Long Island City
Long Island City (LIC) is much more than a neighborhood in Queens: it’s a vibrant riverfront district with one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline 🏙️, a melting pot of art, culture, and green spaces. Known for its repurposed industrial past, creative energy, and growing community, this place represents the fascinating transformation of New York.
Located on the western edge of Queens, just across the East River from Midtown Manhattan, Long Island City is an essential stop for those seeking a different perspective of the city. Whether strolling through its riverside parks 🌳 or exploring its art galleries, its unique atmosphere makes it an unforgettable experience that combines spectacular views, culture, and a more relaxed urban life.
Why Visit Long Island City?
Visiting Long Island City offers a glimpse into a dynamic and evolving New York 😍. It’s a place that combines stunning urban panoramas, an internationally renowned art scene 🎨, and peaceful waterside parks, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan while still being easily accessible.
Its cultural significance is growing: it houses institutions like MoMA PS1 and has witnessed an incredible urban transformation, where old factories coexist with modern residential skyscrapers. Furthermore, its strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring both Queens and Manhattan.
Long Island City is also a symbol of New York’s development. What was primarily an industrial area decades ago is now a safe, vibrant, and lively neighborhood with a diverse community and a booming cultural and gastronomic scene. If you want to experience a different, modern side of the city, this is the place.
How to Get to Long Island City by Subway?
Main Stations
Several key stations provide access to Long Island City, such as Court Sq, Queensboro Plaza, Vernon Blvd–Jackson Av, and Hunters Point Av. These stations are important transportation hubs connecting multiple subway lines and facilitating access from Manhattan, Brooklyn, and other parts of Queens.
Subway Lines That Take You to Long Island City
Long Island City is exceptionally well-connected by the New York City subway. The lines that take you directly to this neighborhood are:
- E, M (blue/orange lines) – Stop at Court Sq–23 St
- G (lime green line) – Stops at Court Sq and 21 St
- 7 (purple line) – Stops at Vernon Blvd–Jackson Av, Hunters Point Av, Court Sq, and Queensboro Plaza
- N, W (yellow lines) – Stop at Queensboro Plaza
- R (yellow line) – Stops at Queens Plaza (close connection to Queensboro Plaza)
- F (orange line) – Stops at 21 St-Queensbridge (northern edge of LIC)
How to Get to Long Island City from:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
If you are near Central Park or Columbus Circle, you can take the E or M lines towards Queens (eastbound) from stations like 5 Av/53 St or Lexington Av/53 St to Court Sq–23 St. You can also use the 7 line from Times Sq–42 St or 5th Ave.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From Wall Street or the World Trade Center, the E line (northbound/Queens-bound) takes you directly to Court Sq–23 St. You can also take the R or W lines (northbound) to Queens Plaza.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From Williamsburg or Greenpoint in Brooklyn, the G line northbound (towards Court Sq) is the most direct option to reach the heart of LIC.
Queens (Flushing / Jamaica)
If you’re coming from Flushing, you can take the 7 line directly westbound to any of the LIC stops (Vernon Blvd-Jackson Av, Hunters Point Av, Court Sq, Queensboro Plaza). From Jamaica, the E line takes you directly to Court Sq–23 St.
Harlem
From Harlem, you can take a southbound line (like A, C) and transfer in Midtown (e.g., 42 St–Port Authority) to the E or 7 line towards Queens.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, you can take the AirTrain to the Sutphin Blvd–Archer Av–JFK Airport station and transfer to the E line towards Court Sq–23 St. From LaGuardia (LGA), you can take the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to Jackson Hts–Roosevelt Av and transfer to the E, M, R, or 7 line. If arriving at Newark (EWR), take NJ Transit to Penn Station (NY), and then the E or 7 lines towards Queens.
What to Do in Long Island City?
Long Island City is one of New York’s most interesting neighborhoods, not just for its views, but for its unique mix of art, repurposed industry, and green spaces 🚶♀️. It offers a variety of experiences that let you feel the city’s creative energy combined with a calmer atmosphere than Manhattan’s. 🍽️
Enjoy the Manhattan Skyline Views
Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunters Point South Park are the prime spots to admire spectacular, uninterrupted views of the Manhattan skyline 🌇. Stroll along their piers, relax on the benches, or take unforgettable photos, especially at sunset. Don’t miss the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign.
Explore the Arts and Culture Scene
LIC is a hub for contemporary art. Visit MoMA PS1, one of the largest and oldest contemporary art institutions in the U.S., explore the SculptureCenter 🖼️, or discover the numerous independent galleries and artist studios scattered throughout the neighborhood.
Stroll Through Gantry Plaza State Park
This park is an urban gem 🌲. Beyond the views, it offers manicured gardens, playgrounds, hammocks overlooking the river, restored piers (the “gantries” that give it its name), and a pleasant waterfront promenade perfect for walking, running, or simply relaxing 🚶♂️.
Discover the Local Gastronomy
LIC’s culinary scene is as diverse as its community. You’ll find everything from cozy cafes and artisan bakeries to local breweries 🍺, international cuisine restaurants 🍜, and fine dining options, many with stunning views.
Photograph the Architectural Contrast
Long Island City is a paradise for photography lovers 📸. Capture the stunning contrast between the old brick industrial buildings, historic piers, the iconic Pepsi sign, and the modern, sleek glass skyscrapers that define its new skyline.
Attractions Near Long Island City
Although Long Island City has much to offer on its own, its excellent location and transportation connections make it easy to explore other interesting attractions in both Queens and Manhattan, which are just a short distance away.
MoMA PS1
Affiliated with the Museum of Modern Art, MoMA PS1 is dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. Housed in an impressive historic school building, it features thought-provoking exhibitions, site-specific installations, and, in the summer, its famous ‘Warm Up’ parties in the courtyard.
SculptureCenter
Founded by artists in 1928, SculptureCenter is dedicated to experimental contemporary sculpture. Its exhibitions, often featuring emerging and internationally established artists, challenge conventions and explore new directions in the sculptural medium.
Hunters Point South Park
Just south of Gantry Plaza, this newer park offers modern landscape design, more spectacular views, innovative play areas, an urban beach (no swimming), and the NYC Ferry landing, connecting LIC with Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Roosevelt Island.
Roosevelt Island
Easily accessible from LIC via the NYC Ferry, or indirectly by subway (F line) or by connecting to the famous Roosevelt Island Tramway near Queensboro Plaza. It offers unique perspectives of the Manhattan and LIC skylines, the Four Freedoms Park, and historic ruins.
The Neighborhood of Astoria
Just north of LIC, Astoria is famous for its Greek heritage (and its incredible Greek food!), the Museum of the Moving Image (dedicated to film, television, and digital media), its lively biergartens (beer gardens), and a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
Noguchi Museum
Although technically in Astoria, this serene museum is very close to LIC and often associated with its art scene. Designed by the artist Isamu Noguchi himself, it houses an extensive collection of his sculptures, drawings, and designs in a beautiful indoor and outdoor garden setting.
Tips for Visiting Long Island City
Long Island City is a fascinating and relatively easy neighborhood to explore. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit to this Queens gem.
Best Time of Day to Go
To enjoy the parks and stroll through the neighborhood, any time of day is good. However, sunset and evening are magical times at Gantry Plaza State Park or Hunters Point South Park, when the Manhattan lights begin to sparkle ✨. On weekends, the parks can be busy if the weather is nice, but they rarely reach Manhattan-level crowds.
Avoiding Crowds
In general, LIC is much less crowded than tourist areas in Manhattan. If you’re looking for maximum tranquility, visit the parks and cultural attractions on weekdays. On sunny weekends, the waterfront area is popular with locals, but it remains pleasant.
Safety
Long Island City is considered a safe neighborhood, especially in the busier areas like Vernon Boulevard, the riverside parks, and around the main subway stations. As in any big city, use common sense and keep an eye on your belongings, especially on public transport.
What to Bring and What Not To
Wear comfortable shoes 👟, as you’ll want to walk through the parks and explore the neighborhood. Don’t forget your camera 📷 to capture the incredible views. Check the subway and NYC Ferry schedules if you plan to use them. You don’t need particularly formal attire unless you’re going to a specific high-end restaurant. It’s a neighborhood with a relaxed atmosphere.
