Tour the globe without leaving the city
The largest of New York City's five boroughs, Queens is one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world. In one compact area you'll find Asian, Italian, African, Irish, Caribbean, and Hispanic neighborhoods, as well as prominent Greek and Chinese communities (much to the delight of foodies everywhere). The top-notch food is rivaled only by the world-class museums, art, and sporting events. Your GPS will come in handy for finding your Queens vacation rental, as the street naming can be confusing -- even real New Yorkers still get lost here, even though they'll never admit it.
From world-class art to World's Fair nostalgia
Chances are you'll recognize Queens from your TV, thanks in large part to the 1964 World's Fair structures in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Most famous are the glittering Unisphere globe sculpture and the iconic towers (you might know them as the spaceships from "Men in Black"), but the grounds also house the hands-on New York Hall of Science. The Museum of the Moving Image is a must-see for movie buffs. For modern art, head to MoMA PS1, set in a former public school, or Socrates Sculpture Park along the East River in Long Island City, which offers some killer Manhattan skyline views to boot.
A rollercoaster of seasons in the city
When it comes to weather, Queens sees it all. Summers are hot and humid, with high temps from June to September in the 80s and 90s, and possibly even the triple digits. Winters aren't as frigid as in some of the surrounding areas, but you'll still see plenty of snow and below-freezing temperatures from December through February, and even the occasional blizzard. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons, but also the most unpredictable, with extreme swings in weather from day to day. To be on the safe side, check the forecast before heading to your Queens vacation rental.
Living that big city life
It's no secret that space is at a premium in New York City, and centrally located Queens vacation rental will give you a true taste of cozy city life. Located on the far western end of Long Island, most of the borough's green space comes in the form of city parks. For more room to move, head to the East River waterfront or the sandy beaches of the Rockaways. Jamaica Bay is home to a few small islands and the Gateway National Recreation Area of New York Harbor, but the best wildlife viewing is the people watching.