Things to do in Flushing
New York, New York. A city with such strong cultural prowess and popularity, it was named twice – and with absolutely no explanation needed. Though people tend to fall in love with the city, they stay for everything that the state has to offer. Whilst the surrounding areas might receive less attention, they present a wide array of interesting things to see and do. Known for its fascinating history and diversity in culture, Flushing is one of our favorite places to visit outside of the city. Whether you’re looking to view the oldest house of worship in the country, try out some of the best Chinese cuisine in Flushing, or see an installation of the whole of New York, you’ll find many reasons to love the area. We’ve spent a lot of time in Flushing and are sharing some of our favorite attractions and points of exploration here.
So, grab a notebook and get ready to jot some things down! Whatever you choose to do, we promise that you won’t leave disappointed. And when you're done discovering why Flushing should be next on your NYC bucketlist, discover how Go City can help you discover the best of NYC and help you to save on your sightseeing!
Explore the Area
Without a doubt, New York is widely recognized for its cosmopolitan nature and the great history, culture, and of course, food that comes along with it. 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 our favorite things to do in Flushing is visiting the Lewis Latimer House Museum. A modest Victorian house with sweet brick red accents, this place once served as a home to the African-American inventor until his time of death. Today, you can visit to learn about Latimer’s life and greatest achievements, as well as other black scientists. Walking around the museum is a great privilege, and you can feel the history living well within the walls of this humble home, 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 those of all ages.
Get Cultured
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 Pavillion, 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 performed arts, this place is sure to deliver on all counts.
New York is known for its fantastic cultural institutions, with Flushing being no exemption to the rule. 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-size installation of the entirety of NYC in miniature, which is continuously updated. 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.
Check Out Some of the Landmarks
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 make the 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. Though it might seem simple and unassuming, we love this place for the wonderful history that it speaks.
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