Top 10 Things To Do And See In LIC, Queens's Mini City

Updated: 9 February 2017

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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.

Inside Looking Out | © Wendy Moger-Bross

Museum of the Moving Image

Museum

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.

Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Avenue, New York, NY, USA +1 718 777 6800

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Sun:

10:30 am - 6:00 pm

Wed:

10:30 am - 5:00 pm

Thu:

10:30 am - 5:00 pm

Fri:

10:30 am - 8:00 pm

Sat:

10:30 am - 6:00 pm

36-01 35th Avenue, Astoria, Queens New York, 11106, USA

+17187776800

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Lunch time | Image courtesy of Beija Flor

Beija Flor

Restaurant, Brazilian, American, $$$

Noguchi Musuem | Image courtesy of The Noguchi Museum

Beija Flor

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.

Beija Flor, 38-02 29th Street, Long Island City, NY, USA +1 718 606 2468

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Sun:

11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Mon:

4:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Tue:

11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Wed:

11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Thu:

11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Fri - Sat:

11:00 am - 2:00 am

Sat - Sun:

11:00 am - 2:00 am

38-02 29th Street, Long Island City, Queens New York, 11101, USA

+17186062468

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Noguchi Musuem | Image courtesy of The Noguchi Museum

The Noguchi Museum

Museum

MoMA PS1 | © Adrian Moeller

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.

Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road, Queens, NY, USA +1 718 204 7088

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Sun:

11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wed:

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thu:

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fri:

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sat:

11:00 am - 6:00 pm

9-01 33rd Road, Astoria, Queens New York, 11106, USA

+17182047088

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MoMA PS1 | © Adrian Moeller

MoMa PS1

Art Gallery

Gantry State Park | Image courtesy of NYC Parks Dept

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.

MoMA PS1, 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY, USA +1 718 784 2084

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Sun:

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Mon:

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Thu:

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Fri:

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Sat:

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, Queens New York, 11101, USA

+17187842084

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Gantry State Park | Image courtesy of NYC Parks Dept.

Gantry Plaza State Park

Bridge, Park

Night out | Image courtesy of LIC Flea and Food

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.

Gantry Plaza State Park, 4-09 47th Road, Long Island City, NY, USA +1 718 786 6385

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Sun:

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Mon:

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Tue:

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Wed:

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Thu:

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Fri:

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Sat:

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

4-09 47th Road, Manhattan New York, New York, 10007, USA

+17187866385

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Night out | Image courtesy of LIC Flea and Food

LIC Flea and Food

Market

Street view of storefront | Image courtesy of Long Island City Kleaners

LIC Flea and Food

LIC Flea and Food has become a tradition, occurring each summer for the past three years. Local businesses contribute amazing food and snacks from a wide array of cultures. Many LIC restaurants have booths at the market, from Butcher Bar to The Bao Shoppe. This is a necessary event for every foodie.

LIC Flea & Food, 5-25 46th Avenue, Long Island City, NY, USA +1 718 224 5863

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5-25 46th Avenue, Long Island City, Queens New York, 11101, USA

+17182245863235

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Street view of storefront | Image courtesy of Long Island City Kleaners

Long Island City Kleaners

Shop, Store

Espresso Drip | Image courtesy of Sweetleaf Coffee & Espresso Bar

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.

Long Island City Kleaners, 45-03 Broadway, Long Island City, NY, USA +1 718 606 0540

More Info

Sun:

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Mon:

11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Tue:

11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Wed:

11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Thu:

11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Fri:

11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Sat:

11:00 am - 8:00 pm

30-53 Steinway Street, Long Island City, Queens New York, 11103, USA

+17186060540

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Espresso Drip | Image courtesy of Sweetleaf Coffee & Espresso Bar

Sweetleaf Coffee and Espresso Bar

Bar, Cafe, Coffee Shop, Tea , American

Boulder Area and Lead Cave | Image courtesy of The Cliffs at LIC

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.

Sweetleaf Coffee & Espresso Bar, 10-93 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY, USA +1 917 832 6726

More Info

Sun:

8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Mon:

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Tue:

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Wed:

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Thu:

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Fri:

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Sat:

8:00 am - 7:00 pm

10-93 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, Queens New York, 11101, USA

+19178326726

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Boulder Area and Lead Cave | Image courtesy of The Cliffs at LIC

The Cliffs at LIC

Gym, Sports Center

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.

The Cliffs at LIC, 11-11 44th Drive, Long Island City, NY, USA +1 718 729 7625

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Sun:

9:00 am - 10:00 pm

Mon:

6:00 am - 12:00 am

Tue:

6:00 am - 12:00 am

Wed:

6:00 am - 12:00 am

Thu:

6:00 am - 12:00 am

Fri:

6:00 am - 12:00 am

Sat:

9:00 am - 10:00 pm

11-11 44th Drive, Long Island City, Queens New York, 11101, USA

+17187297625

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New Years Party | Image courtesy of The Creek and The Cave

The Creek and The Cave

Bar, American, Mexican, $$$

The Creek and The Cave

Hosting events every day and night, from comedy shows to film screenings, The Creek and The Cave always has something going on. This comedy bar also has a kitchen upstairs, where cooks will dazzle you with amazing Mexican food. Be sure to check out the secret bar downstairs for some bacchanalian times.

The Creek and Cave, 10-93 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY, USA +1 718 706 8783

More Info

Sun - Mon:

11:00 am - 2:00 am

Mon - Tue:

11:00 am - 2:00 am

Tue - Wed:

11:00 am - 2:00 am

Wed - Thu:

11:00 am - 2:00 am

Thu - Fri:

11:00 am - 2:00 am