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Long Island City - Queens - NYC

I’ve only just begun my explorations of Long Island City. I will be returning in the near future for a dedicated tour of the neighborhood, so please keep checking the Updates page and my YouTube channel!

Along the East River in northwest Queens lies the sprawling, ever burgeoning neighborhood of Long Island City. Its northern neighbor is Astoria. To its east are Woodside and Sunnyside. The southern border finds Greenpoint, Brooklyn (across Newtown Creek). And to its west are the aforementioned East River and the historic subsection of Hunter’s Point.

Long Island City slideshow (Coming Soon):

The Neighborhood

If you were to decide which neighborhood would hold the title of “Downtown Queens” (similar to that, say, of Downtown Brooklyn), Long Island City would present a very strong argument. It is here that you will find the arrival of the Queensboro (Ed Koch) Bridge. Queens Plaza is a veritable explosion of modern, glassy skyscrapers. This is where Queens Boulevard begins (or ends). Same for Northern Boulevard. Heck, the neighborhood is so up-and-coming that even Amazon wanted in on the action … and was told, “nope!”

Long Island City is a vibrant and rapidly developing neighborhood located in the western part of Queens, just across the East River from Manhattan. It has emerged in recent years as a hub for technology, arts, and culture, attracting young professionals and families alike. The area is home to renowned institutions such as MoMA PS1 and the Museum of the Moving Image, as well as several galleries and performance spaces. Long Island City also boasts several waterfront parks with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities. With its bustling commercial district, diverse restaurants, and excellent transportation options with easy access to Manhattan and the rest of Queens, Long Island City has become a sought-after destination for those seeking a thriving urban lifestyle.

Long Island City, Queens got its name from its location on the western tip of Long Island. Originally a part of the Dutch colony of New Netherland, the area was originally known as Dutch Kills and was primarily a farming community. After the completion of the Queensboro Bridge in 1909, Long Island City grew rapidly, becoming a major industrial and commercial center for New York City. In 1898, Long Island City was incorporated into the larger city of New York, and has since become a diverse and vibrant neighborhood with a rich history. Today, Long Island City is known for its thriving arts and culture scene, as well as its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

Long Island City is a neighborhood located in the westernmost part of Queens, New York City. The neighborhood's location along the East River has made it an important industrial hub since the 19th century. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Long Island City was a center of manufacturing, with industries ranging from glass-making and oil refining to pottery and furniture making. The neighborhood's factories played an important role in supplying goods during World War II, and the area continued to be a thriving manufacturing center for many decades. In recent years, however, Long Island City has undergone significant gentrification and has become a popular residential and commercial neighborhood, with numerous high-rise apartment buildings and trendy restaurants and cafes.

Long Island City is an absolute treasure trove of exciting landmarks and attractions, making it one of Queens' most popular neighborhoods to explore. There are countless things to see and do here, but some of the main highlights include the MoMA PS1 contemporary art museum, which showcases boundary-pushing exhibitions and installations; Gantry Plaza State Park, located along the waterfront boasts amazing skyline views, walking paths, and many outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and cycling; and the stunning Silvercup Studios - one of the largest film and television production facilities in New York City. Other must-see landmarks include the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign, the 19th-century James Renwick Jr.-designed St. Patrick's Church, and the picturesque Hunters Point Library, which rises above the East River. Long Island City truly has an endless array of captivating places to visit that will leave awe-inspired.

Long Island City, Queens has been home to a number of notable figures throughout history. Perhaps one of the most well-known individuals from the area is legendary film director Francis Ford Coppola, who was born in Detroit but spent much of his youth in Queens. Others from Long Island City who have impacted the world of entertainment include comedian and actor Nick Di Paolo, actress Annabella Sciorra, and Tony Award-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler. Additionally, entrepreneur and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who famously made his fortune in steel, built a library in Long Island City. These individuals and many more have helped put Long Island City on the map as a hub of creativity and ingenuity.

Highlight Gallery (Coming Soon)

Click here for the full Long Island City photo gallery:

All photography provided by Samuel Walters