How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Queens, New York, United States
1. Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Large urban park offering recreation facilities and sites like the Unisphere and USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Avoid tourist traps by visiting off-peak hours or during non-event days.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting early morning or late evening can help avoid crowds.
- Non-Event Days: Avoiding days when major events like the US Open are happening.
- Local Food Options: Exploring local food vendors around the park rather than touristy spots.
2. Queens Museum
Modern art museum featuring changing exhibitions and a scale model of the World's Fair in 1964. Avoid tourist traps by combining it with a visit to nearby attractions.
- Combine With Other Attractions: Visiting the museum along with Flushing Meadows Corona Park or the Queens Zoo.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting early in the day to avoid large groups.
- Local Restaurants Nearby: Exploring local dining options around the museum instead of touristy spots.
3. Queens Zoo
Small urban zoo with a variety of animals, including reptiles and birds. Avoid tourist traps by visiting at the beginning or end of the day.
- Early/Late Visits: Visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak hours.
- Local Food Nearby: Exploring local food vendors near the zoo instead of touristy spots.
- Combine With Other Attractions: Visiting the Queens Zoo along with Flushing Meadows Corona Park or the Queens Museum.
4. Citi Field
Home of the New York Mets baseball team. Avoid tourist traps by planning your visit around non-game days or purchasing tickets in advance.
- Non-Game Days: Visiting on days when no games are scheduled.
- Advance Ticket Purchase: Buying tickets in advance to secure better pricing and seating options.
- Local Food Nearby: Exploring local food vendors near Citi Field instead of touristy spots.
5. Roosevelt Island Tramway
Aerial tram offering stunning views of Manhattan and Queens. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours or purchasing tickets online.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting early morning or late evening can help avoid crowds.
- Online Ticket Purchase: Buying tickets online to secure a specific time and skip lines.
- Explore Nearby Areas: Visiting the surrounding parks or attractions on Roosevelt Island.
6. Louis Armstrong House Museum
Historic home of legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours or purchasing tickets in advance.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid large groups.
- Advance Ticket Purchase: Buying tickets in advance to secure better pricing and time slots.
- Local Food Nearby: Exploring local food vendors near the museum instead of touristy spots.
7. MoMA PS1
Contemporary art museum with changing exhibitions and installations. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours or purchasing tickets online.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting early in the day to avoid large groups.
- Online Ticket Purchase: Buying tickets online to secure a specific time and skip lines.
- Local Food Nearby: Exploring local food vendors near MoMA PS1 instead of touristy spots.
8. Noguchi Museum
Museum showcasing the work of sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours or purchasing tickets in advance.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid large groups.
- Advance Ticket Purchase: Buying tickets in advance to secure better pricing and time slots.
- Local Food Nearby: Exploring local food vendors near the museum instead of touristy spots.
9. SteppingStones Triangular Park
Small park located in a triangular plot at the intersection of three streets. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid large groups.
- Local Food Nearby: Exploring local food vendors near SteppingStones Triangular Park instead of touristy spots.
- Combine With Other Attractions: Visiting nearby attractions like the Museum of the Moving Image or the Queens Theatre.
10. Queens Theatre
Performing arts center offering a variety of shows and events. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours or purchasing tickets in advance.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid large groups.
- Advance Ticket Purchase: Buying tickets in advance to secure better pricing and seating options.
- Local Food Nearby: Exploring local food vendors near Queens Theatre instead of touristy spots.
11. Museum of the Moving Image
Museum dedicated to the history and technology of film and television. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours or purchasing tickets in advance.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid large groups.
- Advance Ticket Purchase: Buying tickets in advance to secure better pricing and time slots.
- Local Food Nearby: Exploring local food vendors near the museum instead of touristy spots.
12. New York Hall of Science (NYSCI)
Interactive science museum offering exhibits and programs. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours or purchasing tickets in advance.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid large groups.
- Advance Ticket Purchase: Buying tickets in advance to secure better pricing and time slots.
- Local Food Nearby: Exploring local food vendors near NYSCI instead of touristy spots.
13. Socrates Sculpture Park
Outdoor sculpture park featuring works by local and international artists. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours or on weekdays.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid large groups.
- Weekday Visits: Visiting on weekdays instead of weekends.
- Local Food Nearby: Exploring local food vendors near the park instead of touristy spots.
14. Flushing Town Hall
Multi-use arts venue offering performances, exhibitions, and community events. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours or purchasing tickets in advance.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid large groups.
- Advance Ticket Purchase: Buying tickets in advance to secure better pricing and seating options.
- Local Food Nearby: Exploring local food vendors near Flushing Town Hall instead of touristy spots.
15. Gantry Plaza State Park
Park offering views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. Avoid tourist traps by visiting during off-peak hours or on weekdays.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid large groups.
- Weekday Visits: Visiting on weekdays instead of weekends.
- Local Food Nearby: Exploring local food vendors near the park instead of touristy spots.