Best Places To Visit In The Bronx
Like the other boroughs, the Bronx is a mosaic of unique types of people who hail from different cultural backgrounds. Today, the borough is celebrated for its vibrant neighborhoods, historical landmarks, and other exciting sights and sounds it offers to curious New Yorkers. Interested in visiting the "new" Bronx, but don't know where to start? We have you covered.
The New York Botanical Garden
Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
More: Best Day Trips From Grand Central Station
Stop and smell the roses. Since 1891, the Botanical Garden has offered millions an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. The expansive gardens contain beautiful sights, like green lush forests, vibrant gardens and a rushing waterfall. From Grand Central Terminal, ride the Metro-North for an easy 20-minute escape to the Bronx's own lush paradise.
The Lillian and Amy Goldman Stone Mill
Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
A landmark within a landmark, the Lillian and Amy Goldman Stone Mill, a tobacco building during the 18th century, now functions as a catering facility and building for staff members of the New York Botanical Gardens. The mill has a long and unique history, having been founded in 1760 by Pierre Abraham Lorillard, a soldier who died during the Revolutionary War. Today, garden goers can admire the old historic stone mill as they explore all the beautiful sights the garden has to offer.
Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
Guide: NYC's Best Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Garden keep on giving. Inspired by the magnificent conservatory located in the U.K.'s Kew Gardens, the Enid A Haupt conservatory was constructed on the grounds of the New York Botanical Garden in 1902. Renamed after philanthropist and publisher, Enid A. Haupt, the greenhouse was restored in the 1970s, after Haupt donated millions of dollars towards its reconstruction. Today, the conservatory houses an array of exotic plants that come from every corner of the globe.
Yankee Stadium
Where: 1 E 161st St, Bronx, NY 10451
Although the new stadium isn't considered an historic landmark, it has elements of the original ballpark that hosted a series of historic and celebrated events. Open to the public since 2009, the ballpark contains a museum featuring monuments and retired numbers of former famed Yankee players like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. The famed stadium's museum also features a ball wall that contains hundreds of baseballs signed by Yankee players.
Bronx Zoo
Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460
Guide: NYC's Zoos And Aquariums
Not only is the Bronx home to the Botanical Gardens, it's also home to the Bronx Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the world. Since 1899, millions of visitors have flocked to the Bronx to catch a glimpse of exotic animals from every corner of the world. Known for housing unique and endangered species, the Bronx zoo is the perfect spot to catch up on some much-needed knowledge about animals.
Rockefeller Fountain
Where: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx Park, Bronx, New York, 10460
While the animals at the Bronx Zoo are a sight to see, so is the beautiful fountain that stands atop the zoo's grounds. Originating from Como, Italy, the fountain was purchased by William Rockefeller, a well-known 19th century business tycoon, in 1902. Zoo goers have admired the fountain since 1903, the year it was placed on the north end of the zoo.
Zoo Center
Where: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx Park, Bronx, New York, 10460
A free exhibit housed in an older section of the parks' grounds, the Zoo Center has continued to entertain zoo goers with its variety of species since 1908. Available year-round, visitors have the option to view the Komodo Dragon, a large predatory lizard, the majestic Southern White Rhino, unique reptiles and other interesting species. Before exploring the animals housed in the building, take a moment to admire its stunning exterior inspired by Beaux Arts Style.
Fordham University Church
Where: 441 E Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458
Located on the grounds of Fordham University, a Jesuit institution, this stunning 19th century church looks as if it belongs in the pages of a Gothic novel. Built in 1845, rumor has it that celebrated American poet and Bronx native, Edgar Allen Poe, was inspired by the grand church to write his poem "The Bells." Today, students, staff and visitors continue to admire the church's breathtaking interior and celebrated gothic-style architecture.
Edgar Allan Poe Cottage
Where: 2640 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10458
More: NYC's Best Historical Sites
At the heart of the bustling Bronx stands a small, quaint cottage that belonged to the famed American poet, Edgar Allan Poe, during the 18th century. The humble space was a source of great inspiration and despair for the talented writer. It is believed that Poe penned some of his most celebrated works during his years at the cottage. For five dollars, curious fans of Poe can explore the home that produced great misery and happiness for the writer.
Valentine-Varian House
Where: 3266 Bainbridge Ave, Bronx, NY 10467
The Valentine-Varian House opens its doors to Bronx dwellers interested in learning more about the borough's complex history. Upon your first step into the 18th century home, you'll instantly transport back to the Revolutionary War.
Robert Colgate House
Where: 5225 Sycamore Ave., Bronx, New York
This old Bronx mansion was purchased by the son of William Colgate, a soap manufacturer behind the major company, Colgate-Palmolive. Located in Hudson Hill, the younger Colgate's 19th century home is surrounded by homes owned by notable individuals like former mayor, Fiorello La Guardia. Best of all, the Hudson Hill area also contains the historical Wave Hill Mansion and Wave Hill garden, a beautiful garden accessible to the general public for eight dollars.
Van Cortlandt House Museum
Where: 6036 Broadway, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, NY 10471
More: Historic Military Sites In NYC
Walk across the same halls that felt the presence of our nation's most notable and celebrated figure, George Washington. Like the Valentine-Varian house, the Van Cortlandt House was also used for war efforts during the Revolutionary War. Today, the 18th century landmark functions as a museum, allowing young students and adults to experience the Bronx during the American Revolution. Open six days a week, the house is open to the general public for just five dollars.
