LGBTQ+ Travel Tips for Pride Month in New York City and Boston 

Pride Month is a time of vibrant celebration, visibility, and reflection for the LGBTQ+ community across the country.  

And, if you’re lucky enough to be traveling for it — or relocating temporarily — to New York City or Boston during June, you’ll find no shortage of inclusive events, supportive communities, and memorable experiences to take in.  

But like any destination, it helps to know where to go, what to expect, and how to stay safe while celebrating your identity or showing allyship. 

This guide explores what to consider when traveling while LGBTQ+ in two of the most iconic and affirming cities in the U.S. — New York City and Boston — specifically during Pride Month.  

We’ll cover inclusive neighborhoods, can’t-miss events and safe spaces to explore. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, staying for a short-term assignment, or settling in temporarily through one of our fully furnished apartments in Boston or New York City, we’ve got you covered. 

New York City: Celebrating Pride in the City That Never Sleeps

New York City is widely considered the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.  

From the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 to today’s massive Pride March down Fifth Avenue, NYC’s LGBTQ+ culture is rooted in resilience, activism, and joy. 

Thus, there is plenty to do while celebrating. 

Must-Visit LGBTQ+ Spots in NYC

The Stonewall Inn (West Village, Manhattan): A visit to NYC during Pride isn’t complete without a stop at this National Historic Landmark. Grab a drink, enjoy a drag show, and reflect on the history made here. 

Cubbyhole (West Village): A beloved queer women’s bar that’s welcoming to all, this small, vibrant spot is plastered with rainbow décor and known for its friendly vibe. 

House of Yes (Bushwick, Brooklyn): For the dance-all-night crowd, House of Yes offers inclusive, high-energy events. Many shows are themed and explicitly queer-positive. 

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art (SoHo): The only dedicated LGBTQ+ art museum in the world, this free museum showcases the queer experience through creative expression. 

Callen-Lorde Community Health Center (Chelsea & Bronx): Not a nightlife spot, but a vital resource, this healthcare center is tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals and travelers in need of affirming care. 

Pride Events Not to Miss

NYC Pride March: One of the largest in the world, this event draws crowds from across the globe. Expect high energy, endless floats, and a strong sense of solidarity. 

PrideFest: A street fair filled with vendors, performances, food, and local businesses. It’s a great daytime option for families and allies alike. 

Queer Liberation March: A more grassroots alternative to the mainstream parade, it focuses on activism, equity, and the original spirit of Pride. 

Neighborhoods to Explore

West Village (Manhattan): Rich in LGBTQ+ history and culture, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and boutiques that celebrate queer life.

Hell’s Kitchen (Manhattan): Known for its gay nightlife and stylish crowd, this is a hub for Broadway performers and queer professionals alike.

Park Slope (Brooklyn): Family-friendly, progressive, and home to many LGBTQ+ families and community organizations.

Jackson Heights (Queens): Offers a vibrant, multicultural LGBTQ+ community—especially among Latinx and South Asian populations.

Boston during Pride Month: Exploring a City with a Historic Heart

Boston may be smaller than NYC, but its LGBTQ+ scene is mighty, diverse, and deeply rooted in activism and academic influence. With progressive politics and a strong sense of community, the city is welcoming to queer travelers year-round—especially in June. 

Must-Visit LGBTQ+ Spots in Boston

Club Café (Back Bay): One of Boston’s most iconic gay bars, this lounge, restaurant, and dance floor combo is a staple for locals and newcomers alike. 

Jacques Cabaret (Bay Village): A long-standing drag venue that blends comedy, camp, and culture. Shows are high-energy and often star local drag royalty. 

The Alley Bar (Downtown): A grungier, more casual option known for leather nights and a laid-back, judgment-free vibe. 

Trident Booksellers & Café (Newbury Street): A favorite LGBTQ+-inclusive space to chill, read, and eat. Great for quieter afternoons. 

Pride Events to Check Out

Boston Pride for the People Parade: This newer organization has reclaimed the Boston Pride festivities, putting inclusion, racial equity, and grassroots voices at the forefront. 

JP Block Parties (Jamaica Plain): Local and intimate, these neighborhood celebrations offer music, food, and a strong sense of queer community. 

Dyke March Boston: An activist-centered, non-commercial march that celebrates LGBTQ+ women, nonbinary, and trans communities. It’s grassroots and unapologetically political. 

Neighborhoods to Explore

South End: Arguably Boston’s “gayborhood,” this area is full of LGBTQ+-friendly restaurants, bars, and charming brownstones. 

Jamaica Plain (JP): A diverse and queer-friendly community with a relaxed vibe, scenic parks, and plenty of family-friendly options. 

Cambridge (near Harvard Square): With its youthful energy and academic setting, this area has a strong LGBTQ+ presence and lots of progressive cafes and shops. 

Travel Tips for LGBTQ+ Visitors in NYC & Boston

Stay in LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations: If you’re using a furnished housing provider like ours, ask about LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods or request properties near inclusive hotspots and Pride venues. 

Use LGBTQ+ travel apps: Apps like HER, Grindr, Lex, and Feeld can help you meet people, find events, or get local insights. 

Pack with Pride: Both NYC and Boston are stylish cities during Pride Month, so feel free to express yourself—whether that means a rainbow cape or a bold eyeliner. 

Know your rights: New York and Massachusetts have strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ people, including anti-discrimination laws in housing and public accommodations. 

Explore responsibly: Pride Month is celebratory, but crowds can be intense. Keep your belongings safe, drink responsibly, and use public transit or rideshares when moving around at night. 

Make the Most of Your Travel During Pride Month

Traveling while LGBTQ+ during Pride Month is more than just joining a parade — it’s about feeling safe, seen, and celebrated.  

New York City and Boston offer some of the richest LGBTQ+ experiences in the country, from powerful history and inclusive neighborhoods to world-class Pride events and nightlife.  

By knowing where to go, how to connect, and what to avoid, you can make the most of your stay — whether it’s for a weekend celebration or a longer temporary relocation. 

For more information on temporary housing in either New York City or Boston, contact our team today.