Top 5 Gay-Friendly Neighborhoods in New York City: A Complete Guide
Top 5 Gay-Friendly Neighborhoods in New York City: A Complete Guide
From its origins as the prized destination to immigrants from across the globe to its evolution into a city of fashion and finance, New York now stands as a truly global city in america, home to people of many backgrounds, and home to everyone from the poor to the nouveau riche.
LGBTQ+ culture is built into the history of the city. The Stonewall Rebellion in 1969 began the gay rights movement, with the community demanding equal treatment; fighting for their differences to be accepted following a heavy-handed police raid at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. The West Village still stands as a significant landmark to the queer community, and the culture of the city reflects this. Whether you identify as gay, queer, trans or you’re simply looking for a different scene, we’re breaking down the so-called gay villages of NYC, each known for being super inclusive and open to people of all backgrounds.
Chelsea: The LQBTQ+ Artist’s Paradise
From its industrial beginnings, where it became home to many Irish immigrants, Chelsea evolved into a residential area, with resplendent art-deco-inspired apartment blocks. The industry was forgotten, but those older buildings were converted into nightclubs, theatres, and art galleries giving the area a wide cultural appeal. The LGBTQ population began to move into the area in the mid-1980s, bringing with them higher-end retail stores and eateries.
Chelsea Gallery Row | Photograph: Don Stahl, Courtesy Dia Art Foundation
Today, Chelsea is known for its culture and nightlife. If you’re an art lover, there’s lots to see. Check out the David Zwirner gallery on West 19th Street, where the German ex-pat puts on a unique combination of modern art and performance theatre. Elsewhere in the area, the C24 gallery on West 24th Street drag gives more of a view of up-and-coming artists and captures the heartbeat of the local scene. High Line Park is a great spot to see the cityscape – it’s an intriguing public park built on a freight rail line, overlooking Manhattan’s West Side.
For an evening adventure,LeBain atThe Standard Hotel on 848 Washington St, is one of the best gay-friendly places in town. It’s an elegant rooftop bar, with DJ sets and the vibe of a sophisticated sunset party. On 225 W. 19th Street, you’ll find the more mainstreamRebar you’ll find yourself shoulder-to-shoulder with Abercrombie-looking guys in a place known for theme nights, flirting, and fun. The lounge area offers respite from the hedonism, but it’s not for the quiet or fainthearted. You have been warned.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Chelsea, check out apartments offered by Rove Travel, where you can find exclusive, luxury properties, meticulously designed and offering dedicated workspaces for work and play.
Hell's Kitchen: Broadway’s Vibrant LQBTQ+ Hub
Hell’s Kitchen began as another Irish working-class neighborhood, but it’s since undergone several waves of gentrification, making it affluent, but still affordable, with a varied demographic of residents of different ethnic backgrounds.
Because of its proximity to the theatre district Hell’s Kitchen is a great place to catch a show. Alicia Keys grew up around here and made a musical literally called Hell’s Kitchen about her experience as an African American. Check it out at the Schubert Theatre on 225 West 44th Street, adjacent to Hell’s Kitchen, and enjoy some of her older hits, alongside a few new tunes in this exciting musical. If you want something with a bit more edge, try the adaptation of Francis Ford Coppola’s film The Outsiders depicting the rivalry between small-town gangs in Oklahoma. Catch it at the Bernard B Jacobs Theatre at 242 West 45th Street.
Why not grab some food before you go? The restaurant scene in hell's Kitchen is a highlight of this area, and you can find everything from Indian to Caribbean food. We love Mughlai on 255 W 55th St, where you’ll find great food in a traditional setting. If you like spice, try Jasmine’s Caribbean nearby on 371 W 46th St, where you can get classics like crab cakes and Peppa shrimp, lovingly made in a low-key setting.
Hell's Kitchen Bars | Source: Bloomberg.com
There’s great nightlife in the area too, with Hush a well-established spot, putting on regular drag shows and live entertainment. On 355 W 52nd St, you’ll find the iconic Industry bar, running since 2010, it’s a mainstay for LGBTQ+ crowd in the city, offering an industrial-chic aesthetic and a nice blend between casual and the tight-shirt beautiful people.
Gotham House II by Rove Travel | Duplex in Hell's Kitchen
If you’re staying in Hell’s Kitchen, check out Gotham House II from Rove - it’s a stunning modern duplex, impeccably designed with a chef’s kitchen, high-end appliances, and a keyed elevator. Relax from a night in the town in the deep-jetted soaking tub off the master bedroom.
West Village: Gay Pride
We’ve touched on the Stonewall Riots, and the impact they had still resonates through West Village, which remains at the center of the LQBQt+ movement, and something of a gay mecca to New Yorkers, with the pride parade still choosing it as their final destination in pride month.
But the 60s were a long time ago, and other areas of the city became more gay-friendly than they were, leaving West Village as an affluent area with a slightly older crowd than somewhere like Hell’s Kitchen. But, if you’re interested in the history, the Stonewall Inn at 53 St Christopher’s Street is definitely worth a visit. There is a plaque outside detailing the history and it’s worth staying for drinks, and for the fun events they host, from karaoke to drag.
St Christopher Street remains at the heart of the LGBQT+ scene in West Village, with gay bars and gay-friendly businesses still staking a claim in the area’s history. Pieces at number 8 is a classic gay bar with nightly drag shows and a fun, energetic vibe. If you want a piece of the action this is the spot.
Henrietta Hudson Bar | Source: Henrietta Hudson
Henrietta Hudson on 438 Hudson St is the most popular lesbian bar in the city. It’s evolved from a packed-out nightclub to a trendy wine bar, which seems analogous to the area as a whole; sophisticated, but maybe for an older crowd.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the West Village, check out the Bedford Townhome, a 5-story townhouse, perfectly situated at the crossroads of West Village and Soho. Enjoy the contemporary living room overlooking the serene garden courtyard. With 4 bedrooms and a master suite, this is perfect for a group looking to enjoy West Village. Like all Rove apartments, it’s full-furnished with incredible aesthetics and considerate design features giving you a home from home on your trip to New York.
Park Slope: Alternative Brooklyn
Park Slope epitomizes what Brooklyn is about these days – trendy, alternative, and a little hip. Of all the boroughs, Brooklyn has the most laid-back feel, and it’s also got a great LGBQT+ scene, great places for coffee and brunch, and the beautiful Prospect Park.
First, let’s shout out to the only gay bar in Park Slope, Ginger’s Bar, on 363 5th Avenue. It’s a fun, low-key bar, with a funky space in the backyard for chatting and having a beer.
For the next morning, check out Yardsdale Coffee, on 620 5th Ave, an unassuming café, tucked in between a long row of shops, and offering good coffee, cookies, and the sale of records and bric-a-brac! If you’re feeling the baked goods,Mia’s Bakery at 139 Smith Street, Park Slope is notorious for good coffee and cake. As a recent customer said, it's a tiny bakery but its baked goodies are to drool for.
For nature lovers, Prospect Park is just on the doorstep, a huge expanse of green space giving incredible views of the city. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, find a place near the park and make it your haven from the chaos of the city, with Rove Travel offering fully-furnished apartments with high-spec design and intuitive arrangements for digital nomads looking to work on the go.
East Williamsburg: Street Art Haven
East Williamsburg has become increasingly affluent in recent years. It’s pretty fashionable here, and this is reflected in the people you’ll see and the street art that adorns the old industrial buildings. The term hipster is thrown around as a pejorative these days, but this culture tends towards inclusiveness, while being friendly and non-aggressive, meaning it’s a very LGBTQ+ friendly area.
If you’re into street art, there’s plenty to see. Check out North 6th Street,between Bedford and Kent Avenues where the old industrial buildings have been transformed into art, with contributions from artists including Banksy, who lights up the row with his customary playful, political stencils.
Photo via David Berkowitz/Flickr
East Williamsburg also has an increasingly diverse and exciting nightlife, with Lambda Lounge at its center. This black-owned bar prides itself on a vibe of ‘downtown elegance meets uptown swag’, and is perfect for a cocktail or two.
For food, check out the newly-opened Café Zouave on Humboldt St & Graham Ave, a French bistro that is building a reputation amongst patrons for great vibes and real French cooking. If you want to find a place in the area, check out full-furnished apartments available through Rove Travel who offer premium spaces equipped with high-quality workspaces and everything you need for a relaxed haven from the city.
High-end luxury rentals with Rove Travel
Each of these neighborhoods is a little different, with Chelsea offering an upmarket cultural experience, Hell’s Kitchen a gritty affordable base, and West Village a more serene old-school appeal, grounded in history. In Brooklyn, Park Slope and East Williamsburg have a more alternative feel, but an inclusive and welcoming spirit. New York is a great city for exploring, and the gay scene is vibrant and fun, just bring good vibes and energy. If you’re making a short-term trip to the city then start your search with Rove Travel, where you can explore a lot of high-end short-term rentals that will put you in the heart of the action of whichever neighborhood you choose to rest your head.
FAQs
Q: Are these neighborhoods safe for LGBTQ individuals?
Yes, we believe they are. Like any large city there are always dangers, so remain attentive, be sensible, and try not to travel alone at night. There are instances of anti-gay hate crimes in NYC, so as a gay traveler you should be vigilant and be careful about outing yourself to people you aren’t comfortable with. There are great resources available for more information - check out the NYC Commission on Human Rights, or the Anti-Violence Project (AVP) - a project that exists to empower the LGBTQ+ community through education and organization.
Q: How can I find fully furnished apartments in these gay neighborhoods?
Rove Travel offers fully furnished apartments throughout New York City, with high-end designs and features that make it easy for you to pick up your old life in a new city. If you’re working remotely, you’ll love the high-spec remote workspaces and high-speed internet.
Q: Are there any LGBTQ-specific events or establishments in these neighborhoods?
Yes, there are several, with each spot offering something different. Check out the guide at Gay Travel, for detailed information about different events in the city, or check in with The Gay Centre (below)
Q: Are there any LGBTQ community organizations in these neighborhoods?
Yes – check out The Gay Center, a safe and affirming community center in the city to find information and make connections with like-minded people.