As a New York City local, here are 7 groovy things to do in Astoria Queens!
Just off the N and W train is a rich cultural haven. Situated in one of the most diverse counties in the United States, Queens – Astoria lives and breathes diversity.
Check out Little Egypt between 28th Avenue and Astoria Boulevard, teeming with Arab heritage.
Enjoy Greek seafood at Taverna Kyclades and a Czech draft beer at Bohemian Hall.
Kaufman Astoria Studios also played a prominent role in early American filmmaking, which you can learn more about at the Museum of the Moving Image, which continues to champion local artists.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the list of the best things to do in Astoria Queens!
Things To Do in Astoria Queens
Arts & Cultural Institutions
1. Find Your Zen at Noguchi Museum
A visit at Noguchi Museum is a breath of fresh air from the bustling streets of NYC.
Most remarkable are the beautiful, greater-than-life sized stone sculptures in the outdoor spaces.
The works are by Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988). As a landscape architect his grand works have included the 400-acre Moerenuma Park in Sapporo (also breathtaking).
The museum also has an indoor exhibitions, where you’ll get to witness some of Noguchi’s furniture designs as well.
2. Incredible Exhibitions & Screenings at the Museum of the Moving Image
Learn about the technology of film and the intricate artistry behind all kinds of digital media at the Museum of the Moving Image.
From the Jim Henson exhibit with puppets to old cameras and video games, the interactive exhibits are rich with historic relics.
This museum is just as much a learning venue as it is an active and leading participant in the New York media space. They host all kinds of extremely interesting community events and film screenings.
The film screenings are typically $17 per adult, but Date Night at MoMI will get you entrance, an evening screening and 2 drinks for $50.
Entrance to the museum is $20 (add $2.50 for a screening on top). But you can go for free during their Free Museum hours on Thursdays 2-6pm.
Address: 36-01 35 Avenue, Astoria, NY 11106
Hours: Thu 2-6pm (Free during this time), Fri 2-8pm, Sat/Sun 12-6pm
Where to Shop in Astoria Queens
3. Browse a while at Astoria Bookshop
There’s the tastiness of that peppery book scent at any bookstore, but Astoria Bookshop isn’t just any bookstore. You can feel the intentional curation in the assortment of books.
The bookshop also actively hosts cool events, from book club meetups, talks with local writers and read-alouds.
We love a wonderful queer bookshop. Astoria Bookshop fits the bill, the brainchild of Lexi Beach est. 2013 (can you believe that’s 12 years ago?!).
Address: 36-19 30th Street, Astoria, NY 11106 (Google Maps)
Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-7pm
Fun Activities in Outdoor Spaces
4. Pure Happiness at Astoria Park
There’s truly not much sweeter than people-watching on the grassy patches at Astoria Park, taking in the wide views of the East River.
And talk about amenities. Hit the Astoria Pool during the summer months (don’t forget to bring a lock!).
Play pickup at the basketball courts or get your match in at one of the 14 tennis courts (get a permit & sign up 40 min in advance!).
There’s also a full 8-lane running track, perfect for track workouts (come when it’s less busy – it opens at 6am!) and walkers alike.
5. Life-Sized Art at Socrates Sculpture Park
Watching the sun set at Socrates Park, against the backdrop of life-sized outdoor sculptures and the city-skyline across the East River… It’s bliss.
Since it’s right in front of Noguchi Museum, it’s the perfect continuation of architecture-meets-garden vibes (makes for a lovely date!).
What’s cool is that there’s no permanent exhibition at Socrates, and the artwork installation and deinstallation process is all open to the public – so there’s really no down time to this park.
Peckish? There’s a greenmarket from the summer through fall.
Though I must admit, you can walk yourself to the adjacent Costco and hit the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. (I think you have to be a member tho rip)
Where to Eat & Drink
6. Czech & Slovak Beer + Food at Bohemian Hall
This huge beer garden with tons of outdoor seating is a living and breathing piece of Czech and Slovak history.
Grab refreshing Czech draft beers ($8) and top it off with a giant pretzel with beer cheese sauce ($16) or a klobasa with a pretzel bun ($12).
It’s operated by the Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society, which was created in 1892 as a haven for Czech and Slovak families to preserve their cultures. The society opened this beer garden in 1910 (it survived through the prohibition!).
Address: 29-19 24th Avenue Astoria, New York 11102
Hours: Tue-Thu 5-11pm, Fri 3pm-Midnight, Sat Noon-1am, Sun Noon-10pm (Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 4-7pm)
7. Mouthwatering Greek Seafood at Taverna Kyclades
Switch it up with some incredible, Greek fresh seafood and dishes at Taverna Kyclades.
You can’t go wrong with the seafood, but try the octopus, branzino, shrimp and scallops.
There’s no reservations as is typical for a fresh seafood place, and there’s a wait (though shorter) even on weekday nights.
The inside space is a little tight, but the food makes it all so worth it.
You’ll get seated faster if you’re cool with sitting at the bar. (There’s also a Bayside location, which has shorter waits.)
Things To Do in Astoria Queens (Conclusion)
In this guide, we went over fun things to do in Astoria Queens.
One of the main reasons this neighborhood is so lovely is because of all the great options for food, culture and the outdoors.
- Find Your Zen at Noguchi Museum
- Incredible Exhibitions & Screenings at the Museum of the Moving Image
- Browse a while at Astoria Bookshop
- Pure Happiness at Astoria Park
- Life-Sized Art at Socrates Sculpture Park
- Czech & Slovak Beer + Food at Bohemian Hall
- Mouthwatering Greek Seafood at Taverna Kyclades
Thanks for checking out my article about the best things to do in Astoria Queens!
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