New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [289]
Be aware that the borough covers a large area and its attractions are spread out. Whether you’re relaxing at a ball game or scoping out exotic species at the zoo, there’s plenty of fun to be had here.
Staten Island is legally a part of New York City, but in many ways it’s a world apart. The “Forgotten Borough,” as some locals refer to it, is geographically more separate, less populous, politically more conservative, and ethnically more homogeneous than the rest of the city.
Along with suburban sprawl, there are wonderful small museums, walkable woodlands, and a historic village replicating New York’s rural past. And for a view of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty, nothing beats the 25-minute free ferry trip to Staten Island.
WHAT IT COSTS
At Dinner
¢
under $10
$
$10–$17
$$
$18–$24
$$$
$25–$35
$$$$
over $35
Price per person for a median main course or equivalent combination of smaller dishes. Note: if a restaurant offers only prix-fixe (set-price) meals, it has been given the price category that reflects the full prix-fixe price.
Previous | Next Map | NYC Maps Contents
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME
Queens is rich with superb museums. An afternoon in Long Island City and Astoria will enable you to take in the PS1 Contemporary Art Center, the Museum of the Moving Image, and the Noguchi Museum. After that, jump on the 7 train and have dinner in Jackson Heights or Flushing at one of the borough’s excellent restaurants.
It is easy to spend a full day at either of the Bronx’s treasures: the New York Botanical Garden or the Bronx Zoo. To visit both, start early and plan on a late lunch or early dinner in the Arthur Avenue area. The garden and the zoo are less crowded on weekdays during the school year.
Many tourists’ only sight of Staten Island is during a round-trip ride on the ferry, but the borough also holds unexpected offerings in its small museums and historic villages. Set aside the better part of a day for Historic Richmond Town, and add on a couple of hours for the Museum of Tibetan Art.
GETTING HERE
Queens is served by many subway lines. To get to Astoria, take the N train. For Long Island City, take the E, M, or 7 train. To get to Jackson Heights, take the 7 subway train to the 74th Street–Broadway stop. You can also take the E, F, R, or M train to Roosevelt Avenue.
The Bronx is serviced by the 2, 4, 5, 6, B, and D subway trains. The attractions in the Bronx are spread out across the borough, so you’ll need to take different lines to get where you want to go, and it’s not necessarily convenient to make connections across town. The B, D, and 4 trains all go to Yankee Stadium, and the B and D continue uptown to take you to Arthur Avenue from the west. The 2 and 5 trains take you to the Bronx Zoo and to Arthur Avenue.
From the scenic and free Staten Island Ferry you can catch a local bus to attractions. Tell the driver where you’re going, and ask about the return schedule.
FODOR’S CHOICE
Bronx Zoo
New York Botanical Garden
MoMA PS1
Staten Island Ferry
TOP EXPERIENCES
Traveling around the world through the restaurants of Queens
Standing in the shadow of the World’s Fair Unisphere
Catching a game at the new Yankee Stadium or Citi Field
Taking a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry
BEST FOR KIDS
Bronx Zoo
The Museum of the Moving Image
Queens Zoo
NEARBY MUSEUMS
Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
Museum of the Moving Image
New York Hall of Science
The Noguchi Museum
Queens Museum of Art
AREA SHOPS
Arthur Avenue Retail Market
Previous Chapter | Beginning of Chapter | Next Chapter | Table of Contents
Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Table of Contents
Queens Top Touring Experiences | Long Island City and Astoria | Jackson Heights | Flushing and Corona
Just for the museums and restaurants alone, a short 15-minute trip on the 7 train from Grand Central or Times Square to Long Island City and Astoria is truly worth it. In Long Island City, major must-sees are MoMA PS1 and