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

What is the best way to get from JFK to Queens?

AirTrain to subway or LIRR; taxi/ride-share ~$30-50.

Is Queens safe at night?

Generally yes in popular areas like Astoria and LIC, but stay alert.

What food is Queens known for?

Incredible diversity: Greek in Astoria, Chinese in Flushing, Indian in Jackson Heights, and more.

Can I use credit cards everywhere?

Most places accept cards, but some small vendors and street food may be cash only.

How do I get to Manhattan from Queens?

Subway (7 train to Times Square, E/F to Midtown) or taxi/ride-share.

Are there beaches in Queens?

Yes, Rockaway Beach is a popular surf spot with boardwalk and concessions.

What is the local time zone?

Eastern Time (ET), UTC-5 (EST) or UTC-4 (EDT) during daylight saving.

Queens

CityNew York, United States

Queens is a CITY in New York, United States.

Queens, New York's most diverse borough, offers a vibrant tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and neighborhoods. From the bustling streets of Flushing with its authentic Asian eateries and the iconic Unisphere in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, to the artistic enclaves of Long Island City with its stunning Manhattan skyline views and MoMA PS1, Queens is a world within a city. Explore the eclectic mix of Greek tavernas in Astoria, the colorful murals and Latin flavors of Jackson Heights, and the serene beaches of the Rockaways. This borough is a food lover's paradise, where you can taste the globe on a single street. With its rich immigrant history, lively street festivals, and easy access to both JFK and LaGuardia airports, Queens is an essential, authentic New York experience that feels both local and global.

Best time to visit Queens

The best times to visit Queens are spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when weather is mild and pleasant for exploring parks and neighborhoods. Summer (July-August) is hot and humid but offers outdoor festivals and beach days at Rockaway. Winter (December-February) is cold but less crowded with lower hotel rates.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Clear
Temperature: 13°
Feels like: 8°
Humidity: 42%
Wind: 18 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 11-18°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Fall foliage and Halloween events

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

JFK

John F. Kennedy International Airport

International

15 km away

LGA

LaGuardia Airport

Domestic/International

8 km away

EWR

Newark Liberty International Airport

International

30 km away

Getting around

"Queens is well-connected by the New York City subway (lines 7, E, F, R, N, W, and more) and buses. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) serves some areas. Taxis and ride-shares are readily available. Biking is possible with Citi Bike stations in western Queens. Walking is great for exploring neighborhoods. The 7 train is iconic for its views of Manhattan."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cafes, hotels, and public libraries

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $10

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scams are rare but beware of fake taxi drivers or overpriced tours near airports.

Night safety

7/10

Scams are rare but beware of fake taxi drivers or overpriced tours near airports.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Queens is generally safe for tourists, with a lower crime rate than Manhattan. Exercise standard urban precautions: avoid deserted areas at night, keep valuables out of sight, and be aware of your surroundings. Some neighborhoods like Long Island City and Astoria are very safe and popular with visitors. Use licensed taxis or ride-shares after dark. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas and on public transit."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Entry and health

Health information

"No special vaccinations are required for travel to Queens. It's advisable to have standard travel insurance covering medical care. Pharmacies are widely available, and major hospitals include NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and Elmhurst Hospital. Tap water is safe to drink. For minor ailments, urgent care centers are common. Carry any prescription medications in original bottles."

Culture

Local customs

"Queens is incredibly diverse, so customs vary by neighborhood. Generally, New Yorkers are direct but friendly. Tipping is customary: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink, and $1-2 per bag for hotel staff. Casual dress is fine, but avoid overly revealing clothing in religious sites. Public drinking is illegal. Always stand to the right on escalators and let people exit trains before boarding."

English (official)SpanishChineseTagalogVietnameseFrenchArabicKoreanGermanItalianEnglish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a mid-range meal costs ~$15-25 per person

Hotels

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

Local transport

$2.90 | single subway/bus ride ~$2.90

Cost notes

Queens is generally cheaper than Manhattan for food and accommodation.

Timezone

America/New_York
Local time 10:42

More facts

Population

2,316,841

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Borough of Queens, Comte de Queens, Comté de Queens, Condado de Queens, Kvino, Queens, Queens County, קווינס, Куинс, Квинс, Kvins, 皇后区, 皇后區

Major HubCulturalFoodieUrbanBeachFamily-FriendlyMuseumsParksDiverse

Queens

Best time to visit Queens

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

Neighborhoods 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

Long Island City

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