Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights, Queens, may be the most diverse neighborhood on earth — Indian, Nepali, Tibetan, Colombian, Ecuadorian, and Mexican worlds stacked within a few blocks under the 7 train. Locals send friends here for momos, arepas, and Little India sari shopping. Zero conventional sights; the neighborhood itself is the attraction.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Why do people rave about Jackson Heights?

Because in a 15-minute walk you pass Tibetan momo counters, Colombian bakeries, Indian chaat houses, and Mexican taco trucks, all serving their own communities at their own prices. Anthony Bourdain loved it for a reason — it's the city's immigrant story, live.

How much money do I need for a food crawl here?

Around $25-30 per person buys an embarrassing amount: a plate of momos, a couple of tacos, an arepa, sweets, and fresh juice. It's arguably the best eating-per-dollar neighborhood in New York.

What should I eat in Jackson Heights?

Momos (Tibetan/Nepali dumplings) are the neighborhood signature — from steam-table counters and food carts around Diversity Plaza. Then work through Indian sweets and dosas on 74th Street and arepas and ceviche along the Colombian and Ecuadorian stretches of Roosevelt Avenue.

Is there anything to see besides food?

The historic district's 1920s garden apartments north of 37th Avenue are lovely and totally unexpected — leafy interior courtyards behind Tudor facades. Otherwise, the streetscape, the shops, and the people are the show.

Is Jackson Heights safe?

It's a dense, busy, working neighborhood — crowded sidewalks under the elevated 7 are the norm, and that bustle is most of the security you need. Keep normal city awareness on Roosevelt Avenue late at night.

How do I get to Jackson Heights?

The 74 St-Broadway / Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av complex is served by the 7, E, F, M, and R trains — about 25 minutes from Midtown on the express E or F. Everything worth visiting radiates from that station.

What's Little India in Jackson Heights?

74th Street between Roosevelt and 37th Avenues — sari emporiums, gold jewelers, spice shops, and sweet shops. Even if you're not buying, the window displays and the smell of cardamom make it worth the walk.

What is Diversity Plaza?

A pedestrianized block of 37th Road by the station that functions as the neighborhood's town square — momo vendors, paan shops, and every language at once. It's the right place to start and to snack.

Nearby in Ask New York City

• Jackson Heights Diversity PlazaMarket1.25 km · 16 min walk
• Samrah CoffeeCafé2.75 km · 34 min walk
• AstoriaNeighborhood3.54 km · 44 min walk
• Flushing Meadows-Corona ParkPark3.9 km · 49 min walk
• Flushing's Golden Shopping Mall Food CourtRestaurant4.53 km · 57 min walk