Things to Do in the Bronx for Tourists

If you’re only in New York for a couple of days and want to get a speedy look at the four of the five boroughs - including The Bronx - then why not book a bus tour? Over the course of 7 hours, you’ll ride in comfort around New York’s famous boroughs, seeing all its snappable highlights, and giving you time enough to see some of the city up close afterwards.

Starting in Manhattan, you’ll then venture on to The Bronx, where you’ll get a closer look at some of its most recognisable landmarks, including Yankee Stadium. From there, your tour will take you to Queens, Brooklyn, and end on Coney Island’s famous pier. Throughout, your guide will feed you fun facts and interesting tidbits about each stop on the map, so if you’ve never visited the city before, it’s a great way to get an overview of what makes New York magical.  

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 plants spread across 250 acres, no matter which season you visit, you’ll find unique and photo-worthy flora. In spring, expect to see cherry blossoms in full bloom, and come October, find pumpkins primed for Halloween.

You could easily spend a couple of hours strolling the space, thanks to the unique biomes housed in its myriad greenhouses. The Haupt Conservatory is part rainforest, part desert, showcasing plantlife on opposite sides of the spectrum. Or, keep it national with the Native Plant Garden, which highlights some of North America’s weird and wonderful flora. Once you’ve done a few laps, relax at the on-site cafe for coffee and plant-themed bites. Then, if you’re looking for a cute souvenir, the gift shop’s got you covered. 

While baseball hasn’t had the same cultural impact outside of North America when compared to the likes of the NFL and basketball, it’s a sport many Americans pride over all others. And chances are that even someone with a passing interest in sport will have heard of the New York Yankees. So, whether you’re a fan or not, we’d highly recommend taking a tour of Yankee Stadium, found in the heart of The Bronx.

The tour will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the player and fan experience, including walking the dugout, a peek inside the clubhouse, and a stroll through Monument Park, where you’ll get up close and personal with the team’s silverware. Go on a gameday, and you can even pair your visit with a game.

Food and culture lovers alike should absolutely browse Arthur Avenue. Widely regarded as The Bronx’s answer to Little Italy, you’ll find a little world full of delicious food and Italian delights. Whether you fancy a sit-down meal or to pick up some fresh ingredients for later, Arthur Avenue is easily one of the best places to visit in The Bronx.

Hit up Roberto’s for the best pasta around (the pappardelle is a big favorite), Tino’s for top Italian slices, Madonia Bakery for their world-famous cannoli, and top it all off with a fresh loaf from Terranova. Then, with your belly full, browse the Retail Market for odds and ends that’ll make a great souvenir for loved ones back home. 

If you're after some critter action, or you've got little ones obsessed with the animal kingdom, the Bronx Zoo is well worth a visit. One of two New York zoos alongside the one in Central Park, the Bronx Zoo is home to over 6000 animals housed in their own unique habitats. From gorillas to giraffes, there is an animal for everyone within!

Hop aboard the Wild Asia Monorail to see rhinos, pandas, and the like. Zookeepers also double as teachers, with frequent feeding shows and talks - with an emphasis on the fun. Bronx Zoo is big on conservation - lessons that tiny minds will do well to take on board. And, with plenty of food and drink options, as well as the requisite gift shop, your little ones will be full of beans - and loaded up with souvenirs - before the day is done. 

Anyone with a passing interest in architecture or art history ought to take a trip to the Grand Concourse. This 5+ mile-long thoroughfare stretches through The Bronx, and is full of buildings designed around the Art Deco style popularised in the 1920’s and 30’s. New York’s answer to the Parisian Champs-Élysées, it’s one of New York’s most Instagrammable locations. 

Besides the old-school highrises, the jewel in the Grand Concourse’s crown is inarguably the near-monolithic Bronx County Courthouse. Can you even call yourself an amateur photographer if you somehow miss snapping this beauty? No, you cannot. You shall not. Anyway, while you’re there, fuel up on pub grub, cocktails, or craft beer at the Drafthouse.