Queens, New York, is essentially the most various borough in New York Metropolis, house to over 150 nationalities and greater than 160 languages spoken. Recognized for its wealthy cultural heritage, it includes a particular mix of world delicacies, thriving neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks like Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Citi Subject. Whether or not you’re trying to purchase a home in Queens, NY, lease an condominium, or lease a house in Queens, you don’t need to miss out on these distinctive native experiences.
With mouthwatering meals spots on each nook, inexperienced areas galore, and loads of alternatives to be taught one thing new, it may be laborious to determine the place to begin. On this Redfin article, hear from Queens locals on distinctive issues to do whereas in Queens, NY.
1. Discover Queens’ food and drinks scene
One technique to start getting acquainted with this borough is to take pleasure in a number of the finest eating places in Queens. From steakhouses to nook cafes, Redfin’s native consultants will enable you to discover memorable meals throughout the borough.
Sanger Corridor
“Sanger Hall is more than a bar; we’re a music venue, community space, and home for creatives. We pride ourselves on being a place where everyone’s welcome, from families to artists to music lovers. We host live music, art shows, and unique events that celebrate diversity and creativity in Queens. On top of that, we have amazing neighborhood specials because we believe great food and drinks should be accessible to everyone. And of course, we’re known for our bomb cocktails that keep folks coming back!” – Alex Milachay, normal supervisor of Sanger Corridor.
Belo
“A must-visit in the neighborhood is Belo, right down the street. Jonathan serves up incredible Brazilian dishes with family-style portions, fantastic specials, and killer cocktails. Like us, they’re all about community, great vibes, and bringing people together.” – Alex Milachay, normal supervisor of Sanger Corridor.
Salvatoria Kitchen & Bar
“Salvatoria Kitchen & Bar is a cozy Salvadoran restaurant in Astoria serving some of the best pupusas and plantains in Queens. The warm atmosphere, friendly staff, and flavorful dishes make it a go-to spot for a comforting meal with a Latin American flair.” – Lisa Devine, proprietor of 2nd Probability Candles, a neighborhood candle retailer.
The Door Restaurant
“The Door Restaurant is an elegant Caribbean restaurant with an excellent menu. In business for over 20 years, there’s a bar area and a beautiful dining space with great service.” – the crew at Black Spectrum Theatre, a neighborhood community-based skilled theatre.
Figlia
“My fiancé and I are partial to quite a few restaurants here in our part of town, Astoria/Ditmars. First is Figlia where the owner, Ricardo, and his team make all of the pasta in-house. They also have amazing wood-fired pizza. Ricardo knows us by name, and probably most of his customers, and goes out of his way to introduce himself and make people feel at home.” – Paul Spataro of Astoria Headshots.
Jack Jones Gastropub
“One other restaurant we take pleasure in is Jack Jones Gastropub, which can also be a heat place for each Irish and American fare. The proprietor, whose identify I can’t keep in mind, dreamt of getting a pub just like the one his dad went to in Eire, the place individuals would collect, eat, discuss, and absorb some music or a soccer recreation.
For those who go within the night or at brunch the hostess (and I imagine co-owner) Carol will greet you on the door, present you to your desk and take a second to ask you ways you’ve been. Additionally they have a normal retailer that sells sweet bars and snacks from Eire and Europe! It’s such a fantastic place and we extremely advocate it!” – Paul Spataro of Astoria Headshots.
Rolo’s
“Rolo’s in Ridgewood is the new ‘must-go-to’ spot with ‘killer hamburgers’ that run out as soon as the first seating enters, so be prepared to be one of the first. The Chef/Co-Owner, Howard Kalachnikoff, formerly of Gramercy Tavern, continues preparing wood-fired dishes that amaze and delight.” – Salvatore Rizzo, proprietor & CEO of De Gustibus Cooking College by Miele.
SriPraPhai Thai
“SriPraPhai Thai is an old school standard in Williston Park, preparing the most authentic Thai food this side of the world since the early ‘90s. Authentic, delicious and one of the best.” – Salvatore Rizzo, proprietor & CEO of De Gustibus Cooking College by Miele.
M. Wells Steakhouse
“As a wedding photographer in NYC, I get to discover incredible places while capturing love stories. One unforgettable venue was M. Wells Steakhouse in Queens, where I shot a wedding and had one of the best meals of my life. It’s a perfect blend of industrial charm and fine dining. I took my husband for a meal after I stumbled upon this gem.” – Priyanca Rao Images, a neighborhood pictures service in Queens for weddings, company headshots, and extra.
Elias Nook for Fish
“Elias Corner for Fish is the best go-to Greek restaurant around, with a casual setting that feels like home. The price is great and the food is the best around.” – Williamsburg Cinemas, a movie show in Brooklyn.
2. Give a go to to the New York Corridor of Science
Take the chance to be taught one thing new throughout your time in Queens. “As a lifelong science enthusiast, the New York Hall of Science is one of my favorite places,” says Adnaan Wasey, Govt Director of Rooftop Movies, a neighborhood nonprofit supporting rising filmmakers in outside places.
Adnaan continues, “If you love New York City, I recommend their CityWorks exhibit that shows the elaborate invisible infrastructure that makes everything in the city go. And it’s also a great spot to watch a movie! The Queens Drive-In is a fun throwback theater we’ve created with them, but with new films — including The Wild Robot on May 30th. It all makes me feel like a kid again.”
3. Discover the Louis Armstrong Home Museum
Queens and NYC, by extension, have been key gamers in cultivating a number of the most influential jazz of the twentieth century. There’s no higher technique to join with this wealthy historical past than visiting a museum celebrating one in all jazz’s most influential contributors. “The Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona is pure joy for me, as a jazz fan,” says Adnaan Wasey, Govt Director of Rooftop Movies, a neighborhood nonprofit supporting rising filmmakers in outside places.
“There’s a tour of the house where Satchmo lived for decades that makes you feel connected to music history, but it’s also a remarkable glimpse into everyday life in Queens in that era. The garden is also a great place to catch a performance honoring Armstrong’s legacy—or a film! We’ve been showcasing new films there for years, and we’re excited to be screening We Want the Funk! on June 11th, in this space where you can feel the community spirit that Armstrong cherished.”
4. Catch a recreation at Citi Subject
A singular factor to do in Queens is testing a ball recreation at Citi Subject. “Yankee Stadium gets all the notoriety, but Citi Field is one of the best venues to catch a ball game in the entire US,” says Tim O’Reilly of Bespoke Cleaners, a neighborhood cleansing firm in Queens, NY. “There are amazing food options, including Shake Shack, and you can feel the energy of the city with every pitch. There’s no better place to spend a summer night.”
5. Say hi there to the animals on the Queens Zoo
Christopher Figueroa of Chris Fig Productions, a video manufacturing service in Queens, recommends a visit to the Queens Zoo to spherical out any journey.
“As a father of two young children, ages 1 and three, my favourite weekend exercise to do with them in Queens is to go to the Queens Zoo. Absolutely the coolest half is the Aviary, which is principally one huge hen cage that you could stroll round and watch birds fly. I can’t consider some other place in Queens that has this kind of exhibit.
As soon as we’re accomplished with the birds, we stroll over to the petting zoo and feed the animals. My children love when the goats eat out of their fingers. Are my children terrified? Completely! However they love the joy of all of it.
After visiting the zoo, we take a brief drive over to Empanada Cafe, which has arguably one of the best Empanadas in Queens. Choose any empanadas from their in depth checklist, and also you’ll fall in love with every chew. All of it begins with the filling, which tastes like your grandmother cooked it. Each Queens native is aware of and loves Empanada Cafe.”
6. Store for native presents at 2nd Probability Candles
For these trying to discover some native artisans in Queens, take into account a cease at 2nd Probability Candles. This store presents hands-on candle-making workshops the place company create their very own custom-scented soy candles. Paint pouring workshops or slime-making workshops are additionally obtainable. “All our workshops are available seven days a week and are great for adults and kids! Our space has a unique, chill vibe that makes everyone feel welcome the moment they walk in,” says Lisa Devine, proprietor of 2nd Probability Candles.
7. Take a one-of-a-kind cooking class with The League of Kitchens
Queens and New York normally are well-known for being culinary havens, however The League of Kitchens has taken it up a notch by a novel cooking class providing. Not solely will you be taught particular dishes to impress your folks, however you’ll be studying these recipes within the kitchens of native cooks in New York.
“We’re really excited to highlight our next class: Shandra’s Indonesian Summer Immersion Workshop in Astoria,” says Katie Kenny of The League of Kitchens. “Shandra’s home and backyard garden are a vibrant reflection of Indonesian culture, and her class offers an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else.”
8. Be looking out for film stars
Though you could possibly catch celebrities strolling down the road in Manhattan, Queens is the place the true magic occurs. “There are a lot of known actors who have apartments in Long Island City because it is close to the studios here,” says Paul Spataro of Astoria Headshots. “And there are quite a few studios where many favorite TV shows and movies have been shot: Silvercup Studios, Broadway Stages, Silvercup East, Kaufmann Studios, and Robert De Nero’s new Wildflower Studios!”
Paul continues, “Being that there are so many film studios in the area, on any given day you can see set trailers, crew, equipment, and of course, actors meandering the streets of Astoria and Long Island City. While Manhattan is beautiful and is usually considered more of the ‘movie scene,’ the studios are here in Queens.”
9. Make a memento on the Monster DIY Studio
For those who’d somewhat make a memento than purchase one, go to Monster DIY Studio for a novel factor to do in Queens. “Our family loves Monster DIY Studio, where you can decorate mugs and phone cases with buttons and emojis. It’s creative, fun, and a sweet spot for making memories,” says Priyanca of Priyanca Rao Images.
10. Go on a scavenger hunt by the town
One technique to get acquainted with the town shortly is thru a scavenger hunt. “A scavenger hunt is a great way to explore a new area,” says Ben Hoffman, proprietor of cityHUNT, a scavenger hunt firm in NYC. “Queen’s is no different, it’s filled with iconic landmarks and lesser-known hidden gems. If you strategically plan to end your hunt at The Alcove you won’t be disappointed. It offers up great cocktails and excellent burgers.”
11. See a present on the Black Spectrum Theatre
New York Metropolis is known for being a hub for creatives, so take a look at a present whilst you’re exploring the city. The Black Spectrum Theatre, positioned in Queens, isn’t any stranger to skilled productions. “We are a 55-year-old community-based professional theatre that produces award-winning theatre and top-shelf jazz concerts,” says the crew at Black Spectrum Theatre.
12. Breathe awhile in Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Presumably essentially the most stunning place in Queens is the Flushing Meadows Corona Park. There’s a lot to do right here for guests, and also you’ll get one of the best suggestions from Rob MacKay of It’s in Queens, a neighborhood weblog for residents and guests to maintain updated on all issues occurring in Queens.
“Manhattan has Museum Mile alongside Central Park, however Queens has Flushing Meadows Corona Park and its numerous cultural venues. Initially, FMCP is the fourth greatest public house in all of New York Metropolis. With 898 acres, it’s 55 acres bigger than the aforementioned Central Park and its distinctive city/suburban and salt/contemporary water location permits for a beautiful mixture of flora, fauna, waterways, paths, athletic services, statues, and cultural organizations. And similar to Hunter’s Level South Park in my different submit, it has one of the best people-watching.
Meadow Lake, which is the Massive Apple’s largest physique of contemporary water, has rental services for rowboats and paddleboats. In the identical spot, the American Small Craft Affiliation retains greater than a dozen sloop-rigged sailboats, that are used for educating and racing. It’s additionally the location of the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Competition, a world occasion throughout which greater than 150 groups compete in about 80 rowing races over a protracted weekend in August.
Landlubbers can take pleasure in strolling and bicycle paths, a few of which hook up with the Brooklyn-Queens Greenway, or they will play aggressive soccer, volleyball, and cricket video games. The Aquatic Heart boasts an Olympic-size indoor pool and an ice rink.
I evaluate FMCP to the Museum Mile as a result of it’s house to Queens Museum, Queens Theater, New York Corridor of Science, Queens Zoo, the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Heart, and Citi Subject. All these venues have ties to the 1939 and 1964 World’s Gala’s. Some are remnants. Some are renovated and relocated displays. Some grew up round pavilions. However all of them mix historical past with trendy operate.”
13. Soak up the great thing about Hunter’s Level South Park
Regardless of being often called the “concrete jungle,” New York Metropolis has some breathtaking inexperienced areas to discover. Queens isn’t any exception. For Rob MacKay of It’s in Queens, exploring Hunter’s Level South Park is likely one of the most unusual issues to do in Queens.
“Hunter’s Level South Park is nice all yr spherical, but it surely’s probably the most particular locations on this planet throughout the warm-weather months.
Situated alongside the East River in Lengthy Island Metropolis, this 10-acre open-air public house combines inspiring views of Midtown Manhattan with large inexperienced areas, sports activities services, clear loos, piers, a kayak launch, and a number of the finest people-watching in New York Metropolis. After which there’s the huge neon Pepsi-Cola signal that dates to 1939 and has landmark standing.
Because it’s positioned close to a bit of Lengthy Island Metropolis that’s exploding with luxurious excessive rises, the park hosts nice neighborhood actions akin to group yoga, free outside film screenings, summer time camp, and silent discos.
Hunter’s Park is well accessible from Brooklyn and Manhattan by way of NYC Ferry, which operates a cease there. It’s a stunning, five-minute journey from the cease at thirty first Road in Manhattan. Landlubbers can take the 7 prepare to Vernon Boulevard, which is the primary Queens cease after leaving Grand Central Station.
Frank Ottomanelli’s By The Water is the massive concession stand. Frank is a member of the well-known Ottomanelli household that runs butcher retailers throughout New York and New Jersey. He serves his award-winning hamburgers together with rooster, scorching canines, chili, and different objects. He additionally operates an outside bar with a dancing space when the climate permits.
For those who’re nonetheless hungry, varied meals vans park close by and promote every little thing from tacos to arepas to ice cream.”
14. Discover the connection between wine and opera
This expertise is actually a novel factor to do in Queens. For those who like wine and opera, you’ll love Queens Opera Theatre’s Vino e’ Voce. “Vino e’ Voce is an immersion into the natural connection between wine and opera,” says Brian Gill, govt producer of Queens Opera Theatre.
“Join us as Sandra Zotti guides you through a curated wine journey, complemented by the stunning vocal talents of Sara Duchovnay and Matthew Stephens on the piano. Mark your calendars for June 12th and indulge in a night of sophisticated delight.”
In conclusion: go forth and discover distinctive issues to do in Queens!
From world-class delicacies and wealthy cultural establishments to serene parks and vibrant neighborhood occasions, Queens, NY, presents an unmatched mixture of native taste and world affect. This rings true for guests, too. “Even when you’re just visiting, you can feel the rhythm of a neighborhood, and Queens has a beat all its own,” says Chanda Strickland, CEO at Finest Property Administration in Chattanooga. “From hidden food gems to family-friendly parks, it’s the kind of place that surprises you – in the best way.”
Whether or not you’re a customer or a longtime resident, there’s at all times one thing new and significant to find on this various and dynamic borough.
