New York City is not just a global symbol of diversity and inclusivity; it’s a quintessential destination for LGBTQ+ travelers looking for rich history, culture and experiences. From the historic Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, to the thriving art and social scenes today, the city offers an unparalleled experience for every visitor. It’s no wonder the city proudly hosted IGLTA’s 2019 Global Convention!
Discover why New York City is a must-visit destination for every LGBTQ+ person with our 2-day itinerary designed to immerse you in the city's rich LGBTQ+ history and electrifying energy. Special thanks to our valued IGLTA Global Partner, New York City Tourism + Conventions, for helping to plan this trip!
Day 1
Hotel Check-In at The Beekman
📍 123 Nassau Street, New York, NY 10038
We arrived into Penn Station in style via Amtrak and headed straight to our hotel to drop off our bags. New York City also has three major airports. We, of course, stayed at an IGLTA member hotel, The Beekman Hotel, a Thompson Hotel located in the heart of the Financial District.
Walking Tour with Christopher Street Tours
📍McCarthy Square: Charles St &, Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10014 (meeting spot varies depending on tour)
We kicked off our trip with a walking tour of Greenwich Village, led by proud IGLTA member Christopher Street Tours. Founded by Michael Venturiello (he/him), a 2021 Foundation Fellowship recipient, this tour provides an insider's perspective on iconic LGBTQ+ landmarks like the Stonewall Inn, the Gay Liberation Monument in Christopher Park, and LGBT Community Center. You'll not only learn about pivotal moments in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, but also gain a deeper appreciation for the community's resilience and vibrant spirit.
Christopher Street, New York City
Inside the LGBT+ Community Center
Lunch at Julius' Bar
📍159 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014
This legendary LGBTQ+ hangout—known as one of the oldest gay bars in Manhattan—offers a welcoming atmosphere and delicious burgers. This bar was the site of what became known as the “Sip-In,” an early protest against LGBTQ+ discrimination led by the Mattachine Society. Remember: Cash only.
Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art
📍 26 Wooster St, New York, NY 10013
We spent our afternoon at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art, the world’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ art museum. Created to preserve LGBTQ+ identity while building community, the museum displays works from its collection of 30,000 objects spanning three centuries of queer art.
Sunset at One World Observatory
📍 117 West Street, New York, NY 10007
Located at One World Trade Center, this is a must-visit for breathtaking panoramic views from the highest point in New York City. We suggest buying tickets ahead of time and planning so you can catch the sunset and watch as the city transitions from day to night with thousands of twinkling lights.
View from One World Observatory
Night Out in Greenwich Village
📍The Cubbyhole: 281 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014
📍Henrietta Hudson: 438 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
📍Stonewall Inn: 53 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
After the sun sets, dive into the nightlife of Greenwich Village. Start with a beverage at The Cubbyhole, one of NYC's most beloved lesbian bars, known for its colorful decor and lively atmosphere. Then head to Henrietta Hudson, another iconic spot for the LGBTQ+ community to dance. Finally, no night out would be complete without a visit to the historic Stonewall Inn. June 2024 marked the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.
Day 2
Brunch at The Bar Room
📍 123 Nassau Street, New York, NY 10038
Connected to The Beekman, The Bar Room is a must-visit for foodies. Known for its lively atmosphere and weekend jazz brunch, it's the perfect spot to kickstart your day before exploring the city. When we visited at the beginning of Pride Month, one of their special initiatives was the Double Queen cocktail, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Ali Forney Center. The center's mission is to house and protect homeless LGBTQ+ youths in New York, making this a meaningful addition to the Pride celebration. Plus, the hotel’s atrium was beautifully lit in Pride colors, adding to the festive atmosphere. You can catch more glimpses of this stunning venue in our 'NYC' highlight on Instagram!
Stroll Through Central Park
We accidentally went to the wrong address (getting lost in NYC is a rite of passage, right?) and needed to walk after our delicious brunch anyway so we decided to turn our mistake into an unexpected adventure with a leisurely amble through one of the world’s most famous parks.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
📍 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Home to masterpieces from iconic queer artists, this legendary museum showcases the diverse history of modern art and ensures the creative contributions of the LGBTQ+ community receive their well-deserved recognition.
Inside MoMA
Times Square
Another world-famous site that you just have to see to believe. Experience the dazzling lights, towering billboards, and nonstop buzz of Times Square before heading to the next stop on the itinerary.
Museum of Broadway
📍 145 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
Discover the magic of Broadway at this interactive museum. The Broadway stage has long been a platform for uplifting the voices of the LGBTQ+ community, with groundbreaking artists, playwrights, and performers making their mark for decades.
Brooklyn - Time Out Market New York
📍 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Cross the East River and head to Brooklyn for a bite to eat and a drink at Time Out Market. This food hall offers a curated selection of some of the best eats in the city, all under one roof, and with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.
Dinner at Gild Hall, a Thompson Hotel
📍15 Gold St, New York, NY 10038
We closed out our NYC adventure with a delicious dinner at Gild Hall, a Thompson Hotel. Notably, Gild Hall is the only IGLTA Accredited™ hotel in NYC, meaning you can rest assured your stay is supporting LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the hospitality industry.
This 48-hour itinerary is just a taste of what NYC has to offer for LGBTQ+ travelers. So get packing, book your flights, Amtrak train and/or buses and prepare to be dazzled by the energy, history, and welcoming spirit of this extraordinary city.
New York City is a big place and can feel overwhelming for even seasoned travelers. For those who need to plan ahead for accessibility support, visit New York City Tourism + Conventions’ resource page for more information.