Queens, often referred to as the world’s Borough, epitomizes the global mosaic that New York City is known for. Queens doesn’t just embrace diversity – it thrives because of it. From the bustling streets of Flushing, where you can find authentic Chinese markets and restaurants, to the historic allure of Astoria, this Borough beckons visitors from every corner of the globe. Discover the top spots to experience the beauty of Queens, from natural landscapes to dining spots and hotels, coming up on queens.name.
Gantry Plaza State Park
Located on the banks of the East River, this oasis makes for a great venue for live music, sports, BBQs, fishing, paddling and other activities. The park is located in an area that was once a shipyard and industrial area, so you will find lots of old structures that were once used for loading and unloading railroad cars and barges. The park’s design has won lots of awards. Landscaped gardens and green spaces have transformed the former industrial area into a stunning natural environment with breathtaking views.
The scenery of Gantry Plaza State Park attracts many photographers, who most often capture romantic shots. The views are stunning, especially during the evening and night when millions of lights illuminate the city. Don’t miss out on visiting this place to enjoy the beauty of nature and experience some vibrant emotions and inspiration.
Long Island City Piers
Long Island City’s piers are a striking feature of the revitalized industrial area along the East River. Creative art galleries, music venues and clusters of stylish bars and eateries draw in local artists. MoMA PS1 hosts contemporary art exhibitions and seasonal dance parties.
Francis Lewis Park
This slot is a big draw for visitors with its expansive sloping lawns, an abundance of trees and shrubs, various sports fields and a designated kids’ area. The park’s winding paths lead to two scenic spots, each with benches and game tables. You can enjoy the incredible scenery of the bridge and East River from both locations. In the mid-twentieth century, the scenery from here was exceptionally stunning, but since then, numerous trees have grown up, obstructing the once clear view. Sunset is a great time to take advantage of the opportunity to take stunning photos while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere at the park.
Anable Basin Sailing Bar & Grill
The Bar & Grill on the East River offers more than just delicious food in a warm atmosphere – it also offers stunning views that will leave you in awe. If you come here at night, what you see will be a special treat. By the way, this is one of the few places on the East River where you can dock a private boat.
The atmosphere at the place is casual with plastic cups, paper plates and picnic tables. The menu is all about European flavors. You will find Polish kielbasa and Balkan cevapi alongside burgers and hot dogs. Plus, they offer a great selection of beer, wine and cocktails.
Bungalow Bar
It’s another great grill bar in Queens, offering stunning views of the Borough and New York City. Located at the base of the Crossbay Bridge in Rockaway Beach, it’s a perfect beach hideaway that’s open year-round. You can enjoy panoramic waterfront views and breathtaking sunsets from here. Known for its casual food that complements the picturesque setting, this establishment has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the top spots in the Borough.
Blend on the Water
Blend on the Water, a Latin American restaurant is a contemporary establishment with a lounge area, cocktails, fine dining and river views. The restaurant boasts 10-foot windows encircling the dining area, offering captivating scenery.
The establishment features authentic cuisine influenced by various Latin American nations. Blend on the Water boasts a fantastic roomy bar, stocked with top-shelf spirits and 5 huge plasma TVs. The venue is large enough to host up to 150 people, making it a perfect spot for big celebrations like weddings or birthdays.
Boro Hotel
The hotel provides rooms with a modern minimalist design in tin downtown Queens, just a quick stroll away from the subway station. You can easily get to Manhattan and its top sights from here. Every room at Boro Hotel includes a queen or king-size bed and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing city views.
Socrates Sculpture Park
Socrates Sculpture Park is the largest open area in New York City that is set aside for displaying sculptures. It is located on the East River waterfront of Long Island City, across from the northern edge of Roosevelt Island. The park offers visitors a scenic view of the Hell Gate Bridge and railroad bridge. The steel arch over the East River is one of the few railroad connections between Long Island and the rest of the U.S.
The park doesn’t have a permanent collection. All artworks are displayed temporarily. Most of them are placed in an outdoor area under the open sky. Visitors can not only see the art pieces but also observe the intricate process of their creation. Interestingly, the area was once part of an industrial waterfront and was used for decades as an illegal dumping ground.
Ravel Hotel
If you are looking for a place to stay in Queens, then make sure to check out the Ravel Hotel. This boutique hotel in Long Island City offers the chance to see stunning scenery, including the previously mentioned East River and Roosevelt Island. The establishment attracts guests with its penthouse, indoor/outdoor rooftop restaurant and lounge area. The hotel’s restaurants serve up delectable Asian and South American dishes. Whether it’s a romantic date, birthday celebration, wedding, or corporate event, this venue has something for everyone.
The Ravel Hotel offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a rooftop swimming pool during the season. Day passes are available for purchase. The hotel also features a bridge connecting the hotel tower’s upper levels to the main building, along with numerous outdoor seating areas that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you are visiting for business, a special event, or a vacation, the Ravel Hotel has something for everyone.
SHI
SHI is a Japanese restaurant located by the waterfront in Long Island City. With a full-fledged bar and lounge, it’s the perfect place to spend a great night out on a date or with friends. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible views of the city skyline that you have only seen in photos before. SHI’s diverse menu features a mix of Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese dishes. During the warmer months, you can enjoy dining on the outdoor terrace.