A Gay Guide to New York City

New York is where the modern movement began, and the scene here is less a single neighborhood than a sprawl of them. You could spend a week and only scratch the surface, so it helps to know where to point yourself.

Where the scene is

The West Village is the historic core, home to the Stonewall Inn and Christopher Street, where the 1969 uprising sparked Pride as we know it. The site is now a National Monument.

These days the nightlife center of gravity is Hell’s Kitchen in Midtown West, packed with bars and restaurants along Ninth and Tenth Avenues. Chelsea next door carries its own long gay history. Across the river, Brooklyn (Williamsburg and Bushwick) holds the younger, queerer, late-night party scene.

Where to stay

Hell’s Kitchen is the most convenient base for going out, with easy transit everywhere. The West Village is charming and central if you want history and quieter streets. Brooklyn rewards anyone chasing the newer party scene.

When to go

NYC Pride in late June is the original and one of the largest anywhere, filling Manhattan for the final weekend of the month. The city is good year-round, but late spring and fall bring the best weather for walking, which is how you should see it.

Beyond the bars

Pay respects at the Stonewall National Monument, visit the LGBT Community Center in the Village, and in summer consider a trip out to Fire Island (Cherry Grove and The Pines), the long-running gay getaway a couple of hours from the city.

Browse every bar, club, and hangout on the New York City directory.