Que faire à Flushing

Without a doubt, New York is widely recognized for its cosmopolitan nature, history, culture, and, of course, food. In an area as sprawling and diverse as New York, many Chinatowns exist, but trust us – Flushing’s is the real deal! Standing out as the largest Chinese enclave in the state, this place has great shopping, spas, and an endless array of exciting restaurants to choose from. But the best part? The food here is beyond affordable. Dig into a generous plating of chow mein, try all-you-can-eat dim sum, and after all is said and done, have a mooncake – the choice is yours!

Another one of the best things to do in Flushing is to visit the Lewis Latimer House Museum. A modest Victorian house with sweet brick red accents, this place once served as a home to the eponymous African-American inventor until his death. Today, you can visit to learn about Latimer’s life and greatest achievements, as well as those of other black scientists. Walking around the museum, you’ll discover where some of the great, influential discoveries and inventions of humanity were made. As fascinating as it is enjoyable, the museum provides a great educational experience for people of all ages.

There’s nothing quite like catching a play with friends or family after a long day of exploring. Luckily, Flushing presents no shortage of great performance spaces to satisfy all of your artsy needs! Adapted from the New York State Pavilion, the Queens Theatre has been recognized as the area’s primary playhouse for quite some time. Here, you’ll be able to see everything from classical plays and famous stand-ups to musical and dance performances all under the same roof. For lovers of the performing arts, this place is sure to deliver on all counts.

New York is known for its fantastic cultural institutions, with Flushing being no exception. Founded in 1972, the Queens Museum is home to a great collection of global contemporary art across a wide variety of styles. Upon entrance, you'll be immediately drawn in by artworks ranging from the ultra-modern and avant-garde right through to the totally bizarre. Still, the institution’s main draw is the Panorama of New York City, a room-sized installation of the entirety of NYC in miniature, which is continuously updated. Fans of prestige TV may recognize the panorama from the renowned show Mr Robot, as it was a location visited multiple times throughout its run by the main character Elliot. Other highlights include a massive map of the city's water supply system, a collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass, and memorabilia from the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs. Breaking away from the typical art gallery experience, the institute offers something a little quirkier and more fun for all of its visitors.

Those drawn to Flushing for history and culture will be in luck. Standing out for its fascinating background and undeniable beauty, the Hindu Temple Society is a total must-see for history lovers and architecture buffs alike. Built in the 1970s, this traditional house of worship is known as one of the first establishments of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors will no doubt be wowed by its impressive granite façade - but of course, that’s not all there is to see. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to view intricately carved stone columns and religious shrines. Whilst you’re there, we strongly recommend grabbing a bite at the canteen basement, which is known for serving up some of the finest Indian cuisine in the area. If you’re planning to visit, we recommend wearing modest dress as a mark of respect.

If you’re looking to explore the history of the area, don't worry, we’ve got you covered! Established way back in the 1600s, Flushing is home to many beautiful, venerable structures. Still, one of our favorite cultural treasures to visit in the area is the Old Quaker Meeting House for its unique background and the fascinating story that it tells. Built in 1694, the building is known as the oldest establishment of its kind in New York, and remains a house of worship right up to this very day. Inside, you’ll notice that the handcrafted floorboards and dark wooden benches reflect the modest nature of Quaker culture.