Get to know Long Island City

There’s something antiquated to the Long Island City name. However, even though this expansive Queens locale hasn’t been an independent city since 1898, there’s nothing outdated about modern-day Long Island City. Time has seen this one-time manufacturing center transform into one of the most unrivaled areas across the five boroughs. Long Island City’s breadth across northwest Queens is being equaled by the height of its buildings, several of which rank as the borough’s absolute tallest. Homes in modern skyward towers by the waterside take in the gorgeous river and Manhattan skyline views. Further east is a mix of timeless townhouses, charming low-rise condominium buildings, and converted factory lofts. Hunter’s Point South Park and Gantry Plaza State Park each provide ample acreage to get active, take a load off, or simply stop to stare for a while right beside the river.

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Long Island City History & Culture

Long Island City was a prime base of operations for giants in audio equipment, chewing gum, soft drinks, and many more industries in its past life. That history has not been entirely discarded, even as the area is now primarily residential. The most evident preserved piece of history is the neon Pepsi-Cola sign in Gantry Plaza State Park—formerly atop the company’s LIC bottling factory—a city landmark near-synonymous with the neighborhood. Another repurposed LIC icon is Silvercup Studios, a substantially-sized film and television production facility housed in a former bakery. MoMA PS1, a leader in experimental contemporary art, lives inside an unmistakable Romanesque Revival building that was previously a public school. In addition to its exhibitions and installations, MoMA PS1 screens films and annually hosts the popular Warm Up outdoor concert series. For older architecture retaining its original function, check out the stellar 19th-century townhouses of the Hunters Point Historic District.

Long Island City Dining & Shopping

LIC is undeniably spread out, but its unending series of standout stores, eateries, and bars are distributed far and wide throughout its bounds. You’ll find the highest concentration of options clustered along Vernon and Jackson avenues and along 21st Street by Court Square and Queensboro Plaza—however, there isn’t a singular main drag or dining district. In some regards, the restaurant scene spills over from neighboring Greenpoint, with countless dynamic offerings ranging from Michelin-starred stalwarts to casual sidewalk cafes that are sure to please even the most finicky foodies. Venture into warehouse territory and uncover a sacred string of craft breweries to hit after sweating it up at a nearby rock climbing gym. In terms of shopping, a mix of newer Haute boutiques and quirky neighborhood holdouts stitch together a vibrant fabric one can spend an entire day exploring.