A brief tour of As-tour-ia

Astoria has always been the home to strivers and dreamers. In the early 1800s the village of Hallet’s Cove was re-named Astoria in hopes that John Jacob Astor, the first millionaire in the United States, would invest there. Although he reportedly never set foot in Astoria, America’s richest man eventually gave the village $500 and the name stuck.

This northwestern section of Queens, where three bridges – the Queensboro, the Triborough, and the Hell Gate – cross the East River, is the traditional center of Greek life in America. Today, long-time residents are joined by newcomers from around the world and Astoria has become one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the nation, filled with those pursuing their own American dreams.

Triborough Bridge seen from inside the subway station 

View from subway station stairs 

Welcome to the neighborhood 

We speak German, Polish, Spanish, French, Greek 

Pedestrian and sidewalk mural 

Selecting oranges outside of a Greek market 

A proud gardener tending his fig trees 

In a quiet corner of the Triborough Bridge Playground 

Resting in the shade 

Chatting on the grass in Astoria Park 

A sleepy snuggle in the park 

View of Riker’s Island 

Bridge over the East River 

Chilling inside the Bohemian Beer Garden 

Security guard at Bohemian Beer Garden 

Statue of Socrates 

Athena, gift from the people of Athens, Greece 

Queens Borough President

Central Astoria LDC

Astorians

Joey in Astoria

Greater Astoria Historical Society

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden

Freeze Peach Cafe