The biggest of America’s cities, New York attracts millions of visitors every year who come to experience its unmatched style and culture. Most gay travel to New York is centred in Manhattan, but now there are other regions to enjoy such as Brooklyn which has developed a large gay community over the past few decades. It is often said that Manhattan has the best nightlife, restaurants, theatres, and shopping.
New York City is a popular gay holiday destination any time of the year, though the summer months still attract the greatest numbers of visitors especially from Europe. The fall can be one of the best times of the year to visit as the crowds are less but the weather is not too adverse. Winter in New York has a charm all of its own with many people crowding into warm and cozy restaurants and bars. But be warned it can get very cold and usually snows during winter time. Christmas in New York is an experience that cannot be forgotten easily.
There are gay and lesbian events held whenever you choose to visit. New Year Eve in New York has to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. If you choose to come in spring you can attend the Tribecca and NewFest film festivals that attract many gay and lesbian visitors. The famous New York Gay Pride usually take place towards the end of June, while earlier in the month are smaller parades in Brooklyn and Queens. If you happen to come in the fall then you can seriously camp at up in one of the many Halloween parties.
It is useful to understand the layout of the city. It is comprised of five boroughs, of which Manhattan is a narrow island in between the Hudson and East rivers. Not far away from here are the districts of Brooklyn and Queens on the western edge of Long Island.
There is an excellent mass transit system that is affordable and easy to navigate. It is better not to bring your own car or rent one as the traffic can be rather severe as are the parking costs.
If you plan to visit from one of the other main East Coast cities then there are plenty of long distance bus and train services available. Those flying in will arrive at one of three airports. JFK airport is located in Queens, Newark is across the Hudson in New Jersey, and La Guardia is the closest to Manhattan.
