Free Queens History and Food Tour

Duration: 2h and 30min
Languages: English
Guru: Alex
Quality Verified Registered on February 06, 2023

I am a licensed tour guide, professional blogger, and active member of the Guides Association of New York City. My passion is New York’s food, history, and culture, and my walking tours are one of a kind NYC experiences! I also created, own, and operate a tour agency called Food Strolls Guided Tours right here in New York City.

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  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
  • Accepts electronic payment
    This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

Experience the real New York City by joining Alex on a walking tour through Jackson Heights and Corona, Queens.  We’ll discuss the history of Queens, its relationship to NYC’s subways and bridges, and the borough’s past and present day demographics.  We’ll talk about the roaring overhead 7 train, and how it became known as the “International Express”.  As we walk, we'll learn how and why Corona transitioned from a Black, Italian, and Jewish area to a Latin American mecca!

We'll visit several local businesses throughout the tour, including bodegas, taco stands, street vendors, food trucks, and bakeries.  You will have plenty of opportunities to taste the best camarones, pupusas, arepas, tlayudas, fritada, chicharrones, tacos, croquettes, and alfojores the streets of Queens have to offer!!


Finally, we’ll meet some local business owners with inspirational real life stories about the neighborhood!  Along the way you'll have plenty of time to ask questions and engage with Alex on any number of topics.

Tours are casual, flexible, and fun, so bring your curiosity, appetite, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes!

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  • Meeting point:
    4002 80th St, Queens, NY 11373, USA
    4002 80th St, Queens, NY 11373, USA
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    I will be standing in front of the address carrying a clear folder full of black and white images.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

69 ratings
4.9
By category
Professionalism
4.89
Fun
4.69
Expression
4.83
Quality
4.74
Route
4.78
Generic
5 stars
64
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Hannah 16 Nov 2023
Darmstadt

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Nov 2023
The Tour was good fun and the food was good. I wish there had been a bit more of everything. More food, more Information on the neighborhood and more time allotted. While the time parameters of the tour given were exceeded I was disappointed at the end as it seemed everything had been cut just a little short. If you have other plans for the evening plan for a good bit of buffer between them and the tour. There were some fun tidbits (especially for all those who like board games) and excellent food. But you really have to be able to walk well to be able to keep up when rushing after Alex. The tour might not be ideal for elderly visitors. All I all, I enjoyed my self and got to see a new aspect of New York City.
Elisaweta 16 Nov 2023
Frankfurt

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Nov 2023
In general tour was good, but it gives to less info, facts, details, and takes way long time, which is mostly taken by the food part, where the participants either have to buy something to eat by themselves, or wait/watch others eating.
Chris 16 Nov 2023
Melbourne

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Nov 2023
Alex was a wonderful guide, very informative about the history and food of Queens. Food stops were very enjoyable. Thank you Alex..
Gabriella 10 Nov 2023
Rome

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Nov 2023
Ho prenotato con Alex il tour del Lower East Side... sono finita con prenotare tutti gli altri tour che aveva in programma nei giorni del mio soggiorno a New York: Chinatown e Little Italy, Brooklyn Heights, Harlem e il Queens. Sono una guida turistica anche io e ho apprezzato in Alex molti aspetti: la cordialità e la premura verso di noi; la chiarezza delle spiegazioni (il mio inglese non è molto buono, ed è stata l'unica guida a New York di cui ho capito tutto); la capacità di dare un'idea organica della storia di ogni quartiere su cui poi ha innestato il racconto dei singoli aneddoti; la professionalità e la disponibilità a rispondere a tutte le nostre domande, anche l'interesse ad ascoltare il nostro punto di vista; la strutturazione degli itinerari ben bilanciati e che sempre hanno incluso soste in realtà locali (dove abbiamo avuto sempre possibilità di sosta bagno, che è un'attenzione che non tutti hanno). I suoi tour sono un arricchimento personale e anche l'occasione per trascorre delle ore piacevoli alla scoperta di New York e di suoi angoli meno scontati. Grazie Alex per avermi aiutato a capire questa città così complessa, quando tornerò farò i tuoi tour che ancora non ho fatto!
Mark 03 Nov 2023
London

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Oct 2023
My wife and I visited New York for a week. During this time, we took 5 of Alex's tours, and we were incredibly pleased with all of them. His deep knowledge of the city's history and vibrant culture was impressive. From the iconic landmarks to hidden gems, he provided insightful commentary that brought the city to life, and highlighted the people that make it so unique. What truly set Alex apart was his knack for introducing us to a world of diverse culinary experiences. His recommendations showcased the rich tapestry of flavors that define NYC. Alex's passion, warmth, and expertise made the tours we took with him an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of the New York City.
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Not suitable for pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
A minimum of 5 people is required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or credit card payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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