The Ultimate LGBTQ+ NYC Guide

Museums, historical sites and other things to do

• The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
  In addition to being a community center, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (often dubbed just “The Center”), has a cafe, LGBTQ+ bookstore and a mural by influential graffiti artist Keith Haring.

• Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art
  The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art is a small but impactful museum featuring LGBTQ+ artists, rotating collections and events. Be prepared, this museum does not shy away from taboo and risque topics

• Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center
  Located next door to the still-active Stonewall Inn, the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center explores LGBTQ+ history – right where it happened. Don’t forget to hop over next door for a drink (or several!) afterward.

• Lesbian Herstory Archives
  Founded in the 1970s, the Lesbian Herstory Archives is the largest collection of media by and about Lesbians. Visits must be booked in advance on their website.

• NYC AIDS Memorial Park at St. Vincent’s Triangle
  Located on the former site of St. Vincents Hospital, considered “ground zero” of the AIDS epidemic, the NYC AIDS Memorial Park now allows people to reflect and commemorate the first and largest AIDS ward on the East Coast.

Broadway/off-broadway theatre

• On-Broadway, check out the immersive Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. This theatre experience currently stars Adam Lambert and Auli'i Cravalho at the recently-renovated August Wilson Theater. For a more lighthearted pick, try Drag: The Musical, Off-Broadway at the New World Stages. This production stars RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Alaska Thunderfuck and other drag performers.

• The People's Beach at Jacob Riis Park
  The People's Beach in the Rockaways is a haven for LGBTQ+ people from all over the city. Spend a nice day relaxing, swimming and mingling at this welcoming beach.

• Stud Country Queer Line Dancing
  Stud Country hosts LGBTQ+ line dancing events all over the city, as well as workshops and classes. Everyone is welcome for a fun night of social dancing.

• NYC Pride
  Every June, NYC hosts the biggest Pride event in the world. NYC Pride includes a march, street fair, performances and more.

LGBTQ+ tours

• Pride Tours
  An official partner of NYC Pride, this tour visits important historical sites in the fight for LGBTQ+ liberation.

• Oscar Wilde Tours
  Choose from LGBTQ+-themed tours of Greenwich Village, the East Village and the Metropolitan Museum.

• Christopher Street Tours
  This tour operator, known for friendly and knowledgeable guides, offers a Greenwich Village Pride tour and LGBTQ+ history workshops.

• Drag Queen Tours NYC
  Tour options include a LGBTQ+ history walk, the East Village, 5th Avenue and custom tours… all hosted by a drag queen!

LGBTQ+ owned bookstores

• Astoria Bookshop
  This bookstore in Astoria has an impressively curated collection of books and helpful staff. Can’t find what you want? They will be happy to order it for you.

• Bluestockings Cooperative Bookstore
  More than just a bookstore, this Lower East Side cooperative also functions as a mutual aid, activism and resource center. Enjoy a lavender latte at their cafe.

• Mil Mundos Books
  This bilingual bookstore in Bushwick also hosts Spanish lessons while functioning as a community center, coworking space and mutual aid donation drop-off. Their collection focuses on Black, Latinx and Indigenous culture and heritage.

• The Nonbinarian Bookstore & Book Bike
  Started as a mobile mutual aid initiative, this newly-opened bookstore in Crown Heights carries exclusively LGBTQ+ authors.

• The Ripped Bodice
  This “romantic bookstore” in Park Slope sells romance books of all different orientations. Not sure what to read next? Ask the friendly staff for a recommendation.

• Hive Mind Books
  This new bookstore in Bushwick has friendly owners who work the shop and coffee counter. They have a great book selection with a focus on LGBTQ+ books.

LGBTQ+ owned shopping

• Fredricks and Mae
  A beautifully curated selection of art, home goods and gifts stands out at this Chinatown design studio storefront.

• Again Vintage ​​
  A Bed-Stuy multipurpose space with a cafe, this store sells a collection of antique, vintage, retro and newer sustainable clothing and “found objects.”

• Marc Jacobs
  There are three Manhattan locations to shop this iconic fashion designer. Check out the newly opened flagship store in SoHo for a great luxury fashion experience.

• Lockwood
  With five locations in Queens and two in Brooklyn, this trendy, hip store carries gifts, stationery, home goods and specialty NYC products.

• Automic Gold
  Located in Midtown, this Queer and Trans-owned jewelry brand is high quality, size-inclusive, sustainable and focused on comfort. Visits are by appointment only.

• Cleo’s Yarn Shop
  This cute East Williamsburg Yarn shop features a scholarship fund, a little free yarn library, classes, craft clubs, a cafe and a unique rewards program.

• Exit 9 Gift Emporium
  This unique gift shop in Boerum Hill values local, women and LGBTQ+ makers. Exit 9 is a great place to find the perfect gift for anyone, from Jellycats and stationery to NYC souvenirs.

• Rick Owens
  A chic and visually pleasing designer boutique in SoHo, designer Rick Owens sells clothing, shoes and accessories.

LGBTQ+ owned coffee shops

• Odd Fox Coffee
  With two locations in Brooklyn, this is a whimsical stop for espresso, iced beverages and pastries.

• Coffee Project New York
  With one location in Queens, one location in Brooklyn and six in Manhattan (including one inside the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center) you're never far from a Coffee Project. With classic coffee beverages, toasts, sandwiches and more, this is a great stop.

• The Chipped Cup
  Tucked away in Harlem, this coffee shop has a “Victorian psychedelic” style. Make sure to enjoy their outdoor space on a nice day!

• Principles GI Coffee House
  Inspired by the anti-war coffee shops of the ’60s, Principles, located in Gowanus, has a no-tipping policy and pay-what-you-can coffee. They prioritize accessibility for customers as well as a living wage for employees. They also serve up a good cup of joe!

• Polly’s Cafe
  This cafe serves up great food, coffee and service at their two Brooklyn locations. The Classon Ave location has plenty of indoor and backyard seating for meeting some friends or doing remote work.

• Soft Butch
  For great vibes and latte art, check out this bar and cafe in Bed-Stuy by trans people, for everyone. Don’t miss their makers' market!

• Aura Coffee
  Friendly, cozy and proudly Lesbian-owned, Aura Coffee in Crown Heights is a lovely neighborhood spot for your coffee and pastry fix.

LGBTQ+ owned restaurants

• Baz Bagel
  No NYC guide is complete without a solid bagel joint and Baz Bagel fits the bill. With classic New York bagels, schmears, lox and breakfast sandwiches, this Little Italy bagel shop is a great breakfast or lunch choice.

• Fonda With locations in Park Slope, Chelsea and Tribeca (not to mention London and Tokyo, too!), this upscale Mexican restaurant is acclaimed, innovative and delicious. Check out their brunch and happy hour.

• Ursula This New Mexican-inspired cafe and bakery in Bed-Stuy has options from bison meat tostadas to vegan nachos to what just might be the best breakfast burrito in NYC. You might have to try and see for yourself. Brunch can get busy so get there early.

• HAGS
  This fun, fresh and tiny East Village fine dining restaurant does two tasting menus– one omnivore and one vegan. Make sure to get a reservation.

• Edy’s Grocer
  Charming Lebanese deli in Greenpoint serves prepared Mediterranean classics as well as made-to-order breakfasts, lunch and more. Check out the array of spices sold in-store!

• Kopitiam
  This Lower East Side establishment introduces new visitors to Nyonya cuisine. With Chinese and Malay influences, this is a unique and delicious lunch or dinner option.

• Ollin
  Delicious and authentic Mexican food is served in this small restaurant with a simple menu in East Harlem. Don't forget to order a margarita or an agua fresca.

• Maite
  This hip Bushwick restaurant has Basque and Columbian influences. The menu is always fresh and changes depending on the market.

• SpaHa Soul
  Reservations are required at this family-style soul food restaurant. This is an experience best suited for those who enjoy a laid-back evening and taking their time with their meal.

LGBTQ+ bars and clubs

• Julius’
  The oldest gay bar in NYC, this Greenwich Village spot is known for its hamburgers and local vibe. Don’t forget to bring cash.

• No Bar
  Located inside the Standard East Village, this is the first LGBTQ+ bar to open inside a major hotel chain. A little classy and a lot stylish, this place is great for cocktails. Keep an eye on their website for events.

• Club Cumming Alan Cumming’s intimate East Village nightclub hosts drag, burlesque, cabaret, DJs, karaoke and more.

• Cubbyhole
  This cash-only West Village bar serves up beer, wine and cocktails and is covered in paper lanterns, kites and disco balls. Make sure you check out the happy hour specials.

• 3 Dollar Bill
  This East Williamsburg spot is great for dancing and seeing performances from well-known drag queens. Often full of people and energy, visiting this club is sure to be a fun night out.

• Henrietta Hudson
  A West Village Lesbian bar with 30 years of history, this is a great spot for drinks, dancing and pool. Make sure to try the hummus.

• Industry Bar
  Vibrant, atmospheric and full of great energy, this bar in Hell’s Kitchen hosts lots of drag shows and events.

• Branded Saloon
  Located in Prospect Park, this bar serves great American food and cocktails. Keep an eye out for special events and live music.

• House of Yes
  This over-the-top, exciting and inclusive club in Bushwick hosts dancing, circus, burlesque and drag nights.