What to Do in the Bronx in One Day
Published 06/15/2021
The City’s northernmost borough is a must-visit. A short subway ride from Midtown Manhattan, you’ll find some of the best Latin, Italian and soul food in New York City, as well as a growing network of contemporary galleries and public art spaces. There’s history here, too: the birthplace of hip-hop, homes of famous authors, an unparalleled collection of art deco architecture and the most successful franchise in all of sports. Use our guide to get a feel for the borough’s storied past and exciting present.
1
New York Botanical Garden
1
2900 Southern Blvd.
This is America’s largest botanical garden, home to more than 1 million plants. Wander along the Seasonal Walk—lined with blooming perennials—or explore the Victorian-style conservatory, which is home to collections of cacti and aquatic and carnivorous plants. Special events throughout the year include art installations, a holiday train show and an orchid display.
2
Edgar Allan Poe Cottage
2
2640 Grand Concourse
[Note: Poe Cottage tours are currently on hold.] Amidst the high-rises of the Grand Concourse stands this modest farmhouse, in which Poe lived from 1846 until his death in 1849 (his wife, Virginia, died there in 1847). Within the cottage, now restored to its appearance at the time of Poe’s occupancy, the author penned notable works including “Annabel Lee,” “Eureka” and “The Bells,” which may have been inspired by the nearby tolling of Fordham University Church’s bell tower. The small surrounding park is a nice place for a rest and is the site of events held by the visitor center.
3
Zero Otto Nove
3
2357 Arthur Ave.
A lunchtime foray into the Bronx’s Little Italy is essential. Zero Otto Nove, on Arthur Avenue, the neighborhood’s main drag, serves up dishes worthy of chef Roberto Paciullo’s native Salerno. Fresh pasta and antipasto pepper the taverna’s menu, but the wood-fired pizzas are the stars.
4
Arthur Avenue Retail Market
4
2344 Arthur Ave
Save room for more Italian bites at this epic indoor food hall. Open since 1940 in the heart of Belmont, Arthur Avenue Retail Market is home to vendors of all kinds—including the famed Mike’s Deli and the Bronx Beer Hall—while cannoli experts Madonia Brothers Bakery are next door, a perfect pit stop for a post-lunch dessert.
5
Yankee Stadium
5
1 E. 161st St.
Right by the 161st Street stop on the B or D trains is the home of the Bronx’s own 27-time World Series Champions as well as Major League Soccer team NYCFC. The House That Ruth Built is one of the most famous stadiums anywhere, and features monuments to its baseball greats behind centerfield.
6
Joyce Kilmer Park
6
Grand Concourse bet. E. 161st and E. 164 Sts.
Named for the author of the 1913 poem “Trees,” Joyce Kilmer Park is an attractive pocket of green space tucked between Yankee Stadium and Grand Concourse. Explore the park’s south side to see its other literary connection, the Heinrich Heine Memorial Fountain (aka Lorelei Fountain), which depicts a mythical maiden—the subject of Heine’s poem “Die Lorelei.”
7
Grand Concourse
7
558 Grand Concourse
Since its debut in 1909, the Bronx’s central thoroughfare has seen change— but it remains New York City’s version of the Champs-Élysées, lined with a grand collection of historic buildings. Stroll between 167th and 145th Streets to see architectural highlights like the palatial Andrew Freedman Home, the art deco apartment house nicknamed the Fish Building, and Bronx Central Post Office, which has managed to preserve its 1930s Ben Shahn murals while being redeveloped to include retail and office space.
8
Bronx Documentary Center
8
614 Courtlandt Ave
A short walk away, you’ll find this art space, tucked within a refurbished landmark building in the Melrose neighborhood. The center hosts lectures, multimedia exhibtions and workshops for documentarians, plus documentary screenings including an annual women’s film series.
9
Xochomilco Family Restaurant
9
653 Melrose Ave.
This mom-and-pop Mexican eatery will provide a satisfying meal whenever you happen to visit. Try the fried tacos dorados, carnitas tacos or mole poblano—and look to the specials board for additional flavorful, house-made renditions of Latin American favorites.