10 Best Reasons to Visit Queens, NYC

New York City is made up of five boroughs. The largest in area and the second largest in population is the easternmost borough, Queens. Queens is a multi-cultural borough and is a well-known artistic hub with many attractions and features for locals and tourists alike. The 10 best reasons to visit Queens, New York City:

10. Kaufman Astoria Studios. 34-12 36th Street, Astoria, NY. The Kaufman Astoria Studios are famous for television shows such as Sesame Street, The Cosby Show and large motion pictures including Hair and Carlito’s Way. The studio does not give tours to the public, but tourists can visit the Studio Cafe. This famous Queens television and film studio has walls filled with photos of famous celebrities such as Al Pacino, Bill Cosby and Diana Ross that have walked the grounds and worked at the studio. Located near other Queens attractions such as our #9 pick.

9. Museum of Moving Images. 35th Avenue & 37th Street, Astoria, Queens, New York. This museum gives the public an understanding and appreciation of the history, art, technology and technique of film, television, and digital media. Tourists and locals are provided access to moving-image related artifacts through multimedia exhibitions, among other artworks and interactive experiences. A one-of-a-kind museum, unlike any other in New York City. See other related articles on NYC museums.

8. Home of 2 Large Airports – JFK International Airport & LaGuardia Airport. Queens is home to two of the three commercial airports in the NY metropolitan area. JFK and LaGuardia are most popular because of their central location and proximity to Manhattan; LaGuardia only 8 miles from midtown Manhattan. They are huge contributors for Queens’ employment and huge benefactors in their economic impact for the city of New York.

7. P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center. 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Queens. An affiliate to The Museum of Modern Art, P.S. 1 is one of the largest and oldest contemporary art museums in the United States. If you cannot get enough of MoMA, P.S. 1 will give you plenty more contemporary art exhibits to see from famous artists as well as up and coming talents. Some exhibits are quite graphic, so be aware if you bring along your children. The museum is free, but the suggested donation is $5.

6. Citi Field & New York Mets baseball team. 126th Street & Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, Queens. The Citi Field park was completed in 2009 and has been an entertainment venue that has featured shows by Paul McCartney and the Dave Matthews Band, as well as being the home to the Major League Baseball team New York Mets. During the NY Mets’ history, they have won two World Series titles (1969 and 1986), four National League pennants (1969, 1973, 1986, 2000), and five National League East titles (1969, 1973, 1986, 1988, 2006). Among many more, several famous Mets players are Mike Piazza, David Wright, Jose Reyes, Johan Santana, and Carlos Beltran. A great attraction for any baseball lover. See: NYC Sports