A DAY IN LONG ISLAND CITY AT BORO HOTEL
Long Island City Sign on the Water Front
LONG ISLAND CITY (LIC) | Borough: Queens | Views: Waterfront
Much like Hoboken and DUMBO, Long Island City offers unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline from the East River. An area that’s being redeveloped, it has a very industrial feel to it. Home to many restaurants, art galleries, shops, and of course a riverfront walk, Long Island City is a great way to get a taste of Queens. I had the chance to explore this neighborhood last year while collaborating with the Boro Hotel.
HOW TO GET THERE
Driving: As I was coming from central New Jersey, I opted to drive into Manhattan and then ultimately into Queens. The ride was smooth enough for someone who is not used to daily driving in New York City. The great thing about LIC is that street parking is pretty easily found, as most streets are wide when compared to Manhattan. As always in the city, be sure to check for no parking signs or street cleaning information.
Train: If you’re coming from a NYC borough, there are multiple trains that will get you to LIC (7, R, W, N, E, F, M).
WHAT TO DO
Walk the Water Front: This is a very easy and leisurely walk that provides excellent sky line views. There are so many ways to spend an afternoon here: capture great frames of the Empire State Building and the Queensboro Bridge, lounge in the park side greenery with a picnic and a few friends, or get your steps in by walking to Hunter’s Point.
WHERE TO STAY
Boro Hotel: Located just a few blocks from the water, Boro Hotel rooms offer some of the most incredible skyline views while also tying in the industrial influence of Long Island City. The most notable design features in this hotel were the floor to ceiling windows which lead to a balcony and a full skyline view. Another selling point was the incredibly tall ceilings in each of the rooms. Both these features help the space feel bright, open, and roomy (which is definitely a luxury for New York City).
In the lobby, you can find plenty of seating area - perfect for getting some work done or some reading. Grab one of the many books on display at Boro Hotel’s informal library. There’s also a full service coffee counter and a gym, for those early mornings.
Upstairs, you’ll find a rooftop bar - perfect for grabbing a drinking and soaking in the iconic New York City views.
WHAT TO EAT
Blend on the Water: If you’re after some Latin inspired cuisine and waterfront views, this is the place for you! Try the tuna poke tacos and of course order guac for the table!
Bebe’s Pizza: We took advantage of the full service restaurant located in the lobby of Boro Hotel! Bebe’s draws inspiration from Italian American and New York cuisine - primarily serving pizza, pastas, and burgers. We went classic NYC with a traditional Margherita pizza. Paying tribute to the city, the pizza had thin, crispy crust - a New York tried and true. Take advantage of Bebe’s for dinner - the restaurant is open 7 days a week from 5pm -10pm.
Room Service: We opted to eat in for breakfast on our way out of New York and it did not disappoint. We ordered the pancakes with strawberries. Delicious and served right to your door!
