When people think of New York City, their mind usually wanders to Brooklyn or Manhattan. But New York has so many different boroughs and areas to visit, and one of these boroughs you should definitely check out is Queens.
Queens has so much to offer, but it often gets overshadowed by some of the other boroughs, but we are here to tell you that you definitely shouldn’t skip out on visiting!
Whether you want to get out in nature or you want to find somewhere amazing to wine and dine, Queens has it all.
If you are planning a trip to New York City and you don’t know where to check out first, then read on to find out about 10 absolutely amazing things to do in Queens that are absolutely worth the money (see also “Amazing Things To Do In Central Park“)!
There is something for everyone on this list and you are sure to find the perfect way to spend your day when you visit this borough!
Queens Museum has been open to the public since 1971 and it is the perfect place to visit when you want to know more about the residents and history of this borough.
They have lots of interesting and fun exhibits for you to check out, some of which include the “Hey! Ho! Let’s Go: Ramones and the Birth of Punk” exhibit and the “Mother Tongues: Endangered Languages in NYC and Beyond” exhibit too.
You can learn so much about the history of Queens in this Museum and it will give you a better feel for the whole borough. It’s perfect for anyone who is interested in the history of the area.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the largest park in all of Queens.
There are so many different attractions that you can visit in and around the park, with some of the most popular being the Queens Botanical Garden, New York Hall of Science, Queens Museum, Queens Theater, and Citi Field.
This is the perfect place to visit if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the urban areas and you just want to take some time out to appreciate nature.
You can even go hiking in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, as well as biking and boating!
If you do visit the park make sure to check out the most iconic part of it- a 140-feet high sculpture of the planet called the Unisphere!
While you are in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, you may as well check out the Queens Botanical Garden. With over 39 acres to explore, the Botanical Garden is another great way to get a healthy dose of nature right in the middle of the city!
The Queens Botanical Garden has been around since about 1939 and it continues to grow in popularity every single day.
It is absolutely filled with beautiful flora, as well as an arboretum, a herb garden, a bee garden, an ornamental grass garden, and much more.
You can even book the Wedding Garden for engagements and wedding photos, and when you actually see the Wedding Garden you will see why people do.
The Queens Botanical Garden is perfect for the whole family as well, and you will have plenty of fun exploring, regardless of your age.
The New York Hall of Science was built for the 1964 World’s Fair and it aims to make science fun, not just for kids, but for adults too! This museum is incredibly family-friendly and you can quite easily spend the whole day here.
This is another attraction in Queens that can be found in the Flushing Meadows Corona Park and it has over 450 interactive exhibits, workshops, and programs, so you won’t get bored very easily.
Each of their exhibits is incredibly engaging, and they cater to all age groups.
If you check out the Design Lab, you will be able to make your own experiments and the museum will teach you more about evolution.
If you have any interest in science at all or you’re just curious about how things work, then you will love the New York Hall of Science.
Sports fans will absolutely love Citi Field. It is another location that can be found in the Flushing Meadows Corona Park and it is the home of the world-famous New York Mets!
Baseball fans will especially love visiting Citi Field, and if you are a Mets fan you will be able to see their home base when you visit.
This is one of the best places in all of New York City to watch a Major League Baseball game (see also “Spectacular Shows To Watch On Broadway“), so if you are planning on visiting Queens, see if you can catch a game while you are there!
Located within the area is also the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum, where you can learn more about the history of the New York Mets and baseball in general.
Citi Field makes for a wonderful day out, even if you aren’t a baseball fan.
Alley Pond Park is the second largest park in Queens and it is home to the oldest (and tallest!) tree in the entire city. The tree, nicknamed the “Queens Giant”, 133.8-foot tulip poplar tree is believed to be somewhere between 300 and 450 years old!
Along with the Queens Giant, there are lots to do that will keep you preoccupied and entertained at Alley Pond Park. If you are a bit more adventurous and a thrill seeker, then you should definitely check out the high ropes adventure course located in the park.
If you just want a relaxing walk in nature, there are plenty of trails for you to hike in the park too. Complete with meadows, forests, tidal flats, and wetlands, Alley Pond Park is suitable for all ages and it has something for everyone to enjoy.
The Rockaways is home to two of the most popular beaches in New York City. Here you will find Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk and Jacob Riis Park Beach.
Both beaches are absolutely beautiful and they are the perfect places to visit on a hot, summer’s day.
Whether you love to sunbathe or surf, the Rockaways will cater to your needs. On hot days, the beaches are packed full of people enjoying the sun and the sea and the overall vibe is just so relaxing and fun.
If you do plan on visiting the Rockaways then we’ll let you in on a little secret: Jacob Riis Park Beach is the quieter beach of the two, so if you want to feel a bit more secluded, try that one first!
But Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk is definitely worth visiting too and even though it’s not as quiet, it’s still incredibly beautiful!
If you love to play tennis or you just want to try it out, then you will have one of the best places in New York to visit when you go to Queens.
The USTA National Tennis Center is actually one of the largest public tennis facilities in the whole world, and it is suitable for all tennis players, regardless of experience or skill.
Along with playing tennis and watching the US Open which is held here every year, you will also have the opportunity to take a tour of the stadium and learn a bit more about the center and its history.
This location is an absolute must for tennis players and enthusiasts!
Normal markets are always fun, but the Queens Night Market is really something special! The Night Market is incredibly family-friendly and it is full of unique and diverse foods and goods from people from all walks of life.
The Queens Night Market is held outdoors and there are well over 100 vendors for you to visit when you go there.
You can also find a plethora of live music and nightly cultural performances, which really pay homage to how ethically diverse Queens is.
This is a great spot to visit if you want to get a true sense of what Queens is really all about.
Most people flock to Madison Square Garden in Manhattan when they visit NYC, but if you find yourself in Queens, you definitely need to check out Forest Hills Stadium.
This live events venue is beloved by Queens residents, but tourists also appreciate it when they visit.
This outdoor venue holds all different kinds of audio and visual performances year-round, and you are sure to find an event that suits you and your family.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see a show at Forest Hills Stadium if you are in the area!
Conclusion
Queens is an incredibly diverse and interesting place and it definitely deserves more recognition. If you are going to Queens soon, try some of these destinations and attractions out for yourself and see which ones you enjoy the most!
Hello, it’s great to have you here. My name is Julia and I am a travel blogger! I have been writing all of my life, and previously worked for a travel agency where I would recommend the best places to visit in the states.
If you are ready to take on the world, explore the sights, and see some of the most incredible places on offer, then take a look at some of my articles!
