mind:

Respect Religion: Respect local religious customs, especially in neighborhoods such as Flushing, which has a large Asian population with several religious places.
Public Etiquettes: Queens is a city with diverse communities constantly moving, it is crucial to be mindful of others on local transportation and commutes.
Multilingualism: Due to its diversity, It’s common to hear people speaking different languages such as Spanish, Chinese, and Hindi.

Best Time to Visit Queens

Queens can be visited any time of the year. The best time depends on your preference, and interests.

Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season, and visitors can experience the borough’s outdoor activities and beaches.
Fall (September to November): The mild weather makes it a great time to explore the parks and scenic views.
Winter (December to February): This is the best time to enjoy shopping and ice skating while avoiding the crowds.
Spring (March to May): The beauty of various flowers and trees makes this time highly recommended for various walks and scenic views.

Do’s and Don’ts of Queens

Do:

Explore Various Neighborhoods: Queens is a borough of great diversity, explore different neighborhoods to experience various cultures.
Be appreciate of local culture: Queens offers a massive range of cultural experiences, respect local customs.
Use Public Transit: Queens offers diverse public transit options that makes it easy to explore.

Don’t:

Litter: Queens is a hot spot for various outdoor walks, hikes, and activities; kindly, do not litter.
Be Disrespectful: Though Queens is diverse, be respectful of personal boundaries and avoid insults or racist slurs.
Feuding with street vendors or other local establishments: Queens is known for its diverse culinary scene with several street vendors offering affordable and delicious food.

Safety and Health

Safety in Queens

Queens is a safe neighborhood, but it’s always good to be cautious, here are some tips:

Stay Alert: Keep an eye on your surroundings and avoid walking alone.
Avoid Dark Streets and Alleys: Stick to well-lit and busy streets, especially during the night.
Protect Valuable: Be cautious with your belongings and keep important documents and money safe in the hotel.

Health in Queens

Queens has several medical facilities, clinics, and hospitals. Contact 911 in case of an emergency.

Getting to Queens: Transportation Options and Logistics

Queens has several transportation options that connect to other boroughs and neighboring states.

Airports Near Queens

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Situated in southeastern Queens, this airport is near the city’s highway system and public transportation options.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Located in northern Queens near East Elmhurst, LGA offers direct access to the city’s subway system.

Bus Stations Near Queens

Port Authority Bus Terminal: Located in midtown Manhattan, the Port Authority Bus Terminal offers many intercity and intracity bus services.
Greyhound Bus Terminal: It offers bus services to several locations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and beyond.

Other Options

Subway: Queens is well-connected to the city’s subway transport system, making it the easiest way to get around.
Taxis, Uber, and Lyft: Queens has several Taxi services, ridesharing apps, and private taxis available 24/7.

How to Get Around in Queens

Public transportation is the easiest way to move around Queens, here are some options:

Subway: The subway system is the best and most affordable way to get around Queens and connect with neighboring boroughs.
Bus: Buses connect several neighborhoods and operate all day.
Taxi: Taxi and ride-sharing apps are available all day for a hassle-free experience.

Where to Go Next from Queens: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Queens has a lot to offer, but if you want to explore other nearby places, here are some options:

Bronx: Known for the Bronx Zoo, this is the northernmost borough of New York City.
Brooklyn: This borough is famous for its trendy nightspots and hotspots such as the Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Garden.
Long Island: Go for a day trip to this magnificent seaside destination, enjoy beaches, wineries, and up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Conclusion

Queens is a unique and vibrant borough of New York City, offering diverse cultures, scenic spots, and a variety of activities. You won’t regret visiting Queens, New York, and this travel guide provides the best and informative resource to help you in navigating the borough.

Queens Image Gallery

The Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, still called the 59th Street Bridge or Queensboro Bridge by New Yorkers, is toll-free and connects Manhattan with Long Island City; the Queens side is ahead.

Citi Field, home field of the New York Mets

Bohemian Beer Garden

Jackson Hole Air Line Diner

Flushing-Northeast

Long Island City and Astoria

The Rockaways