Queens, located in the heart of New York City, is known as the "World's Borough" for its diverse mix of cultures. People from all over the world come together here to create a unique blend of traditions, languages, and flavors. It's a vibrant and dynamic place that represents the variety of cultures that make New York City special.
Queens is home to residents from every corner of the globe, contributing to a rich tapestry of languages, traditions, and cuisines. The cultural diversity is celebrated through its various neighborhoods, each with its unique character and a strong sense of community.
There are many interesting things to do in Queens, so if you haven’t yet explored this New York City. And want a complete guide of things to do in New York as a first-timer. Then this blog will help you out in exploring the city and guide you about what things to do in queens.
Queens is full of parks, museums, sports venues, and other attractions where you can learn more about the history of NYC and its most diverse neighborhoods. Take advantage of your time here by visiting some of the best places in Queens, like Flushing Meadows- Corona Park, and Rockaway Beach with great nightclubs and bars, as well as accommodation options.
Queens is the best place to roam around as all-important Airports are within walking distance. It is quieter than Manhattan and Brooklyn. So, if you are planning to visit New York City, the best thing to do in New York is to visit Queens because of its cool and calm atmosphere.
In this guide, we will share some amazing things to do in queens ny, and the top 10 places to go in Queens. So, pack your bags and plan a trip with your partner or with your family.
VISIT FAMOUS MUSEUMS
Queens, with its hidden gems and diverse cultural offerings, you are invited to explore something new and different. There are lots of adventurous things to do in nyc, so let’s explore a borough that is as dynamic as it is welcoming, there are several museums and art galleries in the city that are waiting for you to indulge in the diverse culture of Queens. Some of the Notable and must-visit museums are:
1. Museum Of the Moving Image, A Fun Place in Queens, New York
The Museum of the Moving Image is located in Queens and is considered the best places to go in queens. It is also called one of the best museums in NYC, built-in 1920.
For those who are interested in digital media technology and techniques, this museum is an excellent choice for them. The exhibitions showcase audio-visual elements such as stop-motion animation, TV and movie production, character design, and virtual reality.
So, if you are planning some unique things to do in nyc, then this is the best place to visit. You can learn a lot about some of the most famous cinematic masterpieces over there.
If you are a fan of The Muppets, you'll love the museum's Jim Henson exhibition. It's a great place to visit with kids in Astoria, Queens, and the museum also has a vast collection of video games and related collectibles.
2. Moma PS1, One of The Best Museums in Queens
This museum is affiliated with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This huge contemporary art center is full of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs. You’ll also find multimedia installations ranging from murals and textiles to architectural projects from artists around the world.
The themes of these art pieces cover city life, politics, social issues, different cultures, nature, science, and so much more. So, if you are into art and looking for an aesthetic visit to an Art Museum like this, then a visit to MoMA PS1 is a great idea.
3. Go To the Queens Museum, A Free Thing to Do in Queens, Ny
The Queens Museum is famous for its vast collection of historical artifacts, art exhibits, and community events. The museum is part of Flushing Meadows – Corona Park and contains thousands of relics from the 1939 and 1964 New York World’s Fairs.
Another part of the permanent collection is the Panorama of the City of New York, a room-sized scale model of NYC’s five boroughs. You can also find intriguing paintings by Salvador Dalí, photographs from Robert Moses, and several Tiffany Glass objects.
The Queens Museum also hosts public film screenings, dance performances, and concerts, so there is always something to see here. So, if you are looking for ideas for things to do in nyc at night, then write this place in your Wishlist. You will have fun and visiting the museum is considered to be one of the best free things to do in NYC.
4. Visit The Noguchi Museum, One of A Kind Museum In Queens
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Queens, then you should visit the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City. The museum is named after Isamu Noguchi, a Japanese-American artist, sculptor, and landscape architect.
This museum was established to exhibit his best artwork for the public, including outdoor sculptures, stage and furniture designs, drawings, and architectural models. His work often explored humanity's relationship with nature, and the concept behind this museum is considered to be so thought-provoking and unique.
5. Louis Armstrong House Museum, A Jazz Icon's Legacy
If you want to explore the rich history of jazz, then this Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona is waiting for you. Explore the former home of the legendary trumpeter and immerse yourself in his world through souvenirs, recordings, and personal artifacts. The museum provides an intimate look at the life and legacy of one of Queen's most celebrated residents.
VISIT BEAUTIFUL PARKS AND GARDENS
Queens offers a variety of activities that cater to every taste. If you're ready to explore its outdoor places of entertainment and beautiful parks, here you go… There are lots of attractions in Queens and some of the best places are:
1. Socrates Sculpture Park, Something to Do in Queens as A Couple
The Socrates Sculpture Park is also nearby, located along the East River. The park is filled with decorative plants and modern sculptures by Noguchi and other artists. It's an excellent place to see beautiful works of art, and the views from the park are stunning. You will experience the intersection of both art and nature, by visiting this park
2. Walk Through Queens Botanical Garden, A Romantic Thing to Do in Queens
If you are looking for a romantic activity in Queens, consider visiting the Queens Botanical Garden. It is one of the most beautiful places in the borough, with many different specialty gardens. It has a bee garden, an herb garden, and a rose garden, all showcasing gorgeous blooms and plants. Kids can visit a garden designed specifically for them to learn about native plant life and environmental responsibility.
The Fragrance Walk is a beautiful outdoor walkway surrounded by blossoming flowers. At the same time, the Floral Border provides the perfect chance to get photographs of you and your partner to make the day memorable. Be sure to check out the botanical garden and art gallery, which is filled with botanical paintings, drawings, and photographs.
3. Flushing Meadows – Corona Park, The Best Park in Queens
If you are looking for the best parks in Queens, then start your adventure with a visit to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, home to iconic landmarks like the Unisphere, remnants of the 1964 World's Fair, and the Queens Museum. This park provides a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.
Take a stroll, rent a paddleboat, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by lush greenery. Flushing Meadows – Corona Park is one of the best outdoor spaces in Queens and one of the best parks in NYC.
4. Gantry Plaza State Park
Finally, Gantry Plaza State Park is another cool place in Queens along the East River in Long Island City. The park is part of a former dockyard where you can see old gantries and transfer bridges used to transport cars and vehicles across the river to Manhattan. There is also a playground and a waterfront promenade.
BEACHES AND OTHER OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
Discover a hidden treasure trove in Queens, away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. One of its best features is its breathtaking outdoor attractions, including stunning beaches. As the sun shines down, locals and visitors alike can enjoy the calmness and beauty of Queens' shores. Some of the must-visit places are:
1. Rockaway Beach, a Beautiful Place in Queens, New York
This amazing beach is called one of the few surfing beaches in the city. Apart from surfing and swimming, Rockaway Beach offers other activities in Queens, like you can play basketball, handball, and roller hockey. There is also a skatepark and a boardwalk, as well as several parks and playgrounds, so this is a fun thing to do in Queens with family.
There is the oldest surf shop over there that sells all kinds of surfing gear with a guidebook if you’re new to the sport.
This beautiful place in Queens boasts a delightful swimming beach as well as a boardwalk, restrooms, and outdoor showers. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer, and there are playgrounds, sports fields, and mini-golf for the kiddos.
2. Go To Alley Pond Environmental Center, An Outdoorsy Thing to Do in Queens
This Center educates visitors about the different plant and animal species in the area as well as how to identify and care for them. You can take a walk along one of the paved or unpaved trails or sign up for a guided forest walk. The Center also holds craft workshops and tutorials for all ages, so you can go here as a family. Among the forests and marshlands, you’ll find a playground, ballfield, and adventure course.
This place is a great spot for boating and birdwatching. A large migratory bird population passes through the area every year, including snow geese, peregrine falcons, and Cooper’s hawks. Horseshoe crabs, terrapin turtles, and ospreys are also common in this area.
3. New York Hall Of Science, A Place to Go in Queens with Kids
This place is located at the back of Flushing Meadows – Corona Park. It is another fun place to go in Queens as a family. This museum has all kinds of hands-on exhibits designed to teach children about technology, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. So, if you are looking for some fun things to do in nyc with kids, then this is your go-to place.
The New York Hall of Science has a permanent collection and temporary exhibitions that cover a variety of subjects like microbes, electricity, and health. The exhibitions have interactive elements that encourage children to engage with the sciences and have fun while learning. It's an excellent activity to do in Queens.
There is also an outdoor Science Playground where kids can enjoy themselves. Rocket Park is another outdoor attraction inspired by the 1964 New York World's Fair. The park has a space-age design and interactive activities that provide even more fun.
4. Visit The Usta National Tennis Center, Another Interesting Thing to Do in Queens
The National Tennis Center is a huge complex consisting of three stadiums, 22 indoor tennis courts, and 12 outdoor courts. This center hosts the US Open Grand Slam tournament, which Serena Williams won six times. The US Open is held every year in late August and early September, so you can get tickets to see the tournament. The USTA National Tennis Center is in Flushing Meadows – Corona Park, so if you visit the park then must visit this tennis court as well.
5. Astoria, A Culinary Expedition
Queens boasts a rich tapestry of ethnic neighborhoods, and Astoria stands out as a food lover's paradise. Explore a variety of restaurants in this cultural area, with options ranging from traditional Greek dishes to Egyptian delicacies. Additionally, take the opportunity to admire the vibrant street art scene that adds charm to the neighborhood.
Apart from the traditional food, each corner of Queens reveals a new culinary experience, inviting you to get on a flavorful journey of different tastes and textures across the border. Whether you are in the mood for authentic dumplings from a hidden Chinese enclave, searching for the best pizza in queens ny, or crave the tempting spices of South Asian street food, Queens has it all.
6. Queens Night Market, A Global Culinary Adventure
If you want to taste a variety of flavors in one place, then head to the queens night market. This market is held in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. This open-air market celebrates the borough's diverse food scene. From Malaysian roti to Colombian arepas, the market offers a unique opportunity to savor global cuisines at affordable prices, accompanied by live performances and a lively atmosphere. So, if you want to lighten up your mood and the evening then this place will be so happening for you. Just visit and enjoy with your partner or with your family and enjoy the serene environment with a variety of tastes all in one place.
