New York is a city of many names. From “The Capital of the World” to “The City That Never Sleeps,” it’s fair to say its reputation precedes it. It couldn’t be more different than its West Coast counterpart, LA, but they both share an undeniable love of the international spotlight—only New York has a far grittier edge to it.

You can find anything in New York if you look hard enough: architectural wonders, historic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, vibrant nightlife, underground parties, and an eclectic culinary scene—all bound together by the city’s endless energy. An uncountable number of scenes, trends, movements, and icons have been birthed by the Big Apple. It’s in New York where the gay rights movement first started, and some of the most famous LGBTQ+ places and symbols are located there, like the Stonewall Inn or Christopher Street Pier. Continuing the legacy, nowadays, you’ll find New York to be one of the most gay-friendly cities in the U.S., with a plethora of gay cafes, bars, and clubs throughout the city.

As for tourism in general, NYC has all the obvious iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park, but also hosts a range of lesser-known, quirky attractions and establishments for those who take the time to explore beneath the surface.

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in New York
4. Sightseeing & Activities in New York
5. Gay Tours in New York
6. Restaurants and Cafes
7. New York Gay Bars and Clubs
9. New York Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
10. Gay Beaches in New York
11. Gay Events in New York
12. Day Trips from New York

General Tips

New York is a megacity, and there’s always something going on. You can visit any time of year, but you’ll likely want to avoid winter, which can be quite cold and unpleasant. The best weather is from April to June and September to November, but that’s also when you’ll encounter the most tourists.

New York has so much to do and so many possibilities that planning a trip and choosing your itinerary can be overwhelming. The best advice is to focus on what interests you most. Yes, you may want to visit some of the iconic places, but don’t make visiting all of them a requirement.

The Christopher Street area of the West Village portion of Greenwich Village in Manhattan was the historical hub of gay life in New York City and still remains so, but the gays refuse to be contained in one area, so there are several other LGBTQ+ venues in Hell's Kitchen and other parts of the city.

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Transportation & Airport Transfer

Your flight to New York City will arrive at one of three airports: JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark. Figuring out how to get into the city can be almost overwhelming due to the number of options—train, subway, bus, taxi, rideshare, or shuttle. All airports are quite far, so taxis and rideshares are notoriously expensive. The least expensive option is typically the subway or bus. Below is our recommendation, knowing that you have luggage and don’t want to pay $50–$80 or more for a taxi or rideshare.

JFK – Take the Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station. From Penn Station, you can connect to the subway or take a taxi/rideshare to your hotel or accommodation.

LaGuardia – Take the M60 bus to 125th Street in Manhattan and connect to the subway or take a taxi/rideshare to your hotel or accommodation.

Newark – Take NJ Transit to Penn Station. From Penn Station, you can connect to the subway or take a taxi/rideshare to your hotel or accommodation.

Once you make it into the city, the easiest way to get around is by taking the subway (MTA), a taxi, Uber, or Lyft. If you’re planning on moving around a lot during the day, a multi-day pass is a good option. Otherwise, you can just preload a set amount of money on your card and pay per use.

Gay Hotels in New York

There aren’t currently any gay hotels in New York, but there are many gay-friendly options.

Luxury

W New York – Times Square – Soaring above a glittering stretch of Broadway in the heart of Midtown, this hotel benefits from a prime location. After a busy day, recharge in your bold guest room or suite, refuel at one of the two dynamic restaurants, or relax in The Living Room, a playful tribute to Times Square of the past.

Hotel Beacon – The historic Hotel Beacon is in the heart of Manhattan's Upper West Side neighborhood and offers apartment-style rooms and two-bedroom suites. Stretch out, relax, and surround yourself with culture and experiences.

Andaz 5^th Ave – A boutique hotel located across from the iconic New York Public Library, the spacious rooms feel like exclusive New York lofts, with 12-foot ceilings and plenty of natural light. The property features a restaurant, fitness center, and spa onsite.

Mid-Range

Chelsea Pines Inn – A bed and breakfast hosting guests in Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, the five-story walk-up provides 24-hour concierge services near the High Line. The inn is decorated with film posters from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Guests can enjoy the complimentary breakfast in the lounge, indoor greenhouse, or flower-filled seasonal inner garden.

Incentra Village Hotel – Occupying two brownstone townhouses, this Greenwich Village hotel is a Victorian-style inn, originally built in 1841, with a kitchenette provided in each room.

The Moore – A boutique hotel located in Chelsea with a rooftop and fitness center, within walking distance to Penn Station and Madison Square Garden.

Budget

Pod Times Square – It might seem impossible to stay right in Times Square on a budget, yet here this hotel is. The rooms are small, as you'd expect for the price, but the space is used efficiently, and the beds are surprisingly comfortable. Pod Times Square also features its own bar, seating area, and a 24-hour helpdesk.

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Sightseeing & Activities in New York

New York City has something for everyone. There’s plenty of culture and history to be found but also lots of tourist traps and overrated places. You can also find plenty of free things to do in New York City if you're on the budget. The recommendations below are just a small list of suggestions that might be interesting for an LGBTQ+ visitor. This is by no means an exhaustive or ‘best of’ list.

The Statue of Liberty – Is there a more iconic statue in the world? This landmark represents the Roman Goddess of Liberty and was a gift from France. Now, the statue boldly stands as a universal symbol of freedom around the globe. To visit, you’ll need to take a ferry across to the island. Be aware that general admission tickets do not grant access inside the statue or pedestal. For that, you’ll need special pedestal tickets, which should be purchased online in advance as they sell out quickly.

Empire State Building – The other mandatory attraction in New York to see is the legendary 102-floor skyscraper that’s impossible to miss. Inside, you'll find exhibitions, restaurants, and shops spread across the floors. The building gets extremely busy, especially in the mornings, so the best times to visit are between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., and purchasing tickets in advance is advisable. The views of New York from the newly renovated observation deck on the top floor are, of course, completely worth it.

Central Park – An obvious but must-see park to enjoy on any visit to New York is Central Park. Opened in 1857, it now occupies nearly 4% of the total land area of Manhattan. With numerous playgrounds, running paths, and food vendors throughout the park, you can easily spend several hours wandering through this famous landmark.

Times Square – Another of the world’s most recognizable locations, Times Square offers an experience like no other. There’s nothing quite like walking under the neon lights and flashing billboards, taking in the noisy, beautiful chaos that makes New York City so special. Here, you'll also find many theaters, museums, bars, and restaurants—but be careful of tourist traps. Book tour →

The High Line – An icon of modern design and the repurposing of old infrastructure, The High Line is a unique park elevated above the city on train tracks that had been abandoned since the mid-1980s. Since the track is narrow, only pedestrian traffic is allowed, so there’s no need to dodge bikers. The best part of The High Line is the views of the surrounding skyscrapers as you weave between, alongside, and beneath the buildings.

Leslie-Lohman Museum – The museum provides a platform for artistic exploration through multi-faceted queer perspectives. It was created to preserve LGBTQ+ identity and build community by serving as a cultural hub. With a collection of over 30,000 objects, the museum hosts six major exhibitions annually.

Christopher Street Pier – A collection of piers rich in his/hertory and significance. Since the 1980s, the LGBTQ+ community in New York has gathered here, and it was once a famous cruising area. These days, you'll find gay youths sunning themselves on the grass of Hudson River Park. This is also where you'll find the memorial honoring the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting.

Manhattan Skyline – Enjoy breathtaking views from Bushwick Inlet Park. Grab a bench along the waterfront and take in the scenery. Nearby, you can also explore Smorgasburg a weekend market at East River State Park featuring a variety of food stalls offering everything from savory dishes to sweet treats. Alternatively, if you prefer, take a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry for a different perspective of the skyline.

Broadway Show –Check out a Broadway show, including classics like Chicago or The Lion King. The tickets can be rather expensive, but it’s an unforgettable experience if you’re into theater. Buy tickets →

Food Tours – New York is a foodie’s paradise but it’s also easy to find poor quality or be sucked into a tourist traps. Be sure you find some of the best options on a food tour like the Lower East Side or Greenwich Village food tours. Book tour →

The Ride – Explore THE RIDE’s world-class experiences through photo and video. It offers a unique experience with a mix of technology and cityscape in a state-of-the-art motorcoach. The patented busses are the largest in New York and they highlight the best parts of the city through floor-to-ceiling glass, sound and motion effects, and 40 LCD TV screens. The RIDE is also an LGBT-owned NYC business. Book tour →

Gay Tours in New York

Gay Secrets of the Met –An exploration of homoerotic art at the Metropolitan Museum offers a unique tour where you’ll discover some of the Met’s queer treasures. From ancient Greek nudes and erotic vase paintings to homoerotic masterpieces from the Renaissance, as well as a range of modern works—some by LGBTQ+ artists, some portraying LGBTQ+ individuals, and some expressing same-sex desire. Book tour →

Pride Tours NYC's LGBTQ Historical Walking Tour – Take a deep dive into the LGBTQ+ movement in New York City with this in-depth tour that covers its history and highlights in just over an hour. You and your small group will learn about the Stonewall Uprising and its lasting impact on this family-friendly experience. Stop at the Stonewall Inn and other historically significant sites, and enjoy plenty of time to ask questions. Book tour →

Gay History Tour of New York – Take a city stroll with Oscar Wilde Tours and they’ll bring it all out of the closet. They’ve created the first tour giving the entire gay history of New York City. Book tour →

Restaurants and Cafes

Julius Restaurant – The oldest continually operating gay bar in New York City, this West Village nightspot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1966—before the Stonewall Uprising—the Mattachine Society, one of the country’s first gay rights groups, held a public “Sip-In” protest here, taking a stand for civil rights. Today, Julius’ remains a favorite for its regular events, drinks, and great burgers.

Hearth – This restaurant embodies everything the word implies—a warm, comfortable space with hospitality at its heart. Chef Marco Canora’s cuisine features seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients prepared with an Italian influence. The menu is on the expensive side, but the food is exceptional.

Momofuku Noodle Bar – An award-winning restaurant with locations in both the East Village and Columbus Circle, offering a constantly changing menu of noodles, steamed breads, soft serve, and daily specials.

Burger Joint – A small, simple, award-winning burger spot known for its delicious burgers and low prices. This place is popular, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours.

Katz’ Deli – A very famous deli that’s been family-owned for over 100 years. Each week, thousands of visitors from around the world flock to Katz's to dine in this legendary establishment and feast on its most delectable sandwiches, platters, and meats.

Fresco's Canteen – An LGBTQ+ Mexican restaurant with drag shows! What’s not to love? The atmosphere is all about no-nonsense fun, and the menu offers a mix of Tex-Mex and brunch options at reasonable prices. The expertly crafted margaritas and friendly bar staff are additional perks of this iconic establishment.

The Marshal – Elevated, farm-to-table wood-fired cuisine in the heart of Hell's Kitchen. This gay-owned restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list. No notes!

HAGS – This small fine dining restaurant in East Village is run by ‘queer people for people'—in their own words. The food is exquisite, featuring seafood, crepes, and plenty of delicious vegan options. Sundays are pay-what-you-can brunch days. Be sure to make reservations well in advance, as it's extremely popular and there are only five tables inside!

New York Gay Bars and Clubs

Greenwich Village is home to historic New York City gay bars and nightclubs that have stood the test of time. But you can find a huge amount of selection of gay bars Hell’s Kitchen and other parts of the city with each offering a different style and scene.

Stonewall Inn – The most iconic gay bar not just in New York, but perhaps the whole world. The Stonewall Inn is now a National Historic Landmark due to its legacy as the location of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a catalyst for gay rights movements across the globe—ultimately leading to the Gay Pride marches and celebrations we enjoy today. Fast forward to the present, and it remains a popular bar for both residents and, of course, gay tourists looking to walk through history.

Monster – Since 1981, this Manhattan LGBTQ+ venue has been a pioneer on the scene, offering a rich history of adventures. The Monster is a bar of contrasts, with a piano bar upstairs where you can enjoy sing-alongs with talented performers, while late in the evening, the basement transforms into a fun-filled—often packed—nightclub with go-go dancers and an eclectic mix of pop and dance hits. DJs like drag icon Lady Bunny are even known to make appearances.

The Eagle – Another iconic bar, open since 1970 in the wake of the Stonewall Riots, The Eagle has been a gathering place for men with a kinky streak ever since. Originally a horse stable, the bar now has a sleazy yet welcoming vibe. Ostensibly a leather bar, it attracts a mixed clientele and welcomes anyone.

No Bar –An artsy, queer-friendly hotel bar located at The Standard, East Village. They host drag shows throughout the week and DJ sets most nights. The cocktails are strong, and the food is tasty too.

Lips and Lucky Cheng’s – Two long-standing cabaret restaurants that offer memorable drag shows and dining experiences.

The Duplex – Established in 1950, The Duplex continues to be an international destination for arts and entertainment, offering nightly performances as varied and colorful as the streets of the West Village. The venue features a piano bar, café, and cabaret.

Marie’s Crisis – This bar's roots date back to the 1850s, originally used as a den for prostitution. Unique in many ways, Marie’s Crisis has been a staple of New York City for a long time. If you want to enjoy a drink in an authentic and unique place, Marie’s Crisis Café is a great option.

Cubby Hole – A mixed LGBTQ+ bar open since 1994, particularly popular with women.

Henrietta Hudson – A longstanding lesbian bar in the West Village. Evenings are lively with events, DJs, drink specials, and go-go dancers. The bar fosters an inclusive spirit, attracting a diverse crowd of partygoers.

MEAT – Exactly what it says on the tin. MEAT is a monthly circuit party filled with hot, sweaty, topless men dancing to the beats of some of the biggest international DJs—beneath stages hosting sexy shows with ripped go-go boys. MEAT adds its own flavor by being one of the sexiest circuit parties, where, as they put it, ‘you can unleash your deepest, dirtiest desires.’ Whatever that means for you, MEAT also provides a massive play area for those who like their meat directly off the bone.

Alegria – Let’s face it: Circuit parties can be a little repetitive. Alegria, a monthly party in NYC, turns that on its head. Sure, it features the usual circuit DJs playing to a sea of muscled torsos on a huge dance floor, but it also prides itself on adding a little theatrical flair to the mix.

Black Party – The leather daddy of all circuit parties, dating back to 1981. Held only once a year in the spring, Black Party is a must if you’re in town at the right time. It’s a party that celebrates wall-to-wall sex in a way that would make even Berliners blush.

Horse Meat Disco – An internationally famous pop-up party that takes place in NYC during long weekends and holidays. Originally birthed in London, it now also takes place at NYC's legendary Knockdown Center—known for extravagant art exhibitions and epic music concerts. Horse Meat Disco describes itself as ‘a queer party for everyone’ and indeed attracts one of the most eclectic mixes of attendees, ranging from muscle queens to drag queens, queers, and goths.

BRUT – The number one circuit “gear party” not just in NYC, but across the U.S. By “gear party,” they mean strap on a harness, some leather—or whatever other fetish gear you please—and dive into the mass of bodies. However, casual attire is also welcome as long as you come with a sexually liberated attitude. BRUT takes place all over the U.S., but it was born in the basements of NYC and returns there monthly. Just like other circuit parties, BRUT hosts internationally renowned DJs and stage performances dominated by hot, beefy men

Battle Hymn – Beneath the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, the soul of the club kid scene not only lives on but thrives. Held monthly on a Sunday, Battle Hymn is perhaps the largest gathering of queer people keeping the club kid spirit alive. The brainchild of nightlife personality Lady Fag—dubbed “the nightlife sorceress” by The New York Times—the club originally took place in an abandoned church but now rotates locations. Battle Hymn is a house music-driven night of explosive creativity, a place for people to express themselves however they choose.

New York Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

New York has a complicated history regarding bathhouses, dating back to the HIV epidemic of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Bathhouses were vilified as virus spreaders, and despite efforts to prove they were a force for good in educating the gay populace, most were ultimately closed, and few have reopened. So while you won’t find many gay saunas or bathhouses in New York City,, there are some worthy alternatives.

East Side Club – The only gay sauna in New York. The bathhouse gets mixed reviews—rightly or wrongly—regarding facilities, cleanliness, action, and customer service. You can check out the reviews online for further details. One thing that can be said, however, is that as the only gay bathhouse in New York, it tends to draw in tourists and international visitors.

The Cock – Located on the East Side of New York, this bar is one of the few places in the city that has both a bar and a darkroom (open only on weekends). The upstairs bar hosts go-go dancers, and the no-sexual activity sign upstairs at the bar does not apply to the darkroom—a large but dark and dank two-floor basement area.

Gay Beaches in New York

New York is not exactly a beach destination but there are a couple of places popular with LGBTQ+ locals to enjoy the sun and warmth, when the weather is nice.

Jacob Riis Park – This beach has been a gay destination for decades. People of all colors, backgrounds, and ages come here, creating a lively gathering at the eastern end of this expansive public beach. You can also find a wide range of artisanal eats and treats at the Riis Park Beach Bazaar.

Pier 45 (Christopher Street Pier) – Though not a beach, this waterfront spot has a ton of history. It’s better known as the Queer Pier and was once a place for gay cruising. Later, it became a haven for homeless youth of color.

Fire Island – A bit of a trek from NYC, Fire Island has two gay beaches: The Pines and Cherry Grove.If you’re in NYC for the summer, it might be worth a day trip if you have time.

Gay Events in New York

DragCon NYC – The annual drag conference takes place in New York. Meet some of your favorite queens along with many other amazing celebrities, see performances by special guests, participate in contests, and attend discussion panels.

Queer Comic Fair – The only comic and art fair in New York City geared entirely toward LGBTQ+ sequential art and illustration. While other great queer-themed conventions and fairs exist in NYC, the NYC Queer Comic Fair is the first to focus exclusively on queer comics, graphic novels, illustrated stories, photo-comics, or any other interesting take on visual storytelling and illustration.

NYC Pride – Started the year after the Stonewall Riots, NYC Pride is an event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. It is one of the largest annual Pride marches in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants and millions of spectators each June.

New York Fashion Week (Queer Fashion Show) – Each September, dapperQ, a leading digital queer style magazine, produces the largest queer fashion show during New York Fashion Week. The show takes place at the Brooklyn Museum and features over 70 models representing a diverse range of races, ethnicities, body types, and gender identities. More than 2,000 people attend the event.

Day Trips from New York

Fire Island –A barrier island off the southern shore of Long Island. It’s known for protected beaches interspersed with seasonal resort communities. It has also been a summer gay destination for decades and is popular among New Yorkers. Fire Island has two gay beaches, The Pines and Cherry Grove., which host a variety of events and parties throughout the summer.

Hudson Valley – Alternatively, escape the city for a day to a region about an hour away that’s renowned for its scenic beauty and charming towns. Begin your day by exploring historic estates like the Vanderbilt Mansion or FDR’s home in Hyde Park. Hike in the stunning Shawangunk Mountains or take a stroll through the Storm King Art Center, an outdoor sculpture park. Savor local flavors at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants or wineries scattered throughout the valley. Don’t miss the quaint riverside towns of Beacon, Cold Spring, and Sleepy Hollow—yes, that’s a real place. Book tour →

Washington, DC – It might surprise you to learn that the actual capital of the U.S. is only four hours away by car or bus, making it a possible day trip—albeit a long one! It’s best to take a tour, though, as there are many iconic monuments and buildings to see in a short time. Book tour →

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