Things to Do in the Bronx for Tourists

By Casey Makovich

When planning a trip to New York City, you probably envision popular attractions in Manhattan. Times Square, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty draw millions of people to the Big Apple each year, but there's a ton of things to do in the Bronx for tourists worth considering for your sightseeing itinerary, too. Look north of Manhattan to the Bronx where you'll discover fantastic museums, delicious restaurants, unique cultural experiences and lots of green space. Here are a few of our favorites, including:

  • The Bronx Zoo
  • Yankee Stadium
  • New York Botanical Garden
  • City Island
  • Little Italy
  • Woodlawn Cemetery
  • Wave Hill
  • Pelham Bay Park
  • Bronx Museum of the Arts
  • Van Cortlandt Park

Free Entry with The New York Pass®

Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions.

New York Botanical Garden

Hailed as one of New York's crowning glories, the New York Botanical Garden is a feast for the senses. With more than a million tropical, temperate and desert flora houses on 250 acres, the New York Botanical Garden is among the world’s largest plant research and conservation programs. The garden is opened to visitors year round. Getting in: New York Botanical Garden tickets are included on The New York Pass.

The Bronx Zoo

Did you know the Bronx Zoo is the largest urban zoo in the country? With more than 5,000 animals housed on 265 acres, it's easy to spend the day here. The grizzly bears and Congo gorillas are fan favorites, but the Wild Asia Monorail and Treetop Adventure and Nature Trek are quite popular experiences, too. Getting in: The Bronx Zoo tickets are separately ticketed and available for purchase upon arrival.

City Island

A one-and-a-half-mile island that's reminiscent of a quaint New England fishing village, City Island is definitely worth a visit. Tons of seafood restaurants are packed onto the island. Grab some fried clams and enjoy your meal while looking at Long Island Sound. and get a better understanding of New York's maritime history by stopping in the City Island Historical Society and Nautical Museum. Getting in: City Island is free and open to the public.

Woodlawn Cemetery

Woodlawn Cemetery is the final resting place of hundreds of notable people from all walks of life. Author Herman Melville, cartoonist Thomas Nast, suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton, jazz musician Miles Davis and George E. Haynes, co-founder of the Urban League, are all buried here. The cemetery is open to the public, and also boasts an arboretum featuring 140 unique species of trees, including 11 that measure more than five feet in diameter. Getting in: Woodlawn cemetery is free and open to the public.

Yankee Stadium

The current Yankee Stadium opened in 2009, replacing the storied "house that Ruth built." An Indiana limestone exterior and gate-like frieze along the top pay homage to the original stadium, but interior improvements make watching a game much more comfortable. Tours are offered daily, and there's a museum on site with baseballs autographed by every living Yankees player. Getting in: Yankee Stadium Tour tickets are included on The New York Pass – all games and other events are separately ticketed.

Little Italy

Mulberry Street in Manhattan may draw most tourists, but Arthur Avenue in the Bronx is where New Yorkers go when they want authentic Italian food. Specialty shops, restaurants, fish markets and bakeries draw people from all boroughs of New York to the Bronx's Little Italy. If you want to delve deeper into the area's history, a guided tour will help you discover the pivotal role Little Italy played in the development of the Bronx. Getting in: Bronx's Little Italy & Arthur Avenue Walking Tour tickets are included on The New York Pass.

Bronx Museum of the Arts

One of the youngest museums in the city, the Bronx Museum of the Arts spotlights contemporary American artists, specifically those of African, Asian or Latino ancestry. Many exhibits address current social or political issues. If you can't devote an entire day to the museum, stop by the Bronx Museum Community Mural at Bronx Terminal Market. Getting in: Bronx Museum of the Arts tickets are FREE available upon arrival.

Van Cortlandt Park

If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, Van Cortlandt Park offers a welcomed respite. With more than 1,000 acres of green space, you'll find the perfect place for a cross-country run, a picnic or a stroll around a freshwater lake. The Van Cortlandt House Museum is the oldest standing structure in the Bronx and features exhibits about the family that lived in the home in the 18th and 19th centuries. Getting in: the Van Cortlandt Park is free and open to the public - admission fees for self-guided tours of the Van Cortlandt House Museum are available for purchase upon arrival.

Pelham Bay Park

Three times larger than Central Park, Pelham Bay Park is the largest public park in NYC and offers 13 miles of shoreline, a golf course, and a museum. At 2,766 acres, the park takes hours to fully explore. Stop by Orchard Beach, the Bronx's only public beach, launch a canoe in the park's lagoon, take a horseback riding excursion or visit the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum for a look at a beautiful Greek Revival dwelling. Getting in: Pelham Bay Park is free and open to the public. Activities and events may require purchase of admission separately.

Wave Hill Public Garden and Cultural Center

Wave Hill is comprised of an elegant, 19th-century mansion surrounded by lush gardens featuring shaded pergolas, wildflowers and a view of the Hudson River and Palisades. Cultural and educational programming is also offered throughout the year. Don't get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and overlook the city's northernmost borough. Visitors to the Bronx are always impressed with the number of unique things to see and do here. From parks to museums to ethnic restaurants, the Bronx has something for everyone! Getting in: Wave Hill Public Garden and Cultural Center tickets are available for purchase upon arrival. (The park offers free admission occasionally on Saturdays, check their website in advance.)

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

Some of the fun things to do in the Bronx for tourists mentioned in the article above are included on The New York Pass. Whether you’re interested in going on a guided tour, seeing where the Yankees play, or seeing what's in bloom at the famous botanical gardens, planning things to do in the Bronx for tourists is easy with The New York Pass. If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, consider using the New York Pass which grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York City. That way you can do more when you sightsee and make the most of your time in New York City. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.

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Attraction of The Week: South Bronx Tour

[caption id="attachment_1311" align="aligncenter" width="977"] South Bronx | @Curbed[/caption] South Bronx Renaissance Tour The South Bronx has long been known as a cultural centerpiece in New York and the diverse community within the borough shows that this won't change any time soon. Generations in the Bronx have seen the birth of Hip Hop, legendary Yankees teams, economic growth as well as the decline and rebirth of their neighborhoods. People on the outside looking in may view the Bronx as a historic borough within New York, but the outsider's point of view can be very different from that of someone walking and living within the area. Thanks to Inside Out Tours, there is an official tour of the South Bronx that gives us insight to not only the attractions within the Bronx but also the story that depicts the rise, fall and rebuild of the borough. The guides on the tour will also speak on what role the community has played in revitalizing the South Bronx. Highlights Some of the highlights from the South Bronx Renaissance Tour include the Bronx Museum of Art, Bronx Walk of Fame and of course the Yankee Stadium. Along the 3 hour tour, you'll be passing through Concourse and seeing the creative art deco and graffiti put on display by some of New York's talented young artists. A tour guide will be in charge of the group and will be providing explanations of the artistic scenery and historic venues that you will be passing on the tour. [caption id="attachment_1314" align="aligncenter" width="828"] Bronx Museum of Art | @arquitectonicaintl[/caption] - The Bronx Museum of Art showcases 20th century contemporary pieces and boasts a collection of over 800 pieces. Throughout the year, the museum holds exhibitions that incorporate foreign artists and collaborators. Since being founded in 1971, the Bronx Museum has worked to make art more accessible to those in the area. - On the Bronx Walk of Fame, you'll see the names of famous South Bronx residents that have been immortalized for their contributions to the community. The borough holds an annual celebration called Bronx Week in which they induct a new group of residents to inhabit the Walk of Fame. Some of the notable names along the Walk of Fame include Colin Powell (U.S. Secretary of State ), Joy Bryant (Actress) and Regis Philbin (TV Host). - We're all aware what occurs at the Yankee Stadium... But for those who don't follow Baseball, the Yankee Stadium is where the iconic MLB, team the New York Yankees play. People in New York (not just the Bronx) take great pride in the Yankees and their 27 world series championships. [caption id="attachment_1313" align="aligncenter" width="991"] Yankee Stadium | @mlb[/caption] Getting There If you're interested in taking the South Bronx Renaissance Tour, there are groups that up meet on Thursdays and Fridays at 10am in front of Grand Central Station (near the Park ave and East 42nd street intersection). The tour also conveniently offers Spanish tour guides on Fridays. Prior to meeting for departure, please make sure that you have purchased a Metro Card for the Subway as the group will be taking the train from Grand Central. For more information on the South Bronx Renaissance tour, you can visit our attraction page and reserve your spot!
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Harlem
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9 things to do in Harlem

We love Harlem. It's definitely one of New York's most vibrant neighborhoods. But what makes it so great? We're glad you asked! It’s historically been home to a large percentage of New York’s African-American community, whose heritage and culture are still abundantly celebrated here. It's also home to some of the best music spots in town, plenty of restaurants to feed the soul and a smattering of historical spots that are definitely worth checking out. Wondering where to hit first? Take a look at our top picks for things to do in Harlem. Take a tour of the neighborhood What better way to get acquainted with Harlem than by taking a guided tour? You’ll gain local insight from your guide and learn things you would definitely never have discovered on your own. Harlem Walking Tour’s Cultural Heritage Tour takes in many of Harlem's historic attractions, including legendary jazz clubs, historic mansions and sites from the Revolutionary War. Or, if you’d rather explore on two wheels, Unlimited Biking’s Harlem Highlights Tour will take you on a journey (both figuratively and literally) of Harlem's historical and cultural hotspots, giving you an understanding of how New York’s various economic booms and busts have shaped the neighborhood. And what’s more, both tours can be found on the New York Pass®. Visit a jazz club Although New Orleans has the claim to fame of being the birthplace of jazz, Harlem is certainly where many of the genre’s most famous musicians made a name for themselves. It is also known as the birthplace of bebop – the improvisational musical style known for its chord and key changes. You can see where it all began at Minton’s Playhouse, once a playground for the scene’s biggest acts. Catch a show there whilst enjoying dinner and a drink. Another good option is Bill’s Place, a venue that dates back to Prohibition-era, where you can catch live jazz on Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and 10PM. If you’re not a jazz aficionado and don’t know where to start when choosing a show (or you are and just want to see another great performance), you can use your New York Pass to attend the Harlem Jazz Series. Every Tuesday afternoon and Friday evening, you’ll be able to watch some of today's most talented jazz musicians. The show is artistically directed by Craig Harris, a trombonist, composer, and longtime Harlem resident who has been part of the Harlem jazz scene since 1976. So you know you’re in for a treat. Apollo Theater Sticking with the theme of jazz, be sure to make a stop at one of the area’s most cherished buildings, the Apollo Theater. This old vaudeville theater is famous for its legendary Amateur Nights, which began in 1934. The likes of James Brown and Ella Fitzgerald launched their careers here and you can still attend on Wednesday evenings to check out new talent Experience a gospel choir Although Harlem’s music scene is synonymous with jazz, it’s also famed for its gospel choirs and highly spirited church services. A visit to one of these joyous services will have even the most ardent atheist tapping their toes. Inside Out Tours offer a Harlem Gospel Tour, which will give you an understanding of the cultural roots of gospel music and its importance in the Christian community in Harlem today. You’ll visit the famous Abyssinian Baptist Church and the tour will end with a performance from a local choir Museo del barrio Harlem’s diverse Latinx community is celebrated at the Museo del Barrio. It hosts a collection of art showcasing predominantly Puerto Rican artists from its founding community. Over the years, the collection has grown to also include over 6,500 works by Caribbean and Latin-American artists. Studio Museum of Harlem The Studio Museum of Harlem was the first black fine-arts museum in the country and is central to the thriving artistic community in Harlem today. Here, you can view works of African Americans, members of the African diaspora and artists from the African continent, plus you can check out a variety of temporary exhibitions. The museum is also the home of an archive of works by James Van Der Zee, the famous Harlem Renaissance photographer. Hamilton Grange We’re going to hazard a guess and say that your trip to New York may include tickets to see Hamilton. We’re right, right? Once you’ve seen the musical, you can head to Hamilton Grange, the preserved home of Alexander Hamilton himself. Here, you can explore an exhibit that covers some of the major events in Alexander Hamilton's life and you can take a guided tour of some of the historically furnished rooms. Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market This colorful market will transport you to the bazaars of West Africa, with an array of stalls selling a variety of African textiles, cosmetics, foods, sculptures and clothing. It’s a good spot to pick up some unique souvenirs and get a feel for the West African community that thrives in Harlem. Try some soul food There’s nowhere better to get your fill of soul food than in Harlem. The best spot has to be Sylvia’s, which has been serving up Southern comfort stables since 1962. Another popular choice is Charles’ Country Pan Fried Chicken, the no-frills, buffet-style eatery, specializing in old-school skillet-fried chicken. Ready to explore Harlem? Get some of the best tours as part of the The New York Pass®. You’ll also be able to visit attractions all over New York for one low price.
Kirsten McCroskrie
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MoMA Opening Anniversary

[caption id="attachment_1293" align="aligncenter" width="390"] Museum of Modern Art | MoMA[/caption] MoMA Widely regarded as one of the great art museums that the world has to offer, the Museum of Modern Art is a treasure in New York City. On May 10th of 1939, the museum opened the doors to its new permanent home at 11W 53rd Street. Prior to this, the museum had been renting space from the Heckscher building which is now The Crown Building located at 730 5th avenue. The move was very necessary for the MoMA as they continued to grow and collect more pieces of modern and contemporary art. However there were still plans of improvements and additions to be made to the museum. Additions In 2006, the Japanese architect and designer Yoshio Taniguchi put together a design that would add 630,000 square feet to the MoMA’s building. This gives the museum a very spacious feel, allowing you to enjoy each piece as you walk from one exhibit to the next. The extra space in the museum also comes in handy for one of the most popular museums in the world being that they receive so many visitors throughout the year. In 2015 the Museum of Modern Art welcomed north of 3 million guests who stopped by to admire their collection. [caption id="attachment_1295" align="alignleft" width="500"] Museum of Modern Art | @themuseumofmodernart[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1296" align="alignright" width="500"] Museum of Modern Art | @themuseumofmodernart[/caption] Collection Over the decades, the MoMA has been able to put together quite an impressive collection of pieces that they have displayed within the museum. Their library consists of over 15,000 paintings now. Some of the notable artists that have been showcased in the MoMA's collection include Frida Kahlo, Roy Lichtenstein and of course Pablo Picasso. Throughout the year, visitors are welcome to view the changing exhibits at the MoMA. The museum's hours are as follows: Sunday - Thursday (10am - 5pm) Friday (10:30am - 8pm) Something that New York Pass holders will really enjoy about visiting the MoMA is the Fast Track Entry. The museum offers a Fast Track line which is accessible with your NY Pass. You'll be able to avoid the long general admission line and join a shorter line for entrance. That way, you can get right to enjoying the museum. If you're interested in visiting the Museum of Modern Art, visit our webpage for more information.
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