Varies by nationality; most visitors need ESTA or visa. Check US State Department.

What is the best way to get to Manhattan?

Subway 7 train to Times Square (10 min) or East River Ferry to Midtown (15 min).

Is Long Island City expensive?

Mid-range compared to Manhattan; meals $15-30, hotels $150-300/night.

Are there good restaurants?

Yes, diverse options from Michelin-starred to casual eateries like Casa Enrique and John Brown BBQ.

Can I walk to Manhattan?

No, but the Queensboro Bridge has pedestrian/bike paths to Upper East Side.

Visit MoMA PS1, Gantry State Park, Noguchi Museum, and waterfront parks.

Is it safe for solo travelers?

Yes, but stay alert at night and avoid isolated areas.

Long Island City

SuburbQueens, New York

Long Island City is a SUB AREA in Queens, New York.

Long Island City (LIC) is a vibrant waterfront neighborhood in Queens, New York, offering stunning Manhattan skyline views. Once an industrial hub, it's now a cultural hotspot with world-class museums like MoMA PS1, trendy art galleries, and the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign. Stroll along Gantry Plaza State Park for panoramic river vistas, or explore the burgeoning food scene with acclaimed restaurants, breweries, and the famous LIC Flea & Food market. The area blends modern high-rise luxury with historic warehouses, attracting artists, young professionals, and travelers seeking an authentic New York experience away from Midtown's bustle. Its excellent transport links via the 7 train, N/W, and East River Ferry make it a convenient base for exploring Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Best time to visit Long Island City

Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August) is lively with outdoor events but can be humid. Winter (November-February) is cold but cheaper, with holiday charm.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 11 to 19°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Halloween events, pleasant walks

Know before you go

Getting there

LGA

LaGuardia Airport

Domestic/International

8 km away

JFK

John F. Kennedy International Airport

International

20 km away

EWR

Newark Liberty International Airport

International

25 km away

Getting around

"Subway: 7 train (to Times Square), N/W (to Manhattan). East River Ferry connects to Midtown and Brooklyn. Buses and Citi Bike rentals available. Walking is pleasant along the waterfront. Uber/Lyft are reliable. Avoid driving due to traffic and parking costs."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

50 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cafes, hotels, and public spaces

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $10

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Generally safe; watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.

Night safety

7/10

Generally safe; watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Long Island City is generally safe, with a lower crime rate than many Manhattan neighborhoods. Stay aware in less crowded areas at night, especially near industrial zones. Stick to well-lit streets and use ride-shares after dark. Petty theft can occur in tourist spots; keep valuables secure."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Entry and health

Health information

"No specific vaccinations required for US travel. Tap water is safe. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are plentiful. For non-emergencies, visit urgent care clinics such as CityMD. Major hospitals include Mount Sinai Queens (nearby). Travel insurance recommended for medical coverage."

Culture

Local customs

"New Yorkers are direct but friendly. Tipping 15-20% at restaurants is standard. Casual dress is fine, but upscale venues may require smart attire. Public drinking is illegal. Stand on the right on escalators, walk left. Be mindful of personal space on crowded transit."

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Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-30 | a cheap local meal costs ~$15

Hotels

$150-300 | budget hotels range $100-200/night

Local transport

$2.90 | subway ride ~$2.90

Cost notes

Ferry costs $4-7. Dining and lodging cheaper than Manhattan.

Timezone

America/New_York
Local time 16:54

More facts

Population

25,595

Type

Suburb

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Blissville, Dutch Kills, ECC, Hunter's Point, LIC, Long Island, Long Island City, Long-Ajlend-Siti, Middletown, long-aillaendeusiti, zhang dao shi, Лонг-Айленд-Сити, לאנג איילענד סיטי, لانگ آئلینڈ سٹی, 長島市, 롱아일랜드시티

SuburbArt & CultureWaterfrontFamily-FriendlyFoodieUrban Exploration

Long Island City

Best time to visit Long Island City

October

Know before you go

Getting there

Getting around

Stay connected

Stay safe

Overall

Night safety

Transport

Scam risk

Police

Ambulance

Fire

Entry and health

Health information

Culture

Local customs

Costs and practicals

More facts

Nearby areas in Queens

Arverne

Astoria

Bayside

Bellaire

Belle Harbor

Briarwood

Broad Channel

Cambria Heights

College Point

Corona

Douglaston

East Elmhurst

Edgemere

Elmhurst

Far Rockaway

Forest Hills

Fresh Meadows

Glendale

Glen Oaks

Hillside

Hollis

Howard Beach

Jackson Heights

Jamaica

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens Hills

Laurelton

Little Neck

Maspeth

Middle Village

Neponsit

Ozone Park

Queens Village

Rego Park

Richmond Hill

Ridgewood

Rockaway Point

Rosedale

Seaside

South Ozone Park

Springfield Gardens

Steinway

Sunnyside

Terrace Heights

Whitestone

Woodhaven

Woodside

Frequently Asked Questions