Ultimate New York City Weeklong Itinerary for Gay Nightlife, Sightseeing, and Exploration in July 2025

Day 1: Arrival & Times Square

New York, USA on July 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner

Enjoy a classic New York breakfast served by singing waitstaff in this iconic diner near Times Square. A fun way to start your trip immersed in the city's lively atmosphere.
USD25, 1h

10:30am

Explore Times Square

Walk through the bright lights and giant billboards of Times Square. It's a must-see bustling area that embodies New York’s energy and is perfect for sightseeing and photos.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Joe’s Pizza

Grab a classic New York slice at this legendary pizzeria close to Times Square, perfect for a quick, delicious lunch.
USD5, 30m

1:00pm

Visit Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock

Head to Rockefeller Center and enjoy panoramic city views from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Open 8am-12am, the midday light offers great vistas for sightseeing.
USD40, 2h

4:00pm

Rest and prepare for nightlife

Return to your accommodation to relax and get ready for an evening out in NYC’s famous gay nightlife.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Eagle NYC

Kick off the night with hearty American fare in this iconic gay bar and restaurant known for its welcoming vibe and great drinks.
USD40, 1h30m

9:00pm

Explore Hell’s Kitchen Bars: Hamburger Mary’s and Therapy

Experience two of the city's popular gay bars in Hell’s Kitchen, known for drag shows, lively crowds, and a welcoming atmosphere. Both open late; an excellent intro to NYC gay nightlife.
USD20 (drinks), 3h
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Day 2: Central Park & Museums

New York, USA on July 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Central Park South

Start the day with gourmet breakfast dishes in a bright restaurant famous for fresh and indulgent southern-inspired cuisine.
USD30, 1h30m

10:00am

Central Park Guided Walking Tour

Join a 2-hour guided walking tour exploring famous landmarks within Central Park including Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and Strawberry Fields.
USD50, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Loeb Boathouse Central Park

Enjoy lakeside dining at the iconic Boathouse, offering scenic views and classic American cuisine, perfect to relax after the tour.
USD45, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Roam one of the world’s finest art museums located on Museum Mile, open 10am to 5pm, admiring collections from ancient to contemporary art.
USD30 suggested donation, 2h30m

5:00pm

Explore Museum Mile walk and stop at the Guggenheim Museum

Visit the Guggenheim to appreciate its stunning architecture and modern art exhibits, open until 6pm on Fridays.
USD25, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at L’Artusi in West Village

Dine in this chic Italian spot known for its innovative pasta and vibrant atmosphere, a favorite in NYC.
USD70, 2h

9:30pm

Night out at The Stonewall Inn

Visit the historic birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement for drinks and dancing. Enjoy themed nights and a historic ambiance. Open until 4am.
USD25 cover, 3h
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Day 3: LGBTQ+ History & Lower Manhattan

New York, USA on July 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bluestone Lane in West Village

Grab a healthy Australian-style breakfast with excellent coffee near LGBTQ+ historic neighborhoods.
USD20, 1h

10:00am

LGBTQ+ Historic Walking Tour

Join a specialized walking tour exploring LGBTQ+ landmarks including Christopher Street, Stonewall, and historic bars. Tours usually last about 2 hours.
USD40, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Julius’ Bar

Eat at one of NYC’s oldest gay bars, famous for its welcoming vibe and quintessential New York atmosphere.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Pay respects at the poignant 9/11 Memorial and explore powerful exhibitions in the museum, open 9am-8pm during summer months.
USD30, 2h

4:30pm

Walk across Brooklyn Bridge

Enjoy stunning skyline views while walking the iconic Brooklyn Bridge at a leisurely pace, perfect for late afternoon light.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Juliana’s Pizza in Brooklyn

Savor award-winning pizza in a vibrant Brooklyn pizzeria just steps from the Bridge.
USD30, 1h30m

8:00pm

Explore Brooklyn gay nightlife at Metropolitan

Conclude your day with drinks and dancing at Metropolitan, a trendy gay bar with drag shows and a lively crowd. Open until 4am.
USD20 cover, 3h
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Day 4: Chelsea & Meatpacking

New York, USA on July 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Chelsea Market

Explore this food hall offering diverse options for breakfast including coffee, pastries, and healthy starts. Opens at 7am.
USD20, 1h

9:30am

Walk the High Line

Walk the elevated park built on a historic rail line, featuring gardens, art installations, and views of the Hudson River. Open 7am to 10pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit Whitney Museum of American Art

Explore contemporary American art in this renowned museum near the High Line, open 10:30am-6pm.
USD25, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Cookshop

Enjoy farm-to-table American cuisine in the Meatpacking District, a perfect spot for fresh, locally sourced lunch dishes.
USD40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit LGBT Community Center

Stop by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center for exhibits, events, and information on NYC’s LGBTQ+ community. Open weekdays 10am-8pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Rest at accommodation

Pause and refresh before an exciting evening in one of the city’s chic gay clubs.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Catch Steak

Experience high-end dining with a trendy atmosphere, known for steaks and seafood in the Meatpacking District.
USD80, 2h

10:30pm

Nightclub at Club Cumming

Finish the night dancing and enjoying performances at this beloved LGBTQ+ nightclub with eclectic music until late.
USD25 cover, 3h
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Day 5: Brooklyn Day Trip

New York, USA on July 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakeri

Start your day at this cozy Scandinavian bakery in Williamsburg, famous for pastries and coffee.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Explore Williamsburg

Walk around Williamsburg’s vibrant streets filled with street art, boutiques, and cafes, highlighting Brooklyn’s artistic vibe.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Lilia

Dine at Lilia, an acclaimed Italian restaurant offering handmade pastas and a trendy atmosphere in Williamsburg.
USD60, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Brooklyn Museum

Head to this museum featuring ancient and contemporary art, open 11am-6pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
USD20, 2h

4:30pm

Stroll Prospect Park

Enjoy a relaxed walk or bike ride in Prospect Park, Brooklyn’s large green space designed by the same creators as Central Park.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rosemary’s

Treat yourself to dinner with fresh, local ingredients in a classic setting with views of the Manhattan skyline.
USD55, 1h30m

9:30pm

Night out at Metro

End your visit with Brooklyn’s iconic gay dance club known for vibrant parties and a welcoming crowd until 4am.
USD20 cover, 3h
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Day 6: Midtown & Broadway

New York, USA on July 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Enjoy one of New York’s famous bagels with a variety of classic spreads; a true NYC local experience.
USD15, 45m

9:00am

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore world-class modern and contemporary masterpieces. Open 10:30am-5:30pm, so start with a nearby stroll or an earlier breakfast.
USD25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Modern

Dine in the elegant setting of MoMA’s Michelin-starred restaurant offering sophisticated American cuisine.
USD75, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Bryant Park and New York Public Library

Relax in charming Bryant Park and visit the famous NY Public Library for an iconic photo opportunity.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Head back to hotel to rest

Prepare for an evening of Broadway theater and classic NYC nightlife.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Becco

Enjoy reasonably priced Italian fare with an excellent wine selection just before the show.
USD50, 1h30m

9:00pm

Broadway Show

Attend a top Broadway production; book tickets in advance for a popular show to experience NYC’s famed theater scene.
USD120, 2h30m

11:30pm

Post-show drinks at Industry Bar

End the night at one of Hell’s Kitchen’s popular gay bars, known for a lively crowd and great cocktails.
USD30, 2h
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Day 7: Shopping & Empire State

New York, USA on July 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Balthazar

Indulge in a quintessential Parisian-style breakfast in SoHo at an iconic NYC bistro.
USD35, 1h30m

10:00am

Shopping in SoHo and NOHO

Spend late morning and early afternoon browsing trendy boutiques, designer shops, and unique stores in these fashionable neighborhoods.
Free to browse, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Jack’s Wife Freda

Have lunch at this popular spot serving Mediterranean-influenced American dishes with a lively atmosphere.
USD30, 1h

3:00pm

Rest and refresh at accommodation

Take some downtime before your final night out in New York City.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Visit Empire State Building Observation Deck

Watch sunset views from one of NYC’s iconic landmarks; open till 2am, sunset is around 8pm in July, perfect timing for breathtaking cityscapes.
USD45, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at The Standard Grill

Savor contemporary American cuisine in a stylish setting at the base of The Standard hotel in the Meatpacking District.
USD70, 2h

10:30pm

Final Night Out at Industry at Hudson Terrace

Celebrate your last night with rooftop drinks, dancing, and upbeat music in this popular gay venue with great skyline views.
USD30 cover, 3h
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Day 8: Departure Day

New York, USA on July 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Lalo

Enjoy one last delightful breakfast in this charming Upper West Side café known for its pastries and coffee.
USD25, 1h

10:00am

Leisurely stroll or last minute shopping

Take a relaxed walk nearby or pick up any last souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Check out and travel to airport

Prepare for your departure from New York City, heading to JFK or LaGuardia Airport.
Taxi approx USD70, variable
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