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Astoria

If you're headed to New York City for a vacation, make sure to put Astoria on your list of neighborhoods to check out. Astoria is an up-and-coming and diverse area in Queens that provides interesting attractions, great dining, and outdoor activities.

Getting There and Getting Around

Astoria is approximately 20 minutes away from Manhattan, and the best way to get between the two is to take the subway. You can also get to Astoria from Manhattan by taking a bus. With its proximity to Laguardia Airport, Astoria can be a good spot for a day trip (morning, afternoon, or both) for the beginning or end of your New York City vacation—that way, you can easily get to or from the airport.

What To Do

If you’re not sure where to start during your day trip to Astoria, consider checking out the Greater Astoria Historical Society. The Greater Astoria Historical Society offers walking tours and lectures, which can be an excellent way to learn about the area as you explore it.

New York City is renowned for its world-class museums, from the Guggenheim to the Museum of Natural History. While you might usually think of Manhattan when you think of museums, a unique museum exists right in Astoria. The Museum of the Moving Image is all about film and boasts over a thousand artifacts. The Museum of the Moving Image hosts hundreds of movie screenings each year, so if you’re a movie buff, you should see what films are playing on the museum’s online calendar.

New York City may have earned the nickname “The Concrete Jungle,” but there’s still some ways to enjoy the outdoors. Occupying nearly 60 acres in Queens, Astoria Park features a pool, basketball and tennis courts, trails for walking and biking, and more. Whether it’s spring, fall, or summer, Astoria Park provides a nice, temporary escape from the bustling city. Plus, you’ll be able to take in the sights of Manhattan in a more relaxed setting.

If you’re a beer enthusiast, look no further than the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden has been around for just over a hundred years and is open every day, every month of the year. So rain or shine, snow or sun, you’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of beers. The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden also has events, so you may want to consult its calendar of events before heading there.

While you’re in Astoria, you’ll probably need—and want—to grab a bite to eat. Luckily, there are plenty of dining options in Astoria. Because of the area’s large Greek population, you’ll find plenty of delicious Greek food. All of the diversity of Astoria means that you’ll have a myriad of dining choices—Middle Eastern, Italian, Egyptian, French, American, you name it. You’ll find plenty of restaurants on streets like Ditmars, Steinway, and Broadway.

Where To Stay

Because Astoria is so close to Manhattan, you could stay in either Queens or Manhattan and easily make a morning and/or afternoon trip to Astoria. For those concerned with traveling on a budget, you’re likely to find a less expensive rate if you stay outside of Manhattan. If you’re planning on staying in Queens for most of your vacation, a hotel in Long Island City will put you nearby. If you’re staying in Manhattan, Astoria is still only a short subway ride away. The Upper East Side will technically put you closest to Astoria, but Midtown would also be fairly close. One of the good things about New York City is that the public transportation is relatively straightforward. What’s the bottom line? No matter where you’re staying, Astoria makes for a fun destination.

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