Shares
Share on Pinterest
Share with your friends










Submit

Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips.

Queer travel expert Ravi Roth has trekked to 32 countries, fearlessly diving into LGBTQIA+ culture as a vlogger, YouTuber, speaker, travel writer, influencer and host of the travel series Ravi Round The World. As Orbitz celebrates LGBTQ History Month, naturally we turned to Roth to take us on a virtual tour, in his own words, of his home base and forever #HappyPlace: New York City. Add these top spots to your next Big Apple itinerary—bonus, many of his recommendations are open right now—and check out our second NYC tour for some extra inspiration. 

RELATED: Visit our LGBTQIA travel hub for welcoming hotels, the ultimate queer events calendar, inspiration, and more!

Conrad New York Downtown

Photo courtesy of the Conrad NY Downtown

 The architecture is stunning, the attention to detail from the staff is impeccable, every room is a suite, the views of the Hudson River are GORGEOUS, and their Hilton Clean Stay program promises top-notch sanitation. Conrad NY Downtown has a rooftop bar called Loopy Doopy, and I am obsessed with their ice pop topped with chilled Prosecco cocktail. #Heaven.

Leslie Lohman Museum of Art

If you want to learn about Queer history look no further than the Leslie Lohman Museum of Art. This EPIC museum takes the viewer through different exhibitions throughout the year. Though it’s closed temporarily for COVID, I love it here because it is in the heart of SoHo, and due to the ever-changing exhibits, I continue to learn about my community.

Elmo on 7th Ave 

This Queer hotspot is a perfect place for brunch. Located in the heart of Chelsea, Elmo‘s eye candy is next level, and the food and cocktails are rich in flavor and don’t break the bank. I highly suggest the watermelon martini and Mediterranean eggs.

Delphinium Home 

Delphinium is my favorite store to shop in NYC. It is queer owned and the cutest little shop for birthday, holiday, or everyday gifts. It’s located in Hells Kitchen and is a hidden queer gem.

3 Dollar Bill: Brooklyn 

Deep in the thick of East Williamsburg, this is an avant-garde hipster queer bar that has epic drag shows, a lavish outdoor space and amazing food. During COVID, this remains one of the only Brooklyn queer bars to remain open providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.

Gunnison Beach: Sandy Hook, NJ  

Flickr CC: Jackie

Take a day trip to clothing-optional queer beach Gunnison, located in Sandy Hook. I love to hang in my birthday suit, and what better way to do that and be among nudists and queer people. The most convenient way to get there is with Seastreak Ferries costing $50, and it’s a 25minute ride showcasing beautiful views of NYC. Bring LOTS of sunscreen, an umbrella, and a cooler full of drinks and food.

Citi Bike 

Flickr CC: Elvert Barnes

I love to exercise but with COVID, I don’t feel super comfortable at a gym. So, biking the parks and streets of NYC make me feel on top of the world! I have a yearly membership and if you are visiting, get a day pass and bike through Manhattan and over the Brooklyn Bridge! I love to ride around sunset and get off mid-bridge for an obligatory selfie.

EXTRAS! 

#JustTheTip: Get a City Pass in advance; it’s an amazing way to safely see six of NYC’s top attractions while saving 40%  off the cost of individual tickets. Two of my favorites are Top of the Rock and Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. Top of the Rock is a socially distanced way to see the Big Apple from every vantage point, and Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise is the only cruise that circles the entirety of city.

For more LGBTQIA travel guides from our influencers, be sure to check out:

Gabbi and Shanna’s guide to New York City

Chris Rhodes’ guide to Austin

Allie and Sam’s guide to Miami

Visit  Orbitz.com/Pride  for suggestions on LGBTQ-welcoming hotels, travel advice and points of interest; and follow @raviroundtheworld and  @Orbitz on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes tour of these spots and more.  

Tagged: New York

Note: Orbitz compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

Ravi Roth

Ravi Roth

Ravi Roth

Latest posts by Ravi Roth (see all)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *