The best things to do in Astoria, Queens

Only 15 minutes from midtown, the Museum of the Moving Image is one of the city’s most dynamic institutions. Rubbing elbows with Kaufman Astoria Studios, it includes a three-story extension that features a state-of-the-art 267-seat cinema and expanded gallery spaces. Meanwhile, the museum’s “Behind the Screen” exhibit examines every step of the filmmaking process, with artifacts from more than 1,000 different productions, and 14 classic (playable!) video games, including Asteroids, Ms. Pac-Man and Space Invaders. Muppet fans should check out the new and permanent Jim Henson exhibit, too.

Queen’s Room, owned by Antonia Joannides, is basically Astoria royalty. This warm, welcoming and inclusive bar and restaurant makes everyone feel like they’re part of the Queen’s court. If you’re a regular and a good tipper, you pretty much are. It’s one of those rare spots that isn’t chasing a trend or trying to fill a niche. Queen’s Room exists to serve its community in whatever way it’s needed—whether that’s your go-to coffee shop and work station, your favorite brunch hangout or your date night standby. Most evenings, there’s a special deal going on. Mondays are for Girl Dinner: $30 gets you a dirty martini, Caesar salad and fries. Tuesday is Spritz Hour (happy hour’s cooler, bubblier cousin) with $10 select spritzes. Wednesdays are for couples with a $120 date night prix fixe for two that includes an appetizer, two entrées, one dessert and a bottle of wine. Thursdays are dubbed Day Drinking Day, with half-price bottles of wine all day long. The menu changes seasonally, but Queen’s Room has a few staples that aren’t going anywhere (thankfully). The QR Burger, topped with bourbon BBQ sauce, caramelized onions, arugula and swiss on a brioche bun, is a standout. So is the Chubby Chicken Sandwich with pickled onions, garlic aioli, slaw, bacon and cheddar.

By far Astoria’s best-kept secret, this old-fashioned jazz bar checks off all the boxes. It boasts a great cocktail, beer and wine list, has a warm and cozy atmosphere, plus incredible live music (with no cover!). On Monday nights, jam out to tunes provided by Adam Platt Trio. Make sure to follow the spot on Instagram (@theletloveinn) for announcements on other guest performers and DJs on the weekly lineup. In case you were wondering, the haunt gets its name from Nick Cave’s heartbreaking hit “I Let Love In,” which is one of the owner’s (Evan Roumeliotis) favorites.

Queens—a brewery hotbed for German immigrants before Prohibition—rejuvenates its sudsy past with this 5,000-square-foot microbrewery and tasting room. Sip a stein in the 25-seat taproom, handsomely appointed with mahogany walls, red oak communal tables and hanging metallic lamps. Once you've had your fill, take your favorite brew to go in a growler. A stage for live performances adjoining the tasting room features live acts, reflecting the owner's passion for music (the brewery's name references a part of a guitar's neck).

Millennials yearning for the simpler days of the ’80s and ’90s when your biggest stress was remembering to feed your Giga Pet will find pure joy in this quirky, one-of-a-kind museum. Packed with every throwback toy, game and tchotchke you can imagine, it’s like stepping straight into your childhood bedroom. The story behind it is as charming as the collection itself. Owners and avid toy collectors Jeff and Phebe simply ran out of space in their New York City apartment to display their treasure trove of vintage finds (mostly from the ’70s and ’80s) so they decided to share the magic with everyone. Now, Astorians and city dwellers alike can take a walk down memory lane, reliving the joy of old-school favorites. And it’s not just for looking—there are plenty of nostalgic goodies for sale, perfect for anyone wanting to take a piece of the past home.

There is a ton of Greek restaurant competition in Astoria, Queens, and Taverna Kyclades, which opened its original location in 1996, is among the most popular. Its breezy corner spot in its original neighborhood has tons of sidewalk seats under crisp blue awnings, a breezy interior and all manner of seafood plates, plus saganaki, spanakopita, lamb, steak and kebabs on the long, crowd-pleasing menu. 

Astoria’s vintage scene may not rival Greenpoint just yet, but Pimbeche Vintage is quickly raising the bar. This gem of a shop, owned and lovingly run by Lisa Ferrari-Sullivan (with help from her equally stylish daughters), feels like stepping into a treasure chest of timeless staples and standout statement pieces. The racks are thoughtfully curated with finds for both men and women, featuring inclusive sizing and a range of styles—from everyday essentials to one-of-a-kind designer gems. Top it off with a purchase from her killer selection of accessories, and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve scored something truly brag-worthy.

Shop owner Nicole Panettieri’s chic boutique is packed with cute accessories, a curated selection of ready-to-wear that changes seasonally, and thoughtful gifts like candles, home decor and a witchy table stocked with crystals, tarot decks and astrology necklaces. The shop also hosts fun in-store events, like make-your-own forever bracelets with Metrix Jewelry or pop-ups featuring local brands and artists. Whether you’re hunting for a birthday gift or just in the mood for a little retail therapy, this is easily one of Astoria’s best spots to shop. Need something for a baby shower or your own little one? Check out the boutique’s spinoff, Tiny Owl, just a few blocks away on Ditmars Ave.

Every great neighborhood needs a farmers’ market, and Astoria’s has quickly become a monthly staple with plenty of heart. Launched in May of 2025, this independent, community-funded market pops up on the second Sunday of each month, transforming 31st Avenue into a lively hub of local goods and neighborly energy. With around 25 vendors per market, the lineup is as diverse as it is impressive: fresh mushrooms, seasonal produce, local beef, just-caught seafood and small-batch baked goods are just the start. You’ll also find unique offerings like on-site tintype portraits and specialty merchants such as Abéy Honey, Astoria Cutlery (they’ll sharpen your knives while you shop) and No Borders Collective books. What makes the Astoria Farmers’ Market stand out isn’t just the variety—it’s the charm. There’s something about strolling through the stalls, chatting with vendors and filling your tote with local finds that makes life feel a little more wholesome and a whole lot more connected. Follow them on Instagram for news of the next upcoming market. 

Astoria actually has the city’s largest pool at 330 feet long—that’s because it was built as a model for 10 other NYC pools under the Robert Moses administration. It was also used by the U.S. Swim and Diving teams during the 1936 summer Olympic Trials and again in 1964. There are two fountains at the east end of the pool that spray water 25 feet in the air that were uses as Olympic torches then. The pool lies in the shadow of the midtown skyline—the RFK and Hell Gate Bridges tower can be seen from here—but because it was designed to hold 3,000, it can get a little bit crowded. It is, as always, free to the public.

This small vintage shop sells everything from badass boots to sparkly sweaters, but owner Ivona Bilicic specializes in preloved dresses. Choose among flirty frocks ranging from the Donna Reed–flowered ’50s through the punk-rock-princess ’80s, then top off your revamped look with one of Loveday’s vintage or new pieces of jewelry, including Gatsby–era headbands by local designers Wink & Flip or Lola and Eye that would make even Blair Waldorf swoon.

For locals craving a dose of self-care, Andreea Skin Studio is a must. Helmed by expert esthetician Andreea, this boutique beauty studio is all about healing, nourishing and caring for your skin from the inside out. Her custom facials begin with a thorough skin analysis, followed by tailored treatments that may include light exfoliation, gentle peels, LED therapy or a soothing hydrogel mask. Beyond facials, Andreea is known for her precision in brow shaping and lamination, as well as natural-looking lash lifts. She’s also a pro at recommending high-quality skincare products from trusted brands like Circadia, Glymed+ and Face Reality. And don’t get us started on her facial and hand massages—they’re pure bliss. You’ll leave not just glowing, but armed with a better understanding of how to care for your skin.

Need a laugh? You’ll find plenty at this Astoria venue which primarily hosts stand-up comedy events along with the occasional storytelling festival and even family-friendly movie screenings. The versatile spot is also known for unique classes like a gelli-printing workshop (an easy painting technique using a gelli plate). Another thing we love? Q.E.D. continues to be a community-oriented, woman-owned business. Founder Kambri Crews recently passed the torch to hilarious comedian Hannah Lieberman, keeping the local support and nonstop fun going strong.

Diamond Dogs is the kind of bar where you roll in with friends, a deck of cards and every intention of staying for hours. Whether self-proclaimed or borrowed from a devoted regular, its claim to being “the best bar in the universe” doesn’t feel like much of a stretch. The bartenders and barkeeps are as friendly as they are fun, slinging well-crafted cocktails alongside playful boozy slushies in the summer—served from a machine adorned with 80s Japanese wrestlers. (Pro tip: Try the Phoenix Down, a bourbon-based concoction with lemon juice, honey syrup, extra-spicy ginger syrup and a dash of Angostura bitters, while you can.) The space itself is delightfully weird, like a fever dream set in your grandma’s basement: masculine exposed brick, floral wallpaper patterned with bats and eclectic taxidermy all somehow work together. If you’re not perched at the bar studying the craft beer list, you’ll probably be out on the patio when the weather’s nice, soaking up the easygoing vibe and wondering how time slipped away.

Home to the oldest and largest pool in the city, this gorgeous 59.96-acre park along the East River also boasts tennis courts, a track, walking trails, basketball courts and multiple playgrounds. For something a bit more leisurely, reading by the water is also a popualr Astorian pastime. When you go, make sure to snap a photo of what is perhaps New York's most beautiful overpass: Hellgate Bridge.

Independent bookstores are sadly rare in Queens, but Astoria Bookshop comes to the rescue to deliver a much-needed dose of lit to the neighborhood. Though on the small side, there’s a solid selection of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, and staffers are happy to hunt down anything you can’t find. Events like readings, storytelling sessions and book clubs—many of which highlight local writers–prove that Queens is an artsy borough, too.

Bonnie got a glow-up (not that she needed it). The brick-and-wood gastropub now boasts a beautifully renovated garden with a new bar and a massive 80-inch screen—perfect for catching can’t-miss sports games or the occasional cartoon. It makes bottomless brunch ($25 for unlimited drinks) and those late summer nights (with $10 cocktails after 10pm) even sweeter. Inside, it’s still cozy and romantic, ideal for a date night. Whether you’re working your way through the artisan cocktail list—think fruity sips like the Bonnie Punch—or diving into the dinner menu packed with hearty laid-back fare (don’t miss the dry-aged burger topped with crispy pork belly), you’re in for a good time.