The NYC walking tour of the Queens waterside

The Manhattan views from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade get all the love, but for our money, the ones from the piers at Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza State Park are among the best things to do on NYC's waterfront. And if you want to find a sunset NYC tourists don't already know about, we have you covered! Just don't forget your shades.

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• The Manhattan views from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade get all the love, but for our money, the ones from the piers at Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza State Park are where it’s at.

• Get to Gantry State Park(4-09 47th Rd at the East River, Long Island City, Queens; 718-786-6385, nysparks.com/parks) from either the 7 at Vernon Blvd–Jackson Ave or the G at 21st St. Head north on Vernon Blvd and turn left at 47th Rd.

• Once you hit the water, you’ll see the iconic Long Island City sign. You’ve reached your destination! Stroll the 12-acre green space and take in the stunning midtown backdrop, which has made the park a popular spot for wedding photos.

• Play I-Spy across the water from the park’s piers, and spot gems like the United Nations and the 59th Street Bridge. A sunset visit is a must, although it can be a bit blinding if you didn't pack a pair of shades.

• Fuel up with a snack from LIC Landing by Coffeed (52 Center Blvd, coffeednyc.com/liclanding), next to the East River Ferry dock. If you want a more substantial meal, walk two blocks east of the park to the Queens outpost of the beloved West Village burger den, Corner Bistro(47-18 Vernon Blvd at 47th Rd, Long Island City, Queens; 718-606-6500, cornerbistrony.com), located on—you guessed it—the corner.