Jackson Heights
New York City, NY
Jackson Heights is among New York City’s most diverse neighborhoods—the Queens area has one of NYC's biggest LGBTQ+ communities, plus about 60 percent of its residents were born outside of the US. Its melting pot of cultures is reflected in a vibrant food scene, an array of eclectic shops and markets, plus plenty of spots for a fun night out.
The basics
Start your Jackson Heights exploration from Roosevelt Avenue, a lively thoroughfare that runs through all of Queens and is easy to reach on the 7 subway line. Here you’ll find some of the area’s best street food, which vendors serve from day to night; it’s a well known spot for a late-night bite if you’re out in the area. With so many food choices on offer, some travelers opt for a tour that helps navigate the Queens street food scene, taking you to the hidden spots and local favorites. The area is home to various neighborhoods—Little India, Latin America, and Little Bangladesh, to name a few—where you’ll find stores and eateries that reflect the community.
Things to know before you go
- If traveling with kids, head to Travers Park off of Northern Boulevard for a playground break.
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park is at the eastern end of Roosevelt Avenue, where you’ll find Queens Zoo, New York Hall of Science, and Queens Botanical Garden.
- Architecture fans will find much to see here, including the area’s signature garden apartment buildings.
How to get there
To reach Jackson Heights from Manhattan, you can take the 7 train from Times Square-42nd Street, heading towards Flushing, and get off at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue. Alternatively, you can ride the E train from Midtown to the same station. The journey usually takes about 30-40 minutes.
When to get there
Generally, the best time to visit Jackson Heights is spring (April to June) or fall (September to November), when the weather is pleasant. The neighborhood also hosts annual festivals: the New Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival in June, and the Momo Crawl in September, which celebrates the Tibetan and Nepalese dumplings. The Jackson Heights Greenmarket is held year-round on Sundays.
Where to get Tibetan momos in Jackson Heights
Making the trip to Jackson Heights for momos—Tibetan steamed dumplings sometimes served in broth—is totally worth it. There are several good momo spots near the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway stop, including Lhasa Fast Food and Mom's Momo. Nepali Bhanchha Ghar on Roosevelt Avenue serves delicious momos in a spicy sesame and tomato broth.
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