Queer New York City Travel Guide
Whether you’re planning a celebratory trip for NYC Pride or an extended stay during the festive holiday season, you can count on Vacationer to give you the best places to eat, stay, and play with our LGBTQ+-friendly guide to New York City.
Welcome to the City That Never Sleeps, the iconic New York City, fondly known as “The Big Apple.” For LGBTQ+ travelers, it’s not just a top destination; it’s one of the world’s most LGBTQ+-friendly cities, with vibrant queer communities spanning all five boroughs. If there’s a way that NYC wasn’t on your bucket list already, give me a chance to change that.
Obviously, the headlining event for the queer community is New York City Pride, one of the world’s most prominent Pride events. NYC draws millions each year to revel in the spirit of love, progress, and history. What’s more, this is where it all began—the modern-day LGBTQ+ rights movement took root right here with the historic Stonewall Riots in 1969. Just one year later on June 28, 1970, the first NYC Pride took place.
Whether you’re in search of LGBTQ+-friendly dining establishments, cozy places to stay, or immersive cultural experiences, consider this guide your exclusive passport to explore a city that not only welcomes but wholeheartedly celebrates LGBTQ+ rights and culture.
Where to Eat
The food scene in NYC is truly amazing. So, we pulled together a wide spectrum of places to eat from upscale fine dining to dollar slice shops and everything in between. What sets these six establishments apart is their LGBTQ+ ownership and operation.
Hags
HAGS, a tiny East Village restaurant, is by Queer people for all people. With a focus on the queer community, they offer two five-course tasting menus (vegan and omnivorous) with optional beverage pairings. It’s a true gem of culinary diversity and inclusivity in the heart of NYC.
Maite
Maite, a lesbian-owned Bushwick restaurant, is a lively LGBTQ+ hub adorned with sapphic artwork and lesbian film posters. It’s celebrated for its vibrant queer brunch parties, women’s soccer game viewings, and Bushlickers comedy nights. Offering Colombian, European, and American cuisine, alongside a diverse beverage selection, Maite is an inclusive space for everyone, but particularly the queer community in Bushwick.
La Pulperia
La Pulperia is a Latin American restaurant with rustic-chic décor. It features Latin American cuisine with a European influence, and it’s renowned for its weekend drag brunch. La Pulperia serves mouthwatering dishes, including Argentinian Parrillada and Octopus Paella, in a welcoming atmosphere.
Fonda
With locations in the East Village, Chelsea, and Park Slope, Fonda is a queer- and POC-owned Mexican restaurant known for its authentic cuisine and delectable tequila-based cocktails. Chef Roberto Santibañez’s commitment to using all-natural heirloom corn supports independent Mexican farmers, making it a delicious dining choice with a great cause. Be sure to make a reservation, especially for a group.
Kopitiam
Kopitiam is an LGBTQ+-owned gem in NYC’s Lower East Side and the creation of Malaysian-born Chef Kyo Pang. It’s a bustling gathering place with unbelievable hype around their breakfast. They also have an incredible lunch and dinner menu packed with Malaysian favorites.
Via Carota
Via Carota, an award-winning Italian restaurant in NYC’s West Village, is known for its romantic ambiance and the exceptional culinary talent of partners Jody Williams and Rita Sodi. In a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere, it features creative cocktails, delectable pasta dishes like the pappardelle with wild boar ragu, and a delightful outdoor seating area.
Where to Stay
For LGBTQ+ travelers, finding safe and comfortable accommodations is always a daunting task especially when there are so many options in welcoming cities such as New York City. So, we’ve selected a few LGBTQ+-friendly options in ideal locations to help you maximize your time in the Big Apple.
Hilton New York Times Square
Hilton New York Times Square is a perfect choice for LGBTQ+ travelers in the heart of New York City. Hilton is known for actively welcoming LGBTQ+ guests with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The hotel’s prime location offers easy access to iconic New York attractions, including Times Square, The Empire State Building, and Madison Square Garden. Spacious rooms, modern amenities, and a highly-rated buffet breakfast make it an ideal base for exploration. While it’s not located in a queer neighborhood its location will have you feeling like you’ve been dropped into one of your favorite movies.
The New Yorker, A Wyndham Hotel
The New Yorker, a Wyndham Hotel, is a welcoming LGBTQ+-friendly Art Deco gem located in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, just a short walk from Times Square. This historic hotel, often referred to as the “Grand Old Lady,” has graced the New York skyline since its 1930 inception. It continues to captivate guests, offering a sophisticated stay within a historical icon. The hotel features a wide array of Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites, with some offering breathtaking views of the Empire State Building or the Hudson River.
One notable feature is that it is pet-friendly, which we all know is important for the parents of four-legged children. The grand historic lobby and excellent on-site restaurants provide a touch of elegance and convenience to your stay.
Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg
Located in the super queer neighborhood, of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the pet-friendly Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg hotel offers a vibrant experience. With 216 rooms emphasizing natural materials and space-saving design, it welcomes travelers from all walks of life, including the LGBTQ+ community.
The hotel boasts dining and drinking venues conceptualized by Bar Lab, the force behind Broken Shaker. From the festive Tel Aviv-inspired restaurant, Mesiba, to the high-energy Jolene Sound Room, the diverse entertainment options cater to all guests.
Williamsburg’s queer-friendly atmosphere is at your doorstep, and neighboring areas like East Williamsburg and Bushwick further enhance your access to LGBTQ+ nightlife. While pricing varies, booking tips can help you secure the best rates for your stay at this LGBTQ+-inclusive boutique hotel.
Last year, Moxy had an incredibly fun Pride lineup taking place at all of their properties throughout the city. Here is a recap of all the fun and we’re anticipating 2024 will have more of the same energy.
Things to Do
From exploring queer-friendly neighborhoods to grabbing a drink at a neighborhood gay bar to immersing yourself in LGBTQ+ history, check out our list of fun things you should consider when visiting the city that never sleeps.
Visit LGBTQ+ Neighborhoods
New York City boasts a broad range of LGBTQ+ neighborhoods each with its unique character. In the borough of Brooklyn, Park Slope stands out as a welcoming hub for LGBTQ+ families, fostering a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. Meanwhile, Jackson Heights serves as a vibrant center for the LGBTQ+ Latinx community, where diverse cultures come together in celebration.
Over in Williamsburg, a trendy and queer-friendly vibe prevails, accompanied by a delightful array of restaurants and bars that cater to all tastes. For those seeking a lively gay scene and an abundance of nightlife options, Hell’s Kitchen delivers on every front.
However, it’s Greenwich Village, affectionately known as ‘the Village,’ that holds a special place in LGBTQ+ history for the city. It is home to The Stonewall Inn, the historic birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. This iconic neighborhood is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in LGBTQ+ culture and history.
Check out the LGBTQ+ Bars
Speaking of The Stonewall Inn… not only is it a place to pay respects to queer culture, but it is also still a great place to get a drink. If you only have time to visit one LGBTQ+ bar, this might be the one to choose.
New York City’s LGBTQ+ scene extends beyond its welcoming neighborhoods, offering a dazzling array of nightlife options that cater to all. The historic Julius’ Bar, one of the city’s oldest gay hangouts, played a role in challenging discriminatory rules. Or check out the Albatross Bar, Branded Saloon, Good Judy, Barracuda Lounge, Phoenix, The Eagle, Suite Bar, and Kween, which offer a diverse range of experiences to suit various tastes and styles.
For those seeking specifically queer and lesbian spaces, Gingers Bar, Cubbyhole, Henrietta Hudson’s, The Bush, and Mary’s provide cozy and inclusive environments where the LGBTQ+ community can come together.
Explore Queer History
New York City is brimming with LGBTQ+ historical landmarks that tell incredible stories of resilience and progress, including the aforementioned iconic Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village.
You’ll also find the LGBTQ+ Community Center, a vibrant hub for LGBTQ+ organizations, and meaningful sites like the Memorial to Marsha P. Johnson and the Audre Lorde Residence, both celebrating LGBTQ+ icons.
For a more immersive experience, consider taking a queer history tour – it’s an awesome way to dive deep into these stories and truly grasp the LGBTQ+ heritage of this dynamic city.
Attend NYC Pride
Last but not least, New York City Pride stands as one of the world’s largest celebrations of LGBTQ+ identity. Spanning an entire month and culminating with a parade, the city transforms into a vibrant tapestry of rainbow flags and queer pops of expression. This celebration is more than a tourist attraction; it’s a cherished chosen family holiday for local LGBTQ+ communities. NYC Pride offers an exciting array of events, from film festivals to parties, panel discussions, and art exhibitions – all dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ visibility and equality. The grand Pride parade, an essential finale, winds through the city streets, uniting people in love and solidarity while commemorating LGBTQ+ progress and the road ahead.
Looking for more travel inspiration and ideas? Visit https://www.nyctourism.com to help you plan your trip to NYC.
