New York

New York is the city where the modern Pride movement was born – and to this day one of the most exciting queer metropolises in the world. Between historic bars in the Village, party bars in Hell’s Kitchen and creative nights in Brooklyn, everyone finds their scene here.

From the Village to Brooklyn

The heart still beats in the West Village around Christopher Street: here stands the Stonewall Inn, a few streets away Julius’ has been serving drinks since the legendary 1966 “Sip-In”, and Henrietta Hudson flies the flag for lesbian bars. The party centre has long since moved to Hell’s Kitchen, where bars such as Industry Bar offer drag and DJs every night. In West Chelsea, the leather scene meets at Eagle NYC with its roof terrace. If you prefer something more artistic, you’ll end up at Club Cumming in the East Village or head to Brooklyn to 3 Dollar Bill, where the younger, more diverse scene parties until morning. And for discreet hours there’s the East Side Club in Midtown.

When to go?

• June – NYC Pride March: On the last Sunday in June the parade moves through Manhattan and ends in the Village around the Stonewall Inn; the whole city celebrates for a week (check dates with the organiser).
• June to September – Fire Island season: In summer half of Manhattan heads to Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove at weekends, with tea dances and big beach parties (check dates with the organiser).

Our favourites

• The Stonewall Inn – a drink at the birthplace of the movement is part of every visit to New York.
• Julius’ – a real Village bar with history and the best burgers on the scene.
• The Eagle NYC – leather, a rooftop and a midnight atmosphere in Chelsea.

Queer city tours

Want to get to know the scene during the day too? A tour with local guides is a great way to do it:

• NYC Pride walking tour – from Greenwich Village to Stonewall
• Before Stonewall: the secret history of gay NYC – queer history before 1969
• Lips – drag dinner show – dinner with a drag show

Tours & activities in New York

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Practical tips

• Fire Island: Take the train (LIRR) from Penn Station to Sayville, and from there the ferry to Fire Island Pines or Cherry Grove – car-free, with boardwalks, dunes and probably the most famous gay summer retreat in the US. Book accommodation for summer weekends early.
• Always carry ID: You must be 21 to drink alcohol, and most bars check rigorously – only physical photo ID is accepted.
• Go out late: Bars close at 4am, and there’s little going on in clubs and leather bars before midnight. Tipping (around 1–2 dollars per drink) is a must.

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Please check event dates with the organiser each year.

Places in New York