Queens: Tours and Guided Visits

Queen’s is quickly becoming New York’s coolest borough, so it’s no wonder over 12 million people visit this trendy district each year. This vibrant destination is the proud home to one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world, which includes a mishmash of several neighborhoods, as well as small islands – the majority of which you’ll find in Jamaica Bay.

Explore Queen’s lush green spaces, authentic ramen hotspots, hip-hop and a vibrant patchwork of diverse communities that have made this hipster spot a food, culture and history haven. Expect to be thrust into all three on a Queens tour and guided visit.

You will find below all you need to know about Queens, one of the best destinations for sightseeing tours in New York.

Where is Queens located?

Queens is located in New York and is the city’s largest borough. It lies at the western tip of Long Island and borders Brooklyn.

There are four main ways to get to Queens from New York. These include taking the subway, bus, car or taxi. Public transport is a popular choice and it’s around a 47-minute bus ride from Kew Gardens in New York City.

The best way to make the most out of your Queen’s experience is to opt for a tour with a local guide who will showcase the best cultural jaunts this borough has to offer.

What will I see and do in Queens?

Almost half of the residents in Queens are foreign-born, and as such, diversity is the name of the game here. As this place is a melting pot of mixed cultures and flavors, you can expect to gorge at diners touting delicacies from around the world, visit vibrant communities and delve deep into the history of this fascinating part of New York.

Apollo Theater

Most tours include a pit stop at the iconic Apollo Theater, located in the borough of Harlem, for a taste of African-American history. This popular tourist sight is an intrinsic part of Harlem culture. On an organized tour, your local guide will tell you tales about how the stages of this theater once hosted every major black artist in the 1930s and 40s, and how it evolved into the Apollo Theater we know today.

Enjoy creative cuisine

Queens is well-known for its unique and manifold restaurant and street food scene, which places this borough at the center of New York’s foodie universe. Sink your teeth into a kebab with fresh delicate ingredients, stop off at a Tibetan dumpling truck, or try the best ramen in town at Queen’s Chinatown.

Beer tasting

Craft beer is a staple in Queens and, for those who enjoy a good ale, it’s a fun way to discover Queens from a different lens. You can expect to sample an assortment of the hippest craft beers in town, as you visit some of the city’s finest breweries. Can it really get any more hipster than that?

Brooklyn Bridge

Have you really seen New York if you haven’t visited the iconic Brooklyn Bridge? Many tours include visits to the world’s first steel suspension bridge, with imposing neo-Gothic towers and stellar vistas of Manhattan, the east river, and the waterfront, offering the perfect photo opportunity year-round.

What are the best tours to visit Queens?

When it comes to Queens tours and guided excursions, visitors will be spoilt for choice. For culture seekers, marvel at the graffiti and learn about the diverse communities that call this place home. For those looking for food and entertainment, the options are limitless.

Guided tours of the boroughs of New York

Travel with a local guide who will navigate you through the famous neighborhoods of New York, including Queens, Bronx and Brooklyn, as well as Harlem and Coney Islands.

See Bronx’s Yankee stadium – home to one of the world’s most famed baseball teams, and wander through narrow, winding streets where you’ll be greeted with splashes of original street art.

Some tours offer the same itinerary in Spanish, so you’ll relax knowing that all the finer details of your trip are taken care of – including any language barriers – and all you need to do is meet at a designated meeting point.

Guided bus tours of the boroughs of New York

Guided bus tours take a maximum of 50 travelers and offer a comfortable way to visit Queens and its surrounding boroughs. You’ll have the chance to visit an array of attractions full day with an English-speaking guide.

Immerse yourself in the cultures of Brooklyn’s Hasidic Jewish Community and dive straight into local delicacies at Little Italy or Queen’s bustling China Town.

Breweries in Queens walking tour

Brewery tours are one of the most entertaining ways to discover the unique culture, tastes and smells of Queens. On a walking excursion in Queens, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to three of New York’s top breweries and sample the city’s finest ales to your heart’s content.

A beer-tasting bike tour of Queens and Brooklyn is also a popular choice for cycling and beer enthusiasts, promising an exhilarating day out. Combine cycling with refreshing pit stops of craft beer, as you learn about Queen’s special craft beer legacy.

Private tour of the boroughs of New York

Want to enjoy VIP treatment with your very own personal guide for ultimate exclusivity and tour customization? Then a private tour of Queens and its surrounding boroughs is your best bet.

On this tour, you’ll be collected directly from your hotel and will have an expert guide all to yourself who will share with you the tips and tricks of Queen’s history and way of life.

How much do Queens tours cost?

Prices for Queen's excursions vary depending on what mode of transport you decide to take, whether you opt for a group tour or a more tailored, private experience.

Guided bus tours cost around US$60 per person, which includes a knowledgeable guide and a tour of New York city’s highlights.

Guided group tours, which are also offered in Spanish, start from US$60 per person and typically include round-trip transport and a local guide.

Prices for private VIP tours start at US$65 per person and include a hotel pickup, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and a private guide.

The brewery walking tour costs US$80 per person and comes with beer tasting, a local guide, and snacks.

What is the starting point for tours in Queens?

The starting point of your Queen's excursion varies depending on whether you opt for a group tour or a private trip. A common meeting point is at Grand Hyatt Hotel near Grand Central Station, but it’s best to check your specific tour.

You’ll then be returned to the same destination, or alternatively, you’ll be dropped off at Brooklyn’s Coney Island Beach, where you can enjoy this neighborhood’s seaside charm. For private trips, you can expect to be collected directly from your hotel.

When is the best time to visit Queens?

Taking a tour of Queens can be done any time of the year. However, if you’re looking to avoid the throngs of tourists during the busier summer months, then you might decide to take a tour of Queens during the middle-year months when temperatures are pleasant and days are often sunny.

It’s best to start your tour early in the morning to make the most out of your day so you can catch the golden hour at Brooklyn Bridge.

Travel tips

• Queens tours are popular, especially during peak season, so make sure you book well in advance before your favorite tour is booked up.
• Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. These aren’t always included on the tour and you’ll want the energy, as you’re wandering through winding neighborhoods.
• Bring your camera and some spare batteries with you in case you get camera happy.