How To Survive The NYC Pride Parade - My Tips and Tricks For First Timers
I have attended many NYC events and have attended the NYC Pride Parade twice, once in 2019 and once in 2022. Even though I have only gone to this parade twice, I have a lot of tips and tricks for first-timers, and some long-time pride goers may even find some helpful information. My tips and tricks include where to stay, how early to get there to secure your spot, where to eat, and where to use the bathroom.
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About NYC Pride
The first Pride March was held in NYC one year after the Stonewall Uprising. In 2025, the March draws over 2 million people annually, and the parade spans several blocks down Fifth Ave from 26th St & 5th Ave to 15th St & 7th Ave.
Securing Your spot
Securing your spot on the parade route is easier than one may think. Of course, if you want to be near Stonewall or the start of the parade, you must be there super early to secure your spot, but I prefer getting a spot between 23rd and 18th Street. New Yorkers are typically known for being on time, but for some reason, when it comes to events like this, they show up at the last minute (the same goes for NY Liberty games. I ain’t never seen the Barclays filled up by the time the game starts. Its always filled by the second quarter though lol)
The parade starts at noon, and I usually get my spot by 10 a.m. and wait. This is where I recommend bringing a portable seat. The streets of NYC are NASTY. Do not sit down on the street. A lightweight, collapsible seat is a must; your back and feet will thank you.
Don’t Forget About PrideFest
Both times I went to Pride, I watched the Parade for about three hours, then left to go to PrideFest, the street fair in Greenwich Village. This event starts around 11am and lasts all day long and it is a street fair that combines exhibitors, entertainers, food and activities for a day of fun and celebration in the name of equality.
It is easy to forget about PrideFest because most of the attention is on the Pride Parade, but this festival is full of unique vendors, great food, and live performances. If you are not into Rainbow Capitalism, this is a PERFECT opportunity to get some pride gear from the local businesses.
Where to Eat
Here are some of my personal favorite places to eat in NYC. Some are walkable from the parade route, but others require a short subway trip.
Breakfast
ZuckersBagels.com
Zucker's Bagels & Smoked Fish
It's my go-to breakfast sandwich place. They have the best bagels in NYC imho.
Freshkitchen.nyc
Fresh Kitchen
When I worked in NYC, I would go here for breakfast every day. The prices are great, and the service is very quick if you are in a hurry.
Lunch & Dinner
Amor Loco
Get the Birria Tacos; you won’t regret it.
If you are lactose intolerant like me, you will regret it in an hour or so.
Tripadvisor
Five Senses
The BEST Korean food I have ever had. Get the dumplings and kimchi fried rice it is INCREDIBLE.
VanLeeuwenIceCream.com
FluffiesHotChicken.com
Fluffies Hot Chicken
Get the half-fries and half-mac and cheese box with the chicken on top to take home or back to your hotel because there is no way you are comfortable walking around NYC after eating that.
Doordash
I'm not sure if this was a limited-time posting when I visited Greenwich Village in 2021 or an actual street, but I thought it was interesting.
Where To Stay
One King Bed Deluxe Guestroom - Hyatt.com
I recommend staying at the Hyatt Grand Central New York. The prices are reasonable, the rooms are clean, and there is an entrance/exit to Grand Central Terminal within the hotel. In Grand Central, you can take the LIRR, 4, 5, 6, and S trains.
Additionally, the security is quite good as well. They will not allow you inside the hotel without showing your hotel card to verify that you have a room there, but be careful when walking around the block the hotel is located on. It can get pretty sketchy, so I recommend using the entrance and exit at Grand Central, but be aware of when they close because Grand Central Terminal is not open 24/7.
My Favorite Public Bathrooms
Barnes and Noble Union Square: 33 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003
The last time I went in April 2025, I did not purchase anything and was able to join the line for the Women’s room, but the Men’s room required a code, and a worker was unlocking it for people to use so keep in mind you may or may not have to purchase something to use the rest room. But it was clean.
Grand Central Terminal
I highly recommend using the bathrooms in the new concourse where the LIRR trains are because those bathrooms are gorgeous and very clean. But all of the other bathrooms are clean as well.
Penn Station & Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station
Penn Station bathrooms are very clean, but Penn Station can be a sketchy area, so you have been warned. Across the street at the Moynihan Train Hall, the bathrooms are beautiful and clean as well.
Hudson Yards
Big, beautiful, clean bathrooms are located throughout the shopping mall, but if you are short like me, they have the coat hanger up so high in the stalls it is difficult to reach into your bag for anything you may need ( pads, tampons, etc.,) while you are in the stall.
Any Starbucks
There are over 200 Starbucks on the island of Manhattan, so you are bound to run into one while searching for a bathroom. I always purchase something because I am unsure of their policies with their bathrooms, so I buy the cheapest thing on the menu.
Avoid Whole Foods
From my experience, they are small and never clean.
Check The Weather & Stay Hydrated
Both times I attended NYC Pride, it was hot as hell, and I didn’t stay hydrated, so if you don’t remember anything from this post, remember to drink water and eat food!
Assume it is going to be atrociously hot with a UV index of 10, but also prepare for it to be a torrential downpour all day.
Either can happen tbh.
Bring some snacks and an insulated reusable water bottle. Make sure it's insulated because you'll be craving cold water if it’s hot. And try to buy one that's more than 16 oz so you won’t drink it all in an hour, like I did.
Other Stuff To Pack & recommendations
These are my two favorite chargers: the Anker 10,000 mAh Battery Pack and the Anker 26,800 mAh Battery Pack
Typically, I only travel with the 10,00 mAh as it is slimmer and lighter, but if I know I am going to be using my phone or other devices more than usual, I will pack the heavier 26,800 mAh battery as it can charge my phone 6 to 7 times.
Deodorant
I don’t need to explain this one.
I pack these Coconut Milk and Essential Oil Underarm Deodorant Wipes along with deodorant. I like to use them before reapplying deodorant.
I always use this bag when traveling to events like this. It is small, yet spacious but if you are looking for something even more compact, consider the Pacsafe Venturesafe X Anti Theft Sling Bag
To store anything you cannot get wet if it rains. It works very well, and I found this out when I went to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and it poured, but my Kindle was unharmed.
Portable Fan
Rest!!
The NYC Pride is an exciting and fun day, but it is also very long and tiring. Make sure to take breaks and listen to your body. If it needs food, water, or rest, give up your perfect spot and get what you need.
If you're hungry, consider visiting one of the restaurants I recommend. If you start to overheat, sit in the shade or go into a store and walk around in the air conditioning to cool off. If you are thirsty, DRINK WATER.
Please don’t overdo it because you’ll regret it and won’t have a fun time, and I will be disappointed in you.
Hi! I’m Andrea, the creator of Cinematic Excursions.
I am a video editor, photographer, travel and events vlogger, and blogger who likes to write movie analyses and yap about fandom. I also have a useless film degree.
I have been creating videos since 2018. In 2023, I started Cinematic Excursions to share my unfiltered experiences traveling, cruising, going on excursions, and using city cards that are supposed to save money.
I also use my platform to document my experience attending events like New York Comic-Con, MCM Comic-Con London, and the Food Network New York City Wine and Food Festival, advising others and covering news from these events.