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Queens

Home to both major NYC airports, and to a food scene that rewards patience over itinerary-planning.

Astoria

Historically Greek, now a genuinely mixed neighborhood with strong Middle Eastern, Balkan, and Brazilian food alongside the Greek institutions that built its reputation. A short ride from Manhattan on the N/W trains, and noticeably cheaper for both food and rent. Read the full Astoria guide →

Flushing

One of the largest and most authentic Chinatowns in the US — arguably more so than Manhattan's, at this point, particularly for regional Chinese cuisines beyond Cantonese. Also home to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (site of two World's Fairs, and the Unisphere globe sculpture) and the US Open tennis grounds. Read the full Flushing guide →

Jackson Heights

Dense with South Asian and Latin American communities and food — a single stretch of 74th Street covers Indian, Nepali, Tibetan, Colombian, and Mexican options within a few blocks. One of the most linguistically diverse zip codes in the country. Read the full Jackson Heights guide →

Long Island City

The closest part of Queens to Manhattan, increasingly full of new high-rises, with a waterfront park (Gantry Plaza) that offers one of the closest, most direct skyline views available anywhere in the city. Read the full Long Island City guide →

Airports: both JFK and LaGuardia are in Queens. If your flight lands with a few hours before you need to be anywhere, both are close enough to a genuinely great, low-key meal that beats anything in the terminal.