15 Best Things To Do In Queens, New York
New York City’s most statistically diverse borough, Queens, is full of incredible attractions and things to do. From the remnants of the 1964 World’s Fair at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park to the cultural hubs of internationally-centered neighborhoods, there’s so much happening, and it stands as an important part of NYC’s melting pot formula. Next time you find yourself in the area, or you’re looking for something to do, check out one of these best things to do in Queens.
1. Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the 4th largest park in New York City, and is home to plenty of attractions. Not only is it the site of the original World’s Fairs in the mid 1900s, but many parts of it actually remain today like the Unisphere, New York State Pavilion, New York Hall of Science, Terrace on the Park, and Flushing Bay marina. While these features are notable in their own right, the nearly 900 acre park is also full of sport fields, trails, walkways, and recreation centers open to New York locals!
2. Queens Night Market
Queens Night Market is one of NYC’s best night markets, and it’s home to dozens of vendors selling food, art, and merchandise! Starting April 13, 2024, the open-air food market will return to Flushing Meadows Corona Park with vendors like Don Ceviche, The Malaysian Project, Sam’s Fried Ice Cream, and many more. The best part? Most food options are capped at $5, making it affordable to try some of Queen’s best businesses. Learn more about Queens Night Market here.
Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park
3. Queens Botanical Garden
Stop and smell the flowers at Queens Botanical Garden, a 39 acre floral oasis home to some of NYC’s most gorgeous flowers. Here, “people, plants, and cultures are celebrated through inspiring gardens, innovative educational programs, and real-world applications of environmental stewardship.” Originally, the garden was adapted from a 1939/40 World’s Fair exhibit, and has since been the site of themed gardens, educational workshops, cultural events, and much more. Learn more about Queens Botanical Garden here.
4. Eat your way through Flushing, Queens
As mentioned, Queens is diverse, and that’s portrayed in the culinary scene too. Specifically in Flushing, Queens where there’s a massive density of Asian cuisine within the neighborhood. Thanks to the locals, visitors can spend an entire day walking the packed streets of Flushing trying out probably the best Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian dishes you’ve ever had. Check out our favorite restaurants in the area here.
5. Museum of the Moving Image
If you’re a fan of movies and the cinema, you have to spend a few hours at the Museum of the Moving Image. This special media museum dives deep into the history of the industry and how it came to be what it is today. It features plenty of exhibitions, film screenings, and live panel events discussing the art, technology, and techniques that go into make film, television, and digital media. Learn more about the Museum of the Moving Image here.
Where: 36-01 35th Ave, Queens
6. Citi Field
Citi Field is home to the MLB’s New York Mets, who play here from March – September! It’s one of New York City’s best sports venues in the city, and they’re also quite known for their exemplary food and drink options! Grab some friends or family and hit the ballpark for a game.
Where: 41 Seaver Wy, Queens
7. MoMA PS1
Sibling to the notable Museum of Modern art is MoMA PS1, a contemporary art museum in Long Island City that “embraces boundary-breaking ideas and experimental practices.” This non-profit art space pushes the industry forward by hosting contemporary exhibitions to promote artist ideation. It’s our vote for the best art museum in Queens. Learn more about MoMA PS1 here.
Where: 22-25 Jackson Ave, Queens
8. USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Each fall, one of tennis’ most famous tournaments comes to Queens in the form of the US Open. For two weeks, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center becomes a home to tennis fans from far and wide, as the world’s greatest athletes come to compete in the tournament. During the rest of the year, visitors can still check out the sporting complex and even take lessons and tour the facilities. Learn more about the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center here.
9. Governors Ball
New York City’s massive Governors Ball Music Festival takes place in Queens each summer, and this year it’s set for another return to Flushing Meadows Corona Park! It happens mid-June, and this year’s headliners include Post Malone, The Killers, and SZA. Learn more about Governors Ball Music Festival here.
10. Queens Zoo
Looking for something to do with kids in Queens? Head to the Queens Zoo, an 18 acre zoo located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park that’s full of awesome wildlife, interactive exhibits, and conservation programs. From domestic animals (sheep, cows, alpacas) to Andean bears and sea lions, there’s plenty of habitats to explore here. Learn more about the Queens Zoo here.
Where: 53-51 111th St, Queens
11. Take in the neighborhood of Astoria
With a west border nestled along the East River, Astoria is one of Queens’ most popular and diverse neighborhoods in the borough. It’s known for many things, including an extremely diverse population, a thriving culinary scene (with a focus on Greek and Egyptian), and many restaurants and shops along main roads like Ditmars Boulevard and Steinway Street. Learn all of our favorite things to do in Astoria here!
12. Gantry Plaza State Park
Stroll through Queens’ 12 acre park along the river, where you’ll find fresh blooms, Manhattan skyline, and a whole lot more. Gantry Plaza State Park is Long Island City’s precious gem where visitors can walk down the lengthy East River promenade or take advantage of their many facilities like basketball courts, playgrounds, handball courts, and a fishing pier.
Where: 4-44 47th Rd, Queens
13. New York Hall of Science
Originally founded during the 1964-65 World Fair, the New York Hall of Science is one of NYC’s most esteemed museums, welcoming over 500,000 visitors per year. The museum evidently focuses on STEM subject matter, with exhibitions designed to tap into young scientists’ curiosity and engagement with science. From ecology to mathematics to astronomy, there’s plenty of experiences and programs to get your mind going! Learn more about the New York Hall of Science here.
Where: 47-01 111th St, Queens
14. Louis Armstrong House Museum
The Louis Armstrong House Museum pays homage to the iconic jazz singer Louis Armstrong, who paved the way in the music industry and African American history in the mid 1900s. The brick house museum in Queens is home to all sorts of artifacts, photos, and recreations of his and his wife Lucille’s dwelling that tell the tale of his legacy. It’s a truly inspiring museum to learn more about one of history’s most renowned and important cultural musicians. Learn more about the Louis Armstrong House here.
Where: 34-56 107th St, Queens
15. Rockaway Beach
Queens is home to one of New York City’s best beaches, Rockaway Beach! Perfect for the summertime, you can spend a day on the water and put your toes in the sand…or walk along the 5.5 mile long boardwalk full of activities and food. The public beach season usually runs form Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend!
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