New York City — Where Pride Began

Gay New York City is a place of longing for many queer travelers, and there are good reasons for that. This is where the modern LGBTQ movement began with the Stonewall riots of 1969, and this story is still tangible in the West Village today. The scene itself is spread over several neighborhoods in Manhattan. The liveliest nightlife today is in Hell's Kitchen along 9th and 10th Avenues, where bars, drag venues and restaurants are lined up close together. In the 1990s, Chelsea on 8th Avenue was the center of the scene and still has a number of addresses, while the West Village around Christopher Street embodies the historic side.

Hell's Kitchen is a good base for a first visit, because most of the bars are within easy reach and you live close to Midtown. If you like it quieter and are looking for queer history, the West Village is more central to the historic sites. New York is considered one of the most open cities in the world, and you'll quickly notice that in everyday life. You can travel all year round, with early summer and autumn bringing pleasant temperatures, while winter can be cold and midsummer can be humid. The highlight is NYC Pride: In 2026, the march will move through Manhattan on June 28 and fill the streets. If you come at this time, you should book the accommodation early.