Jackson Heights Food, History and Culture Tour

Queens , United States

Jackson Heights Food, History and Culture Tour

Active

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the culinary heart of Queens with a walking tour that takes you through Jackson Heights. This immersive experience highlights authentic food tastings and rich cultural stories that showcase the diversity of this neighborhood. With a small group setting, enjoy personalized storytelling from a local guide, revealing hidden gems and vibrant markets that often go unnoticed by tourists. This tour not only satisfies your appetite but also offers a deeper understanding of the area's cultural heritage.

- Taste authentic dishes at local eateries loved by residents
- Engage with captivating stories that bring the neighborhoods to life
- Discover hidden corners of Queens that are off the beaten path
- Choose from various tour options, including a free one-hour tour or a deeper immersion experience

Available options

Jackson Heights Food, History and Culture Tour

What's included

Free Chai

Detailed itinerary

A 2-3 hour tour of sights and sounds of the most diverse neighborhood in NYC. Start at the Diversity Plaza plus enjoy an complimentary Chai (Indian style black tea with milk) tour favorite store front eateries, skim the history of the town and end with relaxing walk through of the one its local parks. Family discounts and specials available on request. Children under 4 year is free.

Stop 2

Street Food between Roosevelt Ave and 37th Ave

Jackson Heights Historical District into Little Columbia

Stop 4

Walking along 34th Ave open Street

Neighborhood park featuring a playgrounds, plus tennis, basketball, handball & bathrooms.

Available languages

Written guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Meet at the street sign on the east end of Diversity Plaza.

About Queens

Queens is the largest and most diverse borough of New York City, known for its cultural richness and vibrant neighborhoods. It's home to iconic landmarks, world-class dining, and a unique blend of urban and suburban living.

Top Attractions

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

A large public park that hosted the 1964 World's Fair. It's home to the Unisphere and the Queens Museum.

Park 2-4 hours Free (some attractions may have fees)

Citi Field

Home of the New York Mets baseball team. A must-visit for sports fans.

Sports 3-4 hours (for a game) Varies by event

Queens Botanical Garden

A beautiful garden with a variety of plant collections and seasonal displays.

Nature 1-2 hours Free to $6 (depending on the season and events)

US Open Tennis Championships

One of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, held annually in Queens.

Sports 1-3 days (depending on your interest) Varies by session and ticket type

Must-Try Local Dishes

XLB (Soup Dumplings)

Chinese dumplings filled with soup and meat, typically pork. A must-try in Flushing.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Gyro

Greek dish made of meat cooked on a vertical spit, usually served in pita bread with tzatziki sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with chicken or lamb, contains gluten

Arepa

Venezuelan and Colombian dish made of ground corn dough, usually stuffed with various ingredients.

Snack/Dinner Can be vegetarian or with meat, contains gluten

Baklava

Middle Eastern dessert made of layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.

Dessert Contains nuts and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Kayaking in Gantry Plaza State Park Picnicking in Queens Botanical Garden Yoga in Socrates Sculpture Park Visiting the Queens Museum Exploring the Museum of the Moving Image Swimming at Rockaway Beach Ice Skating at Sky Rink at Forest Park

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the warmest time of the year with plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities. It's also the time for major events and festivals.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Greek, Hindi, and many others
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Queens is generally safe, but like any large city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable taxi services

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown Queens
LaGuardia Airport • 5 miles (8 km) from downtown Queens

By train

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)

By bus

Queens Village, Jamaica, Flushing

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around. The system is extensive and runs 24/7.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft, Curb

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Flushing Astoria Long Island City Jackson Heights

Day trips

Long Island

20-60 miles (32-97 km) depending on the destination • Half day to full day

Long Island offers a variety of day trip options, from beautiful beaches to historic sites and vineyards.

Staten Island

10 miles (16 km) from downtown Queens • Half day

Staten Island offers a mix of natural beauty and historical sites, as well as the famous Staten Island Ferry with views of the Statue of Liberty.

Festivals

Queens International Night Market • May to October (weekends) Flushing Lunar New Year Parade and Festival • January or February (depending on the lunar calendar) Queens Pride • June

Pro tips

Visit Flushing for authentic international cuisine and cultural experiences
Explore the diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and cuisine
Use the subway for efficient and affordable transportation within Queens and to other boroughs
Check out local festivals and events for a taste of the borough's vibrant cultural scene
Try the famous halal chicken and rice from street vendors in Astoria and Jackson Heights