The Bronx’s beloved cultural spaces are not only rooted deeply in the borough’s communities but are a direct reflection of the people who live and work there today. Visiting the borough’s attractions, from major institutions to community-run centers and neighborhood restaurants, might take some coordination as many aren’t places you’d stumble into as a first-time visitor. This roundup reflects how our team experiences the borough day to day: returning for exhibitions, exploring local programs and enjoying dining experiences that reflect the Bronx’s immigrant neighborhoods.
Bronx Documentary Center. Photo: Rafael Acata
Bronx Documentary Center
614 Courtlandt Ave., Melrose
What it is: The
Why I love it: I was part of the BDC Films Fellowship, which provided a year’s worth of professional development, mentorship and training for underrepresented filmmakers. I loved it. The BDC feels like home, a space that’s welcoming to immigrants, neighbors and anyone who walks in.
Besides classes, workshops, exhibitions, screenings and events, they have programs like the BDC Youth Photo League, a free photography and college-prep offering for middle and high school students. They also have a BDC Senior Photo League, which helps older adults stay active in their local community. BDC exhibits a wide range of photography throughout the year; my favorite is the Latin American Foto Festival, which takes place for a few weeks each summer. They also host film screenings and artist talks, making it easy to meet and connect with photographers and filmmakers.
The space and the staff hold a special place in my heart, and anyone interested in BDC should read their mission statement
What's nearby:
When to go: Check the website for classes, exhibitions, screenings and
The Bronx Museum. Photo: Gabby Jones
The Bronx Museum
1040 Grand Concourse, South Bronx
What it is: The borough’s
Why I love it: Among contemporary arts spaces, the Bronx Museum is one of NYC's lesser-known gems but no less worthy of the attention. With an impressive permanent collection—which includes works by Ana Mendieta, Kara Walker, Martin Wong and Nikki S. Lee—as well as fascinating rotating exhibitions and workshops, it's a must for anyone who loves culture when visiting the South Bronx. Also, did we mention that it’s permanently free?
What's nearby: Plenty of local favorites along the historic
When to go: Check
Courtesy, Çka Ka Qëllu
Çka Ka Qëllu
2321 Hughes Ave., Belmont
What it is: Belmont’s Arthur Avenue may be the City’s other Little Italy, but this area of the Bronx is also home to a large population of Albanian immigrants, many of whom work at the Italian bakeries and salumerias on the main strip.
Why I love it: It’s so cozy, especially when it’s freezing out. The lighting is warm and low, the walls and ceilings are made of wood and exposed brick, and all the old tools, photos and heritage artifacts on display add to the feeling of being in someone’s home. The brick oven at the entrance enhances the warm, welcoming ambiance and is where they fire the tava, the clay pots in which the more traditional menu offerings are prepared. For something specific to the region, get one of the tava dishes. I loved the fasulë (white bean stew), the tava kosi (lamb with yogurt) and the mantia (dumplings), which I had with even more yogurt sauce.
What's nearby: Depending on what time you go, you can literally cut through the
When to go: It’s not too crowded over the weekends, and pretty quiet during the weekdays. —Emma Diab
Sankofa Haus. Photo: Kyle Deitz
Sankofa Haus
2422 Third Ave., Mott Haven
What it is:
Why I love it: The spacious, chic design with three distinct rooms, floor-to-ceiling projection mapping capabilities and top-tier sound system make it a great place for so many types of (mostly private) events. I’ve been here for a networking mixer, a music showcase, a fireside chat with then NYC mayoral candidate (now mayor) Zohran Mamdani and a birthday party. They also host yoga and sound-healing events, tech conversations and much more.
What’s nearby: South Bronx is the birthplace of
When to go: Follow their
Van Cortlandt Park. Photo: Ahmed Gaber
Van Cortlandt Park . . . and Lloyd’s Carrot Cake
Between Broadway, Van Cortland Park South, Mosholu Parkway and Henry Hudson Parkway; 6087 Broadway (Lloyd’s)
What it is: This
Why I love it: There’s a lot of natural splendor at hand, but it’s also great to take part in or be a spectator of one of the sporting events. Another thing: I always thought I hated carrot cake until going to
What’s nearby: Not too far from the southwest corner of the park,
When to go: It depends on what you like to see or do, but spring through fall is a good bet. —Andrew Rosenberg
