Top Things To Do And See In LIC Queens's Mini City

Long Island City, nestled at the edge of Queens and a short bike ride from Brooklyn, has been expanding, with amazing food, art, and culture. Here are some of the best things to do to get the most out of LIC.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Museum of the Moving Image

Right next to Kaufman Studios, the Museum of the Moving Image explores the history of cinema. With new exhibits about Mad Men and Jim Henson, this establishment has pieces for all fans of cinema. Many of the exhibits are very interactive, offering visitors a hands-on approach to learning how a film is made. The Museum of Moving Image doubles as a cinema and shows a wide range of films, from cult classics to modern day documentaries.

Tucked away in Long Island City is Beija Flor, a restaurant that exclusively prepares Brazilian cuisine for all who walk through its doors. Open since 2012, Beija Flor has become a neighborhood favorite, serving dishes such as feijoada and the popular caipirinha cocktail. Drop by Saturday evenings and enjoy some live music with your meal.

The Noguchi Museum

The Noguchi Museum is a breathtaking establishment filled with works by artist Isamu Noguchi. Since opening in 1985, the museum has been an international center for the study of Noguchi’s work. The museum comprises two floors and an outdoor sculpture garden. It is a must see for art lovers and casual visitors alike.

MoMa PS1

Unlike its famous counterpart in Midtown, PS1 has flown under many people’s radars. Erected in an old public school, the museum features breathtaking pieces in each room and even has a cafeteria. If you’re in LIC for the summer, be sure to check out PS1’s Warm Up Saturdays, a summer party concert series featuring performers from all over the world.

Gantry Plaza State Park

NYC has no shortage of parks, and Gantry Plaza State Park features stunning views you can’t find anywhere else. Located at the edge of Queens, the park boasts a view of the New York City skyline, the 59th Street Bridge, and the Williamsburg Bridge. It is easily accessible by train or ferry and is the perfect place for a stroll or even a picnic.

Long Island City Kleaners

Long Island City Kleaners is a menswear boutique that sells hard-to-find apparel and accessories. Using the theme of a 1990s laundromat, the store revives Queens in the 90s, from the lines it carries to the music it plays.

Sweetleaf Coffee and Espresso Bar

The mouth of the Pulaski Bridge leads to a coffee shop like no other. Sweetleaf is completely serious about its coffee; the baristas have mastered espressos and roasting and will always make you the perfect cup of whatever caffeinated beverage you desire. Stop by for a coffee, and stay for the atmosphere.

The Cliffs at LIC

If you’re feeling a bit athletic, The Cliffs is a good choice for your adventurous side. The Cliffs is a rock climbing gym that offers day-by day rentals and memberships. If you want to give your entire body an adrenaline-pumping workout, The Cliffs is the place to go.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.