*A big thanks to Hostelworld for sponsoring my stay!

While I travel every month, most of you know I’m a native New Yorker who is also obsessed with exploring my hometown.

And despite living in Long Island (not Queens) and Brooklyn my entire life — and leading NYC photo tours all over the city — there are still some neighborhoods that I don’t know very well.

Which is why when Hostelworld invited me to stay at one of their Long Island City (Queens) properties, the artsy Q4 Hotel, I jumped at the chance.

I’d only been to the Queens hood a handful of times, and the stay offered me the opportunity to make local discoveries from a hip home base.

Quick pro tip before we dive into the experience:

Grab my free Ultimate Travel Planning Kit — which also includes a Google Map of this Long Island City itinerary.

Add the map to your phone to have it ready to go for your trip and get ready to explore the best of Long Island City.

Long Island City Activities [Video]

Before we dive into this post on fun things to do in LIC…

Watch the video above!

You’ll learn more about what makes Long Island City so great.

Spoiler:

This Queens neighborhood has easily become one of my favorites.

Once you’ve watched, continue reading to learn more about hostelling in NYC.

Below, you’ll also snag my full Long Island City travel guide.

Hostelling In NYC

Hostelling may not be something you realized you could do in NYC.

As of now, there’s a lack of proper regulation in the industry, which has led to missed opportunities for the city.

According to Hostelworld, New York City generated only about 1/3 of the revenue it could have made in 2015; about $234 million vs $669 million in London.

Interestingly, local government has mulled over a bill called “Int. 699″ that would lead to more regulations and licensing schemes in the hostel industry.

The problem:

There’s not enough urgency to bring it to a vote.

For now, it’s up to hostel-loving travelers to help the local hostel sector reach its full potential.

Other USA cities are already showing growth.

Since 2012, Miami and Chicago have each opened four new hostels, and New Orleans and Los Angeles have added six hostels each.

Said Council Member David Greenfield of District 44-Brooklyn:

“New York City is expensive. It shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to enjoy everything our wonderful city has to offer. Hostels allow anyone to travel on a budget and explore everything our city has to offer from right here in New York City instead of staying elsewhere. Quite frankly, it’s the most progressive form of lodging.”

If you’d like to get involved, please contact the sponsor of the bill — Council Member Margaret Chin — at [email protected] or 212-587-3159 and let her know you support it.

Hosteling At 30

I’ll be turning 30 this April (ah!), but I do still stay in hostels.

The trick to hosteling as you get older:

Get a private room.

Many hostels offer them today, and you’ll be able to partake in the budget prices and social activities that make hostels so awesome while retaining your privacy.

And social it was!

I actually brought my boyfriend Andy along for the fun, and we loved having this hostel as our base.

It’s located in Queens Plaza, near a ton of experiences (listed below) as well as subways for accessing other parts of NYC.

They offer a mix of 2 to 8-person dorms for about $20+ USD per night and privates with en suite bathrooms for about $80 per night.

We loved the hostel’s funky art theme — there’s a lot of Keith Haring-style murals — and the nightly events like Drink & Draw on Mondays and comedy shows on Wednesdays in their basement game room and lounge.

They also provide a towel and earplugs, which come in handy due to the hostel’s proximity to the above-ground subway (it can get quite loud!).

What Is Long Island City Known For?

Today, Long Island City is known for being a gentrifying industrial area.

Amidst old factory buildings, you’ll find luxury apartment complexes, hip restaurants and bars, trendy cafes, and art offerings like the MoMA PS1 Contemporary Art Center and the Dorsky Gallery.

Moreover, you’ll find the LIC Piers and waterfront parks offering stunning skyline views.

Things To Do In Long Island City, Queens

So what exactly makes this neighborhood worth leaving Manhattan for?

A lot.

In fact, after our weekend exploring things to do in Long Island City, my boyfriend and I actually started a discussion about how cool it would be to move there.

Will this Brooklyn lady turn into a Queens gal?

Maybe in the future.

For now, I plan to return regularly to re-visit the following awesome things to do in Long Island City.

1. Rock Music & Bulletproof Coffee At Etto Espresso Bar

Wondering what to do in Long Island City?

Start here.

This cozy coffee bar sources premium java from places like Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia, offering cold brews, slow drips and creamy art-adorned lattes laced with caramel, mocha and white chocolate.

If you’re visiting Etto Espresso Bar in the morning don’t miss the healthy fat-filled bulletproof coffee made with Kerrygold Grass-fed Butter and brain oil that will leave you extra alert.

If coffee isn’t your thing, unique iced teas like Black Pear Gunpowder and Arctic Raspberry — along with fresh sandwiches — are also on offer.

Sip along to music by the Arctic Monkeys and other upbeat rock bands.

2. Get Active At The Cliffs At LIC

For those who think you can’t rock climb in NYC, the Cliffs at LIC will prove you wrong.

Full disclosure:

My boyfriend climbs at this indoor rock gym and I’ve gone with him before.

In fact, he actually rescued a wounded kitten in their parking lot, who is now our sweet little furball, aptly named Cliff.

As you can see, I share a certain affinity for this spot.

It’s enormous with tons of route options, and there are auto belays if you’re traveling solo.

Also check their fitness class schedule for yoga, Pilates and AcroYoga.

Afterward head to John Brown Smokehouse, a popular food spot for climbers after a workout.

3. Enjoy Free Things To Do In LIC, Like Finding Nature In Surprising Places

One thing that surprised me in Long Island City was the amount of green areas situated along busy streets.

Right outside the hostel was a lovely 1.5-acre Fresh Kills Green with some short trails and wooden benches, while across the street was a beautiful stone garden.

You’ll also find a bike trail that starts at LIC’s Pulaski Bridge and takes you on a scenic ride all the way down to Manhattan’s Lower East Side, with beautiful skyline views mixed in.

Cycling is a great way to feel the beat of a city.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly as CitiBike offers passes for $12 per day or $24 for three days (though note that it’s more expensive than the subway, which is $31 unlimited for the week).

4. Go Shopping In LIC

If you’re looking for great shopping in Long Island City, you won’t be disappointed.

For the ultimate shopping experience, don’t miss the LIC Flea & Food, a giant outdoor market open in the summer and fall.

Love thrift stores?

The neighborhood is home to the Goodwill NYNJ Outlet Store & Donation Center, as well as the more local Just Things LIC, which sells everything from tie-dyed shirts to antiques and beyond.

If you’re looking for local boutiques, a few recommendations include:

Long Island City Kleaners , a streetwear and creative lifestyle shop that looks like a dry cleaning spot.

, a streetwear and creative lifestyle shop that looks like a dry cleaning spot. Matted LIC , a frame shop that also sells unique gifts.

, a frame shop that also sells unique gifts. Slovak-Czech Varieties , where you can shop for Czech and Slovak products.

, where you can shop for Czech and Slovak products. The Brass Owl, an adorable boutique selling clothing, accessories, beauty supplies, and gifts in the adjacent Astoria neighborhood.

5. Drink For Dirt Cheap At The Shannon Pot

This divey Irish pub offers a crazy good deal:

Three 7-ounce bottles of Rolling Rock for $5.

The other drinks are cheap, as well, typically around $6.

Hungry?

The Shannon Pot‘s big plates of food range from $8-$12, offering hot wings, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie.

6. Take In Views Galore By Walking The Queensboro Bridge To The Roosevelt Island Tram

I finally conquered my #1 NYC bucket list item:

Riding the Roosevelt Island Tram. From Long Island City you can do the scenic walk over the Queensboro Bridge — offering incredible views of the Manhattan skyline from Queens!

You’ll sang vistas of the East River, One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building are visible across the bridge.

When you exit on the Manhattan side, you can enter the tram with a subway swipe.

Pro tip:

Try to go in last so you can get close to the window (vs being pushed into the middle of the car).

This way you’ll get to really take in the aerial views.

Roosevelt Island itself has walking and cycling paths along the water, so you can take pictures under the Queensboro Bridge and get the Long Island City skyline, too.

This is definitely one of the top things to do in Long Island City if you love taking photos!

7. Learn The Art Of The Cocktail At Dutch Kills

Talk about great Long Island City places to visit!

Dutch Kills is a craft cocktail bar started by Richard Boccato and Sasha Petraske of Milk + Honey fame.

Here they serve the types of drinks that are $15+ in Manhattan for $14 each.

Since I was tired I ordered one of their hot coffee drinks laced with banana liqueur and creamy whipped cream topping.

For my second drink I went for the bartender’s choice, simply giving them a few keywords about my preferred flavor profile.

From there, he mixed and muddled away to create a refreshing spicy mezcal drink with a frothy top.

For those who love cheap things to do in NYC, Dutch Kills offers a phenomenal happy hour:

$8 select cocktails from Sunday through Friday, 5-7pm.

Remember, these aren’t quick well drinks; they’re drinkable works of art.

8. Dine At One Of The Best Places To Eat In LIC At BLVD

Andy and I were actually trying to have dinner nearby at Blend on the Water, but the place was packed.

We were pretty bummed because I wanted to eat on the water with a view of the Manhattan skyline; but it all ended up for the best when we stumbled upon the cozy BLVD Wine Bar.

This wine bar and restaurant is also on the water.

Surprisingly, we got a table right away, despite it being 8pm on a Friday.

The food was phenomenal, from the lobster mac and cheese to the squid ink risotto to the bowl of mussels (we actually drank the broth like soup – it was so good!).

Paired with a $30 bottle of wine, it couldn’t have been a better meal.

Bonus:

They do a live music brunch from 12-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

If you’re looking for the best places in Long Island City for food, you must add this spot to your list!

9. Inspire Your Creativity At PS1

MoMA PS1 is a satellite operation of the world-renowned MoMA, showcasing thought-provoking contemporary art.

Instead of stale polished walls you’re roaming around a weathered hundred-year-old Romanesque Revival school building, which gives a laid-back feel.

When we visited we saw everything, from dystopic multi-dimension depictions of bodies under duress to themed showcases of “found memories” that make you ponder recent transitions in technology.

There was also a LED light-outfitted sunroom that unintentionally acted as positive light therapy for me.

Make sure to check out their calendar as MoMA PS1 constantly puts on events and programs.

For instance, in the warmer months don’t miss their crazy popular Warm Up series, where you’ll drink and dance to outdoor live music and DJs.

There are many other galleries to put on your list of things to do in Long Island City, too.

A few include:

Local Project

BrickHouse Ceramic Art Center

The Fisher Landau Center For Art

SculptureCenter

The Socrates Sculpture Park (in nearby Astoria)

10. Have A True Diner Experience At Court Square Diner

New York State is full of classic diners, though in the city itself these are harder to find.

Walking into Long Island City’s Court Square Diner, we were immediately enveloped by the familiar aromas of ketchup, eggs and French fries, reminding me of childhood road trips with my family.

The portions are large and inexpensive, just like diner fare should be.

We opted for the veggie-stuffed garden omelette with toast and a baked potato, and a fluffy stack of maple syrup-soaked pancakes with sausage.

With our two coffees the meal came to $23.03, including tax.

It’s truly a hungry budget traveler’s dream!

11. See The Manhattan Skyline From Gantry Plaza State Park & The LIC Piers

Want the best NYC views for free?

This 12-acre riverfront park is a gorgeous walk both during the day and at night, though especially at sunset.

From Gantry Plaza State Park you’ll get prime views of the Manhattan skyline and all its popular landmarks.

There are also tons of benches and Adirondack chairs for sitting, beautiful gardens, four piers you can fish off, and sports fields for playing.

The park is actually named after the restored gantries that once loaded and unloaded rail car floats and barges.

Andy and I spent a lot of time wandering through this park and simply enjoying the scenery.

12. Get In Touch With Your Creative Side At Q.E.D.

If you’re looking for a truly local experience, Q.E.D. Astoria is a must.

This cozy bar and performance space offers a rotating schedule of comedy shows, live storytelling, poetry readings, movie screenings, theater performances, and creative workshops.

Come to watch, or get on stage during one of their open mic nights.

13. Pair Pinball & Comedy At The Creek & The Cave

The Creek & The Cave offers an uber fun way to kill a few hours kicking back cheap beers and challenging your friends to pinball.

Along with a basement bar with eight pinball machines, there’s an upstairs restaurant serving burritos and burgers, and a separate encased area with a small stage for cheap — often free — comedy acts.

There are also collaborative performances like open mic nights and speed comedy events.

Beers at the bar are $6-$8, while cocktails are $9-$10, so it’s budget-friendly, too!

14. Dig Into Unusual Burgers At The Baroness Bar + Kitchen

The Baroness Bar + Kitchen is one of many burger joints in Long Island City, though they take a quirky approach to their recipes.

First of all, you can choose between beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, seared ahi tuna or veggie.

From there, you’ll choose your toppings.

The best burger we ordered was “The Marilyn” featuring a beef and bacon patty stuffed with macaroni and cheese and pancetta crumbles, and wrapped in peppered bacon, Vermont cheddar, beer cheese and spicy bacon ketchup on a potato bun.

Another pick:

The burger-themed “Quinn” featuring a seasoned patty with an egg cooked inside.

From there its fixed with bacon, American cheese, hash browns and spicy ketchup on an English muffin.

Make your meal even more exciting by participating in their Champagne sabering where you chop off the neck of a Champagne bottle with a saber!

15. Have An Offbeat Brunch At Queens Comfort

Queens Comfort in nearby Astoria is hands down New York City’s best brunch.

This is the only place I don’t mind waiting for a table, as the host comes out and tells dirty jokes to the crowd before taking the stage for his freestyle 3pm rap.

The venue is decked out with McDonald’s Happy Meal toys and other chachkies, while retro movies show against the wall and a DJ plays upbeat music at the perfect volume.

Tip:

Whether you like it or not you WILL find yourself singing karaoke.

Get one of their atypical Benedicts — I suggest the “Hobbits Salty Pork” featuring bacon, fig jam, and brie — or a Cap’n Crunch-crusted chicken sandwich.

Oh, and it’s BYOB.

And I don’t mean just beer and wine.

My boyfriend and I brought a bottle of tequila to wash down our eggs with.

16. Try The Atypical Beers At SingleCut Beersmiths

This Astoria brewery is super laid back; the type of place where you can play board games all day while sipping their delicious craft beers.

SingleCut Beersmiths‘ does a lot of interesting beers, like a “Kim Hibiscus Sour Lager” (it’s even pink!) and a number of India Pale Lagers (IPLs).

After a day of exploring, make this your last stop.

Other breweries in and around Long Island City include:

Big aLICe Brewing

Rockaway Brewing Co

LIC Beer Project

Transmitter Brewing

17. Get Sweet At Martha’s

Martha’s Country Bakery has now expanded to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, though Astoria is its original beloved home.

If you’re not good at making decisions then you may want to ask a server to choose from their enormous selection for you.

Along with the standards — Andy loves their carrot cake — I opt for the quirky fare.

Picture Sour Cream Apple Pie, giant Kitchen Sink Cookies, Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding, and Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate.

This is New York, so the classic Egg Cream is also a great choice, made with neither egg nor cream!

Travel Insurance

While you hope everything runs smoothly, sometimes travel just doesn’t go according to plan.

This is why I recommend always purchasing travel insurance. The scary truth is it only takes one bad accident to lose everything — or be thankful you were covered.

Personally, I use SafetyWing, as they’ve got a large network, offer both short-term and long-term coverage (including limited coverage in your home country), are budget-friendly, and offer $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

What are your favorite things to do in Long Island City?

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