In terms of size, Queens is the biggest borough in New York City. This part of the Big Apple is primarily dominated by residential neighborhoods that host large ethnic enclaves. John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport make Queens an important hub for air travel in the NYC metropolitan area. Most of the cultural attractions in the borough are located in the historic Flushing Meadows-Corona Park which covers hundreds of acres. Click to book your Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn bus tour.
Sightseeing
A visit to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park leads to some of the best cultural attractions in Queens. The Queens Museum has an extensive collection of art and other media relating to New York City. The Panorama of the City of New York is without a doubt the highlight of this museum building that once served as the headquarters of the United States. Featuring interactive exhibits for kids and adults, the New York Hall of Science is located just a short walk away from the Queens Museum.
At the Queens Zoo, you can spot animals that are native to North America and some other exotic creatures. A botanical garden is also located at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. When strolling the park, you’ll surely notice the huge Unisphere and other monumental installations that date back to the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs. Additionally, the borough is home to the Museum of the Moving Image, Noguchi Museum, and Socrates Sculpture Park.
Entertainment and Sports
Built in 2009, Citi Field hosts the home games of the MLB’s Mets. This world-class stadium replaced Shea Stadium, which hosted the team for more than four decades. Located within walking distance of Citi Field, the USTA National Tennis Center is another major sports venue in the heart of Queens. The United States Open is held at this massive tennis complex that includes Arthur Ashe Stadium, which has a capacity for more than 23,000 fans. More than three-quarters of a million people attend this grand slam event every year.
History
Queens, NY was mostly rural and undeveloped under Dutch and British colonial rule. After the American Revolution, this land was part of Nassau County of Long Island. It was only in the late 19th century that Queens was officially incorporated as a borough of New York City. By hosting the World’s Fair in 1939 and 1964, Queens gained positive international status. For generations, the densely populated borough has supported a dynamic influx of immigrants from all over the world.
Geography and Neighborhoods
Flowing between the New York Harbor and Long Island Sound, the East River separates Queens from the island of Manhattan. This river also acts as a natural border between some parts of the Bronx and Queens. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, the Far Rockaway is a district that boasts some of the top oceanfront strips of land in New York City.
The heart of Queens includes Corona and Flushing, which have large populations of Chinese immigrants. Located at the western edge of the borough, Astoria has a well-established Greek community. The adjacent riverfront Long Island City neighborhood has recently experienced a major revival through gentrification and rapid commercial development.
Transportation
Queens is home to the John F. Kennedy International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in the world. The AirTrain is an automated rail system that provides 24-hour service at JFK Airport. Primarily handling domestic flights, LaGuardia Airport is also located in Queens.
Buses and taxis are readily available at both airports, and JFK Airport is also connected to the New York City Subway. Some busy subway lines that serve major parts of the borough include the 7, A, C, E and Z. Grand Central Parkway, I-495 and I-678 are some of the busiest highways in Queens.