As summer winds down and the sun sticks around, you might feel the urge to get outside and enjoy the season. Luckily, in New York City there’s always plenty to choose from. This year is especially exciting as the city celebrates its 400th anniversary, bringing special events alongside the usual favorites. Our NYC travel guide will help you explore the best of what the city has to offer.
New York City isn’t just big—it’s fabulously queer. From Stonewall to drag brunches, the city is bursting with LGBTQ+ history and nightlife. Maybe you’re thinking of catching a Broadway show, or trying something unexpected like visiting a tiny museum. Whatever sounds good—food, music, comedy, theater—NYC has it. If you’re wondering where to start, this guide will help you find the best things to do. And if you’re driving, sort out parking ahead of time to make exploring smoother. And if you want to make your trip extra memorable, weave a few gay stops into your itinerary.
Step Into Ancient Egypt With the Horizon of Khufu
Ever wondered what it would be like to explore the Great Pyramid of Giza? With Horizon of Khufu, you don’t have to imagine—you can experience it in NYC. This immersive adventure is just one highlight in our NYC travel guide, which mixes iconic stops with unexpected finds.
Held at Eclispo, the experience lets you step inside hidden corridors, witness ancient rituals, and even sail the Nile. The attention to detail is incredible, making it feel like you’re truly walking through history. With a virtual Egyptologist as your guide and a sassy feline companion, you’ll learn fascinating details along the way. The experience lasts about 45 minutes, and tickets range from $34 to $44 for adults, with discounts available for students, military, and kids.
While you’re immersing yourself in ancient worlds, don’t miss The Stonewall National Monument in Greenwich Village. It’s the first U.S. monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights, and it’s a must for history buffs who want their NYC trip to include some real-life milestones in equality.
Step Aboard the Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum
From ancient pyramids to modern space shuttles, no NYC travel guide would be complete without the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum at Pier 86. The USS Intrepid survived kamikaze attacks and a torpedo strike during World War II and later became a NASA recovery vessel.
Today, it stands as a tribute to American courage and innovation. Visitors can explore the lower decks, check out historical artifacts, and get up close with fighter jets on the flight deck. One of the biggest highlights is the Space Shuttle Enterprise, an early NASA orbiter that paved the way for space exploration. A visit to this museum is one of the most exciting things to do in NYC, especially for history and aviation enthusiasts.
Try the Viral Smash Burger at Little Grenjai
Little Grenjai in Brooklyn has made a name for itself with its Thai-American twist on comfort food. The highlight? A Krapow smash burger that has taken social media by storm. It’s grilled to perfection and topped with American cheese, holy basil, a spicy-sweet special sauce, and a tangy lemongrass-infused giardiniera. The result is a flavor-packed bite that keeps people coming back.
Hungry for something with rainbow flair? Try a drag brunch. Spots like Lips in Midtown or Drag Brunch at Lucky Cheng’s serve up sequins, sass, and plenty of mimosas. It’s a uniquely queer NYC experience you won’t forget.
Grab a Slice at L’Industrie Pizzeria
L’Industrie Pizzeria has built a reputation as one of the best spots for pizza in NYC. The first location opened in Williamsburg in 2017 and quickly became a favorite. A second location in the West Village now serves the same incredible slices in a more polished setting. The menu features high-quality ingredients imported from Italy, with classics like the Margherita and the famous burrata slice. The Williamsburg location keeps the old-school vibe, while the West Village spot offers a comfy interior with natural wine on the menu.
Taqueria Ramirez
Taqueria Ramirez brings authentic Mexico City tacos to Brooklyn. When Tania Apolinar and Giovanni Cervantes opened the small taqueria in 2021, their goal was to serve pork tacos the traditional way. They cook their carnitas in a special pot called a choricera, allowing different cuts of pork to simmer in their own fat until they are full of flavor. They don’t serve chicken or shrimp—only pork, with a cactus option for vegetarians. Their success led to a second location in the East Village. Tacos here cost around $5, keeping them affordable without sacrificing quality.
When the sun goes down, head to Hell’s Kitchen—NYC’s epicenter of gay nightlife. Think high-energy dance floors at Industry, laid-back cocktails at Therapy, or a show at Hardware. It’s the perfect warm-up before or after a Broadway show.
Explore Broadway’s Past and Present
Visiting the Museum of Broadway is one of the best things to do in NYC, especially for theater lovers. It takes you on a journey through over 300 years of Broadway history, showing how theater has evolved. Inside, you’ll find real costumes, props, and set pieces from famous productions. There are even recreated sets and interactive displays that make you feel like you’re part of the show. Located in Times Square, it’s easy to stop by while exploring the city.
Want Broadway with extra sparkle? Check out Broadway Bares, the annual burlesque-meets-Broadway fundraiser, or follow your favorite RuPaul’s Drag Race queens as they star in musicals and cabaret acts across the city.