MileHacker Logo
Famous Landmarks in Queens

Famous Landmarks in Queens

Queens New York, USA Travel Guide

Queens Iconic Landmarks

The Unisphere in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is a giant stainless steel globe sculpture, a lasting remnant of the 1964/1965 New York World's Fair. It symbolizes "Peace Through Understanding" and remains an iconic symbol of Queens. The Queens Museum, also in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, houses the renowned "Panorama of the City of New York," a huge scale model of all five boroughs. MoMA PS1 in Long Island City operates as one of the oldest and largest non-profit contemporary art institutions.

The Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona preserves the home of jazz legend Louis Armstrong. This modest house offers a poignant glimpse into his private life and lasting legacy. Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City operates as an outdoor museum and public park, exhibiting large-scale sculpture and multi-media installations, often created by local artists.

Visitor Details

  • Unisphere: Open 24/7, no admission fee.
  • Queens Museum: Wed-Sun, 11 AM-5 PM; suggested $10-15 admission. Guided tours available.
  • MoMA PS1: Thu-Mon, 12 PM-6 PM; $10 admission. Hours vary by season.
  • Louis Armstrong House Museum: Thu-Sat, 11 AM-4 PM; $12-15 admission. Guided tour only, booking ahead recommended.
  • Socrates Sculpture Park: Open 365 days, 9 AM to sunset; free admission.

Insider Tips for Views

Photography Spots

  • Unisphere: Photographing it at dusk provides dramatic lighting.
  • Gantry Plaza State Park (LIC): Offers iconic Manhattan skyline views, striking at sunset and into the night.
  • Astoria Park: Provides impressive views of Manhattan, Roosevelt Island, and the RFK (Triborough) Bridge.
  • Always remember to be respectful and ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.

Less Crowded Times

  • During the morning on weekdays are generally less crowded for seeing museums and indoor attractions.
  • Early mornings in parks also provide a quieter experience for contemplation and photography.
  • Explore the various waterfront parks in Long Island City for diverse views of Manhattan beyond Gantry Plaza.

Each park offers a slightly different perspective of the urban landscape.

Major Cultural Institutions

  • Queens Museum: Famous for its "Panorama of the City of New York" and World's Fair memorabilia.
  • MoMA PS1: Focuses on contemporary art, experimental exhibitions, and emerging artists.
  • Museum of the Moving Image: Dedicated to film, television, and digital media, with iconic artifacts and hands-on displays.
  • These venues provide rich educational and inspiring experiences for visitors.

Specialized & Niche Museums

  • The Noguchi Museum:

    Houses a comprehensive collection of sculptures, drawings, and models by Isamu Noguchi, with a serene outdoor sculpture garden.

  • Louis Armstrong House Museum:

    A focused look into the life and legacy of the jazz legend, preserving his home as he lived in it.

  • New York Hall of Science:

    An interactive science museum with over 400 exhibits, making complex scientific concepts accessible, popular with families.

Historical Sites

Queens is a wealthy past, evident in its surviving historical districts, significant religious sites, and remnants of past eras.

Historical Districts & Religious Sites

  • Forest Hills Gardens

    A planned residential community with distinctive Tudor-style architecture, winding streets, and picturesque homes.

  • Jackson Heights Historic District

    Features unique garden apartments and pre-war cooperative buildings, demonstrating innovative housing designs from the early 20th century.

  • Flushing Historic District

    Includes the Bowne House and the Old Quaker Meeting House, providing insight into the borough's colonial past and its role in advocating for religious freedom.

  • Bowne House

    Built around 1661, among the most ancient surviving houses in Queens, symbolizing religious freedom.

  • Old Quaker Meeting House

    Built in 1694, the oldest house of worship in New York State, still an active meeting house.

  • Diverse Houses of Worship

    Hindu temples in Flushing, mosques in Astoria and Jackson Heights, and various Christian churches reflect multiculturalism.

Memorial Sites

The New York State Pavilion in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park consists of iconic, decaying structures from the 1964 World's Fair, popular for contemplation and photography.

Industrial Heritage

Fort Totten Park in Bayside preserves a historic Civil War-era fort, offering guided tours of its underground tunnels and structures.

Archaeological Sites

No prominent archaeological sites or ruins are featured for tourism in Queens; the historical focus is on colonial-era and 19th-century architecture.

Museums & Performing Arts

Queens offers a variety of museums and cultural institutions, showing art, history, and media. These venues provide rich educational and inspiring experiences. Local cultural centers and performance venues host diverse global arts programming.

  • Flushing Town Hall: has diverse global arts programming, including music, dance, and theater performances.
  • Jamaica Hub for Arts & Learning (JCAL): Offers visual, performing, and literary arts programs.
  • Forest Hills Stadium: A historic outdoor amphitheater hosting major concerts and live music events.
  • Always check individual museum and venue websites for current special exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, and public events.

Natural Attractions

Queens offers a surprising array of natural attractions, from expansive urban parks and botanical gardens to beautiful waterfronts and even a public beach.

Scenic Viewpoints

Li City and Astoria waterfronts offer spectacular Manhattan skyline views, particularly at dusk. Higher elevations in Forest Hills and Kew Gardens offer panoramic city views.

Wildlife Viewing

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a major bird sanctuary for migrating birds. Alley Pond Park provides diverse wildlife habitats for local species.

Water Recreation & Geology

Beaches, Lakes, and Waterways

Rockaway Beach is Nyc's only legal surfing beach with a boardwalk. Meadow Lake and Willow Lake in Flushing Meadows-Corona Green space are used for boating. The East River, forming Queens' western boundary, is active with NYC Ferry and recreational boats.

Explore water activities on GetYourGuide

Geological Features

No especially prominent geological features are promoted as tourist attractions in Queens. The borough's landscape is generally low-lying and urbanized, with its natural beauty found in parks and seaside areas rather than dramatic geological formations.

Cultural Centers & Performance Venues

Flushing Town Hall, Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), and Forest Hills Stadium offer diverse global arts programming and major concerts.

Current Offerings

  • Check individual museum websites for current special displays.
  • Look for film screenings, workshops, and public events.
  • These special offerings provide deep dives into topics or artists.

Hidden Gems: Local Favorites

Queens County Farm Museum is New York City's largest tract of undisturbed farmland, offering a rural experience within the city. Fort Totten Park in Bayside, with its Civil War-era fort and waterfront views, provides a blend of history and green space.

Emerging Destinations

  • Rockaway Peninsula, with its growing food scene, art installations, and go surfing culture.
  • Jamaica Avenue commercial corridor, for an authentic metropolitan experience.
  • Unique Photo Opportunities: Murals/street art in LIC/Astoria, Tudor architecture in Forest Hills Gardens, decaying structures of NY State Pavilion.

Maximize Your Sightseeing

Utilize public transport (subway, bus) for time-saving travel between attractions across Queens.

Consider purchasing a MetroCard for seamless journeys.

Hidden Gems

Beyond its major attractions, Queens holds numerous hidden gems, offering unique experiences that reveal the borough's authentic character and charm. These less-trafficked spots provide insight into local lifestyle and culture.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

These spots often surprise visitors with their depth and tranquil atmosphere, providing a rest from crowded tourist areas.

Explore These Unique Sites

  • Institution of the Moving Image in Astoria, a world-class institution a smaller number of crowded than Manhattan museums.
  • The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, a tranquil, contemplative space dedicated to Isamu Noguchi's works.
  • The Panorama of the City of New York at the Queens Museum, an underappreciated, vast, detailed model of the entire city.

Local Favorites & Emerging Spots

Discover beloved area hangouts which offer an unique rural experience or a glimpse into dynamic, developing neighborhoods.

Experience Queens Like a Local

  • Queens County Farm Museum, NYC's largest tract of undisturbed farmland, rarely visited by tourists.
  • Fort Totten Park in Bayside, with its historic Civil War-era fort and waterfront views, for history and green space.
  • The Rockaway Peninsula, an emerging destination with a growing food scene and surf culture.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture the real essence and diverse aesthetics of Queens with these striking backdrops.

Visuals

  • Murals and street art found in Li City and Astoria.
  • Distinctive historic architecture of Forest Hills Gardens with its Tudor-style homes.
  • The decaying structures of the New York State Pavilion in Flushing Meadows-Corona Green space.

These locations offer picturesque and memorable scenes.

GetYourGuide - Attractions

Explore and book a wide array of attractions and sightseeing tours in Queens and beyond.

Book Your Experiences

  • Find attraction tickets for the Queens Museum or Museum of the Moving Image.
  • Discover unique tours and activities to enhance your visit to Queens.

Visit GetYourGuide for Queens attractions

Visitor Information

Plan your visits by checking the official websites of each attraction for the most current information.

Practical Advice

  • Hours of operation can vary by season or special events.
  • Admission fees are may change.
  • Public transport is readily available to most major attractions.

Consider purchasing a MetroCard for easy subway and bus travel.

Museums & Cultural Programming

Art Galleries

Long Island City has numerous smaller art galleries and independent studio spaces, often featuring local artists.

Cultural Centers

Flushing Town Hall and Jamaica Hub for Arts & Learning provide various global arts programming and community events.

Special Exhibits

Museums frequently rotate exhibits and offer unique programs; check their online sites for current listings and details.

Plan Ahead for Popular Sites

Booking tickets online in advance for museums and specific tours can save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak travel periods.