Many visitors to New York never leave Manhattan, which is a shame, because one subway ride away is a neighborhood that offers great food, public art and a very local feel. If you are searching for the best things to do in Astoria, you are in luck: the area packs in a film museum, riverside parks, a famous beer garden and some of the best Greek and Mediterranean food in the city.
Getting to Astoria
Astoria is in northwest Queens, across the East River from Manhattan. The N and W subway lines (check current service changes) run through the neighborhood, with stops along Broadway and 31st Street. Journeys from Midtown take roughly twenty to thirty minutes. The ferry also stops in Astoria, giving you skyline views on the way. Always check the MTA site for weekend changes, as service can be rerouted.
Museum of the Moving Image
One of the best things to do in Astoria for rainy days or film lovers is the Museum of the Moving Image. It sits on the site of the historic Kaufman Astoria Studios, where many productions have been made. Exhibits cover the craft and history of film, television and digital media, and there are screenings and interactive displays. Check the museum’s website for hours, exhibits and ticket prices, since these change.
Astoria Park
This is a large riverside park with views of the Triborough (Robert F. Kennedy) and Hell Gate bridges and the Manhattan skyline beyond. It has a big public pool, one of the larger municipal pools in the city, open in summer, as well as running tracks, courts and a lawn that gets busy on warm evenings. Pack a picnic and watch the sunset.
Socrates Sculpture Park
A short distance away on the waterfront, Socrates Sculpture Park is an outdoor space for large artworks, with changing exhibitions. It is free to enter, and it often hosts events and summer film screenings. Check the schedule before you go.
Eat your way through the neighborhood
Astoria has long been known for its Greek community, and you will find tavernas, bakeries and seafood spots, particularly along Ditmars Boulevard and 30th Avenue. The area has also become home to Egyptian, Brazilian, Bosnian and many other cuisines, so you can eat differently each day.
What to try
- Grilled octopus and whole fish at a Greek taverna.
- Fresh pastries and coffee at a bakery on Ditmars.
- Egyptian and Middle Eastern grills on Steinway Street, sometimes called Little Egypt.
- Slow-cooked meats and cevapi from Balkan restaurants.
Many restaurants are small and fill up on weekends, so go early or be ready to wait. Some are cash-friendly, and some do not take large parties, so look at current details online.
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
The Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden is one of the oldest beer gardens in New York, founded by the Czech and Slovak community. On warm days, long communal tables fill with locals enjoying beer and Czech-style food. It is a relaxed, family-friendly place in the daytime, and busier at night. Hours and menu may change, so check ahead.
Shopping and strolling
Steinway Street and Broadway have shops, cafés and small businesses with a distinctly neighborhood feel. Walking from Ditmars to 30th Avenue lets you pass bakeries, vintage stores and corner bars. If you enjoy people-watching, grab a coffee and sit outside.
Other ideas
1. Kaufman Arts District: a mix of film and arts venues. 2. Waterfront ferry rides: use NYC Ferry for a scenic return to Manhattan. 3. Local farmers markets: check seasonal schedules. 4. Playground and picnic stops: great with kids.
When to visit
Summer and early autumn are best, since parks and beer gardens are at their best. Winter is colder, but museums and restaurants are cozy alternatives. Weekend afternoons draw big crowds in the parks, so weekdays are quieter.
Money and safety
Astoria is generally considered a comfortable neighborhood to walk around, though like anywhere in a big city you should keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings at night. Prices vary by restaurant and event, and opening hours change, so confirm on official sites.
For background on the neighborhood’s history and character, see the Wikipedia entry for Astoria, Queens.
A sample day
Start with coffee and pastries on Ditmars, stroll to Astoria Park for views, then head to Socrates Sculpture Park. Eat a long Greek lunch, spend the afternoon at the Museum of the Moving Image, and finish with beer and dinner at the beer garden. It is a relaxed, affordable way to see a different side of the city, and shows why the best things to do in Astoria are often the simplest: good food, open space and a walk with a view.
More to read
Image credit: Kenneth C. Zirkel via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).
