Queens

Queens, the largest of New York’s five boroughs, is often regarded as a crossroads of the world. Its cultural diversity is unique, with each neighbourhood revealing influences from the four corners of the globe. This international mosaic has shaped the identity of Queens, offering an incredible wealth for travellers in search of authenticity. With communities from Asia, Latin America, Europe and beyond, it’s no wonder the borough is sometimes described as the epicentre of the true New York experience.

Historically, Queens came into being in 1683 as a county of the colony of New York, named after Queen Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II of England. It was in the early 20th century, with the arrival of numerous waves of immigrants, that the borough began to establish itself as a welcoming place for those looking to start a new life in the United States. Today, this diversity is reflected in everything from ethnic restaurants to the cultural festivals that punctuate the year.

Finding your way around Queens

Queens, New York’s largest borough, covering an area of almost 280 km², lies to the east of Manhattan and to the north of Brooklyn. It is bordered by the East River to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Geographically, it offers a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from densely populated urban areas to more open, residential areas. It is home to iconic districts such as Astoria, near the East River, and Flushing, known for its Asian communities, as well as beaches such as Rockaway in the south.

Finding your way around Queens can seem daunting because of its size and the diversity of its neighbourhoods, but it’s simpler than it sounds. The borough is mainly divided into residential areas that are well served by the New York metro system, with lines such as the 7 running west to east through Queens, connecting key points such as Long Island City, Sunnyside, and Flushing.

Unlike Manhattan, where streets follow a grid pattern, Queens adopts a more complex system where streets are numbered in ascending order with subtle distinctions between streets, avenues, and boulevards. Although this can be confusing at first, the metro stations, buses and mapping applications make it easy to navigate from one neighbourhood to another, whether you’re heading for Astoria, Jackson Heights or Jamaica. For those who prefer to travel by car, it’s worth knowing that several bridges and tunnels link Queens to the other boroughs, making it easy to get to Manhattan, Brooklyn or the Bronx.

The most touristy districts in Queens

Flushing

In the heart of Queens, an iconic neighbourhood known for its sprawling Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, where landmark attractions like Unisphere, the Queens Museum, and Citi Field create the perfect mix of leisure, culture and history.

Long Island City

The vibrant borough of Queens is renowned for its thriving art scene with venues such as MoMA PS1, spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Gantry Plaza State Park, and its unique mix of galleries.

Astoria

A vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood in Queens, Astoria is famous for its Greek roots, authentic taverns and lively cafés, as well as cultural institutions such as the Museum of the Moving Image and the peaceful charm ofAstoria Park, with its magnificent views over the East River.

Jackson Heights

A cosmopolitan neighbourhood in Queens, Jackson Heights is a cultural melting pot of communities from Latin America, India, Nepal and Bangladesh, offering a vibrant culinary scene and lively streets full of colour and tradition.