Best 10 Places to Visit in Queens

Queens is a vibrant borough in NYC, known for its cultural diversity, featuring stunning landscapes, historical museums, beautiful parks, and lively neighborhoods, adding grace to the borough’s rich legacy. You may discover several attractions here, from strolling through the Botanical Garden to playing volleyball at Rockaway Beach and discovering filmmaking skills by visiting the Museum of Moving Images and the New York Hall of Science, and much more. To make the most of your visit, here's your guide to free activities in Queens.

Rockaway Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Queens that looks like a little piece of heaven on Earth, a coastal paradise perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing while you can casually chill out on the miles of sandy shores. You’ll find an easy route to reach this beach, a few dedicated coaches, and ferry rides that you can hop on and travel straight to the coast. After having a wholesome beach day, grab a glass of sour wine at the Rockaway Brewery, situated close to the beach which attracts visitors with its taproom’s laid-back and beachy vibes.

Furthermore, Beach 92nd is known as the most crowded beach with bigger waves ideal for surfing, and some other beaches like Orchard Beach and Coney Island are a must-visit.

MoMa PS1 is one of the Queens attractions, nestled in the heart of Long Island City, housed in a former public school now known for its contemporary art scene and amazing science projects being displayed. Art lovers from all over the world are drawn to the museum by its innovative installations and immersive experiences that push boundaries and enhance artistic expression. Don’t miss out on fun-filled exhibitions and activities happening here, especially their Sunday sessions DIY spaces, NYC art collectives, and so much more.

One of the most entertaining things to do in Queens, for people of all ages is to visit the New York Hall of Science, located close to the Botanical Garden, opened since the 1964 World’s Fair. This center welcomes more than 500,000 visitors annually to witness 450+ artworks, science exhibitions, and displays.

Get some fresh air and interact with nature by strolling through the marshy tidelands covering over 12,600 acres of land, a one-of-a-kind serene spot to visit in Queens at Jamaica Bay. You may witness numerous species of birds, aquatic animals, and tiny mammals that inhabit the salt marshes, and don’t miss out on a glimpse of osprey, falcons, and herons. It is suggested to use mosquito repellants and bring binoculars to enjoy sightseeing.

The Museum of Moving Images is a must-visit in Queens. The building's architecture provides a stunning backdrop for its exhibits. Here, you can learn about the history, methods, and craft of filmmaking from its beginnings. The museum delves into the technical and artistic aspects of filmmaking, showcasing a rare collection of old cinematography equipment in a timeline.

The Queens Botanical Garden is a peaceful haven, covering over 39 acres and showcasing a variety of plant collections. Opened in 1939, the garden features sections inspired by Queens' diverse communities, such as Native American and Asian flora in the Herb Garden. The Circle Garden highlights plants from Korean civilization, and the Fragrance Walk offers delightful scents reminiscent of fragrant essential oils.

Chill out and have a picnic in the Arboretum’s shaded areas beneath the trees, while admiring the natural beauty of the botanical garden.

One of the best things to do in Queens at night is to stargaze the beautiful skyline of Queens at the Gantry Plaza State Park, situated on the eastern side of the Hudson River, covering over 12 acres of lush green space. The restored gantries act as a memorial to the park and are utilized in hosting outdoor concert performances. Additionally, you can capture the stunning sights of the Empire State Building and UN Headquarters from here.

Astoria is a calm neighborhood in Queens, featuring numerous shops and boutiques lined up on the street reflecting the culture of this borough. It is an ideal spot to search for crafted and handmade goods, stationary, cosmetics, and jewelry shops. Experience Greek aesthetics at the Hellenic Aesthetic shop, offering beautiful jewelry pieces, lifestyle items, and stuff made in Greece.

The Noguchi Museum is dedicated to the works of renowned American-Japanese artist Isamu Noguchi, featuring his designs, paintings, and sculptures. It is housed in a calm setup, where the outdoor garden invites visitors to investigate the culture, art, and nature as it provides a reflective and inspiring environment. They host many exhibitions featuring large-scale sculptures, thoughtfully placed to reflect the ideas of natural lighting and textures.

This building was renovated in the 1920s and has a beautiful Zen-inspired sculpture garden outside, a great spot to chill out, unwind, and spend some time with other travelers.

After spending a day exploring around, don’t forget to experience the stunning nightlife in Queens and stop by Casa Enrique to savor some Tex-Mex delights offering award-winning dishes, reflecting the magic of Chef Cosme Aguilar. Don’t miss out on the Pastor Tacos, Sopecitos de Chorizo, and Chicken Enchiladas with Mole and Pozole, while vibing on the classic atmosphere. Good company and good food are all you need to make your day!