Under $100: Queens

Queens is a melting pot of international cultures. The borough is a great spot to visit if you think you’ve seen everything New York City has to offer.

Astor Bake Shop, Queens, New York City © Charlie | Flickr

Grab breakfast to go from Astor Bake Shop. The neighborhood bakery/café serves up tasty pastries and coffee from a local roaster. Breakfast costs less than $10.

Queens Botanical Garden © Ariane Hunter | Flickr

Queens boasts many beautiful public parks. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the second largest park in New York City, was the site of the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs. Unisphere, a massive steel globe built for the 1964 World’s Fair, still stands today. Queens Botanical Garden takes up a large part of the park. It features a large display of rose, bee, herb and perennial gardens along with changing exhibits. Admission costs $4 for adults April–October and is free November–March.

Porchetta at Smorgasburg © Erin | Flickr

Sample the flavors of the borough at Smorgasburg, Queens. Like its counterpart in Brooklyn, this recently opened open-air market boasts an impressive list of vendors representing the best of Queens. From barbeque to Mexican to vegan treats, there’s something to please every palate. Spend $10, or more if you’re hungry.

MoMA PS1 © Gideon Tsang | Flickr

MoMA PS1 is one of the oldest non-profit institutions in the country dedicated solely to contemporary art. In addition to permanent and short-term exhibits, the institution hosts a number of educational and community engagement programs for all ages. Adult admission costs $10.

SriPraPhai is a great spot for Thai food. If you’re intimidated by the 30-page menu, try the perennial favorites: drunken noodles and crispy watercress salad. Noodle dishes start at $10. Cap off your night at Neir’s Tavern. One of the oldest bars in the city, this memorable dive was featured in the iconic film Goodfellas.