Overview
Jamaica is an expansive neighborhood located in eastern Queens. Historically consisting of predominantly black communities, Jamaica now is home to an extremely diverse array of peoples and cultures.
2 sights · 4 things to do · 1 places to eat · 10 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Jamaica
King Manor Museum
The historic home of Rufus King, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. The house exhibits the story of Jamaica Village in the early 1800s.
St. John's University
A Catholic private university.
Afrikan Poetry Theatre
Hosts classes, activist and cultural programs, musical performances, and produces original plays.
Black Spectrum Theatre
Creates theatre and film that focuses on educating African American youth on racial issues, as well as highlights emerging Black artists.
Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning
The heart of Jamaica's art culture, organizing workshops, classes, exhibits, and performances in the visual and performing arts.
Rufus King Park
Take a walk and watch locals play soccer in the field.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby New York City)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- JFK John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York — 5 mi away (major hub). Directions
- LGA LaGuardia Airport, New York — 6 mi away (major hub). Directions
Jamaica is the closest neighborhood to JFK Airport. To get to Jamaica from the airport, either take AirTrain JFK directly to Jamaica Station, a $7.75 fare, or as a cheaper alternative, an MTA Q10 bus from Terminal 5, which charges a regular $3.00 fare (note that this leaves you on the western edge of Jamaica; you can exit the bus at the Jamaica Av stop, right by the 121 St subway station, and take the J or Z train one stop to Sutphin Boulevard or two stops to Jamaica Center). The Q3 bus links JFK Terminal 5 with Hillside Avenue in northern Jamaica.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $85–$140 a night (typical $101), from 7 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$130, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$310.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning King Manor Museum, Rufus King Park, Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning
- Lunch Beijing Dumpling House
- Afternoon Afrikan Poetry Theatre, St. John's University
Day 2
- Morning Black Spectrum Theatre
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
Jamaica is the closest neighborhood to JFK Airport. To get to Jamaica from the airport, either take AirTrain JFK directly to Jamaica Station, a $7.75 fare, or as a cheaper alternative, an MTA Q10 bus from Terminal 5, which charges a regular $3.00 fare (note that this leaves you on the western edge of Jamaica; you can exit the bus at the Jamaica Av stop, right by the 121 St subway station, and take the J or Z train one stop to Sutphin Boulevard or two stops to Jamaica Center). The Q3 bus links JFK Terminal 5 with Hillside Avenue in northern Jamaica.
By Long Island Rail Road
Jamaica Station at 93-02 Sutphin Blvd is a major transportation hub for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and is one of the busiest train stations in the country. It is served by every LIRR line except for the Port Washington Branch.
By subway
Jamaica is served by the E, F, J, and Z trains on the New York City Subway.
See
Do
Do Black Spectrum Theatre
Creates theatre and film that focuses on educating African American youth on racial issues, as well as highlights emerging Black artists.
Buy
- Jamaica Avenue is the neighborhood's main thoroughfare, with a plethora of shops. The street is very pedestrian-friendly, and items are typically cheap.
Eat
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Stay safe
Jamaica is a traditionally working-class family neighborhood. Through the years there have been problems with crime, including violence and gang activity. The situation has greatly improved, the crime rate has followed a citywide trend downwards.
Normal precautions should be taken to avoid walking alone late at night.
Nearby
Brooklyn
City / town · 4 listings · 8 mi away
Garden City
City / town · 13 listings · 8 mi away
Manhasset
City / town · 9 listings · 8 mi away
The Plandomes
City / town · 5 listings · 9 mi away
Rockville Centre
City / town · 15 listings · 9 mi away
Mineola
City / town · 9 mi away
Hempstead
City / town · 1 listings · 10 mi away
Flower Hill
City / town · 23 listings · 10 mi away
My experience
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