From iconic landmarks like the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park to hidden gems like the Queens Museum, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant neighborhoods, and culinary delights from around the world, Queens promises a one-of-a-kind experience. Explore the bustling streets of Astoria, catch a live performance at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, or indulge in authentic cuisine at one of the borough's many eateries. Read on to learn about some of the hidden gems and popular attractions to figure out how to spend a day in Queens or just to discover a fun, local option you haven’t yet had a chance to experience.
Unique attractions: enjoy everything Queens has to offer
Even if you are from Queens, there is no shortage of fun ways to spend your evening in unique and memorable ways.
Sunset Cruise: View the beauty of the NYC skyline
New York City has one of the most scenic and impressive skylines in the world and some of the best places to view the scenery is on the Hudson or the Atlantic. There are several different charter companies that run guided tours of New York City’s waterways, giving you the opportunity to see the city in a light you may have never seen before. These tours can include beautiful glimpses of the sunset (a perfect romantic excursion) or fabulous views of the vistas and landmarks of the city (great for tourists and visitors).
Helicopter Tour: See the city in a new way
Get a high vantage point to view the majesty of the NYC skyline in a nighttime helicopter tour. These exciting, one of a kind tour events will give you the chance to soar over the city in a helicopter and see the city from an angle that few will ever see. Take a quick trip in the air to see the Statue of Liberty like you’ve never seen her before or sign up for a longer tour and see all 5 boroughs from 6,000 feet. You’ll never forget the look of NYC from aboard a helicopter and you’ll have a story that will last a lifetime.
Art Experiences: Make your own unique masterpiece
There is no shortage of schools and galleries that sponsor and host experimental art shows and experiences and, if you want to get a taste of abstract art for yourself, consider enrolling in one of these programs. In one of these unique experiences, you’ll be able to work with paint in exciting new ways, whether it is using glowing in the dark UV paint to use your partner’s body as a canvas, using a swirling paint drop to create indescribable colored canvases or using a paintball gun as your primary instrument. At the end of the night, you’ll leave with a completed piece of art and a story about your unique artistic experience.
BYOB Painting: Experience a stress-free artistic experience
If you are interested in meeting new people and getting to express your creative muscles in a low-stakes setting, consider attending one of the paint and sip events put on by The Paint Place. These BYOB events are great for groups or singles looking to mingle and, since they are designed with absolute beginners in mind, no one will feel embarrassed because of their lack of painting ability. You might even discover that your painting improves with a few glasses of wine. Come in, have a relaxing evening, share drinks and socialize and leave with your own personal masterpiece (or just an interesting reminder of a fun night out with friends.
Learn Photography: Capture the sights around Queens
Whether you are looking to take pictures of the awe-inspiring architecture, capture the profundity of the people or just experiment with the contrast of the city’s lights against the darkness of night, there are a range of photography tours and events to participate in. Some of these events are instructional workshops designed to teach photographers how to best take stunning photos, while others are photo tours that take participants to amazon locations to shoot.
Forage for your dinner
Discover the hidden flavors in plain sight at local nature parks, yours for the picking. From the garlic-scented greens to savory roots and even gourmet mushrooms, this adventure is sure to tickle your tastebeds and show you the bounty of nature firsthand.
Shopping at Queens Crossing: Merch with an Asian flair
Queens Crossing takes you on a tour of the best of Asia. This multilevel mall boasts a roster of Asian specialty and retail store, plus a food court and restaurants where you can savor the delights of Cantonese seafood and daily Dim Sum. Hop off the #7 subway at Main Street at the busiest station outside of Manhattan for a delightful sample of the diversity that Queens is famous for.
Underground Bunkers: Explore the Past
Tucked away at the farthest edges of Queens, a quiet strip of land reaches out into the Atlantic Ocean alongside the vibrant vibes of Coney Island and Brighton Beach. Fort Tilden is a fascinating slice of history that was bustling with activity during World War I. Now, it’s your private beach, part of the 26,000-acre Gateway National Recreation Area, surrounded by the echoes of a bygone era. Feel the thrill of exploration as you wander through its abandoned nooks and crannies, now reclaimed by nature with sandy dunes and lush greenery. It's like stepping into a forgotten adventure, an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Queens Zoo
Explore the wild wonders of the Queens Zoo, where paths meandering through 13 acres feature North American wildlife in their natural habitats. Visitors can see American bison, mountain lions, California sea lions, American bald eagles, and Roosevelt elk. Don't miss the aviary; once the iconic Winston Churchill Pavilion at the 1964-65 World's Fair, it’s now a breathtaking spiral walkway where vibrant birds flutter freely. The ornate Gates of Life by Albino Manca and Clarke and Rapuano adorn the zoo's entrance, celebrating the beauty of nature.
Queens County Farm Museum
Discover a pastoral oasis at Queens County Farm Museum, where history, agriculture, and community converge on 47 acres of farmland. Founded in 1697, this living museum preserves Queens' rich agricultural heritage and offers a taste of rural life for urban dwellers. The sprawling grounds are dotted with historic farm buildings, lush orchards, and gardens teeming with seasonal crops. Meet the barnyard sheep, chickens, and goats, or hop on a hayride to claim your prize Halloween pumpkin. The farm offers workshops and seasonal events for visitors of all ages. Be a volunteer farmer and tend the fields alongside farmers; you’ll get some exercise and fresh air, and learn what it takes to grow your own food. Queens Farm is open to the public seven days a week with free admission.
Queens Botanical Garden
Queens Botanical Garden evolved from the 5-acre “Gardens on Parade” exhibit showcased at the 1939–1940 World’s Fair. Local residents saved and expanded the original exhibit, which was later moved to its current location on Main Street in Flushing. Original plantings were incorporated from the 1939 site such as two blue atlas cedars that frame the iconic tree gate sculpture at the Garden’s Main Street entrance. Queens Botanical Garden is a 39-acre oasis in one of New York City’s most bustling and diverse neighborhoods and is unlike any other botanical garden in the world.
New York Hall of Science
You won't just learn how to see the science all around you, you'll have the chance to solve problems, ask new questions, and learn through discovery. New York Hall of Science is New York City's only hands-on science center. More than 450 interactive exhibits bring biology, chemistry, and technology to life, including Rocket Park Mini Golf, the award-winning 60,000-square-foot Science Playground, and Design Lab—an innovative hands-on space that helps young visitors gain a greater understanding of the design and engineering process. NYSCI occupies one of the few remaining structures from the 1964 New York World's Fair and is New York City's only hands-on science and technology center.
Unisphere
The 140-foot tall Unisphere is one of Queen’s most recognizable landmarks. The futuristic-looking structure was created for the 1964 World’s Fair to showcase technology, computers, and the dawn of the Space Age. Its stainless steel depiction of continents and global paths is meant to represent global unity and international cooperation. Three orbiting rings represent the first man in space, the first American to orbit earth, and the first communications satellite. More recently, maybe you caught its cameo appearance in Men in Black. Cool off in the mist of the fog garden on a hot summer day, or check out the lighted orb glowing in the night.
TWA Hotel
Time travel to the early days of flight with a visit to the TWA Hotel. Eero Saarinen’s landmark 1962 TWA Flight Center’s futuristic curvacious design is a swinging blast from the past. It’s an operating hotel connected to the JFK Airport, but the exhibits and dining are open to the public. Enjoy a cocktail in a vintage A vintage Lockheed Constellation “Connie” L-1649A jet that’s been transformed into a bar, ice or roller skate on the tarmac, or explore the museum exhibitions on the history of TWA, the Jet Age, and midcentury modern design. A Food Hall near the hotel’s entrance offers grab-and-go options, or make reservations at The Paris Café by Jean-Georges and finish your evening with a 60s cocktail in the Sunken Lounge.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
You might not expect to find one of the largest bird habitats in the northeast in Queens. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a sprawling sanctuary that offers a wild escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Explore winding trails, spot migratory birds, and marvel at the stunning marshlands that provide a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. With over 12,000 acres of saltmarshes, freshwater, and brackish ponds, upland fields and woods, and open bay and islands, it provides sanctuary to both migrating species and local birds. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just looking for a serene retreat, you’ll enjoy strolling the trails or paddling the many waterways.
Play time in the city
Bowling: Play a few frames
If you are looking for a fun night out that won't empty your wallet, head to the nearest bowling alley. Bowling is a great way to get exercise and spend time with friends, and you don't need to buy a lot of equipment to get started. You can rent shoes and bowling alleys don't charge a membership fee, so it's easy to try it out if you are a beginner. There are many great bowling alleys all over Queens, so you can choose from alleys with arcade games, bars, restaurants, or a retro vibe.
Mini-Golf: Putt and play
When you hear the words 'mini-golf', you probably think back to summers spent trying to get a brightly colored ball into a hole on the other side of a turning windmill. But this isn’t your childhood putt. Flushing Meadows offers not just one, but two, mini golf options—Flushing Meadows Pitch & Putt alongside an 18-hole course, or the science-themed Rocket Park Mini Golf adjacent to New York Hall of Science. Or, check out the Alley Pond Golf Center’s 18 hole mini golf course, where you can grab a burger or tacos at the in-house cafe.
Ice Skating: Visit the World Ice Arena
Need some skating tips before you attempt to navigate Manhattan’s obstacle-ridden ice? Head to this Queens arena, where dozens of weekly classes are available in addition to daily open sessions. If you need to refuel after all that gliding, the World Ice Cafe serves rinkside grub during most public-skating hours.
Live Performances
Q.E.D.
This independent, woman-owned venue for the arts in Astoria was voted #1 comedy venue in NYC. You’ll find stand-up comedy shows with both emerging and already-famous performers, plus you’ll find poets, storytellers, and other talent on their stage. On top of that, they offer a recording and rehearsal studio, a bar/cafe, and space to just hang out with jigsaw puzzles, games, and books. If you’re looking for a fun class, you can learn sign language, drink and draw with a live model, or explore the latest topics in mental health.
Queens Theatre
Catch a Broadway-style production, a contemporary play, a dance production, or a music concert at the Queens Theatre, situated in the New York State Pavilion designed for the 1964 World’s Fair. The venue holds three performance spaces, including a 464-seat main stage, a 99-seat studio theater and a 75-seat cabaret space, for hosting a diverse range of performances. Queens Theatre also hosts family-friendly performances and has a reasonably priced kids' series and birthday-party packages. Beyond just stage productions, Queens Theatre hosts educational programs and workshops for aspiring performers.
La Guardia Performing Arts Center
Catch some accessible and affordable arts programming at this college-based theatre on the campus of LaGuardia Community College. Calling itself and “artistic hub for vital, innovative storytellers, ” the center welcomes a diverse array of emerging and mid-career performers and new artistic voices. The center also offers classes for students and community members, including workshops, masterclasses, and artist residencies, that foster creativity and artistic exploration.
Art
Queens Museum
The Queens Museum is a cultural hub nestled in the heart of Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The first thing you see when you enter is the iconic Panorama of the City of New York, a sprawling miniature model that captures the city in intricate detail. Beyond this centerpiece, the museum boasts exhibitions that celebrate local and international art, history, and culture. From contemporary masterpieces to thought-provoking installations, each display invites guests on a journey of artistic discovery.
The Welling Court Mural Project
In the neighborhood of Welling Court, a remarkable fusion of art and community has been unfolding since 2009. Stretching out like spokes from a center point, Welling Court's residential streets are a canvas for over 150 local and international artists which showcases a diverse array of contemporary street art. From iconic figures like Lady Pink and Tristan Easton to emerging talents, the project has become a must-see destination for art enthusiasts seeking vibrant urban expression. The Welling Court Mural Project bills itself as “one of the best collections of contemporary street culture on earth” for good reason.
Museum of the Moving Image
Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to exploring the moving image in all its forms. Screens play a big role in our lives, helping us learn, have fun, and connect with others. MoMI focuses on moving images like film, television, video games, and digital media, and how they shape our perceptions of the world. You can take in an exhibition, catch contemporary and classic films from around the world, join in discussions with leading figures in film and television, explore their unique collection, or sign up for a class.
Socrates Sculpture Park
This accessible community arts space is a cultural anchor in Queens, where you can view exhibitions of contemporary public art and take part in classes and activities. Exhibits feature both internationally renowned artists and up-and-coming creators and encourage unfettered ambition in scale and subject matter. The vast majority of artworks exhibited at Socrates are built on-site in the outdoor artist studio space, which gives Park visitors the unique opportunity to witness the often labor-intensive art-making process.
MoMA PS1
Originally a public school building, MoMA PS1 is now a vibrant space showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art, installations, performances, and exhibitions. The museum's sprawling courtyard hosts summer parties and events, while its galleries and experimental spaces inside provide a platform for emerging artists to push boundaries and challenge conventions. You can expect bold, thought-provoking exhibits that break down boundaries. Plus, admission is free for all New Yorkers, and a low requested fee for others.
Global cuisine: restaurants
Queens diverse community is home to some of the tastiest restaurants in the city. In this vast borough, you'll find a culinary paradise of bubbling Colombian seafood stews, sizzling Korean barbecue, fresh Greek pastries, and so much more. It might not be possible to try them all, but it never hurts to try. Start with this list to narrow your options and explore the exciting dining scene in Queens.
Astoria Seafood
This family-owned seafood market and restaurant originates from three generations of Greek fish mongers. Owner Spyro Christakos brings his traditional family recipes to freshly prepared dishes. Here, seafood lovers can choose their freshly caught fish, shellfish, and other ocean delicacies and have them cooked to order on the spot. From classic fish and chips to mouthwatering grilled octopus, there's something to satisfy every seafood craving. This seafood buffet is unlike anything else in town.
Queens Night Market
Try some of the best, and cheapest, food in Queens at the Queens Night Market. NYC’s first and most affordable night market is a large, family-friendly open-air event that features over 100 independent vendors selling merchandise, art, and food. Plus, catch a small-scale cultural performance that celebrates the rich cultural diversity and heritage of NYC and Queens. The foodie festival runs on Saturday nights through the summer at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
New World Mall
Though merchandise abounds in the shops, what this huge Asian mall is really known for is the food. A J Mart Asian supermarket fills two levels, and on the third floor is one of the largest Chinese dim sum restaurants and banquet halls in the Tri-State areas, with a capacity of hosting 1,500 patrons. The sprawling basement food court is one of the famous dining destinations in the neighborhood—known for its diversity of Chinese and other Asian cuisines and its affordability. Slurp some noodle soup, sample dumplings, or try a delicious dry pot.
Do it yourself: art and creative experiences
Learn a new skill and create your own personal masterpieces in any of these creative DIY courses.
Paint & Sip: Drink, socialize and create art
If you would rather spend an evening drinking and making something you can take home with you, you can consider enrolling in a paint and sip experience. Paint and sip was the original way to combine a fun experience and an evening enjoying wine and there is a reason that the format has become so popular (and covers so many different kinds of classes). In these events, you’ll have access to a pre-sketched canvas and all of the paint you need to create your own masterpiece as you drink and socialize. Some events have alcohol supplied or while others are BYOB, but, regardless, you are sure to have a good time.
Pottery Wheel Throwing: Play with clay
Another great activity for anyone looking to learn a hobby and make their own personal work of art is a pottery wheel event. You’ll get hands-on experience working with wet clay and you’ll learn to work like a master in no time at all. Pottery making can be a practical skill as much as an art form, so you’ll be able to make your own pot, vase or mug to put to good use when you take it home. Most pottery wheel events include kiln firing as part of the package, but you’ll need to wait a few weeks to pick up your finished piece.
Book a Pottery Wheel Class Now
Candle Making: Give your home a fresh scent
Nothing says romance like a softly flickering candle flame. Fill your home with your favorite scents with handmade candles. Candle-making classes cover how to safely work with wax, prepare molds, choose the right type of wax, and add fragrance oils and non-toxic dyes. Learn to create beautiful non-toxic, eco-friendly candles to burn at home or give as gifts.
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Learn to Sew: Gain a handy skill and meet new friends
In one of the many sewing classes and events in Queens, you can learn the art of home sewing or clothing restoration while you meet fellow sewists who share your stitching passion. These classes will introduce participants to invaluable sewing techniques that are easy to pick up and learn but have tons of uses around the house. Sign up today and spend a day socializing and sewing.
Woodworking: Get crafty and work with your hands
For the more DIY inclined among you, Queens has a surprising number of woodworking and craftsmen shops. Not only are these great places to buy artisanal, bespoke furniture but they are also excellent places to spend a few evenings making your own furniture under the guidance of a skilled carpenter. These workshops and sessions are a great way to learn basic carpentry and to add a touch of personal flair to your home with a custom end table, coffee table or chair.
Jewelry Making: Make a custom accessory
Queens is one of the jewelry capitals of the world, home to some of the most prestigious artisans to ever craft rings, necklaces and more. You can join this artistic community, or just make your own perfect accessory in a jewelry making class. These courses range from simple classes where you create small rings, earrings or broaches (and learn skills you can replicate in your own home) to courses where you work with materials like molten gold and silver to create one-of-a-kind pieces in specialized workshops. In either case, you’ll leave these courses with a beautiful, handcraft piece that is the perfect conversation starter or gift for any occasion.
Book a Jewelry Making Class Now
Perfume Making: Craft your perfect scent
Have you ever caught a whiff of perfume and wished you could recreate that scent for yourself? Explore the ancient and fascinating world of perfumery with a perfume making class. Learn about the essential oils, exotic blooms, warm spices, and rare woods that go into blending personalized scents. Beyond scent-blending, courses also cover the history and science of perfumes.
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Stained Glass Workshop: Make a piece of personalized art
Another unique art experience, spending an evening attending a stained glass workshop is a great way to learn a new hobby, making a piece of art that you can hang or wear and meet new people and socialize. In one of these events, you’ll learn about the art of working with stained glass, including how to cut and solder pieces of glass into fascinating and enthralling patterns. Working with stained glass is a centuries old artistic tradition and it is one you can join with only a few nights spent practicing and getting hands-on experience.
Book a Stained Glass Class Now
Soap Making Experience
Imagine soaking in a steamy tub with a luxurious bar of soap fragrant with your favorite scents. Hands-on soap making classes present the soap-making process step by step for beginners or experienced soap makers. Learn how to blend ingredients, add scents and colors, and cure your soap before using it yourself or giving it as gifts.
Cooking and dessert making classes
Make dinner the whole activity by enrolling in an evening cooking class. Perfect for date nights or just learning a new skill on your own.
Cooking Classes: Make a meal out of your night
Want to spend an evening learning a new skill in a class that also doubles as your dinner plans? Consider enrolling in one of the specialty cooking courses offered by one of hundreds of restaurants and teaching kitchens in Queens. Whether you want to learn how to make Indian, Thai, Italian, French, Chinese, or American cuisine, or you want to learn the fundamentals of cooking, there are a wide array of courses you can take with kids of all ages. Teaching your kids the art of cooking is a great way to teach them important transferable skills and it will help them become more self-sufficient later on in life.
Pizza Making Workshop: Enjoy a slice of Queen’s finest
There is nothing quite like pizza and there is, obviously, no shortage of options for fine (and not so fine) pizza to choose from in Queens. However, sometimes, you might feel like you’ve exhausted the usual options and you aren’t prepared to order from a chain or hope that a nearby pizza cart is doing anything you are interested in. Try spending a night (possibly with some friends) learning how to make authentic New York-style pizza. By the time the event is over, not only will you have your own pizza to take home and enjoy, you’ll also be ready to recreate the dish at home and have a perfect pizza every time.
Pasta Making: Make perfect pasta every time
Who doesn't love fresh pasta, from silky fettuccine to perfect ravioli pillows? Spend an evening learning to make your own fresh pasta from experienced chefs in a homemade pasta class. Follow the steps to mix, roll, and cut the dough, and then enjoy your new creation. Pasta making classes are a great introduction to cooking even if you have never boiled water before.
Sushi Making: Discover the art of hand rolling
Have you always admired the perfectly luscious rolls at sushi restaurants? Experience the ancient and meditative art of sushi making. Spend an evening learning how it's done in a hand-rolled sushi class. These classes cover how to choose the best fish, prepare the special rice, and put together the perfect roll. Have fun creating veggie rolls and fish rolls to present your guests at home.
Cake Decorating: Work with fondant in a cake decorating seminar
If you’ve spent any amount of time on certain corners of the internet over the last few years, you know that cake decorating has become incredibly popular. Whether you are creating a perfectly designed and crafted wedding cake or making a cake that looks like a photorealistic roll of toilet paper, the cake is a surprisingly versatile canvas. You can spend an evening getting live cake decorating demonstrations and hands-on experience working with buttercream and fondant. This is a great way to pick up a new hobby and take the first steps towards becoming famous on the cake loving corners of the internet.
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Make a Dessert: Croissants, macarons, cakes, and more
You may be looking for a cooking experience but you aren’t sure you are up for making a full dinner (or you have other plans for dinner). If that’s the case, a dessert making class is a great option for individuals or groups looking to enjoy a dessert making experience. In these hands-on baking and decorating events, you’ll get to make your own delectable dessert, with options ranging from traditional cakes to cupcakes, cookies and more. Plus, at the end of the event, you’ll have a delicious dessert that you can take home and enjoy alongside the knowledge that it was something you handcrafted.
Make cocktails, taste wine and more
Enjoy a few drinks while learning skills that can save you money and impress your friends in any of these mixology or tasting events.
Mixology: Mix up a modern classic in a mixology & cocktail making event
If you want to be a bit more of a participant in your night of fun and libations, consider enrolling in a mixology class. In these instructive events, you’ll learn how to make a collection of classic and modern cocktails that are sure to impress. The best thing about these classes is that the menus are so varied that you can be sure you’ll find a class that teaches you how to make the drinks you want. If you want to just learn how to work with whiskey or rum (or any other spirit), you can find a course that introduces students to a collection of signature cocktails. Likewise, if you are looking for a more varied menu or you want something more complex than an Old Fashioned (or less complex than a Ramos Gin Fizz), those courses are just as easy to find.
Wine Tasting: Learn to think like a sommelier
If adding a bit of drinking to your evening is the plan, why not just cut out the middle-man and enjoy a wine tasting experience? In these classes, which can cover everything from introductory explanations for those unfamiliar with wine to specialty courses covering specific regions, veritals or styles, like reds or Italian wines. Whether you are an aficionado looking for an experience with new wine or someone who is new to wine and wants to learn their way around fermented grapes, you’ll be able to find a compelling activity in Queens.
Whiskey Tasting: Sample some American spirits
While Queens probably isn’t your first thought when you think of whiskey, artisan and craft whiskey bars and tasting experiences are becoming all the rage in the city. Whether you are a complete whiskey novice or you know exactly what kind of mash you prefer, there is sure to be a whiskey tasting event for you. These events include samplings of rare or high-end whiskeys, lessons on the history and traditions of American whiskey production or introductions to the whiskies of the world. These experiences are an excellent way to spend an evening adding a bit of flair and sophistication to an otherwise mundane night out drinking.
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Wine and Cheese Tasting: Add a touch of sophistication to your evening
Up the level of sophistication of your evening by adding a cheese tasting component to the mix in one of Queen’s artisanal wine and cheese tasting events. In these classes, you’ll learn the art of properly pairing wine and cheese and you’ll learn about the history and science of making cheeses and wines. If you’ve ever wondered why French and Italian wines are so different or why every European country has a claim to its own varieties of cheese, these courses are a great introduction to the world of wine and cheese.
Book a Wine and Cheese Tasting Class Now
Beer Brewing: Make your own beer
Discover the joy of brewing your own beer. Brewing beer at home is not only fun and easy to learn but also incredibly rewarding when you get to enjoy the delicious results. You'll delve into the art and science of beer brewing as you select ingredients for your unique brew. Learn to use malt extract, and learn valuable techniques such as steeping grain, boiling the wort, adding hops, and fermenting the beer. Whether you're an enthusiast looking to learn more about beer or a curious beginner eager to try your hand at brewing, in a beer brewing class you can learn and experiment with confidence.