Things to do

20 Ultimate Things To Do In Queens NYC

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Queens is a vibrant and diverse borough known for its rich cultural tapestry and dynamic neighborhoods.

All year long, people travel to iconic locations including Queens Museum, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre, and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

Queens captures the essence of New York City's global values with its busy markets in Jackson Heights, serene waterfront views in Long Island City, and historic landmarks like the Louis Armstrong House. These are the top 20 things to do in Queens New York City.

1. Explore Socrates Sculpture Park

Socrates Sculpture Park is an outdoor museum and public park dedicated to showcasing large-scale sculptures and multimedia installations.

Established in 1986, this unique cultural space spans over five acres along the East River, providing a dynamic and ever-changing landscape for contemporary artists to exhibit their work.

The park not only serves as an open-air gallery but also offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

2. Take A Walk On The Queensboro Bridge

The Queensboro Bridge offers breathtaking views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline, making it a standout among Queens NY attractions.

Connecting Manhattan and Queens, this cantilever bridge provides not only a vital transportation link but also a scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists who can enjoy the panoramic vistas.

The Queensboro Bridge remains a picturesque highlight, drawing both locals and visitors to appreciate its historical and visual significance.

3. Catch A Game At Citi Field

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Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, the ballpark features state-of-the-art facilities, diverse culinary offerings from classic fare to gourmet options, and interactive fan experiences.

The grand Jackie Robinson Rotunda, dedicated to the legendary player, sets a historic tone upon entry. Inside, the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum delves into the team's storied past, showcasing memorabilia and honoring past greats.

This blend of modern amenities and rich history makes Citi Field a must-visit for baseball enthusiasts.

4. Shop At Queens Center Mall

The Queens Center Mall, located in Elmhurst, is the largest mall in Queens and a top shopping destination among Queens.

This expansive shopping center boasts over 150 stores, including high-end fashion brands like Macy's and Michael Kors and popular retailers like H&M and Apple.

Catering to every shopper's needs and preferences, the mall features a modern design and a wide variety of dining options, from a vibrant food court to sit-down restaurants.

5. Visit The Jamaica Bay Wildlife

This expansive refuge encompasses over 9,000 acres of diverse habitats, including salt marshes, upland fields, and woodlands, providing a sanctuary for a wide variety of bird species and other wildlife.

Bird enthusiasts can spot rare and migratory species, especially during the spring and fall migrations, while the well-maintained trails offer serene settings for nature walks and opportunities to observe the area's rich biodiversity.

6. Attend A Concert At Forest Hills Stadium

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Attending a concert at Forest Hills Stadium is a must among the many exciting things to do in Queens NYC.

With its unique bowl shape and excellent acoustics, Forest Hills Stadium offers an intimate and memorable setting for music performances, attracting top artists from various genres.

The stadium's charming atmosphere, enhanced by its vintage architecture and lush surroundings, provides concertgoers with a one-of-a-kind experience.

7. Explore The Greater Astoria Historical Society

The Greater Astoria Historical Society is a must-visit for those interested in Astoria's rich history.

Visitors can explore extensive archives, engaging exhibits, and educational programs that reveal the stories of the people, places, and events shaping this historic community.

With a variety of resources, including photographs, maps, documents, and artifacts, the society provides a comprehensive view of Astoria's evolution from a rural settlement to a bustling urban enclave, making it essential for history buffs and curious explorers.

8. Dine In Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights is a must-visit in NYC Queens, celebrated for its diverse culinary scene. This vibrant neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures, offering a wide array of authentic cuisines from around the world.

As you explore, you'll find streets lined with restaurants, cafes, and food markets representing flavors from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, and more.

9. Visit Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

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Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is a key highlight among things to do in NYC Queens, known for its iconic Unisphere and historical significance.

The park is also home to renowned institutions such as the Queens Museum, which features exhibits on the World's Fair, and the New York Hall of Science, which offers interactive science exhibits.

10. Explore Queen Museum

Exploring the Queens Museum is a top recommendation among things to do in NYC Queens, offering a captivating blend of art, culture, and history.

The museum is renowned for its diverse art exhibitions, showcasing contemporary and historical works that reflect the vibrant cultural tapestry of Queens.

A standout attraction within the museum is the Panorama of the City of New York, a meticulously crafted scale model of the entire city.

11. Explore The Alley Pond Park

Alley Pond Park, the second-largest public park in Queens, is a natural oasis offering a wide range of recreational and educational opportunities.

Spanning over 655 acres, this expansive park features diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, meadows, and freshwater and saltwater ponds, providing a haven for wildlife and a serene escape for visitors.

The park is well-known for its extensive trail system, perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and nature walks.

12. Tour The Louis Armstrong House Museum

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The Louis Armstrong House Museum offers an intimate glimpse into the life of the legendary jazz musician.

Visitors can explore the charming home, filled with original furnishings, personal artifacts, and memorabilia.

Guided tours highlight his contributions to music and American culture, showcasing rare recordings and archival materials, making the museum a significant and memorable stop in Queens.

13. Eat At The Flushing Chinatown

This bustling neighborhood, located in the heart of Flushing, is one of New York City's largest and most diverse Chinatowns, offering a sensory feast with its myriad of restaurants, food stalls, and markets.

From steaming bowls of hand-pulled noodles and savory dumplings to spicy Sichuan dishes and fresh seafood, Flushing Chinatown caters to all tastes and preferences.

Visitors can enjoy traditional dim sum, explore the flavors of regional Chinese cuisine, or delve into offerings from Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and other Asian cultures. 

14. Discover Little Guyana In Richmond Hill

As you stroll through the streets of Little Guyana, you'll encounter a colorful array of shops, markets, and restaurants that reflect the rich heritage of Guyana.

Indulge in traditional Guyanese dishes such as pepperpot, roti, curry, and pholourie, while savoring the flavors of Caribbean influences.

The area is also known for its lively festivals, cultural events, and street vendors selling unique goods and handmade crafts. 

15. Catch A Show At The Queen's Theatre

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Located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, this modern theater offers a dynamic calendar featuring a wide range of productions, including plays, musicals, concerts, dance performances, and community events.

Whether you're interested in attending a Broadway-quality show, enjoying a classical music concert, or discovering emerging artists, the Queen's Theatre provides a platform for both local talent and internationally acclaimed performers.

16. Experience The Queens Night Market

The Queens Night Market is held on Saturday nights in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. This open-air market celebrates the borough's rich cultural diversity through food and goods.

Visitors can indulge in a dazzling array of international cuisine, from Filipino BBQ and Taiwanese bubble tea to Colombian arepas and Burmese noodles.

Beyond its culinary delights, the market features unique handmade crafts, art, and live performances, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

The Queens Night Market offers a culinary tour of the world and an immersive cultural experience right in Queens.

17. Enjoy Arts At MoMA PS1

As an affiliate of the Museum of Modern Art, MoMA PS1 is dedicated to showcasing experimental and innovative works by emerging and established artists from around the globe.

Housed in a repurposed 19th-century school building, the museum's unique architecture complements its avant-garde programming, providing an inspiring backdrop for a diverse range of installations, performances, and multimedia exhibits.

Visitors can immerse themselves in thought-provoking art that pushes the boundaries of traditional media and addresses contemporary social, political, and cultural issues. 

18. Visit The Museum Of The Moving Image

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Located in the Astoria neighborhood, this dynamic museum features a wide array of exhibits that explore the evolution of moving images, from classic cinema to contemporary digital content.

Visitors can delve into interactive displays, rare artifacts, and behind-the-scenes insights into the production process of beloved films and TV shows.

The museum's collection includes iconic costumes, props, and memorabilia, as well as cutting-edge installations that highlight advancements in animation, video games, and virtual reality.

19. Tour The Steinway & Sons Piano Factory

Visitors can get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous craftsmanship and intricate processes involved in creating a Steinway piano, from the selection of fine woods to the final tuning and finishing touches.

Skilled artisans demonstrate traditional techniques passed down through generations, providing a fascinating insight into the art of piano making.

The tour also includes a visit to the factory's concert hall, where visitors can hear the exquisite sound of a Steinway piano in an acoustically perfect setting.

20. Explore The New York Hall Of Science

The New York Hall of Science is renowned for its interactive science exhibits.

Visitors can explore diverse topics, from physics and chemistry to biology and space exploration, through engaging, participatory displays.

Highlights include the Science Playground, a 60,000-square-foot outdoor area where children learn through play, and Rocket Park Mini Golf, with each hole teaching a space science lesson.