Where to Stay in Queens
Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips
Our pick for backpackers
Stay in Flushing
Provides a rich cultural experience and extremely affordable food and lodging options.
Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers
Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Queens
Flushing
BudgetA bustling, vibrant hub of Chinese and Korean culture, offering an authentic culinary and shopping experience.
- +Incredible and affordable authentic Asian cuisine
- +Rich cultural immersion
- +Direct subway access to Manhattan
- -Can be overwhelmingly crowded, especially on weekends
- -Less traditional tourist infrastructure
Rockaway Beach
BudgetA laid-back, bohemian beach community with a surf culture and a growing number of trendy eateries and bars.
- +Actual beach access within NYC
- +Relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere
- +Increasingly popular food and drink scene
- -Can be time-consuming to reach from Manhattan
- -Limited hotel options, more rentals
- -Can feel isolated off-season
Long Island City
Mid-rangeA rapidly developing waterfront area with a mix of residential high-rises, art galleries, and stunning Manhattan views.
- +Excellent subway access to Manhattan
- +Modern amenities and dining options
- +Beautiful waterfront parks
- -Can feel a bit sterile and less 'neighborhoody'
- -Construction noise is common
Astoria
Mid-rangeA diverse and historic neighborhood known for its Greek heritage, burgeoning arts scene, and excellent restaurants.
- +Fantastic and varied food scene
- +Lively bars and cafes
- +Good subway connections to Manhattan
- -Can get noisy, especially on main streets
- -Some areas are more residential and less tourist-oriented
Daily Budget (Budget)
USD 150/day
Hidden Gems in Queens
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Dominick's
A classic, no-frills Italian-American restaurant that has been a neighborhood staple for decades, famous for its red sauce dishes and lively atmosphere. It's the kind of place where locals go for comfort food and a genuine taste of Queens.
Roosevelt Avenue (Jackson Heights)
FREEThis vibrant street is a culinary hotspot, brimming with diverse South American and Asian restaurants, bakeries, and shops. It's a sensory overload in the best way, offering authentic flavors and a glimpse into the borough's rich cultural tapestry.
1 area to be cautious about
Read our full safety guide for Queens