New York City

Trendy district

The queer history of New York has its starting point in Greenwich Village. Around Christopher Street stands the Stonewall Inn, where the riots of 1969 sparked the modern LGBT movement; today the place is a national monument and still an open bar. With its small bookshops, cafés and restaurants, the district itself is a good starting point for a first walk. However, most of today's scene can be found a little further north in Manhattan. Chelsea has long been considered a center with galleries, gyms and bars. In the meantime, however, nightlife has shifted strongly to Hell's Kitchen, where queer venues are concentrated along Ninth and Tenth Avenue.

Nightlife

In the evening, Hell's Kitchen is the go-to place, with bars close to each other, drag shows and cocktail shops. The distances between the shops are short, so you can easily spend an evening on foot. If you like it more alternative and younger, head to Brooklyn: In Williamsburg and Bushwick there is a lively underground and party scene with changing locations. Manhattan covers more of the classic night out, Brooklyn the more experimental side. Because venues in New York change frequently, it's worth taking a look at current event calendars instead of relying on old recommendations.

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn are considered the most pleasant time because the weather is mild and the city is not quite as crowded. In summer it gets hot and humid, but the density of events is greatest. The highlight is June: For NYC Pride, the big March moves across parts of Manhattan, accompanied by countless parties and street festivals throughout the city. Winter is cold, but flights and hotels are often cheaper, and the city shows its festive side around the holidays. If you want to avoid crowds, it's best to plan during the week and away from the big weekends.

Arrival

From German-speaking countries, you can easily reach New York by direct flight, usually to John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) or Newark (EWR), sometimes also via LaGuardia (LGA). From the airport, you can get to the city by AirTrain and subway, bus or taxi. Within Manhattan and the outer boroughs, the subway is the fastest mode of transportation and runs around the clock. You don't need your own car, on the contrary: Because of traffic and parking, it is rather a hindrance in the city.

Safety & LGBT Rights

New York is considered one of the most queer-friendly cities in the world, and same-sex marriages are recognized nationwide in the USA. In Manhattan and most boroughs, you can move around openly and relaxed, holding hands is hardly noticeable. As in any big city, there are areas where more attention is needed at night; but the central trendy districts are not among them. Before the trip, travelers from abroad should check the current entry requirements for the USA, as these can change at short notice.