New York City’s 7 line takes passengers out of Manhattan and into the borough of Queens, where a vibrant mix of international communities and unexpected attractions makes for an unforgettable journey.

5 POINTZ

Take a detour out of Times Square on the “International Express.” Photography by Shane Luitjens

While street art is often controversial by nature, there is perhaps no better argument for sanctioned graffiti spots than the colorful and expertly painted pieces on the façade of this sprawling warehouse full of artists’ studios. Back on the 7, heading further into Queens, look outside for a stunning view of the complex from above.

LITTLE INDIA

Whether you’re in the market for a sparkling Sari, a Bollywood classic or some of the best Tandoori chicken in New York, the blocks surrounding 74th Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights are your passage to India.

Imported dresses at Karishma	Statue of the Hindu god Ganesh	The Butala Emporium
74th Street	Counter at Karishma	Breads at Jackson Diner
Deval at Butala Emporium	Dressings at Jackson Diner	A dish at Jackson Diner
	Butala Emporium owner Butala Shaswat

UNISPHERE

This giant globe, the most resilient of the structures remaining from the 1964-1965 World’s Fair, was constructed by the U.S. Steel Corporation as a symbol for world peace. Resting at the center of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, it is a popular meeting place and a fitting (and striking) reminder that Queens is the most ethnically diverse 115 square miles on Earth.

It’s a great starting point to explore the park: You can grab a bite from the Ecuadorian and Peruvian snack carts, watch a soccer game or sit by a lake—it’s a world unto itself.

DOWNTOWN FLUSHING

Home to a large East Asian community, this is the place to sip a bubble tea, snack on a pork bun or stock up on fresh, hard-to-find ingredients.

QUEENS BOTANICAL GARDEN

This 39-acre oasis can boast that its visitor center—which opened last year and won an E.P.A. Environmental Quality Award—is the most environmentally friendly building in all of New York. While this is definitely good news, visitors still mainly come for the green that surrounds it.