The Bronx, NY Road Trips

The Bronx, often abbreviated as BX, and nicknamed "The Boogie Down", with a population of 1,472,654 (2020), is the only New York City borough on the mainland of the United States. It was originally part of Westchester County but was gradually annexed by New York City. The Bronx was completely incorporated into New York City in 1898. The Bronx is the only borough with “the” as part of its name. This is because in the early 1600s, a Dutch settler, Jonas Bronck, bought the land from the Native Americans who occupied the territory at the time. Whenever other land owners in the area wanted to travel to that area, they would call it “The Bronck’s Land.” At first, he planned to use the land to grow tobacco crops, but it was too hilly and had marshy terrain. In time, the Bronx changed the spelling of its name, and flourished into an area with a vibrant and diverse culture. The Bronx has a strong character all its own. It is the birthplace of hip hop music and home to one of the country's most storied professional baseball teams, the New York Yankees, also known as the "Bronx Bombers." Many ethnic groups have called the Bronx home over the years. Arthur Avenue is still a center of Italian American culture in New York, and many claim it has a more authentic feel than Manhattan's Little Italy. The South Bronx is a center of Puerto Rican culture and life, with a growing Mexican community as well. University Heights and Morris Heights are largely Dominican neighborhoods, while Woodlawn maintains a large population of Irish immigrants.

1 Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd (can be easily accessed from the 2 & 5 trains at West Farms Square/E Tremont Av, E 180th St, or Pelham Pkwy-White Plains Rd), ☏ +1 718 367-1010. A world-class zoo featuring over 6000 animals. As with any big city, there are occasional break-ins, so be careful with your car and stow or carry valuables with you to help avoid this possibility. Starting at: $28 adult, $26 senior 65 and over, $20 child from 3 to 12, free for under 3. (updated Jul 2020) 2 New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), 2900 Southern Blvd (can be accessed by the 2 & 5 trains at West Farms Square, E 180th St, or Pelham Pkwy-White Plains Rd or by Metro-North at the Botanical Gardens station), ☏ +1 718 817-8700. Tu-Su 10AM-6PM. 48 magnificent gardens and plant collections on a 250-acre historic site. $35/adult, $31/student/senior, $15/child, children under 2 free. (updated May 2025) 3 Wave Hill, 675 W 252nd St, ☏ +1 718 549-3200. Public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River. 4 Orchard Beach. "The Bronx Riviera". 1.1 mi (1.7 km) of artificial beach created in the 1930s. Located in Pelham Bay Park at the western end of Long Island Sound. The Bx5 and Bx12 serve it during the summer. 5 Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, Poe Park, Grand Concourse at Kingsbridge Road (served by the B & D trains at Kingsbridge Road), ☏ +1 718 881-8900. Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1-5PM. The small wooden farmhouse, built about 1812, once offered unobstructed views of the rolling Bronx hills, perhaps even to the shores of Long Island.

1 Yankee Stadium, 161st St and River Ave (Subway: B D & 4 at 161st Street-Yankee Stadium. Metro-North: 153rd Street-Yankee Stadium). Home of the New York Yankees baseball and New York City FC soccer team. The old Yankee Stadium, "The House That Ruth Built", is no longer in use, and has been replaced by the new Yankee Stadium across the street. The site of the old stadium is now Heritage Park, a large baseball and softball field that has a few nods to the old ballpark, like markers in the sidewalk paying tribute to the history of the old stadium and a section of the frieze from the old park. The current stadium has strict security policies, and as such backpacks and camcorders are not allowed inside (only bags under 14" permitted). Monument Park behind center field pays homage to the great, Yankee legends of baseball; it officially closes 45 minutes before game time, but is oftentimes closed sooner if the crowds are large enough. If visiting Monument Park is a priority, best bet is to arrive close to when the gates open. Game tickets are expensive (many go for over $100) and should be bought far in advance. Stadium tours are also available for $20. Riverdale Equestrian Centre, ☏ +1 914 633-0303. Offers guided horseback rides through Central Park, but you must already be at an advanced riding level. (updated Sep 2024) The Bronx has many exciting events and celebrations that occur throughout the year. Sunday Market, 660 W 237th St. Early Aug-Nov: Su 9AM-2PM. This is a great place for gathering and shopping for the best quality and fresh grown products in the area.

1 The Rambling House, 4292 Katonah Ave ( 4 to Woodlawn for Bx34 bus), ☏ +1-718-798-4510. 11AM–4AM daily. Serving the best Irish food in the Bronx. (updated Apr 2021) Great Italian food can be found near Arthur Avenue. Another fantastic hot spot for Italian food is a small neighborhood called Morris Park. The food is all authentic and reasonably priced. 2 Artie's Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave ( 6 to Pelham Bay Park for Bx29 bus), ☏ +1-718-885-9885. Su–Th 11:30AM–9PM, F Sa 11:30–10PM. A good steak, seafood, and pasta place. Reasonable prices. Try the clam chowder. (updated Apr 2021) 3 Lollipops Ice Cream and Gelato, 4120 Baychester Ave (Wakefield/Baychester neighborhood), ☏ +1-718-994-8755. 9AM-10PM daily. Offers 36 flavors of fine gelato, many with Caribbean flavors. Free street parking and a parking lot next door. There's seating inside and out under a tiki umbrella. Very much an island feel. Extensive free tasting with guidance from the friendly staff to help you choose. $3 and up. 4 El Molcajete Mexican Restaurant, 1508 Westchester Ave ( 6 to Elder Avenue), ☏ +1-917-688-1433. 9AM–1:30AM daily. Good chorizo. Plenty of vegetarian options. (updated Feb 2018)

1 Starving Artist Cafe & Gallery, 249 City Island Ave, ☏ +1-718-885-3779, [email protected]. Local artists and crafters sell their unique work here, and musicians and bands play live music at nighttime. This coffeehouse makes excellent fresh cappuccino. 2 Bronx Alehouse, 216 W 238th St ( 1 to 238 St; or drive to 238 st between Broadway and Major Deegan Expy), ☏ +1 718-601-0204. 11 AM - Midnight. This craft beer pub serves all kinds of finger-licking pub food. If you're near the north-northwest corner of the Bronx this place is worth a visit. (updated Aug 2024)

1 Days Inn by Wyndham Bronx Near Stadium, 997 Brook Ave, ☏ +1-718-993-6600. 2 Ramada by Wyndham Bronx, 1000 Baychester Ave, ☏ +1-718-862-2000.

The Bronx is directly connected to Manhattan by the 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , B , and D subway lines. Further extensions of these (with the exception of the 1 and 6 ) can be found in Brooklyn. The Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven Lines of the Metro-North commuter railway, which originate in Grand Central Terminal, make various stops in the Bronx. Express buses run from Midtown Manhattan (except for the BxM18, which runs from lower Manhattan during rush hours) to various parts of the Bronx, and are a better bet than a taxi. Local MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) bus connections with Upper Manhattan and parts of Queens also exist. It is possible to drive across one of the many bridges from Manhattan or the three bridges from Queens, and points north are accessible via several highways (including I-87, Bronx River Parkway, Hutchinson River Parkway, and I-95. Taxis from Midtown or Lower Manhattan can be very expensive. Pedestrians can cross any of the bridges that connect Manhattan with the Bronx.

The Bronx has good subway coverage but all lines are mainly north to south, with the subway lines designed more for access to Manhattan than crosstown travel in the Bronx, and many of its bus lines are slow and overcrowded at times. Many people who need flexibility in getting across the Bronx drive; however, the notorious overcrowding on the Cross-Bronx Expressway sometimes reduces such crosstown travel to a standstill. Another option is Metro-North Railroad. It only serves limited sections of the Bronx, but those tend to be the areas without subway service. (There is the Hudson Line in the West Bronx, and the Harlem Line in the central section of the Bronx.) The fares are higher than the subway, and the trains don't run as frequently, but they offer less crowding. On the weekends, a "CityTicket", which allows a trip within the city boundaries, costs $5.00. In general, with sufficient planning and time, you can enjoy the borough through a combination of subway and bus travel and walking. A bus map can be found here. If you happen to be staying in or venturing to the southeast Bronx, consider taking a NYC Ferry to the Soundview (connections to buses Bx39 and Bx27) or Throgs Neck docks (free parking) for a more unique experience than riding the subway underground (you'll do plenty of that in NYC). Along this Soundview route (SV), you will get a unique view from the East River: Manhattan, Hell's Gate, Roosevelt Island, Queens, and Brooklyn. If the salt water views are making you thirsty, grab a drink at the ferry's snack bar. Stops include East 90th St., E.

During the 1970s and the 1980s, the Bronx experienced two of the toughest decades in American history, and was considered one of the most dangerous places in the USA. Now those days are far behind. The crime rate declined by 71% from 1993 to 2010 and New York City police and fire departments continue to protect the residents from criminal activity and fires. Make sure you have a destination in mind before heading out to explore the Bronx. Most of the neighborhoods in the Bronx are well-lit and safe and you can venture out to some of the best restaurants in New York City. You can decrease your chances of trouble by following these tips: Always remain in populated well-lit areas. Don't interact with anyone who appears mentally unstable or somewhat menacing. Don't leave important travel documents unsecured in hotel rooms. Only use ATMs at reputable banks. When using ATMs outside, be very aware of surroundings and quickly put away cash. Avoid using independent, non-bank ATMs found in delis or stores. During late nights, be wary of riding in empty subway cars, and select the car with a conductor present if possible. Avoid buying tickets from anyone on the streets, unless you really know what you're doing, as many are counterfeit.