Stonewall Pub

Next door to the Stonewall Inn, where a police raid on June 27, 1969, turned into a riot as gays rose up against constant police harassment, the present bar is far more peaceful. It underwent a massive refurbishment in 2007.

• 53 Christopher St

Christopher Street

The profusion of bars, shops, and cruisers between 6th and 7th avenues is the epicenter of gay Greenwich Village. The crowd is a bit older since many younger gay men have defected to Chelsea.

Chelsea

This neighborhood is where it all happens these days. Gay revellers pack the bars and spill onto the side-walks at the weekend, and a scene of some sort can be found in every café.

• 8th Ave between West 14th and West 23rd St

Bluestockings Book Store

Named after an 18th-century feminist group, this Lower East Side lair is not only a comprehensive source for women’s literature but a social center with an organic café, gallery, readings, and events. Women of all ages and races are welcome.

• 172 Allen St at Stanton St

Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center

A nucleus of the gay community, headquarters for organizations and event notices, active in public education, health, and emotional counseling, and center for social events, the Center also maintains history archives and an extensive library. An informative welcome pack is available for tourists.

• 208 West 13th St

• Open 9am–11pm daily

Publications

HX and Next are weeklies reviewing the club and entertainment scene. Other publications include Gay New City News, a newspaper covering politics, health, and arts; the New York Blade, a free tabloid; and Metro-Source, a glossy lifestyle magazine. Time Out New York, a general entertainment weekly sold at all newsstands, has a big section on gay and lesbian events from lectures to clubs.

Club Nights

Many bars and clubs have party nights. For example, Thursdays at Happy Ending, Saturdays at HK, and Sundays at The Monster. The Cock and Splash Bar are lively most nights. New York night life is under pressure from rising rents and complaining neighbors and venues frequently change.

• Check listings publications for details

Lesbian Herstory Archive

The world’s largest and oldest lesbian archive, founded in 1973, is located in Park Slope, a popular lesbian neighborhood. The volunteer-run archive houses art, books, photos, periodicals, video, and films recording lesbian lives and holds events supporting lesbian writers and artists in all media.

• 484 14th St, Brooklyn

• Subway (F) 15th St, Prospect Park

• 718 768 3953

• Open by appointment

David Barton Gym

The muscle boys in Chelsea flock to this upscale gym in the historic 23rd St Y space, owned by gym titan David Barton. Besides yoga, steam rooms, and Russian baths, you will find a DJ and a Bumble & Bumble hair salon.

• 215 West 23rd St, near 7th Ave

• Open 5:30am–midnight Mon–Fri, 8am– 9pm Sat & Sun

• Admission charge

Drag Shows

A transgender waitstaff and drag shows in the basement make Lucky Cheng New York’s most unusual Chinese restaurant, drawing tour buses as well as gay patrons. Also check out the drag queens lip-synching songs at Lips, and performing to a Latin beat at La Nueva Escuelita.

• Check listings publications for details

View Bar

Coffee house by day, bar by night, and a bustling sidewalk café in summer.

• 232 8th Ave

Gym

This friendly, casual site is home to New York City’s first true gay sports bar.

• 167 8th Ave

Therapy

Chic two-level lounge with cabaret shows, nightly DJs, and great drinks.

• 348 West 52nd St

G

Trendy lounge with a live D.J., round stainless steel bar, and conversation pit.

• 225 West 19th Street

SBNY

Enjoy the go-go guys working on the shower stage and erotic videos above the urinals.

• 50 West 17th St

Phoenix

An East Village hangout with an old-school vibe. Unpretentious, with cheap drinks.

• 447 East 13th St

Cattyshack

Popular lesbian bar with a rooftop patio.

• 249 4th Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn

Posh Bar

An elegant, laid-back bar with half-price drinks from 4–8pm.

• 405 West 51st St

Henrietta Hudson

Warm, down-to-earth, lesbian lair in Greenwich Village.

• 438 Hudson St

The Cubby Hole

Cozy, unpretentious lesbian bar where regulars sing along to the jukebox.

• 281 West 12th St