OVERVIEW
Found in the Northwestern part of Queens, Astoria is adjacent to Long Island City, Sunnyside, and Woodside.
LANDMARKS
Connecting Astoria to Randalls and Wards Islands in Manhattan, the Hell Gate Bridge is a neighborhood landmark that crosses the Hell Gate, a strait of the East River. Interestingly enough, Australia’s Sydney Harbour Bridge was inspired by the Hell Gate Bridge.
Astoria Park, the area’s largest park and boasting the city’s largest pools, is also a renowned part of town. The U.S. Olympic trials were held here back in 1936 and 1964.
ART
The Museum of the Moving Image, which reopened after a $67 million expansion back in 2011, can be found in the former building of what is now known as the Kaufman Astoria Studios. The museum highlights digital media and multimedia works of art.
Other important art-related area offerings include the Steinway & Sons piano factory and the Socrates Sculpture Park, an outdoor museum and public park featuring sculptures and multimedia installations.
ASTORIA
DINING
A gastronomically diverse neighborhood, Astoria’s dining scene is characterized by both high-end eateries and a variety of cheap eat destinations. With its variety of offerings, the neighborhood has certainly developed into a foodie destination.
NIGHTLIFE
From intimate lounges to outdoor patios and beer gardens, Astoria offers a variety of bars that have come to define the neighborhood’s overall nightlife vibe. Worthwhile visits should be paid to the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, an authentic Czech beer garden, Sunswick 35/35, ideal for craft beer lovers, and Sweet Afton, a gastropub serving interesting cocktails.
TRANSPORTATION
New York City subway lines that traverse the neighborhood include the E, F, M, R, N, Q and W trains.