Long Island City and Astoria Travel Guide
Explore Long Island City and Astoria, Queens with this comprehensive tour guide. Discover the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.
- Introduction to Long Island City and Astoria
- List of Places to Visit in Long Island City and Astoria
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Long Island City and Astoria
- Queensboro Bridge
- Astoria Park Loop
- Best Things to Do in Long Island City and Astoria: Activities and Tours
- NYC Ferry
- 5Pointz
- Week-Long Itinerary for Long Island City and Astoria
- Food and Drink Scene of Long Island City and Astoria
- Where to Stay in Long Island City and Astoria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hotels
- Hostels
- What to Buy in Long Island City and Astoria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Astoria Bookshop
- Lockwood
- Local Culture and Customs of Long Island City and Astoria
- Best Time to Visit Long Island City and Astoria
- Do’s and Don’ts of Long Island City and Astoria
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Long Island City and Astoria: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Long Island City and Astoria
- Where to Go Next from Long Island City and Astoria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Citi Field
- Conclusion
Introduction to Long Island City and Astoria
Located in Queens, New York City, Long Island City and Astoria are two neighboring neighborhoods that offer a mix of urban and outdoor experiences. With its prime location near Manhattan, Long Island City and Astoria have become increasingly popular tourist destinations in recent years.
From museums and historical landmarks to natural parks and scenic views, Long Island City and Astoria have something for everyone. This guide will help you explore the best of what these neighborhoods have to offer.
List of Places to Visit in Long Island City and Astoria
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
The Museum of the Moving Image
Located in Astoria, the Museum of the Moving Image showcases the history and art of film, television, and digital media. Exhibits include original film equipment, interactive exhibits, and rare artifacts from some of the most iconic movies and TV shows.
Socrates Sculpture Park
Socrates Sculpture Park is a unique outdoor museum located in Long Island City. Featuring large-scale sculptures and art installations, the exhibits change regularly and highlight new and emerging artists.
Astoria Park
Astoria Park is one of the largest parks in Queens and offers spectacular views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. The park features a running track, public pool, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a day in the sun.
Natural Attractions of Long Island City and Astoria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Queensbridge Park
Queensbridge Park is a waterfront park in Long Island City that offers stunning views of the Queensboro Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. There are also basketball and handball courts, a playground, and open fields for picnics and sports.
Gantry Plaza State Park
Gantry Plaza State Park is a 12-acre park that runs along the East River in Long Island City. There are plenty of walking and biking trails, as well as breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the Queensboro Bridge.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Long Island City and Astoria
Queensboro Bridge
The Queensboro Bridge offers a scenic walking and biking path that connects Long Island City to Manhattan. The path provides stunning views of the skyline and gives visitors the opportunity to see the city from a unique perspective.
Astoria Park Loop
The Astoria Park Loop is a popular running and biking route that loops around Astoria Park. The trail is well-maintained and offers views of the waterfront, as well as the scenic Astoria Park.
Best Things to Do in Long Island City and Astoria: Activities and Tours
NYC Ferry
The NYC Ferry offers sightseeing tours that give visitors a unique perspective of the city. The ferry runs from Long Island City to other popular destinations in New York City, including Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.
5Pointz
5Pointz is a well-known graffiti art museum in Long Island City. The museum features murals from some of the world’s most famous street artists and is open to the public for viewing.
Week-Long Itinerary for Long Island City and Astoria
Day 1: Visit the Museum of the Moving Image and explore the Astoria neighborhood. Day 2: Hike or bike across the Queensboro Bridge. Day 3: Explore Gantry Plaza State Park and enjoy the views of the Manhattan skyline. Day 4: Spend the day at Astoria Park and take a dip in the public pool. Day 5: Take a sightseeing tour on the NYC Ferry. Day 6: Visit Socrates Sculpture Park and wander through the sculptures and art installations. Day 7: Explore the street art of 5Pointz and wander around Long Island City’s eclectic neighborhood.
Food and Drink Scene of Long Island City and Astoria
Must-Try Dishes
Gyro
Astoria is known for its delicious Greek food, including the classic gyro, a dish made with grilled meat served in a pita with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce.
Sicilian Pizza
Long Island City is home to some of the best Sicilian pizza in New York City. Thick, crispy crusts, homemade tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese make this a must-try dish.
Local Beverages
Beer
Long Island City has a booming brewery scene, with a variety of local craft beers on tap. Check out local favorites like LIC Beer Project, Big Alice Brewing, and Rockaway Brewing Company for a taste of Queens beer.
Coffee
Astoria is home to a number of cozy coffee shops, serving up locally roasted coffee and a variety of pastries and sandwiches. Some local favorites include Queens Comfort, 60 Beans, and The Queens Kickshaw.
Where to Stay in Long Island City and Astoria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Hotels
There are many hotel options in Long Island City and Astoria, with prices ranging from budget to luxury. Some of the most popular options include The Paper Factory Hotel, The Boro Hotel, and The Z NYC Hotel.
Hostels
For those looking for a budget-friendly option, there are several hostels in the area. Some popular options include Q4 Hotel and Hostel and The Local NYC.
What to Buy in Long Island City and Astoria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Astoria Bookshop
The Astoria Bookshop offers a great selection of books by local authors, as well as books about the history of Queens and New York City.
Lockwood
Lockwood is a gift and clothing boutique that features locally made products, including jewelry, candles, and pottery.
Local Culture and Customs of Long Island City and Astoria
Long Island City and Astoria are known for their diverse communities, with residents from all over the world. Visitors can experience a variety of cultures through the neighborhoods’ food, events, and art.
Best Time to Visit Long Island City and Astoria
The best time to visit Long Island City and Astoria is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
Do’s and Don’ts of Long Island City and Astoria
Do:
- Explore the local art scene.
- Try the local food and drink.
- Take a walk or bike ride along the waterfront.
Don’t:
- Ignore the neighborhood’s diverse communities.
- Leave without trying some of the local favorites.
- Miss the opportunity to see the neighborhood’s stunning views.
Safety and Health
Safety in Long Island City and Astoria
Long Island City and Astoria are safe neighborhoods, but visitors should take the same precautions they would in any urban area. Keep an eye on valuables and be aware of your surroundings.
Health in Long Island City and Astoria
Visitors should have the standard immunizations before traveling to New York City. It’s also important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun during the summer months.
Getting to Long Island City and Astoria: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Long Island City and Astoria
Both LaGuardia and JFK airports are within a short drive of Long Island City and Astoria. Visitors can take a taxi or ride-share service to the neighborhoods.
Bus Stations Near Long Island City and Astoria
There are several bus stations in the area, including the 7 train, the Q19, and the Q18.
Other Options
Visitors can also take the NYC Ferry from Manhattan to Long Island City, Astoria, and other popular New York City destinations.
How to Get Around in Long Island City and Astoria
Visitors can easily get around Long Island City and Astoria on foot or by bike. Public transportation options include the subway and bus system, as well as the NYC Ferry.
Where to Go Next from Long Island City and Astoria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a large park located in Queens, offering sports fields, a public pool, and a zoo.
Citi Field
Citi Field is a major league baseball stadium located in Flushing. Visitors can catch a game and enjoy a variety of stadium food and beverages.
Conclusion
Long Island City and Astoria offer a unique mix of urban and outdoor experiences, with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in museums, hiking, or trying new food, these neighborhoods are worth a visit.
