gay new york tourism

Gay New York City, USA | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!

Posted on Last updated: December 7, 2023

Categories USA , Gay Destinations , North America

Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.

With one of the world’s biggest queer scenes, a proud history of LGBT activism, magnificent gay nightlife and a liberal population who have seen and done it all – New York was always destined to be one of the world’s great gay cities!

The fabulosity of Gay New York is unrivaled on Earth, and queer culture seeps into every corner of its five boroughs.

Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Greenwich Village – are all bastions of gay life that you need to add to your queer-tinerary and much like Manchester’s Canal Street , Le Marais in Paris and Toronto’s Church and Wellesley neighborhood , at times, it can seem the LGBT community far outnumbers their hetero-counterparts here.

This leads to the unusual position of many venues declaring themselves straight-friendly, which we are absolutely living for!

The queer vibes and come-as-your-fabulous-self spirit here infuse your soul with warmth and tempt you to never leave but to be clear: the LGBT  community is welcome across the entire city, and you should explore beyond these legendary gaybourhoods. New York is such an iconic city that the first few days you’re there, you walk around wide-eyed with wonder, feeling like you’re in a movie.

This pulsing city has tons to offer gay visitors – it’s steeped in LGBT history and culture (yes, there is far more than just Stonewall), and whatever you’d like to do here, you can!

In between soaking up the atmosphere and walking so much your feet hurt, you can sample some of the world’s best dining, explore boutique stores, avant-garde museum exhibitions, and beautiful parks – or just spend your time gawking at all the cute guys.

If you have ever seen Hunting Season, the steamy LGBT web series set in Manhattan about the romantic and sexual exploits of Alex – it’s exactly like this. So, why not have a little fun…

Another aspect we loved in Gay NYC was discovering a local LGBT community imbued with energy, passion and genuine excitement about the future – all this despite the best efforts of the Trump-era politics of hate and discrimination.

From gender-bending drag, post-gay nightlife venues, queer arts festivals and one of the biggest Pride Festivals on Earth – there is never a boring minute in this trend-setting city.

A metropolis with its finger on the pulse of global queer culture, or more often, setting it.

For just one example, consider the House of Yes parties out in Brooklyn, one of the best things to do in the entire world right now, reviving the gritty NYC party scene with a sensory overload of the weird, wonderful, taboo, and exotic. This is one nightlife spot you can let your freakiest freak flag fly!

Ever-changing, we have tried to capture as much as possible of the diversity that Gay New York offers. From cabaret to clubs to hotels to festivals to arts and more – we gave it our best shot. So get prepared, darlings; we are going on a journey to the center of the world…

Are you relocating? This guide will help travelers discover the queerer side of the city. However, if you are lucky enough to be considering a move here, we recommend reading our article about moving to LGBT New York City or getting in touch with a local gay realtor . They can happily give you no-obligation advice and all the information you’ll ever need to know about your new city.

And if you then want their help to find your dream home, you are guaranteed fair, equal, and honest representation. No surprises or awkward conversations are necessary!

In this article we will cover...

Top Highlights in New York City

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Naturally, being gay does not define which attractions most of us will want to see in each destination, and most queer travelers will simply want to check out the top things to see in New York City during the day! We found our favorite memories were enjoying happy hours at energetic cocktail bars, dancing till dawn with our queer family, or exploring the fabulous food and world-class museums on offer here.

If you are ever lost, you can head to Brooklyn for a diverse multi-neighborhood experience with gays of all tribes and a smattering of queer watering holes throughout or Queens for lower prices, fewer tourists and plenty of sexy Latino gogo dancers and dance-centric nightlife.

Back on the island, the West Village is where it all began with historic LGBT venues; Chelsea was the second major gaybourhood scene in NYC but is slowly dying as gentrification is complete – moving to the edgier Meatpacking District, now the 21st-century gay epicenter of NYC.  

The East Village has similar vibes to the East, just grittier, stickier and grungier versions of the west side haunts, while the Union Square and Flatiron District areas all have LGBT ‘spill-over’ clubs and bars that are worth exploring.

No guide to every hope to keep up with every highlight of New York, and you can rest easy in the knowledge there is no way you will ever see or do it all here. It is impossible. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try: so here are just a few of our favorite ideas to get you started…

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art

An art museum dedicated to exhibiting and preserving artwork that speaks about the LGBTQ experience.  With a collection of over 30,000 objects, the Museum hosts six major exhibitions annually, offers several public programs throughout the year, publishes an arts newsletter, and maintains a research library of over 3,000 volumes.

Male Strips Clubs in NYC

New York is a city that never sleeps, and that means if you’re looking to have some fun after dark, you’ve come to the right place. New York City is home to one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in the world, and there is no shortage of male strip clubs to explore while you’re living it up in the Big Apple. 

In fact, there are so many to choose from that you might have a difficult time narrowing down your selection! Although each show is different, the atmosphere in New York is generally inclusive, and you’ll see people of all gender expressions and sexualities at a strip show. Check out our separate guide to decide which male strip show in New York City could be for you…

NYC Aids Memorial

A public memorial that was built “to honor New York City’s 100,000+ men, women, and children who have died from AIDS, and to commemorate and celebrate the efforts of the caregivers and activists.” It is the first major space that is dedicated to the epidemic in New York City.

Summit One Vanderbilt

It feels like only yesterday that New York just had two observation decks, but with this latest opening, there are now five.

Summit One Vanderbilt does things a bit differently, however, rising to a height of 14001 feet over Midtown Manhattan and provides not only unobstructed 360° panoramic views but stunning art installations, breathtaking glass floors, glass elevators, and surprisingly sophisticated Apres cocktail bar (which we highly recommend you try!).

The endless reflections, infinity mirrors, and stunning light combine to create a cerebral experience that is unsurpassed by any observation deck in New York City (or the world, to be honest).

Gunnison Beach (Sandy Hook)

The nearest nude beach to NYC, though it is in Jersey and not specifically for the gays. As the land is owned and managed by the federal government, it’s also New Jersey’s only legal clothing-optional beach (as it is not subject to state or local regulations). Ferries operate seasonally between May and September with a connecting shuttle service.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Check two huge sites off your bucket list with this exciting guided 4-hour tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Start the tour by getting early Reserve Line Access boarding on the ferry to Liberty Island. Once there, go inside the pedestal of the statue and head to the observation decks for an awesome view of New York City and its surroundings.

Then hop back on the ferry to Ellis Island to learn about the intriguing history of immigration to America that took place here between 1892 and 1954.

Empire State Building

If you are a purist, you are going to want to explore the world-famous Empire State Building and visit the 86th-floor observatory for an unforgettable 360° view of New York City and beyond. Tour the newly renovated art-deco lobby featuring ceiling murals and spot one of the most famous images in New York City displayed on the wall above the front desk.

Best of Brooklyn

Take a bite out of New York City’s hippest borough on this half-day Brooklyn food and culture tour. From traditional ethnic eateries to culinary hotspots that spark national dining trends, your guide will show you where to eat like a local. Snack on kielbasa and pierogis in the Polish enclave of Greenpoint, satisfy your sweet tooth in DUMBO and get a taste of farm-to-fork freshness in trendy Williamsburg.

The Museum of Modern Art

Visit the world’s leading museum of modern art, featuring 150,000 works of art, including paintings from masters such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Jackson Pollock. You can also use your admission ticket to visit MoMA PS1, an affiliated contemporary art museum that is famous for its art exhibitions, project series, and music series.

Christopher Street Pier

For more than 100 years, the Greenwich Village waterfront along the Hudson River, including the Christopher Street Pier, has been a safe space for the local queer to gather, for cruising , for sex, for socializing and for gathering together.

Today, the seediness has been replaced with an upscale park for sunning and coming together – on a warm day, you will see gaggles of shirtless gays here – but there are no private spaces for some quick fun like in the old days…

Find The Best NYC Speakeasies

Step into the shoes of a Roaring Twenties scofflaw on this cocktail tour of Manhattan’s best and most secretive speakeasies. Learn about the history of Prohibition and how New Yorkers responded with an underground liquor scene, and then visit six or seven modern incarnations of these vintage watering holes.

Discover the locations and hidden entrances of such hard-to-find spots, and enjoy high-quality craft cocktails while soaking up the nostalgic atmosphere.

Go New York City Card Pass

Experience up to 11 New York attractions or tours, such as Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours, the Empire State Building, Yankee Stadium, and many more! Choose from 45+ available attractions and schedule where you want to go as you go. You have 30 days to visit the attractions of your choice and enjoy discounts on other activities, shops, or dining.

New York Gossip Girl Sites Tour

Visit over 40 locations in New York that have been featured in the famous American teen drama, Gossip Girl. Check out the New York spots where the young characters lived and created memories.

Hold court at the Met steps where Queen Blair always sat for lunch and grab that photo opportunity, then visit The Empire Hotel, where gorgeous and troubled Chuck Bass made his newest home and business. Go sightseeing around New York City and get spotted around town like you’re in an episode of Gossip Girl!

Since 1983 New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center has empowered people to lead healthy, successful lives. The Center celebrates diversity and advocates for justice and opportunity. Visit The Center to find out more—they are open 365 days a year!

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

No self-respecting gay that grew up lip-syncing to Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa & Pink’s Lady Marmalade will want to miss seeing the visual feast with is Tony award-winning Broadway adaptation of Moulin Rouge. Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory!

A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular… Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Broadway Collection

No trip to NYC is complete without a Broadway show, and thankfully Moulin Rouge and many other spectacular Broadway musicals can be easily booked via the Broadway Collection. There is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a classic musical or the newest, trendiest play.

When you click to purchase individual or group tickets for any of the performances on their website, you are obtaining them from the official source because they work directly with the shows. It’s like going straight up to the ticket counter – but far less hassle, and it lets you book before you arrive in New York!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Let’s meet on the MET steps for some Gossip Girl realness, but culture vultures won’t want to miss exploring inside. With over 2 million works in their collection, you will be visiting one of the most famous and largest museums in the United States, housing 17 departments that cover art, architecture, and artifacts from Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and more.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Founded on a collection of early modern masterpieces, the Guggenheim today is an ever-evolving institution devoted to the art of the 20th century and beyond. Get an inside look at the building’s design – created by visionary Frank Lloyd Wright – a masterpiece in itself, and experience special exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

American Museum of Natural History

Explore over 46 permanent exhibits featuring a wide variety of topics like human origins and culture, mammals, dinosaurs, the solar system and more! Famous for, among other things, its starring role in Night At The Museum, see the Titanosaur, the 122-foot-long dinosaur and newest addition to the museum’s dinosaur hall.

New York Dinner Cruise

Forget trying to snag a hard-to-get reservation at New York’s hottest restaurants du jour. Instead, indulge in a delicious three-course dinner during the cruise on an all-glass boat around New York City that offers you an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty and other famed sites.

As a live pianist plays relaxing music for you, take in the immense view of one of the world’s great cities and enjoy a delicious pre-set dinner by the onboard executive chef. Upgrade to enjoy a romantic or first class VIP experience, including a private table and French sparkling wine!

Museum of Sex

See over 30 exhibitions and 6 virtual installations geared towards advocating open discourse surrounding sex and sexuality. View 20,000 artifacts comprised of works of art, photography, clothing and costumes, technological inventions and historical ephemera. Or just drop into the MoSex store, one of the best museum shops in the world with plenty of bizarre souvenirs to take home…

Lower East Side Food and Culture Tour

From stroopwafel to mozzarella to knishes, there are many amazing eats on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This small-group, 3-hour guided Lower East Side walking tour takes your taste buds to the most edible parts of the historic neighborhood. Emphasizing immigration and its influence on the area, the tour focuses history—and the food—of one of the city’s most dynamic areas.

Fire Island Pines

The most famous gay beach in NYC is known for its upscale social life and beautiful harbor. Not feasible on a day trip, but if you have a few extra days, you can take the Long Island Railroad train from Penn station to one of several stops depending on which community on Fire Island you are visiting, then a shuttle or taxi to the ferry terminal and then a ferry.

Once you arrive, check in to one of the fabulous gay hotels and get ready for the queer party of a lifetime!

The Leather Man

Serving the gay fetish community for more than 50 years in the West Village. Widely regarded as New York City’s best source for S/M-leather-fetish clothing and gear.

Strand Book Store

A New York City booklovers treasure trove in Union Square is home to 18 miles of books. New books, used books, rare books, out-of-print books, art books, queer books, you will find them all here.

Schmackarys Cookies

Offering 75 delicious and innovative cookie flavors in a modern bakeshop targeting millennials with too much money. Whether you are a seasoned cookie monster or just in the mood for a sweet treat, come experience Schmackary’s for yourself and find the best, most original cookies New York City has to offer.

Big Gay Ice Cream

A New York City-based company that started with an ice cream truck and now operates 2 New York City storefronts – one in the West Village and one in the East Village. They specialize in serving soft-serve ice cream cones, cups, and novelties with a menu of unique and unusual flavors and toppings. Because darling, calories don’t count when they are as fabulous as these!

A gay-popular gastrothèque in the Greenwich gaybourhood inspired by European traditions that honor a history of craft and design, where each detail evokes a sense of story, place, and delight.

Part restaurant, part bar, part café, Buvette combines the elegance of an old-world café with the casual nature of a neighborhood eatery. It is a light-filled space for an early morning espresso or a long lunch of shared dishes, even a spot for a late night digestif.

Pioneering the fusion of sportswear and gear since 1994 in Chelsea. A trailblazing brand that makes hot clothes that get you laid as influenced by hip-hop culture as by gay culture. Stop by their New York flagship store to see their latest offerings, and who knows who you might meet.

Elmo Restaurant

An uber-stylish restaurant is serving American comfort food to their gay majority clientele. There is an animated bar and décor that harks back to NYC’s fabulous golden age. So cool it almost hurts; we love Elmo, and Elmo loves the gays – so make a reservation in advance unless you want to experience heartbreak and rejection.

The Bureau of General Services—Queer Division is an independent, all-volunteer queer cultural center, bookstore, and event space hosted by The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in the West Village.

The only queer book shop in NYC which seeks to excite and educate a self-confident, sex-positive, and supportive queer community by offering books, publications, and art and by hosting readings, performances, film screenings, book discussion groups, and workshops.

They provide local and visiting queers and friends with an open and inclusive space for dialogue and socializing. The Bureau of General Services—Queer Division welcomes you.

Gay New Your’s City is the ultimate drag queen palace with nightly shows for over 20 years! Yes, all you young things, that is, before Drag Race brought gender-bending realness into the mainstream. Every night they offer a different drag queen show, including celebrity impersonators in Dinner with the Divas and Bitchy Bingo.

Not only do they offer some of the best in modern drag queen entertainment, but they also have an exquisite menu from lobster ravioli and Filet Mignon to the chocolate sin dessert and more! Lips also offer a fun Broadway boozy brunch in NYC with all-you-can-drink every Sunday – and has locations in Atlanta , San Diego , and Fort Lauderdale.

As a paradise for the LGBT community, Gay New York City offers a wonderful line-up of annual events for gays, lesbians and transgenders and – well, anyone who wants to be involved!

These signature gay events are just the biggest and best; however, no matter when you visit, there is sure to be something on (which is why we really recommend locking your New York City hotel down in advance…)

Fringe NYC (October)

A feistily independent open-access arts festival with innovative, diverse, and vibrant emerging performance artists hosted in converted spaces and pop-up venues around the city. It is not technically queer, but very liberal and alternative in the vein of ‘gender is a construct tear it apart.

Fringe NYC does use a juried application process, so it is not quite as experimental and radical as the original Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Bushwig (September)

An award-winning two-day queer music & performance festival at Knockdown Center, Queens –  a sprawling warehouse converted into a world-class artist gallery, music venue & bar. The Bushwig festival is committed to fostering innovation and creativity in performance and is not just a drag queen festival but a celebration of queer creative New York.

Folsom Street East (June)

Since 1997, the Folsom Street East street festival has been an annual highlight of the global fetish/kink calendar — an in-your-face, sex- and body-positive shared space on the streets of New York City for all to enjoy! Much like the original event in Gay San Fran , or Folsom Europe in Berlin, this is one unmissable display of pride, kink, and fetish you will not want to miss!

Fresh Fruit Festival (July)

A festival celebration of LGBT+ art and culture encompassing theater, performance, poetry, comedy, spoken word, music, dance, visual arts and some talents that defy categorization. They present work that is fresh, exciting and insightful – and most importantly, inclusive of the entire community.

Urban Bear NYC Weekend Street Fair (May)

Our furry friends hit the street once a week for a block party like no other that has taken the bear subculture in NYC from fringe to mainstream. Join thousands of the hottest bears, cubs, and friends at this old-school street party and open-air Fur-Fest in the heart of the Meatpacking District featuring a beer garden, incredible food, artists, dancing, community groups, entertainment and more!

Pride Festival (June)  

New York is hosting the largest Pride celebration in the world in 2019, spanning the entire month of June to coincide with 50 years since the Stonewall Riots.  It will also be the first time WorldPride has been held in the USA in over 20 years.

We all celebrate Pride in different ways, which is why you’ll find over 50 different official and partner events offered to culminate in the famous NYC Pride March on the final Sunday. There are more highlights and celebrations of queerness than we could ever possibly include in one place, but if you can figure out a way to time your visit – you will not be disappointed!

Newfest (October)

New York’s LGBT Film Festival features over 140 films, panels, and parties, and attracts over 12,000 attendees from around the globe.

This annual celebration of the year’s best LGBTQ film and media has grown to become a vital part of New York City’s cultural landscape, and one of the world’s premier gatherings of LGBTQ filmmakers and artists. NewFest’s collection of narratives, documentaries, episodic, and shorts portray diverse and compelling stories–shining a light on the LGBTQ experience.

Village Halloween Parade (October)

An annual parade in the NYC Greenwich village and is incredibly gay-popular. Some might even call Halloween a national gay holiday. This is the world’s largest Halloween parade and the only nighttime parade in New York City, with over 50,000 “costumed participants” and 2 million spectators. Expect one epic night of debauchery, first on the streets, then in all the surrounding club parties and events.

Gay-Friendly And Gay Hotels In New York City

In this glorious and extremely liberal metropolis, you will not find any major hotel accommodation that isn’t gay-friendly. After all, being gay-friendly is about providing a non-judgmental and respectful environment in which all people are treated equally.

In saying that, elegant design, helpful staff, and excellent value for money never hurt anyone. Some hotels in New York City have also gone above and beyond in recognizing and marketing to the LGBT community, and given their popularity with gay travelers, we would say it has paid off!

Everybody likes to be surrounded by people with common interests, and as such, there are a few hotels in New York City favored by gay travelers – although, to be clear, there are no exclusively gay hotels in New York City, sadly.

There was one ‘official’ gay hotel – The Out Hotel – which was a great place to stay but is now no longer marketed as a gay hotel and has been renamed Cachet Boutique Hotel NYC. Luckily New York has always welcomed everyone, so it’s no surprise that you’ve got a huge choice of designer gay-friendly hotels to stay in.

The Hells Kitchen / Chelsea / Greenwich Village gaybourhoods are at the forefront of LGBTQ+ inclusiveness in New York City and are overflowing with queer nightlife and gay-owned businesses. They are our favorite gayborhoods to stay in since they have easy access to all of New York’s amazing attractions by day. This is a huge city, however, and there simply isn’t one perfect place to stay!

The following gay-friendly hotels in New York City are only the most recommended, but there are hundreds of other hotels in New York City if you don’t find quite find what you are looking for.

Whether you want a fun and social hostel, a cheap but private place to crash after a night of partying or a chic luxury option to sip cocktails surrounded by fashionable people, Gay New York City has something for everyone!

Walker Hotel Tribeca ☆☆☆☆

Located in the iconic lower Manhattan borough of TriBeCa, the Walker Hotel Tribeca is inspired by creative expression and immersive experience, curiously shaped by its rich history and eclectic community. Affordable (for Manhattan) room rates, incredible views, a speakeasy hidden in the basement and a hyper-trendy coffee shop in the lobby are just some of the many highlights.

Each of the 171 luxurious apartments draws inspiration from Tribeca’s distinct style and New York City’s Golden Age while providing modern comforts, chic décor, and fashionable amenities. The compact footprint rooms at Walker Tribeca have fine furnishings, marble baths, and clean, fitted bedding.

Well positioned for all subway lines, you’ll be ready to move to Tribeca full-time after a stay here – or at least booking in your next stay before you leave (which we advise as the Walker Hotel frequently sells out).a

Nomo Soho Hotel ☆☆☆☆☆

This is another contemporary and hip designer hotel where you’ll sometimes feel like you’re walking through an exhibit. The design is based on the 1946 French Film ‘La Belle et la Bête’ (Beauty and the Beast) and features a huge ivy-clad gate and lantern at the entrance.

Nomo has managed to maintain this nod to SoHo’s past while ensuring that the hotel guests have all modern conveniences. There are plate windows offering stunning views of the streets, and you feel like you have your finger on the pulse in the open workspace downstairs.

The Standard High Line ☆☆☆☆☆

This sleek, high-rise hotel towers over the High Line and offers incredible views through floor-to-ceiling windows. There are on-site bars and restaurants, but there’s plenty to be found in the surrounding Meatpacking District as well.

Fun, minimalist décor and sexy peek-a-boo showers make this one of the best gay hotels in New York . It also happens to be one of our favorite hotels in the world and has been so successful there are now 6 different Standard hotel locations globally.

W Times Square ☆☆☆☆

Perfect if you like eclectic stylings and being right in the heart of the action. The W Hotel in Times Square has space and luxury galore. True to W standards , the service is exceptional, and attention is paid to every detail.

Broadway is just a step away, and the hotel’s location in Times Square really makes you feel like you are on the pulse of one of the greatest cities in the world. We can also confirm their luxurious linens are a perfect place to hunker down for a night of watching gay TV shows — if that is what you feel like. There is no judgment here!

The Roxy ☆☆☆☆

You might guess from the name, but the Roxy is all about old-school glamor and a touch of jazz. There is actually an underground jazz club in the hotel, as well as a cinema and a cocktail bar. No wonder it’s one of the most popular gay hotels in New York! Once you retreat to your room, you’ll find comfortable beds and great amenities.

Paper Factory ☆☆☆☆

Sure, Queens is a little further away from the city, but you gain hugely in space when you don’t stay in Manhattan. You are also out near the spicy Latin gay nightlife, and everyone knows Queens has the best food.

This is a gorgeous boutique hotel in a renovated paper factory – expect exposed brickwork and hip design. We love that there’s a food truck in the backyard and a games room where you can relax with a bit of shuffleboard.

Hotel On Rivington ☆☆☆☆

This modern hotel on the Lower East Side offers a range of rooms, from standard rooms to deluxe suites. All needs are catered to with facilities including a 24-hour business center, a gym, a local restaurant, and two bars. Staying here, you know you are in safe hands – the service is good, the rooms are clean and elegant, and there’s easy access to all the best bits of New York!

Dream Hotel Downtown ☆☆☆☆

From the minute you see the elaborate front of the Dream Downtown, you know that you are staying somewhere pretty special. It’s appropriate that so many art galleries are nearby, as some of the décors here are close to being a work of art.

New York lofts inspire the 315 rooms, and every comfort is taken care of, from feather beds to wide-screen televisions. The 50-foot heated swimming pool actually has portholes in the bottom where you can look through to the lobby below (it’s a great way to check out the incoming guests!). There’s also a glamorous restaurant offering three meals a day, or 24-hour room service.

The Ace New York ☆☆☆☆

Centrally located in Midtown Manhattan, this design-forward Ace hotel is found in a historic building that has been converted into a space that’s ideal for business travelers, creatives, and everyone in between. The rooms combine coziness and minimalism, and they feature local artwork and design.

Some rooms also feature guitars, turntables, refrigerators, and curated minibars. The lobby has a Stumptown Coffee outpost as well as a cozy lobby bar which is a little cruisy – at least when we were there! We loved the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs and New Orleans , and this location is just as fabulous. 

Kimpton Eventi ☆☆☆☆

This recently renovated (almost) gay hotel in Chelsea has some seriously understated glamor. It’s huge, taking up a whole block, and has a range of restaurants and bars on the ground floor; it’s always a good sign when a hotel restaurant is populated not just by guests, and that’s the case here.

The rooms are spacious and have full-length windows looking over the city. The Kimpton hotels were one of the first major chains to support diversity and speak out about LGBT rights, so you always know you are in good hands when you stay here.

Yotel New York ☆☆☆

Yotel is the epitome of affordable designer hotels in New York – don’t be put off by the slightly odd exterior; the cabin-style rooms are attractive and have all the latest technology (there’s even a robotic luggage store!).

There’s a roof terrace where you can chill out after a day’s sightseeing and a Mediterranean restaurant serving tasty dishes to reenergize you for a night experiencing the legendary gay clubs of Manhattan.

Citizen M Hotel ☆☆☆☆

An arty and compact hotel right in the heart of Manhattan, everything is 24-hour at the citizen M in Times Square. It’s all designed to suit a busy, bustling visitor who wants to make the most of this busy, bustling city.

Like all their other location worldwide , the rooms are modern and use state-of-the-art technology for your convenience. Escape from the hustle with a drink at the rooftop bar, where the sounds of the city fade away a bit! They also have a second location in the Bowery if that appeals more…

Pod 39 ☆☆☆

As the name suggests, this is another hotel that understands that you just need a comfortable place to stay in the heart of the city, and streamlines that experience as much as possible. Your room might be small, but it has everything you need – and there’s more space at the bar on the roof.

The Local NYC ☆☆☆

This just-in-Queens ultrahip hostel tops our list of gay hostels in New York City , found in a converted industrial building. As its name implies, you become a local of New York City when you stay here – and you should set your expectations high.

It is one of the best design hostels in the world and not only features a stunning skyline view of Manhattan, but also offers various amenities such as an industrial bar and cafe, a rooftop terrace, and a communal kitchen. In a city that never sleeps, you will find yourself liking to relax and rest in this hostel – and just a four-minute walk four-minute walk from the nearest subway station to get into Manhattan.

Gay Nightlife in New York City

New York City has one of the hottest gay nightlife scenes we have encountered anywhere in the world – and trust us, there is a gay bar for everyone here.

Depending on your mood, you can find anything here, from a relaxed cocktail in an upscale bar to an all-night dance party surrounded by your queer family. There are also plenty of cruise/dive bars, sexy go-go boys, fabulous drag, fun events and  – well, something to cater to every taste!

We have yet to find a gay city with anywhere near as many bars and nightclubs as we found here, and it can totally get a little overwhelming, but we have tried to break the spots down by area so you can try each micro-scene out to get a flavor. 

For example, you could try Greenwich Village for historic gay bars,  Hell’s Kitchen for stylish-industrial hangouts, Brooklyn for the House of Yes and other alternative nightlife options or Queens for some spicy Latin heat!

Most gay bars and clubs are packed from 10 pm until into the early morning, with a mix of tourists and locals depending on where you go. The core of the gay scene is in the lower Manhattan and Mid-town area, so if this is a priority, you should try to stay here, but there are gay hotspots everywhere you go. Use our Gay New York City map at the end to help orientate yourself.

With a vibrant – and diverse – local LGBT community and a wonderfully gay-friendly liberal populace, you can imagine distinguishing ‘gay bars’ can sometimes be difficult, which is fabulous since you know you will be welcomed as you are basically everywhere here.

For the following gay venues, however, we were looking for rainbow events, exceptional recommendations, and spots specifically marketed toward gays.

We are sure you will not be disappointed.

A low-ceilinged gay dungeon bar with an extensive beer menu, pool table, and jukebox.  Not much of an atmosphere when it’s quiet, but at the busier time, we really loved it. One of the newest gay bars in NYC – and slowly finding its feet.

The Boiler Room

With a great drink deal on Happy Hour, friendly service and a pool, it’s no wonder this gay dive bar has staying power after all this time. A no-frills kind of place that knows what it is doing and does it well. Cash only and busiest on weekends when locals pour in, and things get quite steamy!

Another gay bar with staying power, this hole-in-the-wall spot hosts fun theme nights with POP DJs & go-go boys. Cash only; the Cock is dark, hot and more than a little cruisey.

Club Cumming

An energetic gay bar owned by Alan Cumming with modern drag,  cabaret and a roster of bizarre and diverse events nights that draw in the crowds. Quirky, queer and oh-so-much fun with proper dance music later at night. A must-visit – even if it is just to show your support for local up-and-coming talent in the LGBT performance community.

A mixed artsy/queer crowd gathers at this East Village 1600-square-foot nightclub and performance space, with a Victorian vibe. The venue consists of two spaces – a large main hall and a more intimate back lounge – both of which serve incredible cocktails and music from the best-emerging talent and genre-bending artists.

The Pheonix

Originally established as The Bar in 1999, the Phoenix rose from the ashes after a fire devastated the mainstay dive watering hole. The Phoenix has a strong tradition of catering to a diverse and trendy crowd and has become a gay institution in the East Village.

Receiving accolades, including having the best jukebox in the city, being a fashion insiders party, and even a contemporary performance venue, The Phoenix has transformed from a “go-to dive” to “be seen at destination”.

The Stonewall Inn

The site of the Stonewall riots of 1969, is widely considered to be the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for gay and lesbian rights in the United States.

Closed after the riots, and moved to different locations in the intervening years, it moved back to its original location in 1990 and renovated and returned to its original name, “The Stonewall Inn”, in 2007.

In 2015, the Stonewall Inn was the first landmark in New York City to be recognized by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission on the basis of its status in LGBT history and in 2016, the Stonewall National Monument was named the first U.S. National Monument dedicated to the LGBTQ-rights movement.

An absolute must-visit, the modern bar has a ridiculous amount of events on a daily, draws a diverse crowd and is never, ever boring.  Upstairs is a lounge and busy dance floor with a stage for shows, while downstairs is a bar, pool tables and small tables for conversation.

A small but happening gay bar with stripper Saturdays, drag queen performances, Tuesday night karaoke and plenty of locals.

Marie’s Crisis Café

A  gay dive bar that epitomizes a deep love for show-tune music, community, and fun, bringing the shows and musicals on Broadway to the West Village.  If you love show tunes and want to sing and drink  – go here!

Established back in the 1950s, the Duplex continues today as an international destination for arts and entertainment, providing nightly performances as varied and colorful as the streets of the West Village. Expect plenty of piano sing-alongs, drag revues & comedy in this near-mythical gay nightlife spot.

Known as NYC’s oldest gay bar, this classic hangout serves burgers and beers to its mostly older regulars. Worth a visit, however, especially if you are interested in history, as it was here in 1966 that four homophile activists staged a “sip in” to challenge the NYS Liquor Authority’s regulation that prohibited bars and restaurants from serving homosexuals.

Three years before the Stonewall Riots, this ‘sip in’ is considered one of the very first planned actions of civil disobedience for LGBT rights.

Ty’s Bar NYC

One of New York’s first gay bars to open after the Stone Wall Riot of 1969, Ty’s has been gay-owned and operated since opening in 1972, and it’s always been a “man’s” bar. Throughout the years, they have catered to the Levi’s/T-shirt, leather, and bear communities and are well known for their no-attitude policy, friendly, helpful staff, and great drinks at great prices.

A dark and dirty urban gay bar with old-school and R&B classics. Cash only, an eclectic crowd and go-go boys on the weekend.

The Monster

This Manhattan LGBT venue has been a pioneer on the scene with loads of adventures through its rich and rather fabulous history. With roots in Fire Island and  Key West , the Monster has been host to “homos” since the 1970s!

Offering finger food, monster-sized drinks, great music and good dialogue with a nostalgic atmosphere, two floors of fun and plenty of celebrity sightings. There are events on every single night here – including Spunk Thursdays with 30+ shirtless, ripped, delicious men and a new drag competition on Sundays for the title of Miss Monster.

An unpretentious gay bar in Hell’s Kitchen with high energy, a younger crowd and fun music.  Rise hosts fun events every night of the week, including Piano Bar Sundays, Cut Throat Karaoke Tuesdays and Legend Wednesdays with iconic drag queens. Then they cart out the hottest go-go boys and music at their weekend dance parties to keep the place bouncing til close.

Industry Bar

An expansive gay bar with a trendy industrial-with-a-splash-of-color fit-out. Positively humming with the after-work crowd thanks to a nightly happy hour, then packed out again later at night with drag shows and dancing.

The security, however, is quite strict, with many reports of manhandling customers and not being open to some parts of the community. While we didn’t experience this ourselves, the amount of times we heard this means we feel compelled to mention it here.

A new kind of gay bar serving up lush craft cocktails, elevated bar snacks, and unique entertainment in a beautifully designed space in Hell’s Kitchen. A higher-end cocktail space for the queer community. Food is served from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Cocktails and shenanigans daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Fairytail Lounge

One of NYC’s most popular gogo bars is located in Hell’s Kitchen. Small and wonderfully kitschy, with fairytale-Esque décor, DJ dance parties, and the occasional lap dance. Oh, and boys, straight out of your naughtiest fantasies … Well, at least after a few drinks and in a darkened room.

A late-night gay lounge bar with comfortable seating, chic-sexy crowds, great cocktails, and our favorite no-attitude spot to go for a sleek yet relaxed gay hangout with friends for chats – and to see who we happen to bump into.

Since 2003, Therapy has been one of the ‘go-to’ gay bars in Hell’s Kitchen. Open nightly, featuring awesome drag shows, good food & clever cocktails; we loved the b-level setup, stylish vibes and inclusive atmosphere. The popular RuPaul Drag queen Miz CRACKER is frequently performed here, so if you are a fan, you won’t want to miss here.

Flaming Saddles

A Wild-West-themed gay bar that also has a location in LA providing the all-male version of Coyote Ugly. Amazingly friendly bartenders and dancers, busy dance floors and an all-welcoming environment. What’s not to love?

Serving us country-western queer liberation, the likes of which we became obsessed with in  Austin  and  Nashville , with events most nights of the week drawing in the crowds.

Ritz Bar and Lounge

An extravaganza of noteworthy music, drag performances, and beautiful queer spirits. This gay dance club boasts DJs on 2 floors, relaxed lounge rooms to mix and mingle in, plus an outdoor patio to cool off on. Docked on Restaurant Row, the nautical-inspired Ritz sets the standard for LGBT nightlife here with exceptional lighting and sound systems, fabulous events and strong pours.

All genders, religions, ethnicities and sexual orientations, and Ritz goes out of its way to make sure all human beings here are safe – and all this is only one block from Times Square!

A tried-and-tested gay bar with a relaxed vibe, a regular local crowd, and reasonably priced drinks. Posh Bar & Lounge was the first gay bar to open in Hell’s Kitchen, and even today is still popular thanks to its happy hour from 3 to 9 p.m. daily, live shows,  DJs who spin all the best hits from dance to pop to retro classics and never, ever a cover charge.

A buzzy bar and lounge with an award-winning bespoke design inspired by the old hardware store that it now occupies. Gay-owned and operated Hardware showcases talent from the most spectacularly entertaining drag queens – both local and guests from all over the country – and some of the best DJs in NYC.

Atlas Social Club

A great low-key happy hour spot with retro-athletics décor and friendly locals. If you’re looking for a fun time, you’ll find it here. Just watch yourself with those stiff drinks…

9th Ave Saloon

A basic but sassy gay bar with cheap drinks and great conversation. Now celebrating over 30 years of unpretentious fun!

Boxers Sportsbar

The Hells Kitchen branch of this popular gay sports bar in NYC with 3 other locations spread around. We aren’t going to lie and say we get the appeal of the large TV screens with the latest game, but we did love the terrace, pool tables, video-wall-equipped basement and wonderfully chiseled bartenders who clearly had a better handle on sports than we do. Touchdown!

The Eagle NYC

An NYC institution that spawned over 50 Eagle Bars around the world. While Eagle closed in 2000, it opened again in 2001 at a new location thanks to popular demand.  The current Eagle is housed in a two-story building that was originally a horse stable dating back to the late 19th century.  The mood is still dark and sleazy, the music is still heart-pounding, and the studs are still coming. 

The pool table is back, as is that old beat-up motorcycle. A dark playground of raw masculinity and guys straight out of Tom of Finland works , this is a place for hedonistic, hard-core cruising and celebrating the leather/ Levi ideal.

REBAR Chelsea

An animated gay bar offering hip DJs, modern drag shows and a stripped-down industrial-chic atmosphere. Rebar isn’t flashy, but it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s ridiculously fun. Re-establishing Chelsea as a playground for the gay community, look out for their theme parties and events.

The Chelsea branch of this popular gay sports bar in NYC with 3 other locations spread around. We aren’t going to lie and say we get the appeal of the large TV screens with the latest game, but we did love the summer rooftop terrace, pool tables and wonderfully chiseled bartenders who clearly had a better handle on sports than we do. Touchdown!

Barracuda Bar

A respected gay dive bar with a small stage for drag shows, plenty of seating, happy hour prices, and music that allows you to hold a conversation. Cash only, hot guys and attentive bartenders.

GYM Sportsbar

What is this, another gay sports bar – what is going on here? The same as before, hot guys, cheap drinks and large drinks poured with TV screens tuned to the latest games. Located on the basement level, the Locker Room is an alluring addition to GYM’s main floor.

The atmosphere created by the Locker Room’s warm lighting, fun music, video displays, and copper-topped bar encourages the crowd to get up close and personal. It’s clearly a home-run concept that has knocked it out of the park, as the GYM also has locations in Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale.

A small but very welcoming gay lounge on the Upper West side attracts a mix of older local residents of the area and young students from nearby Colombia University. Weekly events like drag-queen karaoke are always popular, and dance parties on the weekend are appealing if you don’t want to head downtown. One of the only gay nightlife hotspots uptown.

Big Apple Ranch

Levis meets Leather at NYC’s biggest LGBT country western dance club. Forget all your gender stereotypes and come down for a rip-roaring time with country Two-Stepping and line-dancing in Midtown.  Lessons and parties are held every 2nd and 4th Saturday night at Dardo Galletto Studios.

Townhouse of New York

A magnificent gay cocktail lounge with three separate bars, including an upscale piano room with nightly performances and a dress-to-impress policy. Serving eleganza extravaganza darling on the border of Midtown and the Upper East Side of Manhattan with something for everyone, including gogo boys every Friday and Saturday, happy hour, daily specials, events, and more.

This is refined gay nightlife, but if you feel like getting more dancey, there is always Evolve across the street…

The Toolbox

The only gay bar in the Upper East Side with Bingo on Mondays, Karaoke Wednesdays and a Jacked Up Thursday performance featuring plenty of shirtless men. Dance-happy crowds descend on the weekend for the eclectic music and the generous Happy Hours until 10 pm nightly.

A sophisticated yet friendly gay lounge with hot weekend cruising and weekday happy hour networking. Evolve boasts a happening dance floor, a separate billiard room, a state-of-the-art sound system, a unique outdoor garden patio and the hunkiest & friendliest bar staff around. Explore this chic ‘neighborhood bar’ among the hustle and bustle that is NYC.

Brandys Piano Bar

Not really a gay bar, but there are cheap drinks, sing-alongs, and a piano, so you just know we are all going to be pilled in here. Hidden away, on a side street in the most unlikely of places, Brandy’s is one of the Upper East Side’s best-kept secrets.

This intimate spot showcases live talent every night and has been for over 35 years with booze-infused sing-alongs, staff who know how to get the crowd going and loyal regulars who ensure all seats are filled early on the weekend.

Seriously, it normally is standing room only past 9-10 pm (if you can even get in the door, that is) so do yourself a favor, arrive early or book ahead for a table and settle in, darling…because you are not going to want to leave!

A contemporary gay bar in Park Slopes that has been a fixture of the local nightlife scene since the 90s. Forced to relocate in August of 2014, Excelsior is now more than double its original size, with two floors, well-stocked bars and a happening vibe making it great for chatting and meeting new people. If you are feeling a bit kink , stop by for Cruisin’, the popular leather night, every 3rd Saturday of the month.

Xstasy Bar and Lounge

A gay Latin nightclub in Greenwood Heights with great drinks, sexy Latino bartenders, late-night dancing, funky event and much more to offer. The ambiance was on-point, the weekend go-go boys had us gagging, and the DJ music set the tone for the all-night fiestas we loved in Medellin , Mexico City , and  Guadalajara . Everyone is welcome there with super friendly bartenders, so why not give it a try?

Branded Saloon

A large Western-themed honky-tonk saloon serving us delicious Southern-style bites, live music, fierce décor and a ludicrous amount of fun. Ok, it is not officially gay but very welcoming to everyone, and honestly, it is not-quite-gay-but-almost-gay, so we were obsessed.

Filling a gay in Brooklyn queer nightlife, Branded Saloon is always a good idea to start the night at – with delicious food, strong drinks, reasonable prices, and a very friendly crowd.

Happyfun Hideaway

A queer/arty dive bar in Bushwick with lots of tropical cheap cocktails, margaritas, draft beer, snack shack nachos, pinball, and a patio with picnic tables. So alternatively, it hurts, but with a random lineup of events and a daily happy hour, Happyfun Hideaway is always a good time!

Metropolitan

One of the original gay bars in Williamsburg and still a core part of the local scene, being a popular first or last stop on any night out. With a pool table, a lush outdoor patio, two fireplaces and daily happy hours – there is a lot to love here.

Langston Night Club

(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)

Where Real Men Come to Play! A pumping black gay club in Prospect Heights with neon lights, booming bass, old-school DJs and plenty of dancing. Authentically old-school Brooklyn with an electric atmosphere.

The Rosemont

A relatively new gay bar in Williamsburg known for being a part cocktail lounge, part nightclub – depending on when you go! Hosting drag shows, DJ parties and live performances – all the best that the Brooklyn Gay Nightlife has to offer – alongside craft beers, small places, and a cute garden patio.

Once a jazz club, but now very much in the fabulously queer camp – you wouldn’t need to go much to get us back here again!

3 Dollar Bill

An upscale queer bar & performance venue in Bushwick- and the largest queer nightlife spot in Brooklyn allowing everyone to express themselves as their fullest, most genuine, selves. From fabulous nights at the bar to incredible events with amazing sound and lights, 3 Dollar Bill has arrived, and they are ready to have a good time.

The class haunts locals in Bushwick with a clubby late-night vibe. Go earlier for designer cocktails, creative lite bites and edgy music. Not specifically for the LGBT community, but a known hotspot.

House of Yes

Weird. Wild. Wonderful. A performance-fueled nightclub and creative venue programmed with eclectic events and fabulous dance parties. Open to everyone but very LGBT / Queer popular, we honestly have experienced a few events that are as incredible, liberating and fierce as anywhere in the world.

A safe space fusing dance culture, theatre, music, food, technology, and community where artists can create and present work while audiences can celebrate, socialize and be inspired. Fire-eaters, bearded drag queens, acrobatics, glitter stations, open dancing platforms, grand costumes – on any given night, you can see it all.

Get ready to be wowed and say YES, YES, YES! Look on their website for upcoming events to find the perfect one to match your creative energy.

Hombres Lounge

A down-to-earth gay club in Jackson Heights with toned, barely clothed men ready to party. Modern and sexy with a hint of glamour, we loved the Latin vibes and gorgeous bodies…

Club Evolution

A large Latin gay nightclub in Jackson Heights with multiple dance floors, sexy bartenders, fun events, DJs and more. Each night hosts a different DJ or video DJ, playing the latest pop & house remixes, with hip hop, salsa, merengue, bachata & reggaeton!

This makes the club ever so popular with Latin men & those who love them! The main room boasts a 500 square foot dance floor, & 15,000 watts of the clearest sound along with projector TV screens. The bar area & VIP party room have a separate sound levels, so you can meet someone and still be able to hear their sweet words!

Although the clientele is mostly male, they are an all-inclusive club and encourage you to bring your lesbian bestie, or that straight girlfriend who loves to party and see hot men at their best! Come and feel the euphoria and Latin heat!

It’s a funky little gay Latin Bar in Elmhurst with no attitude, cute bartenders, and a small dance floor. Drinks are a little pricey compared to other locations in Queens, but their Happy Hour specials more than make up for this!

Friend’s Tavern

An old-school Latin gay bar – the oldest in Queens – offering an alternative to the glamour, class, and sophistication of Manhattan. Great music, sexy dancers, cool crowds with no attitude and an ‘anyone is welcome here’ atmosphere.

A cheerful LGBT bar in Astoria with fun daily events such as Karaoke, Drag Bingo, and Live Drag Shows to bring the boys in. The 2-4-1 Happy Hour and lots of drink specials also help.

A festive, fabulous and fierce gay bar in Astoria known for their sexy gogo boys and drag pageants. Many of the queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race have graced the stage here, so even if you don’t spot someone famous, you are likely to see them soon on the show!

Not many cities have devoted lesbian bars , but in Gay New York City, you girls get lucky with one of the most vibrant lesbian scenes in the world. They really are the case of use it or lose it, though, ladies, and we can’t tell you the number of similar spots we have seen come and go over the years.

Luckily they are all pretty great, so you’re probably going to love them!

Ginger’s Bar

A relaxed lesbian bar with a very neighborly vibe in Park Slope , Brooklyn. Boasting a daily happy hour, casual outdoor patio, pool table thanks to happy hours, a pool table, a jukebox, and a huge outdoor patio. Cheap, cheerful and full of character.

A long-time NYC gay village haunts most popular with lesbians but is open to all. With eclectic décor, a mellow but very friendly crowd, and a roaring good time to be had, why would you not check it out? Cubbyhole isn’t preoccupied with being a lesbian bar, however, so feel free to take your friends!

Henrietta Hudson

Manhattan’s number-one lesbian bar for 25 years, Henrietta Hudson, is the ultimate destination for lesbians and the gay-friendly community, 365 days a year. Lesbian-owned and operated—now and always—Henrietta Hudson is renowned across NYC and the world for its friendliness, free spirit, and ever-inviting atmosphere.

Their two full bars are stocked with a selection of liquors, wine, and beer and are expertly tended by attractive and charismatic bartenders. Happy Hour (4—7 p.m., seven days a week) offers discounted drinks, while an ever-changing selection of mixologist-created cocktails is available.

First-time visitors frequently become lifetime regulars at Henrietta Hudson, thanks to the welcoming vibe, constant influx of diverse and beautiful patrons, intelligent and sexy bartenders, exciting roster of events, and inclusive spirit. The bar is age- and gender-diverse, gay-boy friendly, and tourist-accommodating.

There’s something vibrant and new every day of the week at Henrietta Hudson—world-class DJs spinning for sexy and enthusiastic crowds, stimulating evenings of cocktails and conversation with old and new friends, electric evenings of world-class flirtations, and countless chances to meet someone special. So why not stop in and say hi?

Even though New York City is a fabulous gay vacation destination, there are only a few gay sex venues here – and all of them are pretty terrible. We really don’t recommend visiting any, if we are being honest.

If you are visiting from outside of the USA, you should know that the gay bathhouse culture is not very prevalent in the USA and in no way as popular or as high-quality as you might find in international destinations such as Bangkok , Barcelona , London , and Paris .

New York, however, much like San Fran , closed all of these gay sex locations in the wake of the AIDS crisis, and it has never sprung back – because local regulations discourage them, hook-up apps remain popular, and real estate costs are simply too costly.

With such a high LGBT+ population, you just know there has to be pretty of action going down here – and you can join in by either downloading a gay hook-up app , going to the last New York City bathhouse or checking out some of the more cruise-orientated gay bars.

East Side Club

From the same owners as the now-defunct West Side Club, but only marginally better since it is near the UN and you sometimes can meet interesting international guys here. Expensive, with a steam room that is basically never operating, dirty, sad and just not worth it.

Sorry boys, we are big fans of hot and steamy fun, having tried cruising clubs everywhere from Cape Town and Melbourne to Seoul and Copenhagen , but these are just some of the absolute world. Just avoid it.

The best place to find all the current NYC gay sex parties currently – you’ll need to be a member to join, however.

Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in New York City? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!

• Travel Guides

New York City Gay Travel

wolfyy’s New York City gay guide to where to stay,  gay neighborhoods,  things to do, restaurants, parties, & more .

The Gay Travel Experience: New York City

New York is one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the world. No matter who you are, being gay in New York City is easy. I’ve been a New York local for more than nine years, so I’ll give you some of the best New York City gay travel advice you can find.

From exploring storybook-like neighborhoods to dancing until sunrise at intense circuit parties, there are limitless ways for gay travelers to explore New York. Fashion, Broadway shows, and unforgettable skyline views are just a few.

Gay, lesbian and transgender populations in New York City are huge, so it’s easy for everyone to find their community.

First-time visitors should plan their trip to New York carefully. This ubiquitously unforgiving city is exciting and inspiring, but can be a bit intimidating for some.

Below, I’ll tell you where to stay for the best gay New York experience, recommend crowd-favorite hotels, restaurants, gay nightlife venues and share useful travel tips.

New York Gay Neighborhoods & Where to Stay

The location of your hotel or apartment rental in New York will have a huge impact on your travel experience. Where you stay, with respect to both the neighborhood and quality of accommodation, can absolutely make or break a trip. 

Overall, New York has such an enormous gay population that it’s not necessary to limit yourself to gay-specific hotels, although I will say that some of New York City’s gay hotels all offer stylishly unique experiences that travelers love.

Below I’ll recommend some hotels and other places to stay by borough, in addition to covering the various gay neighborhoods of New York City.

Manhattan Hotels & Where to Stay

Gay travelers visiting New York have a ton of Manhattan neighborhood options. I recommend staying in Hell’s Kitchen , the  West Village , or Chelsea since these are New York’s best gay neighborhoods.

Alternatively, the cozy  East Village  or upscale  SoHo are great Manhattan neighborhoods for tourists. There’s plenty of entertainment and culture to explore in these areas day and night.

A  Hell’s Kitchen apartment rental is your best bet if you want to be in the heart of New York’s best gay neighborhood. You won’t find many hotels in Hell’s Kitchen given the area is largely residential. Most of the time, apartments are decently affordable, too. 

If you prefer a standard hotel but still want to be near the gay bustle of Hell’s Kitchen, browse hotels along Central Park South or hotels in Midtown West .

1 Hotel Central Park is a modern and luxurious option in this area of the city. I love the woody scent in the lobby, as well as the ground-floor coffee shop. Rooms here are super clean and have everything a traveler needs.

Arlo Midtown is one of my personal favorite hotels in New York. It’s not easy to find a hotel as stylish as this at such an affordable price. I’ve recommended Arlo Midtown to many friends and they have all loved the hotel’s gorgeous style and rooftop.

Manhattan’s  Meatpacking District  is a chic neighborhood just north of the West Village. Along the area’s historic cobblestone roads you’ll find plenty of luxury shops and trendy nightclubs that occupy buildings once used as meatpacking facilities.

The Standard High Line  is one of the most beloved New York City gay hotels . This high-rise hotel is right here on the edge of the Meatpacking District. Locals love their rooftop and bar!

I recommend gay travelers avoid hotels in Midtown East , the Financial District  and Chinatown , all for different reasons. 

Firstly, most gay locals don’t live in these areas. Midtown East is isolated from gay nightlife, the Financial District can feel lifeless in the evening, and Chinatown is both isolated and dirty.

If you want to stay in Manhattan, go with the other areas mentioned above!

Brooklyn Hotels & Where to Stay

Williamsburg is the ideal neighborhood for New York City gay travelers who want to experience that classic “Brooklyn” feel. It’s vibrant and gritty at the same time.

Also, Williamsburg is essentially Brooklyn’s gay neighborhood. However, you’ll find gay locals from here all the way eastward through the middle of Bushwick , following the route of the L subway corridor.

The Williamsburg Hotel has some of the most stylish hotel rooms in New York. The bathrooms are incredible, as are the views from the small private balconies. They have an epic rooftop pool, too!

Calmer vibes can be found in the Fort Greene and Park Slope neighborhoods, best for park lovers or families. Fort Greene & Park Slope apartment rentals have that quintessential “upscale Brooklyn” vibe.

Avoid staying in  Bed-Stuy , Crown Heights , and definitely East New York , since these Brooklyn neighborhoods are not well-suited for travelers and tend to be less safe.

Where to Stay in Queens

Astoria has the most upbeat and authentic New York feel of any neighborhood in Queens. Home of the borough’s best gay nightlife, Astoria is also the Queens gay neighborhood.

Located just north of Long Island City, Astoria has convenient subway access to Manhattan, making for a convenient yet relatively affordable area of New York for travelers.

You’re best off with an apartment rental in Astoria  since the neighborhood is mostly residential.

Hotels in Long Island City have become a fantastic in-between option as the neighborhood has sprouted dozens of skyscrapers in recent years. Here you’ll only be one stop away from Manhattan while still being close to Astoria’s gay nightlife.

More Ideas → My Full List of Popular Gay Hotels in New York

New York City Gay-Popular Restaurants

New York City has an astronomical number of restaurants . Every type of cuisine is within arm’s reach, too. Here are my select favorites and recommendations.

Elmo – One of the most iconic New York City gay restaurants. They’ve been around since 2001, serving American comfort cuisine in Chelsea. Elmo is always packed with gay men, who enjoy the company of the restaurant’s gay servers and bartenders.

La Pulpería – Popular for energetic drag brunches with unlimited cocktails in a rustic-feeling Latin-style restaurant.

Totto Ramen  – Cozy and inexpensive ramen shop with multiple locations in Hell’s Kitchen and East Midtown. Cash only.

Agave  – Wildly popular Mexican brunch in the West Village. There are typically long waiting lists for reservations, so make them early.

GITANO Garden of Love  – Showing off some beautiful Tulum vibes, GITANO is one of the best summertime restaurants in New York popular with gay locals. It’s a delicious Mexican spot in SoHo with a ton of cozy couches, large tables, and a wraparound bar.

Cheeseboat Hell’s Kitchen – Unique traditional Georgian restaurant serving hilariously-named cocktails like “Putin’s Tears” with some of the friendliest service I’ve ever experienced in New York City.

Amy’s Bread  – Quaint coffee shop with breakfast treats located in Hell’s Kitchen. Popular with gay locals.

Turkuaz Restaurant – Delicious and authentic Turkish cuisine with some of the best service I’ve ever received in New York. Their rear outdoor seating area makes you feel like you’re in the Mediterranean!

As-Is NYC – Chic, dimly-lit imported beer bar in Hell’s Kitchen with a rotating selection and mouth-watering bar food. Great for couples. Attracts a crowd during happy hour, but is quieter later in the evening.

Pardon My French  – French restaurant in the East Village with a fantastic bottomless brunch.

Cafeteria  – Brunch popular with gay locals in warmer weather. Mouth-watering custom drinks in West Midtown. Can get busy in summer, so it’s best to call for a reservation.

Holey Cream – My absolute favorite take-out dessert spot in New York. In the middle of the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, Holey Cream serves creamy ice cream sandwiches using warm donuts. They sound delicious, but taste even better than they sound!

Norma  – Authentic Sicilian restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen with super friendly staff, traditional cocktails, and outdoor seating. One of my favorites!

La Pecora Bianca  – Fantastic gay-friendly New York Italian restaurant in NoMad. I’ve enjoyed a few group dinners here and always loved the wine selection and service.

Pastis  – The five-star service and unbeatable food at Pastis is something you definitely won’t forget. The ambiance is incredible with the feel of a Paris Bistro. Making a reservation is best since this popular restaurant fills quickly.

ilili Restaurant – Authentic upscale Lebanese restaurant on Fifth Avenue. Here you’ll find a host of rich, traditional dishes from Lebanon . Definitely try some Arak to drink and Knefeh for dessert!

The Big Gay Ice Cream Shop – Perfect place to cool down in summer with locations in both the Seaport District and Upper West Side in Manhattan.

New York City Gay Travel Experiences

There are tons of things for gay travelers to do in New York, no matter whether it’s day, night, a weekday or weekend. Below are some of my favorite things to do in New York, even as a local.

Explore World-Class Museums

New York has endless options for well-known museums and several are among the top 10 art museums worldwide.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must for first-timers. It’s also super budget-friendly, with only a $5 suggested donation. The Met has so many exhibits spanning so many periods, it honestly could take days to see everything inside.

The Museum of Modern Art is another top museum in New York. I always enjoy visiting—it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Other popular options I’d recommend include The Whitney Museum of American Art and the world’s first gay art museum, the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art .

Christopher Street Pier

Relax at the Christopher Street Pier with all the gay locals during warm sunny days in New York. Bring some food and a packable lawn blanket to spread out while enjoying views of the World Trade Center.

Little Island

Little Island is one of the city’s newest attractions. A small public park built on pedestals above the Hudson River, there’s plenty of open space to sit in the grass, grab a snack or wander the pathway to the park’s lookout point.

Explore the West Village & Stonewall

A historic New York City gay neighborhood with all sorts of boutique shops, spend an afternoon wandering Manhattan’s quaint West Village . You’ll see rainbow flags everywhere!

An LGBTQ+ historical walking tour is one of the easiest ways to get to know the area. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people. There are even Greenwich and West Village LGBTQ+ history and food tours available.

Stroll by the Stonewall National Monument in the West Village, the famous place of the 1969 riots in that contributed to the Gay Liberation Movement. Stop in the tavern for a drink and pay some gratitude to the LGBT rights we do have!

New York's Newest Observation Decks

Glitzy new observation decks have recently opened atop some of New York City’s shiny new skyscrapers. Now, the Empire State Building Observatory , 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and the World Trace Center aren’t the only places you can get epic skyline views.

Grab tickets for The Edge NYC , the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere! Experience the glass floor panel along with breathtaking views of the New York skyline and the Hudson River.

Sunset is the most popular time and tickets around this part of the day sell out fast, so book early.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is New York’s newest observatory and it’s truly jaw-dropping. With two expansive all-glass levels and glass-floor ledges that levitate over 1000 feet above street level, the experience here is unforgettable. I had a ton of fun playing in the room filled with silver balloons!

Additional private experiences are available as well, including the Ascent glass-floor elevator ride up to an even higher and more private observatory area.

Shop My Favorites → Luggage, Backpacks & Travel Bags

Sail The New York Harbor

Why pay for something you can get for free? Take a free ride on the IKEA Water Taxi or the Staten Island Ferry   Both ferries shuttle back and forth from downtown Manhattan. You may not want to go to Staten Island or IKEA, but the ride is beautiful.

Relax in Sheep Meadow

Sheep Meadow is a local gay hangout spot in Central Park where the LGBT community convenes on the second Sunday of each month in the summer. New York gay locals usually refer to it as “Sheeps Meadow.” Here’s the exact location in Central Park .

Gay locals flaunt their sexy swimwear here in Sheep Meadow all summer, even though there’s nowhere to swim! Bring plenty of snacks, cold water, and a compact packable picnic blanket .

Fuel Up on Street Food

Grab some lunch to go at a Halal food truck. Food from these trucks is delicious, cheap, and loved by locals. One of the most famous vendors is The Halal Guys . But in all my experience, any street cart that sells Halal food is usually great.

Walk The Brooklyn Bridge

Along the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian path, you’ll find a ton of tourists, but this is still an experience that first-timers always want to do at least once! Walking across is fantastic in the early morning or late afternoon for sunset.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is along the waterfront in the area between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. One of the best outdoor places to visit in New York, there’s a ton to do here. 

Walk along the waterfront promenade, grab food or drinks at the Time Out Market or explore some of the area’s upscale shops.

Related → Romantic Things to Do in New York City

Visit Local New York Gay Beaches

The New York City area has a couple of noteworthy gay beaches worth a day trip during summertime. The most popular is Gunnison Beach . While it’s technically in New Jersey, you’ll find New York gay locals here every weekend.

Gunnison is also one of the most popular nude beaches in the metro area. You can catch the Seastreak Ferry that will take you there directly from Manhattan 

Jacob Riis Beach is the official New York City gay beach and has been a popular summertime LGBTQ hangout since the 1940s. It’s located in southern Queens on the Rockaway Peninsula, which is easily reachable via public transit. 

Make sure to pack snacks and a day bag full of all your gay beach essentials because there’s not too many places for refreshments near Riis Beach.

Explore Manhatan's Seaport District

Downtown Manhattan’s Seaport District is a great evening adventure, popular for evening cocktails outdoors. The Seaport is a rapidly developing area of Manhattan with scenic views of the Brooklyn Bridge, summer movie screenings, and the wonderful Pier 17 .

Drinks on Stone Street

Local New Yorkers are obsessed with Stone Street , a haven for after-work drinks in the Financial District. Charming outdoor picnic tables on a cobblestone street lined with high-end pubs will warm your soul.

Get more ideas for things to do in NYC at night from my guest post on GetYourGuide!

New York Gay Bars

There are so many gay bars in New York. In terms of strictly gay bars, my personal favorites are REBAR Chelsea , Rise Bar in Hell’s Kitchen, and Eagle NYC gay leather bar.

With endless bar options full of handsome locals to explore, single gay travelers will have an especially epic time in New York!

I cover all the best local gay bars here in wolfyy’s  NYC Gay Bar Ultimate Guide , where you can find out which types of guys are at each gay bar, which days each bar is busiest, and their overall vibe. 

Check out wolfyy’s custom Google Maps layer of all 40+ New York City gay bars, which is continually updated and contains essential notes for each bar.

Below, you’ll find recommendations for gay parties and events!

New York Gay Parties

New York City has all different types of gay parties, from massive circuit events to upscale rooftop gatherings. The list below covers them all!

Larger gay parties in New York are hosted monthly or a few times per year, but there’s almost always at least one major gay party happening every weekend. A few of them change location, so double check the party’s social media before heading out.

Horse Meat Disco

Horse Meat Disco is one of New York’s biggest and most popular gay parties. These massive dance parties are usually held at the Knockdown Center , an industrial venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces on multiple levels. 

Expect more lyrical music than traditional circuit parties , but a similar type of gay crowd.

WRECKED is also held in the Knockdown Center—in the underground space called Basement New York .

This is an event where you won’t find anyone talking or looking at their phone while dancing. On the dance floor at WRECKED parties, talking and phone use are not allowed on the dance floor.

This focus on enjoying dancing as well as respect for personal space helps the party live up to being “a staple of tripping, psychedelic dance in the queer underground.”

UltraMaroon

UltraMaroon is one of my new favorite gay parties in New York. This party is a monthly event, centrally located in a large midtown Manhattan club space called Blue Midtown . 

Expect upbeat electronic music and tons of shirtless men. The vibe is something between a circuit party and a chic urban disco. People wear everything from button-down shirts to ostentatious club-kid outfits.

Battle Hymn

Battle Hymn is a semi-monthly NYC gay party hugely popular with locals. LadyFag produces and hosts this huge party in elaborate venues, typically in Manhattan. Visitors come all the way from neighboring cities to experience these LadyFag mega parties.

Spilled Milk & Chim3ra

Spilled Milk and Chim3ra are two relatively new gay parties also hosted by LadyFag. They both have a mix of circuit and queer crowds. Spilled Milk is held at the new Música Club in Manhattan, which used to be the old Space Ibiza nightclub. Chim3ra is at Nebula Club .

Expect several mega-rooms/levels with dark, electronic beats at each of these parties. Make sure to wear your most eccentric and flashy gay circuit gear .

MEAT NEW YORK

MEAT NYC  parties are definitely the most popular semi-regular gay circuit parties in New York. Expect a sweaty, shirtless and mainly 30+ crowd. MEAT is a leather & fur-fetish-themed party with dark rooms (one of the few New York City gay parties that has them). 

Wearing mostly jockstraps and sexy underwear , gay men go back and forth from the dance floor to the cruising area, which is in a sectioned-off area of the club.

There is always a clothes check available, too. Make sure to bring cash for this!

Related → Gay Sex Parties in New York City

Alegria is consistently one of the most extravagant gay dance parties in New York.

Hosted by Ric Sena , these massive circuit parties tend to only be held surrounding holiday weekends or other popular events. But when they do happen, you can bet all the circuit gays in NYC will be there.

Alegria Sunrise is the daytime after-hours version of the Alegria party. These parties typically start at 12 PM and continue all day at a glorious rooftop venue with skyline views.

Many Alegria Sunrise parties are at The Roof at 74 Wythe , a chic event space with views of Manhattan. It’s adjacent to the gorgeous Wythe Hotel , which is the perfect place to stay if you’ll be attending Alegria Sunrise! 

Parties at 3 Dollar Bill

3 Dollar Bill is a hugely popular gay event space in East Williamsburg, branded as New York’s premier queer bar and performance venue.

They’re well-known for hosting large circuit parties (like MEAT NYC mentioned above), and a bunch of other popular gay parties like Ty Tea, Love Prism, and DILF XL.

Renting a van for your group of friends can be super fun and practical if you’re traveling to clubs in Brooklyn from Manhattan or somewhere not very close. I’ve done this a couple of times and had such a blast!

Le Bain  is a chic, well-known gay party that every visitor should try. There’s lots of space to lounge as well as a fun area for dancing. Le Bain is hosted on the rooftop terrace of the Standard Hotel at the High Line. The views are absolutely stunning.

The party is usually held on Tuesday or Sunday evenings depending on the season. But always confirm ahead of time since there are some weeks when the Le Bain rooftop space is reserved for private parties.

PHD at the Dream Hotel Downtown

PHD at the Dream Hotel Downtown  is another gay party with gorgeous panoramic views of New York’s skyline. This party is the place to be on Sunday afternoon. 

There’s plenty of seating along PHD’s indoor-outdoor rooftop terrace space. Inside there is always plenty of dancing along with wildly dressed performers on a small stage. The vibe is upscale, yet rowdy as the afternoon progresses. Dress your best!

FLY Sundays at Monarch

FLY Sundays is a summertime rooftop gay party at the Monarch Rooftop with sweet gummy-bear fruit punch cocktails, upbeat music and a beautiful view of the Empire State Building.

Locals tend to dress their summer-casual best, with tank tops certainly welcome. Arrive earlier in the afternoon to avoid a long entry line—waiting on the hot city street is no fun! See photos on the FLY Sundays Instagram .

More LGBT Parties & Events

Thotyssey is a great resource to check for a daily compiled list of local New York queer events.

Looking to meet other gay travelers to explore New York City with? Join wolfyy’s Gay Travel Facebook Chat and introduce yourself to some new friends!

Gay Cruising in New York

Are you a tourist looking for New York City gay cruising spots or saunas? New York is a little different when it comes to the sauna scene.

You can also find more about sex parties in New York as well as some history about why there are only a few traditional gay bathhouses in NYC .

Attending a sex party in New York is always a fun alternative to cruising at typical bathhouses. Check out my full downloadable list of gay sex parties in New York City .

Travel Tips for New York City

New york is not a hostel city.

For budget travelers, I advise against staying in hostels. New York is definitely not a hostel city. Many times, the hostels that exist in New York can be even more expensive than an apartment rental or hotel!

VRBO is a good bet for cheaper accommodations. Make sure you dive deep into the reviews as things can be a little deceptive if you’re not thorough.

Long Lines Usually Aren't Worth It

Don’t wait in any crazy lines for restaurants. Places like Katz’s Deli and Pick-a-Bagel are not worth it and locals avoid them. Don’t eat at any standard restaurants in Times Square, either. Most of them are low quality and overpriced.

If visiting One World Trade Center is on your list, purchase tickets online to save yourself at least an hour of waiting in line.

Stay Through a Weekend if Possible

You will need a lot of time to thoroughly explore the Big Apple. Seven days is an ideal length, although four to five is doable. Staying through a weekend is preferable to get a taste of larger gay nightlife activities.

Tips For Bars & Nightlife

Going to a party with a large group of friends? Renting a party van or small party bus is super fun! Check out Carmel , a trustworthy van and limo rental service that operates in New York City.

Don’t forget your personal identification or passport. You will need it to get into just about every bar/party. Many times international tourists forget about this! Sometimes a photo will be accepted, but not always.

Upon entering gay circuit parties and other large events, expect to be thoroughly searched. Bars in New York close at 4 AM. Large parties can go longer into the morning hours but have to stop serving alcohol at 4 AM.

NYC Luggage Storage

Lugging your bags around can be super frustrating in New York City. Before I lived here, finding a place to store my bags for just an afternoon was a sketchy experience. 

Thankfully there are now lots of trustworthy places where you can store luggage in New York . 

Navigating New York's Subway

If you plan on using the subway to get around, I recommend buying a weekly unlimited MetroCard. This can be used on all buses and subways. Keep in mind that you cannot buy one card for multiple people as it cannot be used consecutively in a short period of time.

Many NYC subway stations are separated into an “uptown” and a “downtown” side. Often, there is no connection between them once you enter one of the sides. Be sure you know what direction you’re headed before paying!

For bus, subway, and local train times, download the  MTA TrainTime application . This all-in-one app allows you to see when scheduled busses are coming and is where you can buy tickets for trains like the LIRR and Metro North.

All New York City subway stations now have contactless systems installed . The same goes for buses. Easily swipe your phone or tap your card to purchase your single-ride ticket. It works really well!

New York’s subway system runs 24 hours a day, but that doesn’t mean certain lines stop running. Do your research before relying on the train late at night. Also, keep in mind that construction often takes place on weekends, so some subway routes may be much slower.

Traveling through a NYC airport? They can be very stressful, not to mention a little run down. (Hey, at this point we’re known for it). Check out these tips for reducing airport stress .

Tips to Save Money in New York

New York is expensive, so here is a list of even more quick tips to save you cash as you explore.

First of all, corner deli food is delicious. You definitely get the most volume for your dollar. Fill up with a hero! Breakfast sandwiches in these places are around 5 dollars. Don’t pay any more than that!

Halal food trucks are the cheapest and certainly most delicious food around. $8 will get you a big tray of meat and rice.

Keep rush hours and inclement weather in mind when you plan to travel by car. Costs of Uber and Lyft can skyrocket to unbelievable levels at peak times. I’ve seen rides cost $50 for a short ride within midtown during a thunderstorm! Planning ahead will help you save.

Make sure you see my top recommendations for New York gay hotels !

Don’t pass up a visit to Fire Island if you’re visiting NYC between June and September. Read more in wolfyy’s Fire Island Pines gay guide .

For more inspiration, explore wolfyy’s full collection of gay travel guides .

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The ultimate LGBTIQ+ travel guide to New York City

Apr 7, 2024 • 11 min read

Here's everything travelers need to know about NYC's gay scene © Brendan McDermid / Alamy

For many years, queer people have flocked to New York City in search of acceptance and an environment they could thrive in. The modern LGBTIQ+ rights movement was born here, and NYC continues to be a safe haven for people from all walks of life.

In the musical Rent , Angel famously starts off the song "Santa Fe" by saying, "New York City… center of the universe," while riding in a dirty subway car. That singular moment seems to capture NYC so well. It's gritty, dirty and wild…while also being one of the most powerful cities in the world, holding a staggering array of influence in the worlds of commerce, fashion, theater and food. 

It's been home to many of the most important queer figures in LGBTIQ+ history, from activist Marsha P. Johnson to author Larry Kramer. The city has also served as the launching point for many of the world's most famous drag stars, like Lady Bunny and Bob the Drag Queen. Simply put, New York has been at the center of queer culture for over half a century. 

Nowadays, LGBTIQ+ locals and visitors can experience the excitement of this rich history by enjoying a wealth of queer spaces, art installations, performances, and more. Here's what you need to know about being LGBTIQ+ in NYC.

The best LGBTIQ+ bars and clubs in New York City

There are four main areas for LGBTIQ+ nightlife in New York City – Hell's Kitchen, Chelsea, the West Village and Brooklyn. Each has a discerning and unique vibe that will attract different communities.

Hell's Kitchen and Chelsea offer the most "traditional" gay bars and clubs, where visitors can check out venues with hunky shirtless bartenders, a mostly gay-male clientele, and thumping hits going late into the night. Highlights of these neighborhoods include Industry , which many claim is New York's best gay bar. A stained-glass display behind the bar shimmers underneath disco bars and neon lighting, creating the perfect club vibe. Nightly drag shows are the main event from Sunday to Thursday, and DJs pump out music until 4am on both Friday and Saturday. 

For a more campy and kitsch vibe, check out Flaming Saddles . Dance-pop hits are mixed in with country classics as shirtless waiters in cowboy hats dance on the bar. It's a fun and totally ridiculous experience that's like a gay Coyote Ugly collided with a down-home honky-tonk, and the fact it doesn't take itself seriously is exactly why it's such a fun bar to go to – get ready for an unpretentious experience that's especially good for anyone visiting a gay bar for the first time. Other highlights in Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen include Barracuda Lounge and Rise . 

A little further south is the West Village. It's here where the modern LGBTIQ+ rights movement kicked off in the summer of 1969 when police raided the Stonewall Inn. The patrons fought back and stood their ground, refusing to be bullied by police any longer. While the Stonewall Uprising was over 50 years ago, the Stonewall Inn is still open and remains a popular spot.

What makes the Stonewall so special is that, despite being an internationally recognized location that's even designated as both a National Historic Landmark and a National Monument, it's still basically a dive bar. Wood-paneled walls and exposed brick give the Stonewall a pub-like feel. In fact, most locals don't even consider the Stonewall to be "trendy," which is exactly why it's one of my favorites. Despite being one of the most famous locales on the planet, it's still just a neighborhood tavern continuing to do what it's always been doing. 

Just a few doors down is Duplex . Part piano bar, part cabaret, with an upstairs area that hosts everything from comedy nights to drag shows and bar trivia, Duplex is an awesomely funky and queer space that has something for everyone. One of my favorite things about Duplex is that it doesn't feel the need to conform to any preconceived notion of what a gay bar is. It's loud yet loungey, fun yet tawdry. It's what I envision bars in the Roaring '20s must have felt like.

Duplex also attracts a wide-ranging crowd. While most patrons will be LGBTIQ+, the piano bar and cabaret attract visitors from all walks of life, making this a super fun and inclusive space for everyone. Other West Village highlights include Monster , the lesbian-centric Cubbyhole , and Ty's , which tends to attract the bear crowd. 

To experience New York's younger, queer-centric, genre-blending, and gender-nonconforming spaces, a visit to Brooklyn is a must. This is where many of the more underground queer bars and clubs are housed.  3 Dollar Bill and House of Yes are currently two of New York's most popular nightlife spots and are favored by a young, sex- and body-positive crowd. 

In these spaces, every member of the LGBTIQ+ community is expressively welcomed, and they serve as a haven for the trans and nonbinary communities. Weekly parties attract huge crowds, so be ready to get hot and sweaty while brushing shoulders with New York's next generation of queer activists and heroes. 

Also in Brooklyn is the quaint and community-focused lesbian bar, Ginger's Bar . According to The Lesbian Bar Project , there are currently only 21 lesbian bars left in America, making Ginger's one of the last in the nation. It hosts a wide array of events, from open mic nights to poetry readings, dance parties, and DJ nights, and is an excellent spot for lesbian visitors to find community, ask locals about the city and enjoy a safe space. 

Excellent LGBTIQ+ spaces beyond the clubs

For those who are looking to mingle with the LGBTIQ+ community but don't enjoy the club and bar scene, there are still tons of places to go. Fans of theater and musicals should head over to  Marie's Crisis in the West Village. While technically a bar, the vibe is very different. The cozy interior features a nightly pianist who plays show tunes, and the whole bar is invited to sing along. I'll never forget going to Marie's one year in late December, singing "Mein Herr" from Cabaret with a group of about 50 people as the snow fell outside. It remains one of my favorite memories and genuinely created a sense of camaraderie and fun. 

Another establishment that every visitor needs to check out is  54 Below . This old-school supper club is actually a relatively new establishment that opened in 2012. Here, up-and-coming Broadway stars spend their off nights singing Broadway hits, Disney classics, retro pop songs, and more, all while you get to dine on a delicious dinner at a reserved table or drink craft cocktails at the bar. 

I took my parents there when they visited, and I remember my dad saying that 54 Below was "the kind of New York thing you see in movies," and he's right. It has a classic speakeasy vibe that is filled with live music and great food. Plus, it gets its name because it's located in the basement of the infamous '70s club Studio 54, making it quite possibly the most New York attraction in New York! 

And speaking of Broadway , how could anyone visit the city and not take in a show? Not only is Broadway super queer-friendly (in fact, they have an entire nonprofit, Broadway Cares , that raises money for HIV/AIDS research), but there are also lots of Broadway shows that directly tackle LGBTIQ+ issues. A Strange Loop is a highly-praised, Pulitzer-prize-winning musical that also won numerous Tony awards, including Best Musical.

The story centers around Usher, a young Black queer man who is attempting to write a musical while navigating life in NYC. Other musicals with queer themes include Come From Away , which includes the true story of Kevin Tuerff and his partner, both of whom become stranded in Newfoundland with hundreds of others during the 9/11 attacks, and The Book of Mormon , which often mocks religious bigotry against gay people.

How to find the LGBTIQ+ community in NYC

With one of the world's most dense queer populations, New York City naturally has tons of resources and community spaces that most other cities don't. One of the most notable is the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art . The museum is one of the only LGBTIQ+ art museums in the world and houses paintings, photography and physical objects that document and celebrate queer culture throughout the generations. Best of all, it's located in SoHo, not too far from the Stonewall Inn, making a visit to the museum followed by a drink at the Stonewall the perfect itinerary for an enjoyable and walkable afternoon exploring LGBTIQ+ history. 

If you need a sweet treat, there's no better place to go than Big Gay Ice Cream . With a few locations around town, it's some of the city's best (and gayest) ice cream. With storefronts that are decked out in rainbow flags and a sassy, ice-cream-licking unicorn, Big Gay Ice Cream knows how to create a scene. Inside, you'll find cheekily-named sundaes like the Dorothy and the Mermaid, both being nods to the queer community.

But the shop's most famous creation is the Salty Pimp. A crunchy cone gets loaded up with vanilla ice cream that's injected with dulce de leche. Sea salt is then sprinkled on top and the whole thing gets dipped in chocolate. As a devotee myself, I can personally attest to how insanely good the Salty Pimp is – the caramel inside remains soft and gooey, creating a total sensory overload. 

One of the most important facilitators of community for LGBTIQ+ New Yorkers is The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center , referred to by locals simply as "The Center." Here, numerous functions take place every single day of the week, from headlining events like book launches and live performances to more community-based gatherings such as AA meetings and support groups. To find out what's happening, check out the events page. 

Save the date: New York's best LGBTIQ+ events

Naturally, because of its large LGBTIQ+ population, New York City also hosts one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world. NYC Pride has events throughout June, but the main festivities tend to happen within the last week or two of the month. Pride Island, a massive music festival, and the parade are the two biggest events of the celebration. 

Brooklyn Pride is another huge Pride celebration, which, like the Brooklyn queer scene, tends to draw a younger, more diverse crowd. It also takes place in June, usually before NYC Pride, and is known for its more underground, rebellious, and art-focused vibe. 

Broadway's HIV/AIDS nonprofit, Broadway Cares, puts on two massive annual charity events, both of which attract big crowds and celebrity performances. Broadway Backwards was once known for its gender-swapping, having men sing songs originally intended for women and vice versa, but it has since become a celebration of LGBTIQ+ theater. 

Broadway Bares sees performers dancing (and stripping) to songs until they're left in nothing but their undies. Tickets to these events can get expensive since they bring in massive crowds, but all the money goes towards HIV/AIDS research, and they're excellent (and worthy) events to anchor your trip around.

What LGBTIQ+ travelers need to know before going to NYC

One important thing for LGBTIQ+ travelers to know is that New York City can, at times, feel overwhelming. As someone who grew up in Ohio, I was initially shocked after moving to New York and hearing that bars like The Eagle and The Cock actually have a hookup scene, where guys fool around right inside the bar.

I thought this was something you only saw in shows like Queer as Folk and had no idea it was a real thing. "Cruising" in Central Park is also very real, and if you're coming from somewhere that doesn't have much of a gay community, things like this might come as a bit of a culture shock. The good news is that there's no pressure to partake. Simply choose another bar or club, or spend your evenings going to a show or one of the city's world-class restaurants. 

Resources and info for LGBTIQ+ visitors in New York City

The Center is the city's main resource for LGBTIQ+ people, both locals and visitors. It's a great place to not only find community but also learn more about the city if you have questions. 

Another important thing to remember is that, because of its massive LGBTIQ+ population, New York City has been an epicenter of the queer world for almost 100 years. From Stonewall to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Harlem's ballroom culture made famous by Paris is Burning  (1990) and more, there is just so much queer history in New York.

For anyone interested in NYC's unique connection to the queer community, tour operators like Oscar Wilde Tours and Pride Tours NYC offer fantastic walking tours of the city's neighborhoods, with a focus on LGBTIQ+ history, giving in-depth knowledge that most locals don't even know! 

Ready to plan your trip to NYC?

Add these top experiences to your itinerary Find out which NYC neighborhood fits your vibe Give your wallet a break with these incredible free experiences Navigate NYC like a local with our transportation guide

This article was first published July 2022 and updated April 2024

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10 LGBTQ+ spots to visit right now in NYC

From classic watering holes to buzzy new bars and powerful memorials, here's where to go now.

As we don our vaccine-tinted glasses and watch New York City awaken from its slumber, the question on everybody’s queer and allied lips is, What can we do now? Refraining from responding like Gia Gunn: “What you want to do is not necessarily what you’re gonna do,” we figured out the answers for you. From some of the best museums in NYC to memorials to musical Mondays, here’s your guide to ten LGBTQ+ spots in New York City that you can visit right now.

RECOMMENDED: Guide to Gay Pride NYC 2021

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Ten LGBTQ+ spots to visit right now in NYC

Industry Bar

• Hell's Kitchen

The crown jewel of the bedazzled harness that is Hell's Kitchen, this discotheque has everything: two bars, nightly drag shows, and the most welcoming bar staff. If you're looking for a night out in HK, this spot's always a safe bet. Pro Tip: say hello to A.J. Álvarez, the baron of the bar.

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art

• Things to do

The only art museum in the world dedicated to the collection and preservation of LGBTQ history, the Leslie-Lohman Museum boasts an art collection of over 30,000 pieces. This cultural hub is a must-visit for artists, activists, and allies, and admission is always free (with a suggested $10 donation).

• Sports Bars
• West Village
• price 1 of 4

Standing proudly today as New York City’s oldest gay bar, Julius’ is the birthplace of the Gay Rights Movement. Infamous for the Mattachine Society’s 1966 “Sip-In,” which challenged prohibitions on gay bars, this longtime institution will fill your glass as you steep in its LGBTQ+ history framed along every wall.

True to name, Cubbyhole is a cozy haven—both indoors and outdoors in their “cubby shack”—that has served an intimate mix of locals and tourists for over three decades. One of the only three lesbian bars left in New York City, show your support by stopping by for a drink.

Marie's Crisis Cafe

As Broadway theaters prepare for reopening, nightly cavalcades of singers and showtune admirers have returned to this staple piano bar nestled in the West Village. As they say in the theatre, “put on your Sunday clothes” and descend upon Marie’s Crisis for “a finer night you know you’ll never see.”

New York City AIDS Memorial

A stalworth structure of steel and granite fountain, the New York City AIDS Memorial honors the 100,000+ New Yorkers who’ve died of AIDS. As 2021 marks the 40th anniversary of the first reported U.S. AIDS cases, you may pay your respects here in remembrance of those who fought for equality before us.

LGBT Memorial

A respite along the Hudson River, this monument is New York City’s first official memorial dedicated to honoring the LGBTQ community. Designed by Brooklyn artist Anthony Goicolea, nine large boulders—six of which are bisected and bonded with glass—welcome visitors to find a moment of peace within this waterfront green space.

Bluestockings

• Lower East Side
• price 2 of 4

Aptly named after the feminists of the Enlightenment, Bluestockings is New York City’s only queer, transgender, and sex worker cooperatively-owned bookstore, fair-trade cafe, and activist center. This is the perfect LES spot to pick up a copy of Mikki Kendall’s Hood Feminism and stay for the Queer Book Club.

Jacob Riis Park Beach

Perched near the eastern tip of the Rockaway peninsula, Jacob Riis Park has long held the unofficial title of New York City’s most popular LGBTQ beach since the 1940s. A refreshing change of coast from Coney Island, pack a picnic, grab a Polaroid, and venture out with your closest Judys.

3 Dollar Bill

• East Williamsburg

There’s nothing queerer than a three-dollar bill—other than the Bushwick bar 3 Dollar Bill. Off the beaten path of Manhattan’s nightlife, the parties and live performances continue here at Brooklyn’s largest premiere queer bar and venue. A feast for your delights, prepare for an evening of drag, burlesque and earworm DJ sets.

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Watkins Glen State Park

LGBTQ Travel in New York State

New York is a place where history, food, music, art, culture, and people of all backgrounds come together in a vibrant melting pot. New York has thriving LGBTQ communities, rich history, and it remains one of the most welcoming places for LGBTQ visitors in the world.

There is no better place to enjoy LGBTQ history and culture than New York. From historically significant sites to energetic neighborhoods, there are countless places to explore and learn about New York’s unparalleled role in advancing LGBTQ rights.

Come celebrate Pride where it started. In the summer of 1969, the Stonewall Uprising in Greenwich Village sparked the beginning of the modern LGBTQ rights movement. A year later, the Christopher Street Liberation Day March took place to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. The community has been marching ever since! Come celebrate Pride in New York.

Pride in the Sky

Save the date! Big Gay Hudson Valley in partnership with the Friends of the Walkway nonprofit organization and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will host Pride In The Sky , the first-ever Pride celebration on Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park . The all-ages, pet-friendly event happening on May 17 will kickoff Pride season in the Hudson Valley with a nighttime event that will cover the breathtaking Walkway Over the Hudson in rainbows in more ways than one.

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LGBTQ travel guide: New York

New York is home to one of the biggest and best queer scenes in the world. Although it certainly has competition from cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, one cannot deny that it’s one of the most welcoming and flourishing gay capitals of the United States (and the world). It’s been the center of some of the most important moments and movements in LGBTQ history in the country, including the Stonewall Riots and the formation of the ACT UP political group. Both its history and its thriving modern-day LGBTQ scene make it an easy choice for gay travelers to visit New York.

Find flights to New York

Gay in New York: is New York gay friendly?

New York is one of the friendliest cities for LGBTQ travelers. It’s home to the largest LGBTQ population in the United States, and it’s unlikely that you’d encounter any issues if you’re openly gay while visiting. If you do find yourself in any situations that need assistance from LGBTQ legal, health, or advocacy groups, The Gay Centre and the New York Anti-Violence Project can offer substantial help.

Where are the gay areas in New York?

New York’s gay scene nowadays is mostly concentrated in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York. However, its historical roots in Chelsea and Greenwich Village are still going strong, and you’ll find some of New York’s most iconic gay bars in these areas. You’ll also find gay bars all over the city, particularly in East Village, Brooklyn, and Queens.

Gay bars in New York

New York has many amazing gay bars and clubs. We’ve curated a list of some of the best ones, but be open to a change of plans when you arrive and discover what’s on while you’re there.

The Stonewall Inn

In the 1960s, police raids on gay bars happened frequently. In the early hours of the morning on the 28th of June 1969, police raided The Stonewall Inn, and the bar’s patrons, along with the residents of Greenwich Village fought back. That night and the following protests came to be known as the Stonewall Riots, which marked the beginning of the LGBTQ liberation movement in the United States. Today, this iconic and historic bar remains a fixture of New York’s queer community. It hosts themed nights, drag shows, karaoke, and much more. Whenever you visit, you’ll always find a fun, welcoming atmosphere. New York is one of the best party destinations in the world, and Stonewall hosts some of the best parties in the city.

Julius’

Although historically the bar’s owners were not always receptive to the idea, Greenwich Village’s Julius’ is generally considered the oldest gay bar in New York City. Like Stonewall, it played an important role in the LGBTQ rights movement in New York. In 1966, the city was ordering bartenders not to serve LGBTQ people and revoking the liquor licenses of gay bars. The Mattachine Society, one of the earliest gay rights organizations in the United States, held a “sip-in” in protest, which ultimately helped overturn the bans. Today, the bar runs a Mattachine Society night on the third Thursday of each month. Overall, Julius’ has a very relaxed atmosphere and patrons come when they’re looking for something laid-back, inexpensive, and comfortable.

Located in Hell’s Kitchen, Industry is one of the most popular gay bars in New York, operating since 1991. It’s one of the best spots in the city for drag performances, with multiple drag shows throughout the week hosted by some of the scene’s finest drag queens. In addition to the live performances, you can expect plenty of current and classic pop music played by world-class DJs. Named “New York’s Best Gay Bar” by magazines such as GetOut and The Village Voice, Industry is best experienced on Saturday nights when it attracts the biggest crowds and on Thursdays when it features Queen, one of the bar’s longest-running and most popular weekly drag shows. Note: this bar accepts cash only, but there are two cash machines available on site.

Townhouse Bar

On 58th Street, in Hell’s Kitchen, you’ll find one of the coolest cocktail bars in New York City. The Townhouse Bar has been a fixture of New York’s gay scene for over 25 years. It offers a quieter, more relaxed space where you can sit back with a cocktail or a glass of whisky amidst soft music and hushed conversation. The back room is a little more lively, with live piano performances often leading to a show tune sing-a-long. In contrast with this easygoing atmosphere, the dress code is a bit more formal and the bar requests a “dress to impress” attire. But you don’t need to overthink it – any suitably smart-casual look is enough to gain your entrance.

Lucky Cheng’s

Industry is one of the best drag bars in Hell’s Kitchen, but Lucky Cheng’s is the place to go for drag dinner. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal while being served signature cocktails by drag queen waitresses. The restaurant’s drag cabarets have been running since 1993, and they’ve been a community favorite ever since. It runs on the weekends and usually opens at 1 pm. But if you’re visiting New York in winter , it opens an hour later.

Club Cumming

Alan Cumming’s performance as the Master of Ceremonies in Cabaret captivated Broadway audiences in the late 90s. Now, his East Village bar Club Cumming is bringing Weimar cabaret to modern audiences. The venue used to be a gay dive bar and, although it’s not quite as gay-focused anymore, you’ll still find a sizable queer crowd here. Along with cabarets, drag shows, and stand-up comedy, the club also hosts a knitting night, book club, and “raunchy readings.” Every night has at least one event running, so you won’t need to check its calendar to ensure an excellent evening of entertainment when you visit.

BOXERS is a gay sports bar, featuring plasma screen TVs, pool tables, and plenty of drinks. It’s a popular hangout spot for gay sports leagues/teams and hosts frequent events and themed parties, including “80s Night” and “Jock Night.” There are two BOXERS in New York City: one in Hell’s Kitchen and the other in Chelsea. The Chelsea bar opened first and remains its flagship location, spread across two levels and an outdoor patio. It also has a brick oven that serves fresh, delicious pizzas.

Gay eateries in New York

These are some of the best spots to go for a meal or a sweet treat when you’re visiting New York. Whether they’re owned by gay people, located in gay areas, or just popular with gay clientele, these eateries are the perfect places to refuel as you move from sightseeing to clubs.

Grab a scoop at Big Gay Ice Cream

Owned by gay entrepreneurs, Big Gay Ice Cream is an ice cream truck that has won numerous awards, including Best Gay Ice Cream Parlour and Best Food Truck in the Country. It began as a roving food truck but has since expanded to several permanent locations in New York, the first in East Village and the second in West Village. They still have trucks that they hire out for parties and events. Big Gay Ice Cream serves old-school soft serve made using traditional methods. They base their business on the classic flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, but they also have a few special flavors that change up weekly.

Indulge at Elmo Restaurant & Lounge

Elmo Restaurant in Chelsea is one of New York’s most popular restaurants among the LGBTQ community. Its beautiful, stylish decor alone is worth a visit, but it’s the delicious American comfort food that will have you coming back again and again. Downstairs, you’ll find Elmo Lounge, which hosts a range of events and performances throughout the week. A lot of its programming is hosted or performed by LGBTQ artists.

Brunch at Buvette

If you’re staying in Greenwich Village, you should definitely pay a visit to Buvette. This French-inspired brasserie is a charming, relaxed restaurant and a popular brunch spot with gay clientele in the area. After a long night partying, you can revive yourself with one of its delicious croque monsieurs or steak tartare. You can also get the next party started with its unique cocktails and extensive wine list.

Other gay attractions in New York

We’ve covered the best of New York’s nightlife, but these are some of the best spots to visit during the day (though some are open in the evenings too). You probably already have been to the MET and other popular New York museums on your list, so make sure to check out these queer-focused establishments too. You can also find hubs of community activity where you can socialize without loud music and alcohol.

Art and history at Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art

The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art celebrates the art and lives of LGBTQ artists. Its permanent collection features artwork and memorabilia of celebrities such as Andy Warhol and Tom of Finland. You’ll also find a spotlight shone on lesser-known or underappreciated LGBTQ artists. It gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the city’s LGBTQ inhabitants, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century. The museum runs educational workshops and often loans parts of its collection to other institutions, such as the New York Public Library and the Smithsonian Institution.

The extensive collection at Lesbian Herstory Archives

The Lesbian Herstory Archives in Brooklyn is home to the largest collection of historic materials by lesbians and about lesbians. It was founded in 1974 and its first pieces were donated by the founders themselves. Since then, it has grown into a robust collection with both physical and digital artifacts. You’ll find here an extensive compilation of diaries, photographs, zines, novels, and much more.

Socialise at the BGSQD

The Bureau of General Services – Queer Division, or BGSQD, is an independent community center, bookstore, and venue run by volunteers. It’s housed in room 210 in the LGBT Community Center in West Village. Whenever you visit, you can peruse a range of queer literature and get to know LGBTQ locals and visitors. Throughout the week, it hosts a range of events, including live performances, readings, screenings, and book clubs. Both the BGSQD and the LGBT Community Center are rewarding places to visit if you’re looking to socialize outside of bars and clubs.

Gay events in New York

New York hosts a range of LGBTQ-focused events throughout the year. From Pride marches to film festivals, these events celebrate queer culture, art, and history. If any of these events interest you, you might want to consider them when deciding the best time to visit New York .

NYC Pride takes place in June every year and is made up of multiple events that happen throughout the city. RALLY is usually the starting event and the spiritual successor to the “Gay Power” demonstration that occurred in Washington Square Park a few weeks after the initial Stonewall Riots. PrideFest is a street fair based in Greenwich Village, with food vendors, craft stalls, and plenty of live performances. Pride Island is a multi-day music festival hosted on Governors Island, which promises live performances from internationally renowned music acts. The main event is the NYC Pride March, which winds its way down Fifth Avenue and ranks among the largest Pride events in the world.

If you’re planning a visit for September, see if you can arrive in time for this award-winning drag festival. Held over two days at the Knockdown Center in Queens, each year promises creative, camp performances by some of the city’s best drag performers. In previous years, audience members have had the chance to watch some alumni of Ru Paul’s Drag Race alongside up-and-coming stars. Drag is the focus, but Bushwig is also a broader celebration of queer creativity.

Fresh Fruit Festival

The Fresh Fruit Festival is all about queer artists bringing something new, fresh, and exciting to their respective fields. It’s presented by All Out Arts and aims to be an extension of their slogan “fighting prejudice and homophobia through the arts.” You’ll find performance art, visual art, poetry, comedy, dance, drag, and much more. It usually runs for two weeks in late spring or summer.

Gay hotels in New York

There are no exclusively gay hotels in New York, but generally, you won’t experience any problem staying at most hotels, hostels, or rentals throughout the city. Many gay travelers choose to stay in Chelsea, Greenwich Village, and Hell’s Kitchen, as they are close to the LGBTQ-specific places and events.

Hell’s Kitchen accommodation

Ink 48 is a great option in Hell’s Kitchen. It has a rooftop bar that offers stunning views of the city and excellent spa facilities. If visiting the best parks in New York is a top priority, consider staying at Hudson Hotel . It’s situated close to both Central Park and Hell’s Kitchen.

Chelsea accommodation

Kimpton Hotel Eventi is a beautiful hotel that offers spacious rooms and has accessible cafes and restaurants on the ground floor. Kimpton was also one of the earliest hotel chains in the United States to implement LGBTQ-inclusive policies. The High Line Hotel is close to the popular Chelsea Market and has bicycles available for hire.

Greenwich Village accommodation

Washington Square Hotel is a stunning Art-Deco building in Greenwich Village, just walking distance from the area’s nightlife. It’s also close to a subway station, so getting around the city and back to your hotel is easy. The Standard, High Line New York is perfect for anyone visiting during Pride. The hotel hosts excellent Pride parties, and it’s also close to Stonewall. Modernhaus SoHo is a great in-between option that puts you close to both Greenwich Village and Chelsea. Hot tip: Head over to the top of the hotel for the rooftop bar or swim a few laps in the pool.

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Pride Tours NYC's LGBTQ Historical Walking Tour

• Tour guide (English only)
• Free admission for infants 2 years of age and under
• Christopher Park, 38-64 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014, USA Look for the "Pride Tours NYC" flag inside Christopher Park at West 4th Street (between 7th Avenue S and Grove Street).
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Christopher Park 38-64 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014, USA Look for the "Pride Tours NYC" flag inside Christopher Park at West 4th Street (between 7th Avenue S and Grove Street). See address & details
• 1 Christopher Park Stop: 12 minutes See details
• 2 The Stonewall Inn Stop: 12 minutes See details
• 3 Greenwich Letterpress Stop: 7 minutes See details
• 4 Gay Street Stop: 7 minutes See details
• 5 Axis Theatre Company Stop: 12 minutes See details
• 6 Julius' Stop: 7 minutes See details
• 7 Marie's Crisis Café Stop: 7 minutes See details
• 8 Gay Liberation Monument Stop: 12 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Staract1010 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Experience This is the BEST tour I have ever taken and I’ve taken a lot of of different tours! Joe was so articulate and informative. I thought I knew a lot but he added so many little details of facts that I never knew! He was very patient and answered all of our questions in such a kind way. Next time I have people in town I’m going to take this tour again because it’s something I will want them to experience. Read more Written October 25, 2020
• P2231MFpatrickb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Stand Up Comedy Shows! I have had the pleasure of attending two of the Saturday night Team Comedy shows. Both were fantastic! The show takes place at a cool bar in the heart of the East Village so you really can't ask for a better location. The comedy itself was fantastic with hilarious comics both times I went. I really recommend this amazing show to anyone who wants to have a great time! Read more Written January 25, 2020
• JamieismyNamie2222 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles SO FUNNY, GREAT ROOM FOR COMEDY! It's a mix bag of comics and styles. The room is usually packed which is really fun for a comedy show. Great location too. Easy to grab dinner and drinks before or after the show bc its the east village. Read more Written January 22, 2020
• menof2020 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Night of Comedy There was an amazing lineup and the showroom had a great energy, perfect for standup. I highly recommend! Read more Written January 18, 2020
• JonA1746 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Always A Good Time I've been to this show several times and it's always very enjoyable. Lots of funny up and coming comedians in a fun, relaxed environment. Read more Written January 18, 2020
• danpQ6299JZ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great for date night Me and my partner had a great time at this show. Quality comedians, great atmosphere, cool neighborhood, reasonably priced drinks. Read more Written January 11, 2020
• GabriellaMarie23 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Team Comedy I went to the show with some friends and had a lot of fun. It's a cool place to catch some really good local comedy and have a drink! Read more Written January 11, 2020
• Travsett 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience There’s so many venues for comedy, especially in NYC. Nothing compares to the experience I had at team comedy last night. Every comedian and staff member was exceptional. The energy around the whole venue is welcoming and fun! I cannot wait for next week. Read more Written January 5, 2020
• derbear8 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Way to Start an East Village Night Out Great way to start the night in the East Village. Got invited by my friend. The show is in a charming Polish lounge. You're guided down to the cellar, which has a real New York bar dive feel. Really enjoyed diving down and then coming back up for a pint. There's a lot of love in the room, which was really nice. Really feels like a lot of people cheering each other on. The free drink didn't hurt I'm sure. Would recommend if you want to kick off your night with a smile and be a bit sloshed. Read more Written January 2, 2020
• Eliotcthompson 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great comedy show Found the show on eventbrite. Really cool space in a wine cellar of a Polish restaurant. I got a free beer for signing up online, which was nice. Also the show was awesome! The comics do a shorter set than usual I think so you get to see so many different styles, everyone was really good. Check out Team Comedy! I’m coming back next month Read more Written January 2, 2020
• jgjg212 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic night. Great comics. Made me feel at home (if my home was funny). This was a great show where each comic did a fantastic job discussing interesting stuff ranging across all topics. Plus, they gave us a free 2nd drink! So glad this show is every week. Will definitely return! Highly recommend. Read more Written December 19, 2019
• Stevemrhino5 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Hilarious!! Me and the wife went to a show last night. Some very funny comics had us in stitches a few times. Free drink was a nice touch. Plan to go again when we're in town next month. Read more Written December 15, 2019
• 87careemg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesom Stand Up!! Good beer and funny people! I’ve been going to this show for weeks and will continue to. The show gets better each week. There’s always an awesome line up of hilarious comics who are great at what they do, and your surrounded by people who just want to laugh or make you laugh. Makes for a good night! Read more Written December 15, 2019

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Heritage of pride is the non profit organization that plans and produces new york city's official lgbtqia+ pride events each year..

Each year's events commemorate the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 — the beginning of the modern Gay Rights movement.

Heritage of Pride works toward a future without discrimination where all people have equal rights under the law. We do this by producing LGBTQIA+ Pride events that inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate our diverse community.

NYC Pride events are made possible by people in our community like you

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Pride Walking Tour in New York City

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Users Ages: All ages
• Info Important info: Please wear comfortable shoes and dress according to the weather forecast.

An NYC Pride Event

Pride Tours NYC is an Official Partner of NYC Pride. Take the most comprehensive walking tour in New York City that narrates the history of the Stonewall Uprising and the rise of our modern day LGBTQ Pride Movement.

This LGBTQA+ NYC tour starts in Christopher Park, and stops at The Stonewall Inn, and all other sites of LGBTQA+ historical significance. Your NYC Pride tour guide narrates the account of the history of our LGBTQA+ community before the uprising, the account of The Stonewall Uprising, the history of the immediate aftermath, and the rise of Pride! A portion of all of the proceeds of this tour are donated to Heritage of Pride.

Pride Tours NYC serves and honors all members of the LGBTQIA+ movement. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and ally. All are welcome, and our tour is PG rated, so all ages are welcome.

NYC Pride Tour Highlights:

• See all the sites where our LGBTQA+ NYC Pride movement was born and organized.
• Get a comprehensive overview of LGBTQA+ history in the USA and in New York City leading up to The Stonewall NYC Uprising.
• Learn the history of The Stonewall Inn.
• Get a detailed account of the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, The Uprising, and the immediate days that followed.
• Learn the accounts of the demonstrations where members of our LGBTQA+ community bravely stood up and planted the seeds that grew into the most definitive human rights movement of our time.
• Celebrate NYC Pride with us as we honor the stories of the people who made LGBTQA+ Pride what it is!
• Chevron down Tour Details

You will meet your tour guide at Christopher Park. Your tour guide will narrate the overview of LGBTQ history in the USA and New York City leading up to the Stonewall Uprising.

At The Stonewall Inn, your tour guide will narrate the account of the early morning hours of June 28th 1969 at The Stonewall Inn/Greenwich Village and the immediate days that followed, the account of The Stonewall Uprising.

At the original site of the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop, your tour guide will narrate the history of the shop, its founder Craig Rodwell, and Craig’s role and the roles of the activities that he was a part of, that bridged The Stonewall Uprising to our modern day LGBTQ Pride Movement.

At the Gay Street sign, your tour guide will narrate the history of this sign.

At the site of the first Pride March, your tour guide will narrate the story of the first Pride March and the history of Pride Marches since. Your tour guide will also narrate the history of the Rainbow Flag at this location.

At Julius Bar, your tour guide will narrate the account of the first Sip In.

At Marie’s Crisis, your tour guide will narrate the history of Marie’s Crisis, along with changes in the LGBTQ movement as it goes mainstream.

At the Gay Liberation Monument, your tour guide will narrate the history of LGBTQ rights and politics in the USA since the Stonewall Uprising. And your guide will also narrate the history of the Gay Liberation Monument.

Your tour guide will also be on hand throughout the tour to assist you in taking photos.

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Leslie Jordan Is The Best Gay New York City Tour Guide

The award-winning gay actor teamed up with GetYourGuide for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

You don’t know New York until you’ve seen it through the eyes of the irrepressible Leslie Jordan. That’s what a lucky group learned July 27 as the actor turned NYC tour guide for the day and employed his trademark sassy wit to lead a sightseeing tour around the city’s landmarks. The Will & Grace star dropped names, showbiz gossip, and hilarious tales at every turn.

Jordan partnered with GetYourGuide , an online booking platform for unforgettable travel experiences, which allows you to find a guide around the world and book really unique —even tailored specifically for you — tours.

“What a trip!” Jordan told the press after leading the tour. “It was so fun to take a big bite out of the Big Apple from Times Square to Strawberry Fields, Carnegie Hall and the Theater District, sprinkled with some cheeky gossip and plenty of inappropriate humor! Touring the city that never sleeps took a very long New York minute — especially during rush hour when NOTHING moves.”

Jordan added “I’m glad I wasn’t driving, because there are only three kinds of drivers here, maniacs and those who aren’t good at math. Anyway, thanks to GetYourGuide, I put a bus full of people in a wonderful New York state of mind — instead of sleep — and it was such good fun I can’t wait to do it again.”

Unfortunately, he wasn’t being literal. This was a one-time experience, but plenty of others are available via the site. And you can follow in Jordan’s tires, by pursuing the stops at GetYourGuide New York City bus tour . The tour bus traveled to Radio City Music Hall, Times Square, Gramercy Park, The Plaza Hotel, Carnegie Hall, and other iconic NYC spots.

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Travel warning issued for LGBTQ+ tourists in Greece. Where in Europe is safest for queer people?

Following a travel warning issued for LGBTQ+ tourists in Greece, these are the European countries that are most welcoming to queer people.

When same-sex marriage was legalised in Greece back in February, LGBTQ+ campaigners celebrated.

Now, though, the British Foreign Office has issued new travel advice for queer people travelling to the country.

An update, published on the UK government’s foreign travel advice page, has warned that same-sex couples could experience discrimination in certain parts of Greece.

While it states that “attitudes are generally much more welcoming in Athens and on many Greek islands, particularly on Lesvos, Mykonos and Skiathos,” there are concerns that queer visitors could face prejudice elsewhere.

The government advice also adds: “Public attitudes towards same-sex sexual activity vary throughout the country; showing affection in public by same-sex couples may be frowned upon, especially in rural areas.”

The warning comes after a mob attack against two transgender people in Thessaloniki last month, during which the victims were verbally assaulted and bottles were thrown at them.

Where does Greece stand on same-sex marriage today?

Greece is making great strides in LGBTQ+ acceptance, having banned so-called ‘conversion therapy’ for minors in 2022 and passing the same-sex marriage law with a parliamentary majority of 176-76 in February.

However, the popular tourist destination still remains divided over the practice.

As soon as the vote passed, protests broke out in the country, led by the Orthodox church.

Around 1,500 people took to Athens’ Syntagma Square to oppose the change and a poll by Greek national newspaper Proto Thema found that only 55 per cent of Greek people support the legalisation of gay marriage. Even fewer back gay adoption rights.

Despite the opposition, in legalising same-sex marriage, Greece has become the only country in southeastern Europe to do so - joining 15 other EU member states and a further 35 nations worldwide.

But which destinations on the continent and further afield are the most accepting of the LGBTQ+ community?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Athens Pride (@athensprideofficial)

Lisbon, Copenhagen and Amsterdam are among the most welcoming LGBTQ+ destinations globally

Experts at Emisil - a company that provides prosthetics for trans men - delved into the most queer-friendly spots in Europe and worldwide.

Lisbon, Copenhagen and Amsterdam came in first, second and fourth places in the top 10 list respectively.

Using information about same-sex marriage and gender recognition laws, as well as the safety index and Global Trans Index 2023, Emisil’s study also looked at the number of queer clubs and bars listed on Google Maps. That gave a representation of larger trends, providing a final ranking based on all these criteria, giving each city investigated a score out of 10.

Lisbon is officially the most queer-friendly place in the world, coming in with a score of 9.26, which represents the high safety of the city and the general positive attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community.

Overall, Portugal has the highest Global Trans Index rating out of all countries in the study, with a score of 248 out of 250 - which encompasses gender recognition, laws against discrimination and low rates of hate crimes.

Its capital city also plays host to countless queer events, including Lisbon Bear Pride and Lisbon Gay Pride.

Just behind the Portuguese city was Copenhagen in Denmark.

Taking second place with a score of 9.22, the Scandinavian city has a smaller queer scene, with only 12 queer bars and clubs mentioned on Google Maps. However, the sheer number of annual events for citizens and tourists, like Draghouse Copenhagen Presents and Copenhagen Winter Pride as well as positive attitudes to the LGBTQ+ community meant it scored very highly.

In fourth place is, perhaps unsurprisingly, Amsterdam. The Netherlands was the first country to legalise same sex marriage back in 2001, adding gender recognition legislation in 2014.

Scoring 9.18, Amsterdam boasts a particularly high safety index as well as more than 20 queer bars and clubs across the city, according to Google Maps.

Outside of Europe , New York City and Taipei in Taiwan rounded out the top five. In New York, tourists can enjoy the vibrant queer scene of the city with the NYC Pride March and annual Stonewall Riots Anniversaries, while Taipei has the highest safety score out of all cities in the ranking.

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Which other countries are the most accepting of LGBTQ+ people?

Overall, Emisil found that six out of the top 10 most accepting countries were in Europe.

In sixth place on the list is Barcelona . The popular Spanish city scored 8.83, thanks in part to its high ranking on the Global Trans Index of 2023 as well as being home to more than 30 queer bars and clubs for locals and tourists to explore.

Barcelona Circuit Festival and Barcelona Gay Pride are among the most popular LGBTQ+ events that attract people to this city from all across Europe.

While Reykjavik in Iceland has only five queer nightlife spots, it still comes in at seventh place with a score of 8.80.

The Icelandic capital offers high safety across the city as well as many LGBTQ+ events like Rainbow Reykjavík, Reykjavik Bear and Reykjavik Queer City Walk.

Toronto in Canada and Tokyo in Japan are in eighth and ninth place respectively.

Toronto is known as a very safe place for queer people and Canada ranks particularly highly in the Global Trans Index, coming second only to Portugal in this list.

Interestingly, while Japan is the only country in this ranking where same-sex marriage is not legally recognised, Tokyo still offers over 40 queer nightlife spaces and Tokyo Rainbow Pride is a huge draw for LGBTQ+ tourists.

In tenth place on Emisil’s list is Paris .

The French capital has the lowest safety index compared to all the other cities in the ranking but manages to compensate for that with its offering of over 30 queer clubs and bars. It’s also famous for its many LGBTQ+ events like Festival des cultures LGBT, Marche des Fiertés LGBT (the Gay Pride parade) and Paris International Lesbian and Feminist Film Festival.

Although the cities on the list are, on the whole, very safe for LGBTQ+ people, Emisil suggests individuals should double check laws and attitudes of destinations before travelling to them.

“This study shows that Europe is a leading destination for queer people, but we see more and more destinations all over the world that have become queer-friendly,” an Emisil spokesperson tells Euronews Travel. “Nevertheless, It is still important to check laws and tourist tips before travelling to any country to make sure you will have a safe experience.”

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