How to Spend a Perfect Day in Long Island City
We always get excited when visitors start to spend time in New York City’s neighborhoods, because that’s when they discover how wonderfully mercurial the city is. While there are many NYC neighborhoods to explore in Manhattan, it’s just a glimpse of what the city has to offer. And when many venture beyond the island, Brooklyn tends to get all the love. We believe Queens is criminally underrated, and Long Island City is the perfect starter neighborhood to explore New York City’s largest borough. Here’s why you should visit, and some tips on how to spend a perfect day in Long Island City.
Where is Long Island City?
Long Island City, or LIC, is situated along the East River, directly across from Manhattan. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the waterfront was essential to the transportation of goods, and it became a major industrial center with the growth of factories, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. After the industrial decline, artists began to move into the vacant industrial spaces, attracted by the large, affordable studios. As the city grew, LIC’s proximity to Manhattan drew startups and luxury residential developments. Today, Long Island City's history is evident in its architectural mix, blending industrial remnants with modern structures.
How do I get to Long Island City?
While you can certainly use a taxi or rideshare service, New York City is usually best navigated using public transportation. Here are our two favorite options to travel to Long Island City from Manhattan.
Subway
From the heart of New York City, you can hop on the 7 train at Times Square and arrive in Long Island City in under 10 minutes (MTA train delays notwithstanding, of course.) The various stops in Long Island City include Vernon Boulevard-Jackson Avenue, Hunters Point Avenue, and Court Square.
Ferry
The NYC Ferry system operates a route that connects Manhattan to Long Island City. LIC is accessible on both the East River and Astoria ferry routes, providing a scenic and relatively quick way to travel between the two locations.
How to Spend a Perfect Day in Long Island City
Morning: Coffee and Incredible Views
Academy at Coffee Project NY
Deconstructed latte at Coffee Project NY
Coffee Project NY had its humble beginnings in NYC’s East Village (and is still one of our favorite coffee shops there), but has since expanded all over the city with outposts in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Its stylish LIC location has a keen focus on education, offering classes for baristas, coffee entrepreneurship, and coffee enthusiasts alike. You can still enjoy its many retail offerings, including its signature deconstructed latte, until you’re ready to expand your coffee knowledge and palate.
Location: 21-10 51st Ave
Deploy Coffee
If you don’t want to stray too far, Deploy Coffee is a blue cart serving specialty coffee stationed along Gantry Plaza State Park. The veteran-owned and operated business isn’t hard to find, because there’s usually a small–or occasionally long–queue attached to it. Patrons can choose from an array of expertly crafted teas and espresso beverages, solid drip coffee, V60 pour over, hot chocolate, and the famed MOAB, which is a combination of ceremonial grade matcha, double espresso, chocolate, and steamed milk (an iced version is also available). You can’t go wrong with coffee and a view.
Location: 47-40 Center Blvd
Hunters Point South Park and Gantry Plaza State Park
Start your day at Hunters Point South Park where you’ll find bike paths, playground areas, picnic terraces and a 30-foot-high cantilevered platform offering beautiful views of Manhattan’s skyline and the East River. Stroll along the riverfront to Gantry Plaza State Park, and discover the restored gantries the park is named for. The bridgelike overhead structures were once used to load and unload rail car floats and barges, and now they frame the bustling high rises behind them. Claim one of the many seats or benches and people-watch, or count how many iconic Manhattan structures you can identify. And don’t forget to take a selfie with the Pepsi Cola sign, an official New York City landmark. The sign graced the Pepsi bottling plant on the East River from 1940 until it shuttered in 1999, and was then relocated to the waterfront spot where it sits now.
Hunters Point Library
View from Hunters Point Library
The Hunters Point Library opened its doors to much controversy in September 2019. After significant cost overruns and delays, many questioned the design choices and accessibility issues. The structure was designed by renowned architect Steven Holl and features a series of cutouts and angles that create an eye-catching exterior. Love it or hate it, it is now a waterfront landmark. Pop in to peruse the shelves, or check the library calendar for programs and activities that might be of interest. And there’s no argument that when you finally get your nose out of your book, you’ll have an incredible view to rest your eyes on.
Pro Tip: The Queens Public Library system is separate from the New York Public Library system. If you live, work, go to school, or own property in New York State, you can apply for a library card and enjoy all its benefits.
Location: 47-40 Center Blvd
Afternoon: Lunch
Hupo
Egg and tomato soup at Hupo
Fried rice with mustard green shoots and crispy fish filet at Hupo
Hupo is a restaurant serving contemporary takes on classic dishes originating from Sichuan Province of southwestern China. It’s a perfect example of the burgeoning tastes and influence of a young Asian community in Long Island City. It’s also a Michelin Bib Gourmand selection, which highlights restaurants offering “good quality, good value cooking”. Though Sichuan cuisine has been swept up in the spicy food craze, Hupo is much more focused on chilies and other regional ingredients offering incredible flavor rather than extreme spiciness. You'll find standards like Kung Pao Chicken and Grandma's Tofu, but don’t miss their hearty soups, flavorful and satisfying fried rice options, and incredible fish dishes.
Location: 10-07 50th Ave
MogMog
One of the guilty pleasures during our many visits to Japan was snacking on a combination of onigiri and seaweed-flavored potato chips, both procured from a nearby konbini. We’ve replicated the combination here, but the onigiri rarely offer the same level of satisfaction since the rice-to-filling ratio in the US tends to heavily favor the rice. But we’re happy to report MogMog is an exception. The Japanese grocery offers an abundance of food items, but the prepared foods are exceptional. You'll find maki rolls, chirashi bowls, bentos, and a variety of onigiri, all offering spectacular value. A few sidewalk tables are available, but on a nice day, you can head back over for a picnic at the riverfront.
Location: 5-35 51st Ave
Mid-afternoon: Contemporary Art and Sweet Treats
MoMA PS1
Exterior photo of MoMA PS1 with performance dome captured by Elk Studios in 2012, courtesy of MoMA.
Interior photo of MoMA PS1 lobby captured by Martin Seck in 2011, courtesy of MoMA.
MoMA PS1 is like the rebellious, buzzy, younger sibling to the stylish, poised Museum of Modern Art. While you’ll find an impressive roster of legendary artists in MoMA’s permanent collection, you never know what you’ll find at MoMA PS1. From murals to artist interventions and musical performances to panel discussions, the programming is as unique as its featured artists. There’s a firm commitment to pushing the boundaries here, so you’ll discover emerging artists or enjoy experimental work from established artists. It’s always somewhat of a surprise, which is part of the charm. If you ever start to feel like the art world is staid and boring, MoMA PS1 will jolt you out of that space.
Pro Tip: Admission to MoMA PS1 is free for all New Yorkers and a suggested $10 for visitors. But if you paid for admission to MoMA in Manhattan, tickets can be presented for free admission to MoMA PS1 within 14 days.
Location: 22-25 Jackson Ave
SculptureCenter
If you’re a fan of experimental art and have a penchant for sculptures in particular, then also consider a visit to SculptureCenter. The cavernous space is perfect for thoughtful displays of three-dimensional artwork, but rarely requires longer than 30 minutes or an hour to explore. The organization also makes it a point to champion underrecognized and emerging artists, so there are plenty of opportunities for discussion afterwards. Admission is free.
Location: 44-19 Purves St
Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters
We’ve visited both Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters locations in Long Island City--Jackson Avenue and Center Boulevard--and though the Center Boulevard location is in close proximity to Gantry Plaza State Park, we are drawn more to the Jackson Avenue location. The interior aesthetic--from the original tin ceilings to the chairs and couches better suited for a French lounge than a coffee shop--is the perfect escape from the throngs of visitors at the nearby parks and museums. Even better, you’ll find the Record Room in the back--a tiny space negligibly larger than would qualify as a nook--with walls adorned with vintage band posters and album covers, and a collection of vinyl to thumb through.
Location: 10-93 Jackson Ave
Cannelle LIC
If you’re looking for some excellent breads or pastries, Cannelle LIC has you covered. Cannelle Patisserie was founded by Jean-Claude Perennou, a Frenchman, and Gnanasampanthan Sabaratnam, a Sri Lankan. They met while working in the kitchen at the Waldorf Astoria, but found great success striking out on their own. The LIC location is an outpost of their flagship Elmhurst, NY location. Signature items and seasonal offerings make up the amazing selection of pastries.
Location: 5-11 47th Ave
Evening: Dinner and Drinks
JACX&CO Food Hall
When we're with friends or family, we never pooh-pooh a good food hall. JACX&CO Food Hall opened in LIC back in 2020. Besides some solid Happy Hour specials, there’s a nice variety of eateries to choose from. Smorgasburg favorite Paper Plate slings their tasty smash burgers, crinkle fries, and shakes. Bobwhite, a long-time Alphabet City staple, offers their crowd-pleasing brined fried chicken sandwich. And taim, one of our standbys, covers any craving for pita sandwiches or decked out bowls. Bring your picky friend.
Location: 28-17 Jackson Ave
Casa Enrique
When people talk about Casa Enrique, they generally speak in extreme superlatives. They’ll mention that it’s the only Mexican restaurant in New York City with a Michelin star (which they have since lost). They’ll make statements like, “I had ______. It was the best ______ I ever tasted.” And you’ll hear about their guacamole. No, seriously, they’ll mention it. A lot. Occasionally, though, you’ll hear from detractors. The truth about Casa Enrique is simple: there is an intense, expert care in the preparation of every single thing that is plated and brought to your table. You can see it, and you can taste it, and you can understand how that elevates an experience. The food at Casa Enrique is delicious. Yes, the servings are not gigantic and the prices aren't cheap, but would this really be a discussion point if they were serving Japanese or French cuisine? Go, and decide for yourself. But the guacamole those people mentioned? That’s objectively delicious.
Location: 5-48 49th Ave
LIC Breweries
LIC’s many abandoned warehouses and industrial spaces were perfect for oversized equipment and brewing processes. With a thriving artistic community in need of spaces for socializing and performing, it's no surprise a vibrant craft beer scene developed in the neighborhood. Local breweries like Rockaway and Fifth Hammer are excellent choices for post-dinner libations.
Conclusion
Spending a day in Long Island City provides a glimpse into the vibrant and evolving heart of Queens. From its iconic waterfront parks and stunning skyline views to its thriving cultural scene and burgeoning culinary landscape, the neighborhood encapsulates the dynamic spirit of New York City. As it continues to flourish, there is always something new to discover, making each visit an opportunity to enjoy this urban oasis.
Like it? Pin it!
