Understand

Did you know that the geographical center of bustling New York City is actually in the borough of Queens? This vibrant borough is proudly home to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which played host to both the 1939 and 1964 World's Fairs. Today, you can still explore this remarkable park that showcases intriguing museums, architectural and artistic relics, and an iconic steel structure known as the Unisphere. In fact, the Unisphere, weighing a colossal 300 tons, holds the record for being the world's largest globe! As a bonus, you can immerse yourself in sports history by visiting Citi Field, where the New York Mets play, or the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the prestigious U.S. Open. For a picturesque stroll, follow the marina along the breathtaking Long Island Sound. With science exhibits, a zoo, and the option to paddle around on a charming pedal-boat, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is truly an oasis packed with exciting events and wonders.

Get in

Welcome to Queens, a borough full of vibrant neighborhoods and diverse cultures. If you're up for an adventurous journey, there are plenty of ways to explore this expansive borough. Whether you prefer walking, biking, or taking public transportation, there's something for everyone. For those who enjoy walking or biking, check out the Transportation Alternatives website [1] for information on routes and trails in Queens. While most bridges in the borough are open to pedestrians and cyclists, it's important to note that Queens is quite large and may not be the most walkable area. To fully immerse yourself in the local scene, be sure to grab a map to navigate your way around. While many visitors to Queens rely on buses to get around, I encourage you to embark on a proper tour of the borough. If you're a confident driver, you can explore Queens at your own pace. However, for those who prefer public transportation, the subway offers a unique cultural experience. Hop on the renowned 7 train, made famous by the infamous comments of former Atlanta Braves pitcher, John Rocker. This elevated train line provides breathtaking views of Queens, giving you a glimpse into the diverse neighborhoods below. To truly embrace the essence of Queens, make it a point to enjoy three meals in three different ethnic enclaves throughout your journey. Apart from the subway, there are several other subway lines, such as A, E, F, G, J, M, N, Q, R, and Z, that can help you get around Queens and even travel to other boroughs. The Long Island Rail Road also has multiple stops in Queens, making it convenient to explore different areas of the borough. For those looking to venture further out, express buses are available in eastern Queens and the Rockaways. These buses stop at locations that are not served by the subway, providing easy access to Manhattan. The main arteries for express buses are Queens Boulevard and Woodhaven Boulevard. If you're planning to visit Queens from LaGuardia Airport, you have several bus options at your disposal. The Q32, Q60, and Q101 will take you directly to Midtown Manhattan. The M60 bus connects you to upper Manhattan from LaGuardia Airport. Additionally, the Q48 is a great bus route for going to eastern Queens, which will lead you to the Flushing-Main Street station. Other buses from LaGuardia Airport include the Q47 and Q70, both of which will take you to subway stations in Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue and Rego Park/Junction Boulevard, respectively. Traveling from JFK Airport? No worries! The Q10 bus will take you to Lefferts Boulevard, providing access to subway stations serving the A, J/Z, and E/F train lines. The Q3 bus will take you further into eastern Queens, all the way to the 179th Street F station in Northern Jamaica. It's worth noting that the MTA is in the process of introducing BusTime, an app that allows you to track buses, to all of Queens. Although it's currently only available on the Q50 route from Co-Op City in The Bronx to Flushing, keep an eye out for future updates. So gear up and get ready to explore Queens in all its glory. Remember to pack a sense of adventure, your map, and an appetite for the diverse culinary experiences that await you in the many ethnic enclaves.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

**1. Hamburger**The hamburger, often simply called a burger, is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground beef, usually served in a bun with toppings and condiments such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and pickles. It is a quintessential American fast food item that can be found at restaurants, fast food joints, and even street vendors throughout the country. While traditional hamburgers typically include beef, there are also vegetarian options available made from plant-based ingredients.

**2. Pizza**Pizza is a popular Italian-American dish consisting of a yeasted flatbread base, typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and herbs. In the United States, pizza is often sold as both a take-out and sit-down dining option, with numerous regional variations in styles and toppings. Pepperoni is a particularly popular topping in the U.S., but vegetarian and vegan pizzas are also widely available.

**3. Fried Chicken**Fried chicken is a southern-style dish comprised of marinated chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Originating from the American South, fried chicken has become a staple in the country's culinary landscape, with various regional variations in preparation styles and seasonings. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a larger feast, and although traditionally prepared with chicken, vegetarian alternatives do exist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing