The Bronx: A neighborhood worth visiting in New York
The Bronx is a New York neighborhood that deserves your attention! Leave your preconceptions behind and let us guide you. Here's everything you need to see.
What is the Bronx?
- The Bronx is one of New York City’s five boroughs, alongside Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. It occupies the northern part of New York, bordered by the East River to the east and the Hudson River to the west.
- The Bronx is home to just over 1.4 million people—roughly the same as Manhattan. Yet the borough’s character differs significantly. More than 53% of residents are of Latino origin, and 30% are African American.
- The Bronx has a reputation problem in some parts of the world, often unfairly associated with danger. Many neighborhoods in the Bronx are perfectly safe and welcoming to visitors. While some areas remain challenging, they lie well outside tourist routes. The key is knowing where to go—and that’s what this guide is for.
Neighborhoods in the Bronx
The borough divides into two main sections on either side of the Bronx River: East Bronx to the east and West Bronx to the west. It’s also split between north and south, with numerous smaller neighborhoods layered on top. Here are some key names to know:
- Concourse: This is where you’ll go to catch a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Concourse is also home to the Bronx Borough Hall.
- Belmont: A residential neighborhood with a strong Italian community. Arthur Avenue earned the nickname Little Italy. Don’t confuse it with Manhattan’s Little Italy.
- Morris Park: Lined with small family homes, this is a quiet, peaceful area. It also has a significant Italian community.
- Woodlawn: The Bronx’s Irish neighborhood, located at the borough’s northern edge. Head to Katonah Avenue and step into the local pubs.
What to See in the Bronx
- Yankee Stadium: A top reason to visit the Bronx. The New York Yankees play their home games here in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Book tickets in advance on the New York Yankees baseball game tickets page.
- Grand Concourse: This 8.4 km (5.2 mi) avenue is the Bronx’s main thoroughfare. It forms the heart of the borough. The southern section is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Between 149th Street and 161st Street, walk the Walk of Fame, which honors notable figures from the neighborhood.
- Bronx Museum of the Arts: Located on Grand Concourse, this is the borough’s leading museum. Its collection focuses on American artists from the 20th century to today.
- Hip Hop Museum: This museum is set to open by the end of 2024. It will be dedicated entirely to hip-hop culture, which was born in the Bronx in the 1970s.
- Little Italy in the Bronx: Explore the Bronx’s Italian neighborhood. It’s less touristy and far more charming than Little Italy in Manhattan. Order a “ristretto” at one of the cafés on Arthur Avenue.
- Bronx Zoo: Discover New York’s largest zoo. Open since 1899, it houses over 400 animals. Don’t miss the gorilla forest, tigers, and playful lemurs. Families love it.
- New York Botanical Garden: Add this to your itinerary if you love plants. The garden centers on the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a grand greenhouse inspired by the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and the Crystal Palace in London.
Practical Information
How to get to the Bronx: From Manhattan, take subway lines 1, 2, B, D, 5, or 6. Look for signs reading “Uptown & The Bronx” on the platform to board in the correct direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bronx safe?
Today’s Bronx is far safer than it was in the 1970s. Tourist areas and neighborhoods are secure. You’ll have no problems visiting. Use the same common sense you would in any city: avoid displaying valuables and stay aware of your surroundings. If you stick to established routes and attractions, you’ll be fine.
When is the best time to visit the Bronx?
Weekdays are ideal for visiting the Bronx. You’ll experience the neighborhoods at their liveliest and encounter fewer crowds at museums and the zoo. Weekends work well if you want to explore the borough’s parks.
Where does the expression about the Bronx come from?
The Bronx became a byword for danger in the 1980s, when the borough was indeed a place many avoided. The phrase stuck, even though conditions have improved dramatically. Younger generations use it far less often today.
The Bronx in Photos
