Long Island City Things To Do

Long Island City (LIC) is a dynamic, vibrant neighborhood located in Queens, New York City. Once an industrial hub and home to many small factories, LIC has transformed into a thriving artistic and residential center with a strong sense of community. With its bustling waterfront, modern architecture, trendy restaurants and bars, world-class museums and galleries, and diverse cultural offerings, LIC is one of the most exciting destinations in New York City. Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning a longer stay, there is no shortage of things to do in LIC. In this guide, we’ll explore the top activities and attractions that make Long Island City a must-visit destination.

History of Long Island City

LIC was first settled by the Dutch in 1643 and was originally known as Ravenswood. It was annexed by the City of New York in 1898 and was then incorporated as part of Queens County. In the late 1800s, LIC was a major industrial hub with factories producing items such as steel, sugar, beer, and ice cream. By the mid-1900s, LIC had become an important commercial center and one of the largest manufacturing districts in the country.

In the decades since, LIC has undergone a major transformation. The industrial factories have been replaced by high-rise apartment buildings, modern office spaces, trendy restaurants and bars. The waterfront has been transformed into an exciting destination for locals and visitors alike, with parks, playgrounds, and the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign looming large over the East River. LIC is now home to one of the largest concentrations of contemporary art galleries in New York City, as well as several renowned museums and cultural centers.

Things To Do in Long Island City

LIC is a great destination for visitors looking to explore New York City’s unique attractions. Here are some of the top things to do in Long Island City:

Explore Gantry Plaza State Park

Gantry Plaza State Park is a beautiful public park located along the waterfront of LIC on the East River. The 12-acre park features picturesque views of the Manhattan skyline and includes a variety of amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball courts, walking paths, and more. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll along the historic waterfront promenade, which is lined with restored rail gantries from the 1930s. There is also a boat launch for kayaks and small watercraft. Gantry Plaza State Park is free to visit and open year-round.

Visit MoMA PS1

MoMA PS1 is one of the world’s most renowned contemporary art museums. Located in LIC’s historic clock tower building, the museum offers a variety of exhibitions featuring work from both established and emerging artists from around the world. The museum also hosts special events such as live music performances, lectures, workshops, film screenings, and more. MoMA PS1 is open Thursday through Monday and admission is free for visitors under 16 years old.

Shop at the LIC Flea & Food

The LIC Flea & Food is one of New York City’s most popular open air markets. The market features more than 150 vendors selling antiques, handmade goods, vintage clothing, specialty foods, furniture and more. The market takes place every Saturday and Sunday from April through October in the heart of LIC’s Gantry Plaza State Park. The LIC Flea & Food also features a variety of food vendors serving up delicious treats from around the world.

Visit the Noguchi Museum

The Noguchi Museum is dedicated to the work of Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988). The museum houses an extensive collection of Noguchi’s sculptures, furniture designs, drawings, and prints in its permanent collection. The museum also hosts special exhibitions featuring works from other contemporary artists. The Noguchi Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and admission is free for visitors under 18 years old.

Popular Tours

In addition to exploring all that Long Island City has to offer on your own, there are a variety of tours available that provide an in-depth look at this vibrant neighborhood. Here are two popular tours related to Long Island City:

East River Ferry Tour

The East River Ferry Tour is a great way to get a unique perspective on Long Island City’s waterfront. This guided tour takes visitors from LIC to Manhattan on a scenic ride aboard the East River Ferry. Along the way, you’ll get up-close views of the New York City skyline, including iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center. The tour also includes stops at some of LIC’s most popular attractions such as Gantry Plaza State Park and MoMA PS1. Book an East River Ferry Tour here.

Art Gallery Tour of Long Island City

Long Island City is home to dozens of cutting-edge contemporary art galleries that showcase work from some of today’s most exciting artists. This guided tour takes visitors on a journey through LIC’s vibrant art scene. You’ll visit some of the neighborhood’s most acclaimed galleries and learn about the history of modern art from experienced local guides. After exploring some of LIC’s most famous galleries, you’ll end your tour with an introduction to the trendy art scene that has taken hold in recent years. Book an Art Gallery Tour here.

Conclusion

Long Island City has something for everyone – from outdoor recreation to world-class museums and galleries – this vibrant neighborhood is sure to impress even the most seasoned traveler. With its unique history and culture, there is no shortage of things to do in LIC – whether you’re visiting for the day or planning an extended stay. From scenic waterfront tours to exploring some of New York City’s best art galleries, there are plenty of opportunities to experience all that Long Island City has to offer.