NEW YORK CITY — When it comes to tourism, Queens is King.
Travel experts "Lonely Planet" picked the borough as the top place to visit in the entire country in its 2015 guide — beating out New Orleans, Indianapolis, and even western South Dakota for the title.
The organization selected the borough for its cultural institutions, chill-out spots and diverse dining scene, writing in its yearly review that the "incomparable array of world cuisines" makes it a must-visit.
“Nowhere is the image of New York as the global melting pot truer," Lonely Planet, which selects destinations with input from its authors and editors, wrote.
Western South Dakota came in second with its mix of Native American sites, a buffalo roundup and the famous Sturgis motorcycle rally.
Borough President Melinda Katz, who made tourism a priority since taking office this year, agreed with the guide book's selection.
“You haven’t really seen New York City unless you have experienced the diversity that is Queens,” she said.
Fisher Landau Center for Art in Long Island City was selected as the top tip when visiting Queens, and MoMA P.S 1 and the Museum of the Moving Image were also cited.
Rockaway Beach — the only place to surf in the five boroughs — was given a shout out for its waves and new boardwalk restaurants, all accessible by subway and bus for $2.50.
The guide also suggests a food truck crawl on Roosevelt Avenue, a trip to the vast food-focused malls of Flushing, and a day at Spa Castle in College Point to wind down after taking in "the world's borough."
Seth Bornstein, executive director of the Queens Economic Development Corporation, said the borough's hotels are "waiting with open arms for all visitors."
"Come — you'll like it," he said.
