Need a vibrant, culture-packed escape in NYC? Head to Astoria! Explore diverse global cuisine, stroll scenic waterfront parks, visit top museums, and discover a lively arts scene. Whether you're craving authentic eats, outdoor spaces, or indie culture, Astoria offers a unique slice of New York with a neighborhood feel.
Astoria, NY Highlights:
- Astoria Park: Relax along the East River, swim in the city’s largest public pool, or admire bridge and skyline views.
- Museum of the Moving Image: Dive into film, TV, and digital media exhibits inside a cutting-edge museum.
- Steinway Street: Shop, dine, and browse local boutiques along Astoria’s bustling commercial strip.
- Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden: Experience one of NYC’s oldest beer gardens, serving Czech beer and hearty fare since 1910.
- Astoria’s International Food Scene: Savor Greek, Egyptian, Brazilian, Japanese, and countless other cuisines all within a few blocks.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Astoria is during the spring through fall (April–October) when the weather is perfect for outdoor dining, park visits, and walking tours. Summer brings lively street life and outdoor festivals.
Tips for getting There
- By Subway: Astoria is easily accessible via the N and W subway lines, with multiple convenient stops including Astoria-Ditmars Blvd and Broadway.
- By Car: From Manhattan, take the RFK (Triborough) Bridge or Queensboro Bridge to Astoria (but expect busy traffic).
- By Ferry: NYC Ferry’s Astoria route connects the neighborhood to Manhattan and Brooklyn with scenic East River views.
Where I like to stay
- Fairfield Inn by Marriott New York LaGuardia Airport/Astoria – Budget-friendly hotel offering easy subway access and free shuttles to LGA Airport.
- The Collective Paper Factory – Hip, industrial-style hotel located in neighboring Long Island City, minutes from Astoria’s attractions.
- Hotels in Manhattan (10–15 minutes away) – Many travelers choose to stay in Midtown Manhattan hotels with quick subway access to Astoria.
Best Things to Do
1. Snack, Sip, and Savor at Astoria Bier & Cheese
The Astoria Bier & Cheese shop first opened its doors in Astoria in October of 2012. Along with the company’s other location, Milk and Hops, Astoria Bier and Cheese sources the finest charcuterie and cheese from all over the world, from both distributors and importers, as well as directly from the very farms that produce them. The shop prides itself on offering quality products that are made by people who care a great deal about their craft. The owners are delight in connecting important artisans to customers. The shop also serves cheese plates, sandwiches, grilled cheese, and a rotating lineup of draft beer.
34-14 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106, Phone: 718-545-5588
2. Explore Street Art on a Grand Scale at the Welling Court Mural Projects
Primarily established as an historic community beautification and upliftment project, the Welling Court Mural Projects can be found in the Astoria district of Queens. The project was initiated in 2009 and has drawn in some amazingly talented graffiti and street mural artists who have transformed the bare, worn walls of the building into a vibrant and beautiful artistic statement for the entire community to enjoy. Every year there are new opportunities for artists to come forward and apply to bring their unique artistic talents to Welling Court. You can easily visit the area using public transport and spend some time admiring the fun and funky work of these talented artists.
Welling Court Mural Projects, 30th Ave and 12th Street, Astoria, NY 11102, 802 747 8996
3. Catch a Sunset or a Run at Astoria Park
Astoria Park, while known very well for featuring a beautiful pool, is the largest and oldest park in the whole city and offers much more than aquatic fun. The park also consists of outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts, several walking trails, a bandstand for entertainment, playgrounds, and a track. Astoria Park draws visitors from all over New York City, and is especially great for the views of the Manhattan skyline and other parts of the city, showcasing the diverse landscape. Astoria Park extends from the Hell Gate Bridge to the Triborough Bridge on the western shore of Queens.
19th St, Astoria, NY 11105, Phone: 212-639-9675
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
4. Dine at the Historic Bohemian Hall
The Bohemian Hall serves some of the finest craft and Czech beers out of anywhere in Astoria and the surrounding area. The beer garden also offers a full food menu, including grilled dishes along with Slovak and Czech favorites and specialities. There almost always is something happening at the Bohemian Hall, whether its traditional festivals or sports games playing on the screens throughout the beer garden. The Bohemian Hall and Beer Gardens is owned and operated by the Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society of Astoria, which aims to provide a social home for those of Slovak and Czech ancestry.
29-19 24th Ave, Astoria, NY 11102, Phone: 718-274-4925
5. If You’re After a Chill Green Space with a Cultural Touch, Unwind at The Park at Athens Square
Astoria is home to a large Greco-American community who immigrated to New York after the Greek Civil War I 1945. The 9-acre Park at Athens Square is named for Greece’s historic capital and center of history and culture. Originally established in 1967 the park was massively reconstructed in 1990. In order to bring a little slice of Greece to Astoria, the park is divided into 3 areas which include an amphitheater, recreational space and a seating area. There are 3 fluted Doric columns adjacent to the amphitheater and several bronze sculptures of historic Greek gods/goddesses/heroes have been installed in prominent locations.
The Park at Athens Square, 30th Street and 30th Ave, Astoria, NY 11102
6. Indulge in Italian Sweets at La Guli Pastry Shop
La Guli Pastry Shop first opened in the Astoria community back in the year 1937, and still remains open today in its same original location. The pastry shop still prides itself on offering local businesses and families with delicious, fresh, homemade baked goods at an affordable price. Each one of the baked goods available for purchase at La Guli Pastry Shop is freshly baked every day from recipes for the Italy’s finest pastries that have been handed down through generations. That legacy is honored at the Astoria pastry shop, allowing others to enjoy the delicious pastries.
29-15 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105, Phone: 718-728-5612
7. Dine in Style at Lockwood
Lockwood is the result of a love affair with the retail industry, mixed with a huge crush on the Queens borough, with just a bit of design and business thrown into the mix for some good measure. The flagship retail store of Lockwood opened in September of 2013, named after an old street name in Astoria. The Lockwood flagship store carries gift items and home decor with a focus on locally designed and custom products. Just around the corner is Lockwood Style, a women’s apparel boutique with a large range of sizes. Lockwood Paper carries offers notebook embossing and paper products.
32-15 33rd St, Astoria, NY 11106, Phone: 718-626-6030
8. Get Behind the Scenes at the Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, New York is the only museum focused on the technology, technique, history, and art of the moving image, including in all its forms, in the United States. This museum is a unique attraction for visitors of all interests and ages, from avid gamers to families and kids to enthusiasts of classic cinema. A wide variety of topics are showcased at the museum, from the latest digital art technology back to the optical toys of the nineteenth century, every phase in the production, exhibition, and promotions of moving images is explored.
36-01 35 Ave, Astoria, NY 11106, Phone: 718-784-0077
Where I Like to Eat
- Taverna Kyclades – Beloved spot for fresh Greek seafood, famous grilled octopus, and lemon potatoes.
- Arepas Café – Venezuelan eatery known for delicious arepas, empanadas, and tropical juices.
- Sanfords – Trendy American restaurant offering brunch classics, burgers, and craft cocktails.
- Doma – Cozy Korean restaurant dishing up flavorful bibimbap, Korean BBQ, and soju cocktails.
My favorite local events:
- Astoria Park Carnival (Summer) – Family-friendly carnival rides, games, food, and fireworks along the waterfront.
- Street Fairs on Steinway and 30th Avenue (Various dates) – Food vendors, crafts, and live music celebrating Astoria’s multicultural vibe.
- Outdoor Movie Nights at Astoria Park (Summer) – Free screenings under the stars with river and bridge views.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Astoria, New York:
- Midtown Manhattan (20–25 min) – Visit Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and Broadway theaters.
- Roosevelt Island (20 min) – Take the tramway for incredible skyline views and explore parks and the historic lighthouse.
- LIC Waterfront and Gantry Plaza State Park (15–20 min) – Stunning skyline views, playgrounds, and waterfront walks just across the river.
- Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (25 min) – Explore the Queens Botanical Garden, Queens Museum, and the Unisphere from the 1964 World’s Fair.
- Queens Night Market (30 min) – Sample global street food and shop handmade crafts at this vibrant outdoor market.
- Jackson Heights (20 min) – Experience one of NYC’s most diverse neighborhoods through its food and colorful streetscapes.
Plan Your Trip