You found our list of 15 Things to Do in Long Island City.
Craving a curated day of self-care, style, and city charm? Long Island City is the answer. Nestled on the East River with views that rival Manhattan’s, this waterfront gem offers the perfect blend of culture, creativity, and calm. Whether you’re in search of artistic inspiration or a peaceful moment to reflect, Long Island City is the perfect destination.
Interested in visiting more NYC neighborhoods? Check out 15 Things to Do in SoHo: The Perfect Itinerary.
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Let’s get to it!
15 Things to Do in Long Island City: The Perfect Itinerary
1. Take a Riverside Walk at Gantry Plaza State Park
Start your morning with gentle movement and a breathtaking view. This riverside park is an urban sanctuary where sunrise bathes the skyline in soft gold. The serenity is palpable, the energy uplifting.
Visit Gantry Plaza State Park.
2. Sip on Artisan Coffee at Sweetleaf
An industrial-chic café with deep roots in LIC’s creative community. Try their signature Rocket Fuel—cold brew with chicory and milk—or opt for a matcha latte with oat milk. The space invites conversation, contemplation, or simply a stylish pause.
Check out Sweetleaf Center Blvd.
3. Stroll Through MoMA PS1
Bold, thought-provoking, and ever-evolving. MoMA PS1 is more than a museum—it’s a portal into avant-garde expression. Contemporary art lovers will find solace (and a little edge) in the unexpected. New Yorkers enjoy free admission.
Learn more about MoMA PS1.
4. Indulge in a Face Facial at Tailormade for You
This boutique skincare studio is known for its bespoke body and skincare rituals. Treatments are crafted around your skin’s needs, using clean, effective ingredients. It’s skincare that listens—then transforms.
Learn more about Tailormade for You.
5. Recharge with Pilates at Lady Life Pilates
For movement that feels like medicine. Lady Life’s intimate pilates classes focus on breath, strength, and grace. The studio welcomes women of all life stages and promotes wellness that radiates from the inside out.
Learn more about Lady Life Pilates.
6. Refuel at No Stress Coffee
This bright and breezy spot offers wellness-focused fare with a Caribbean twist. Think turmeric tofu wraps, avocado toast with a kick, and herbal teas that calm the mind. It’s a nourishing pause in your day.
Check out No Stress Coffee.
7. Lunch at Jora Peruvian Food
Step into this rustic-chic eatery and let your palate travel. Jora’s authentic Peruvian dishes—like fresh ceviche, quinoa salad, and lomo saltado—bring warmth, flavor, and boldness to the table. A hidden culinary treasure.
Check out Jora.
8. Explore the Skyline from Hunters Point South Park
This waterfront park offers panoramic views and ample space to reflect. Take a walk along the boardwalk or rest on a bench with your journal. It’s where the skyline meets stillness. Ideal for introspection or a mid-itinerary breather.
Learn more about Hunter’s Point South Park.
9. Create at Cozy Art Land
More than a gallery, Cozy Art Land is a hands-on art studio where you become the artist. Whether you’re in the mood to sculpt, paint, or sketch, this cozy, light-filled space invites you to slow down and tap into your creative flow. Perfect for solo reflection or a fun, artsy afternoon with friends, it’s a reminder that self-care can be beautifully messy and wonderfully freeing.
Learn more about Cozy Art Land.
10. Pop into Book Culture LIC
An inviting independent bookstore with a feminist edge and beautifully curated shelves. You’ll find poetry, art books, and modern classics—stories that stir the heart. Pick up a new read or simply inhale the quiet joy of printed pages.
Visit Book Culture LIC.
11. Embrace Play at Gotham Pickleball
Tap into your inner athlete—or simply your curiosity—at Gotham Pickleball’s LIC location. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, the vibrant energy here is contagious. Movement, connection, and community, all in one swing.
Learn more about Gotham Pickleball.
12. Snack + Sip at M Tea
A bubble tea lover’s dream, M Tea offers exquisitely presented boba and dreamy desserts (think soufflé pancakes and fresh fruit teas). It’s indulgence without the crash—sweet, stylish, and highly Instagrammable.
Check out MTea LIC.
13. Savor an Early Dinner at Takumen
Minimalist design, maximal flavor. This sleek Japanese izakaya serves standout ramen, crispy karaage, and curated sake flights. It’s the kind of spot where the umami hits just right and every detail is intentional.
Check out Takumen LIC.
14. Golden Hour at Lost in Paradise Rooftop
Elevate your evening at Lost in Paradise Rooftop Lounge, an airy, tropical-inspired escape perched above Long Island City. With lush greenery, ambient lighting, and panoramic skyline views, it’s the ideal setting for a golden hour toast. Sip on a fresh Paradise Mojito or Classic Margarita as the city blushes beneath the setting sun.
Check out Lost in Paradise Rootftop Lounge.
15. Admire the Graffiti Walls of Welling Court
This vibrant street art project transforms the neighborhood into an open-air gallery. With ever-changing murals, it’s a joyful expression of resistance, identity, and imagination. Bring your camera. Inspiration is everywhere.
Learn more about the Welling Court Mural Project.
Final Thoughts
Long Island City isn’t just a destination—it’s a breath of fresh air. Each experience in this itinerary offers a moment to reconnect: with beauty, with creativity, with yourself. Whether you’re here for a day or seeking new rhythms in city life, LIC extends an elegant invitation to slow down, indulge your senses, and move through the world with intention.
Enjoyed this article? Next, check out Best Things to Do in Hudson Yards That Aren’t Eating or Drinking.
