Astoria is located on the northwestern part of Queens, right next to the East River. It is one of the most populous areas in the borough and has been evolving in recent years. Naturally, with a changing community, new shops and restaurants emerge.
The neighborhood is going through gentrification and is popular among young people from all over the world. Astoria is a colorful mix of nationalities and has a growing selection of hip restaurants and bars. It’s a small neighborhood with a lot of character, and there are a lot of things to do in Astoria.
What is Astoria known for?
There are a lot of things to do in Queens and it is very diverse. When it comes to Astoria, it’s a neighborhood that is continuously changing and growing. Many families still reside here, but more and more young professionals are making their way into the area every year.
Trendy restaurants, bars, and shops are opening up, especially on Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. and 30th Avenue. During warmer months, Astoria is filled with street festivals during the warmer months and even has it’s own park that has everything you need.
The history of Astoria is much more interesting. It’s gone through a lot. The neighborhood was named after John Jacob Astor after he invested in the area. Astoria was also home to Paramount Studios in the 1920s. After WWII, many immigrants from all over the world came and settled here. They were mostly from Europe and the Middle East.
Our Top 5 things to do in Astoria
Astoria in Queens is filled with events, activities, and sights. If you’re questioning what to do or where to go, we’ve provided you our top favorite things to do in Astoria. Hopefully, this quick list can save you time and money. We also want you to experience the culture that Astoria offers.
Our recommended top sights in Astoria Queens
Astoria Park
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Astoria
For us personally, this is probably the best thing to do in Astoria. You don’t have to spend any money here. There’s a pool, a track, great views, and the park isn’t too big at about 59 acres. You can see the RFK bridge as well as Hell Gate Bridge. Come here to enjoy a nice little run or walk during sunrise or sunset. There are also numerous parking spots in and around Astoria Park as well.
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
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Astoria
The Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (RFK), also known as the Triborough Bridge connects the boroughs of Manhattan, The Bronx and Queens. The RFK bridge has a walkway from Astoria, Queens that leads right into Randalls Island. You can enjoy views of Hells Gate Bridge and the path is pedestrian and bike-friendly.
Steinway Street
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Astoria
Steinway is a popular street in Astoria and his home to a bunch of shops and restaurants to check out. The 2.4 mile street stretches from Berrian Blvd in Astoria to Northern Blvd in Long Island City. The food scene on Steinway is very diverse and you’ll find cuisines from Europe and Asia.
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
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Astoria
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden in Astoria is a really popular spot especially in the summer. You’ll hear live bands and numerous amounts of people enjoy themselves to great beer. It can get so buys during the day that you can hear the noise right down the street. Bohemian Hall is also the oldest beer garden in New York.
Museum of the Moving Image
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Astoria
The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria is a very interesting museum. It details the history of entertainment and media of all kinds. If you’re the type of person that’s into movies, TV series or any type of digital entertainment then visiting this institution is well worth it.
What else is there to do in Astoria?
Astoria isn’t just limited to the top 5 mentioned above. Restaurants in Astoria are are some of the best in the city. The neighborhood is filled with museums and art galleries as well. We feel that the area gets overlooked compared to other neighborhoods such as Williamsburg and Long Island City.
Visit Socrates Sculpture Park
Socrates Sculpture Park opened in 1986 and is known for their sculpture exhibits that take place year-round. This Queens park overlooks the Manhattan skyline and is even more beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
Street Fairs in Astoria
In the summer months, Astoria closes off some streets and throw numerous street fairs. 30th Ave, 31st Street, and Steinway close it off to vendors and pedestrians throughout the year. Some street fairs include The Astoria Park Carnival, Astoria Spring Festival, Astoria Memorial Day Fair, and many more.
Ditmars Boulevard
Steinway is probably the most popular street in Astoria because of the many shops and restaurants. However, Ditmars Boulevard which is the last stop on the N W line is highly underrated. This street is packed with restaurants as well and is still growing. It’s filled with bakeries and cafe’s as well.
Take A Stroll (or Run) in Astoria Park
Astoria Park has everything you need. For runners, it has a track. For sports enthusiasts, there is a basketball and tennis court in the park as well. One a very hot summer day, you can either lounge in the green, have a nice picnic with friends or family, or you can check out the huge public pool. The park also provides an amazing view of the Hell Gate Bridge and RFK Bridge.
Bike around Astoria
Citi Bikes are scattered throughout Astoria. You can easily go from one area of the neighborhood to another within 5-10 minutes by taking a bike. Another recommendation is taking a bike to Astoria Park and ride along the water underneath RFK Bridge and Hells Gate Bridge.
Insider tip: if you love biking, it’s one of the best ways to see New York City. There are many bike rentals in NYC that you can utilize.
Kaufman Astoria’s Film Studios
The history of the Kaufman Astoria Film Studios dates back to the 1920s, when the studios once belonged to Paramount Pictures and was one of the most important film studios in the US at the time. Paramount Pictures moved their studios to the West Coast and left behind empty filming locations.
In the late 1970s, the studios were declared a National Historic Landmark due to its importance to the city of New York City. In 1982, George S. Kaufman bought the studios and brought life back to the film scene in Astoria. The complex now also includes the Museum of Moving Image and a restaurant.
Several famous blockbusters have already been filmed here, such as “Wall Street–Money Does Not Sleep” and “Men in Black”. Kaufman Studios also produces US television series, such as the Netflix hit: “Orange is the New Black”. You can read more about the studios here.
Best tours and activities in Astoria NYC
Astoria is a growing neighborhood and only recently has been on people’s radar. It could become just as popular as some neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Here are just a few tours and activities in or near Astoria, Queens.
Astoria: Small group walking and food tasting tour – This 3-hour small-group (max 8 people) walking and tasting tour in Astoria leads you through the multicultural neighborhoods of Little Greece and Little Egypt, stopping at local favorites for samples like Brazilian cheese bread, spinach pie, grilled pita, knafeh, and spiked ice cream.
Museum of the Moving Image: Flexible Ticket – So this isn’t necessarily a tour, but if you don’t want to be restricted with time, then this is perfect for you. This Museum of the Moving Image (MOMI) is the only museum in the US that’s dedicated to movies, film, and digital entertainment and it’s located in Astoria.
Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn Half-Day Tour – If you’d like to visit the other boroughs in NYC, then this tour is for you. It starts off in Manhattan and the bus takes you through some of the best sites in the mentioned boroughs. You can buy tickets here.
What’s there to eat in Astoria?
Astoria restaurants are everywhere in the neighborhood. Because the area is continuously growing, it seems like there are new restaurants, coffee shops, and bars that pop up. Places such as Taverna Kyclades and The Bonnie are just a few of the best restaurants in Astoria.
Whenever we’re in Astoria we try to immerse ourselves into the culture. Did you ever try a German Döner? You can try one at German Doner Kebab (31-75 Steinway St).
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden – The beer garden is super popular among the people that live here. It really comes to life when the weather gets warmer. You’ll hear live music and a beer garden filled with people. It’s also the oldest beer garden in New York City.
Shopping in Astoria Queens
Steinway Street has a lot of boutique shops and multicultural stores which makes shopping very unique. There are a few retail stores such as Victoria’s Secret, GAP Factory, and Express. Astoria is continuously growing and we’re a fan of some of the local shops that have emerged in the area. Check them out below.
Belief NYC – 2401 29th St, Astoria, NY 11102
The Brass Owl website – 36-19 Ditmars Blvd, Queens, NY 11105
The Astoria Bookshop – 31-29 31st St, Astoria, NY 11106
Museums in Astoria Queens
Even though Astoria isn’t a huge neighborhood, it boasts two of the best museums in New York City. If you’re trying to enjoy your time without all the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, then definitely come check these Astoria museums.
Noguchi Museum
The museum was founded by the artist, Isamu Noguchi. The artist died in 1988 but his museum, which is considered one of his greatest accomplishments is located right in the heart of Astoria. The Noguchi Museum is filled with stone sculptures and is actually directly across the Socrates Sculpture Park.
Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is perfect for people that love watching movies, TV series, and just have this obsession with entertainment. The museum is fun and exciting. It’s filled with educational programs, and artifacts that relate to media and entertainment and how the industry has evolved over time and this is truly one of the best things to do in Astoria.
What other neighborhoods are near Astoria Queens?
Below are neighborhoods near Astoria and that are worth checking out.
Best Things to do in Williamsburg Brooklyn
Things To Do in Flushing and Corona in Queens
Things to Do in Long Island City
Taking the MTA to Astoria Queens
So how do you get to Astoria Queens by train? The lines will take you directly to the neighborhood.
If you’re in Times Square, those trains depart from Times Square/42nd Street as well as 34th Street/Herald Square, 14th St./Union Square and 59th St. right next to Central Park.
If you want to find things to do in Astoria, take the train to 30th Avenue Station, Astoria-Ditmars or Broadway stations. These stops bring you in the middle of the action.
Alternatively, the train goes directly to Steinway Street. Kaufman Studios and the Museum of Moving Images are located only two blocks away.
Neighborhoods Similar to Astoria Queens
Astoria is a nice small neighborhood in Queens. If you enjoyed Astoria, make sure to check out these similar neighborhoods below.
Der Beitrag Things To Do in Astoria erschien zuerst auf Loving New York.
