Flushing-Northeast Travel Guide

Discover the cultural, natural and food attractions of Flushing-Northeast, New York City and plan your perfect trip with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Flushing-Northeast

Flushing-Northeast is a vibrant neighborhood in Queens, New York City. Known for its diverse culture and rich history, Flushing-Northeast is an ideal destination for those who want to explore the city beyond its tourist hotspots. With its top-rated museums, beautiful parks, excellent hiking trails, and delicious food scene, Flushing-Northeast has something to offer for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Flushing-Northeast

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Queens Botanical Garden: Spanning over 39 acres, the Queens Botanical Garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Flushing. The garden features hundreds of species of plants and flowers, as well as several themed gardens.
  • Queens Museum: The Queens Museum is a must-visit attraction for art enthusiasts. The museum has a vast collection of contemporary and modern artwork, including a detailed model of New York City.
  • Flushing Town Hall: Flushing Town Hall is a prominent cultural center that offers a diverse range of events, programs, and exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy a live concert or theater performance, browse art galleries, or attend talks and workshops.

Natural Attractions of Flushing-Northeast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Alley Pond Park: Sprawling over 655 acres, Alley Pond Park is one of Queens’ largest parks. The park has several hiking trails, including a path around the scenic Alley Pond. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, fishing, and picnicking.
  • Kissena Park: Kissena Park is a popular destination for cycling, hiking, and strolling. The park features a lake, a golf course, and several playgrounds.
  • Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is the largest park in Queens and home to several notable attractions, including the Queens Museum and the Unisphere. Visitors can also rent a boat for a leisurely ride around Meadow Lake.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Flushing-Northeast

  • Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Loop: This 3.5-mile loop is a popular route for joggers, walkers, bikers, and skaters. The trail takes you around Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and offers stunning views of the city.
  • Long Island Rail Road Trail: The Long Island Rail Road Trail is a 4.4-mile paved path that extends from Little Neck Bay to Great Neck. The trail is suitable for cyclists, walkers, and runners and offers beautiful views of Long Island Sound.
  • Alley Pond Park Loop: This 7.4-mile trail is perfect for hikers looking for a strenuous workout. The trail takes you through thick forests, rocky cliffs, and past several ponds and streams.

Best Things to Do in Flushing-Northeast: Activities and Tours

  • Flushing Food Tour: Join a food tour of Flushing and sample authentic Chinese, Korean, and Taiwanese cuisine. The tour takes you through some of the neighborhood’s famous food stalls, shops, and restaurants.
  • New York Mets Game: Catch a New York Mets game at Citi Field, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park’s iconic baseball stadium. Enjoy a buzzing atmosphere and watch the city’s top athletes in action.
  • Flushing Night Market: The Flushing Night Market is an excellent destination for foodies. The market features a wide range of food vendors, artisanal products, and live music.

Week-Long Itinerary for Flushing-Northeast

Day Activity
1 Visit the Queens Museum and see the Panorama of New York City.
2 Hike the trails at Alley Pond Park.
3 Enjoy a New York Mets game at Citi Field.
4 Explore the Queens Botanical Garden.
5 Shop at the Flushing Night Market in the evening.
6 Take a tour of the Flushing neighborhood and sample its diverse cuisine.
7 Relax at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and rent a paddle boat on Meadow Lake.

Food and Drink Scene of Flushing-Northeast

Must-Try Dishes

  • Xiao Long Bao: These soup dumplings are a local favorite and can be found in many Chinese restaurants. They are filled with pork, shrimp, or crab meat and a flavorful broth.
  • Jajangmyeon: A popular Korean dish, Jajangmyeon is made with black bean paste, diced pork, and vegetables.
  • Beef Noodle Soup: This Taiwanese specialty is a comforting and aromatic soup made with slow-cooked beef, noodles, and an assortment of spices.

Local Beverages

  • Bubble Tea: Originally from Taiwan, bubble tea has become a popular beverage in Flushing. The drink features tea with milk or fruit flavor and chewy tapioca pearls.
  • Chinese Herbal Tea: Several tea shops in Flushing-Northeast sell traditional Chinese herbal tea. The tea is believed to have various health benefits and comes in many flavors and combinations.

Where to Stay in Flushing-Northeast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hyatt Place Flushing/LaGuardia Airport: This modern hotel in downtown Flushing offers spacious rooms, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace.
  • Prince Flushing Hotel: The Prince Flushing Hotel is a budget-friendly option that offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location.
  • Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel: The Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel is a luxury hotel that features an elegant decor, a fitness center, and a heated indoor pool.

What to Buy in Flushing-Northeast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Tea: Flushing is known for its authentic Chinese tea, available in several shops and supermarkets in the area.
  • Asian Snacks: Several supermarkets and convenience stores in Flushing sell an extensive range of Asian snacks, including Pocky, Hello Panda, and shrimp chips.
  • Souvenir T-Shirts: Plenty of souvenir shops in Flushing-Northeast sell T-shirts featuring iconic New York landmarks and Flushing-specific designs.

Local Culture and Customs of Flushing-Northeast

Flushing-Northeast is a melting pot of diverse cultures, and visitors should be respectful of local customs and etiquette. The neighborhood is home to many Chinese, Korean, and South Asian communities, and visitors should keep in mind that each community has its unique customs, cuisine, and language.

Best Time to Visit Flushing-Northeast

The best time to visit Flushing-Northeast is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are thin. Summers can be hot and humid, and winters can be bitterly cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Flushing-Northeast

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine.
  • Visit the famous museums and cultural centers.
  • Explore the parks and outdoor attractions.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage public property.
  • Take photos or videos of people without their permission.
  • Ignore traffic signals or jaywalk.

Safety and Health

Safety in Flushing-Northeast

Flushing-Northeast is a relatively safe neighborhood, but visitors should take some precautions, including:

  • Keeping valuables out of sight.
  • Being aware of surroundings, especially at night.
  • Not leaving anything visible in a parked car.

Health in Flushing-Northeast

Flushing-Northeast has several healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Visitors should have medical insurance and follow standard hygiene practices to avoid illness.

Getting to Flushing-Northeast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Flushing-Northeast is conveniently connected to the rest of New York City via several transportation options:

Airports Near Flushing-Northeast

  • LaGuardia Airport: Located only two miles from Flushing-Northeast, LaGuardia Airport is the closest airport to the neighborhood.
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport: JFK International Airport is about 15 miles away from Flushing-Northeast.

Bus Stations Near Flushing-Northeast

  • Flushing Bus Terminal: Flushing Bus Terminal is a major transportation hub that connects to several bus routes across the city.
  • Queensboro Plaza: The Queensboro Plaza is a bus and metro station that connects to several destinations in Queens and Manhattan.

Other Options

  • Subway: Flushing-Northeast is connected to the 7 train of the New York City Subway.
  • Taxi: Taxis are available throughout the neighborhood and can be flagged on the street or booked via phone or app.

How to Get Around in Flushing-Northeast

Flushing-Northeast is a highly walkable neighborhood with several transportation options, including buses, subways, and taxis. Visitors can also rent bikes or use ride-sharing apps for quick and convenient transportation.

Where to Go Next from Flushing-Northeast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Long Island: Long Island is a beautiful destination for nature lovers, with its forests, beaches, and charming towns.
  • Manhattan: Explore the iconic attractions and landmarks of New York City in Manhattan, including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square.
  • Brooklyn: Brooklyn is another popular destination that offers a charming blend of art, culture, and history.

Conclusion

Flushing-Northeast is a fantastic destination for visitors looking for an authentic and diverse New York City experience. Whether you’re interested in art, history, nature, food, or culture, Flushing-Northeast has something to offer for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover all that Flushing-Northeast has to offer!