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Tours & Experiences in New York City

Make the most of your travels by pre-booking our popular tours and experiences.  There's a whole range of options, from cultural and historical to food, drink and nightlife.  Get under the skin of your destination, and book a tour or experience now.

Gay New York City

New York is the birthplace of the LGBTQ rights movement, as it is home to the famous Stonewall Inn. The Stonewall riots marked the beginning of a diverse community fighting back against oppression, with trans women of colour throwing the first bricks at police raiding the Inn, which was a safe space for people who were rarely safe anywhere else in the city.

Enjoy treats like mochi donuts and potato croquettes from their all–vegan snack menu. 

Address: 253 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Opening hours:  Mon–Thu 6pm–2am; Fri–Sun 5pm–2am

23. Industry Bar

What is it?The men behind longstanding Chelsea haunts Barracuda and Elmo Restaurant bring you this high–energy midtown drinkery. 

Why we love it:Unlike cozy Barracuda, Industry is a sprawling, high–ceilinged space, featuring a long concrete bar (manned by hunky, often shirtless bartenders, naturally), a stage hosting drag and music performances and a sizable dance floor.

Time Out tip: Drinks are buy one, get one until 9pm every night.

Address: 355 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

Opening hours: Daily 6pm–4am

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NYC
CRUISING.

We added Loafers Cocktail Bar. 

Been there, done that? The best queer bars in NYC range from dive bars to dance clubs, with historic spots like the Stonewall Inn anchoring them all. Here are the top choices, read more about these bars or click below to see listings of all gay venues in this city.

New York Gay Bars

Recommended gay friendly hotels in New York City

GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation gay destinations around the world, which are in preferred locations and are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers.

Phoenix isn’t fussy, and that’s why it feels like home.  

Tours & Experiences in New York City

New York has played a major role in LGBTQ+ history and it’s no wonder there are a slew of bars that have been beacons for the community (and prime party spots) for decades.

Time Out tip:The bar shares a door with the neighboring Indian restaurant, Roti Roll, so you can fuel up with samosas and chana masala until 4am while the party rages.

Address: 992 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 5pm–2am; Wed–Sun 5pm–4am

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6. The Rosemont

What is it?Bushwick's queer renaissance thrives at this laid–back spot, where drag is available without a high ticket price, and dirty dance parties and backyard hangs are the order of the day. 

Why we love it: Grab a cheap happy hour special and relax into a cozy couch; you're certain to make new friends. 

Time Out tip: Daily happy hour until 9pm offers $5 well drinks and beer, and $8 classic cocktails. 

Address: 63 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5pm–4am; Sat, Sun 3pm–4am

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7. Henrietta Hudson

What is it?A can’t–miss combo of a Chappel Roan–heavy jukebox and strong drinks poured by hot bartenders has kept this lesbian spot busy since 1991.

Why we love it:Reggae and hip–hop spin most nights, inspiring a good bit of booty–shaking among the young, flirty patrons.

Expect theme nights, drink specials and a straight–up good time. 

Why we love it: Recent renovations have made the OG space a bit more upscale, but still comfortable and unpretentious for all types of hangs. 

Time Out tip: Wednesday bring karaoke and happy hour starting at 10pm and every Saturday at 10pm drag queens and a DJ get the party going. 

Address: 447 E 13th St, New York, NY 10009

Opening hours: Daily 3pm–4am

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19. VERS

What is it?A Hell’s Kitchen gay bar primed for the 2020s, VERS is all about chic interiors (yes, that means jewel–toned banquettes and a marble bar top), plus craft cocktails, mocktails, and party food.

Weekends bring a higher out–of–towner quotient, but it’s nothing a Naughty Girl (blue curaçao, coconut rum and pineapple juice) can’t help you overlook. Alan Cumming took over the former Eastern Bloc bar in 2017 and reimagined it as a cabaret, comedy and party hub evocative of NYC's golden era of downtown nightlife. 

Why we love it:Count on Broadway singers belting out favorites by the piano, nostalgia–fueled ’90s dance parties and stellar cabaret and comedy nights just about any time you drop in.

Time Out tip: Check the calendar for free events and other unique offerings, such as “queerlesque.” 

Address: 505 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009

Opening hours: Fri 6pm–4am; Sat 4pm–4am; Sun 5pm–midnight; Mon 6pm–4am; Tue–Thu 6pm–2am

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14. Lambda Lounge

What is it?One of the very few Black–owned gay bars in the entire city, this Harlem nightclub run by a local couple promises a good time any night of the week. 

Why we love it:Named for the Lambda vodka also started by the founders, Lambda is a place to drink, dance and just unwind on the dance floor or backyard.

Time Out tip: Reservations are accepted so you don’t have to fight for a place to sit on busy nights.

Address: 2256 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10027

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 8pm–2am; Fri, Sat 8pm–4am; Sun 6–11pm

15. Metropolitan

What is it?With so many exciting queer spaces to choose from, how is a New York gay supposed to stand out?

Pink Metal might be a small space, but it leaves a big impression, especially with its model for community–centric inclusivity. 

Time Out tip: Need to fuel up between drinks? Using Splashd helps you connect safely before meeting.

Health Resources

NYC allows 24/7 access to PEP/PrEP. Bushwick and Williamsburg offer warehouse parties and dive bars for a younger, artsier crowd.

ANNUAL EVENTS.

June

NYC Pride March

The world's largest Pride celebration.

June

Folsom Street East

The leather and fetish community takes to the streets.

March/April

Black Party

Legendary, massive circuit party.

SAFE CRUISING IN NYC.

Public Spaces

NYC parks close at 1am.

Visit in the colder months for PBRs by the fireplace and in warmer weather for backyard BBQs every Sun between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Address: 559 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Daily 3pm–4am

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16. Nowhere

What is it?A friendly, spacious bar with an intimacy–heightening low ceiling, Nowhere attracts Manhattan’s scruffier crowds—and the place is filled with everyone from dykes to bears, thanks to a fun lineup of theme nights. 

Why we love it: There's no official dance floor, but don't be surprised to find yourself bopping along to disco, rock, new wave and whatever else the DJ feels like spinning.

Time Out tip: Happy hour is all day on Sundays! 

Address: 322 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 3pm–4am, Sun 3pm–2am,

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17. 3 Dollar Bill

What is it? Enjoy drinks in the lovely queer owned and operated Americana bar 3 Dollar Bill, which features shows and events like Sun BBQ parties; then head to the fabulous warehouse space in the back of the venue, for thumping dance parties every night guided by sound systems inherited from venues like the Roseland Ballroom. 

Why we love it: Some of the best drag performers and DJs in the city have begun their takeovers here; get in early and join the community. 

Time Out tip: If you like to dress up, visit for weekend themed parties, like a Charlie XCX underwear party. 

Address: 260 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Hours: Daily 5pm–4am

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18. Phoenix

What is it?This local watering hole has been a favorite on the queer East Village circuit ever since it burst onto the scene back in the ’90s.

gay cruise bars nyc

Expect high energy, Broadway actors, and crowded bars where connections happen fast.

West Village

Stonewall InnChristopher StreetHistoric significance

Birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement

Vibe Check

Historic and charming. Maybe your interests skew more trendy and urbane, or perhaps you're more of the down-and-dirty hook-up spots, the "what happens on the weekends, stays on the weekends" type — we're not here to judge!

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The smoothest way to connect. Weekends get so crowded (midnight to 3am) that there’s often a cover charge. 

Time Out tip: Stuff your pockets before coming here; it’s cash only.

Address: 93 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 10pm–4am

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22. Pink Metal

What is it? If you like your kink with a wink and a drink, think pink.

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LGBTQ+ bars In NYC

1. Cubbyhole

What is it? Cubbyhole is one of the Village’s more festive lesbian bars.

Established in 1864, this is New York’s oldest operating gay bar, and the rich sense of history and community here are palpable.

Why we love it:Thanks to a resurgence in popularity in recent years, the crowd has an intergenerational mix; longtime patrons sip their drafts at the long wooden bar, while younger groups tend to gather at tables in the back and wolf down cheap eats from the in–house grill.