The Bronx

The Bronx is home to the New York Yankees and major attractions like the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens

The northernmost borough of New York City, The Bronx is best known for being home to the New York Yankees and the birthplace of hip hop music, but also heralds cultural attractions like the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens. Founded by Dutch settlers, The Bronx is now one of the most diverse areas of New York with a population representative of all races and nationalities offers much beyond the stereotype.

Historically, the South Bronx has been synonymous with urban blight, but revitalisation efforts by the City are seeing the neighbourhood rise from the ashes beginning with the new Yankee Stadium, opened in 2009. The South Bronx Cultural Trolley runs free tours on the first Wednesday of each month stopping at cultural and entertainment hot spots, including the Edgar Allen Poe Cottage and Bronx Museum of the Arts. Belmont and Bronx Park claim to be New York's real "Little Italy" with eateries to refuel after a long day at the Bronx Zoo or exploring the 250 acres of carefully cultivated gardens at the New York Botanical Museum. In Riverdale in the northwest corner of the Bronx, Wave Hill House, once home to Teddy Roosevelt and Mark Twain, is now a reserve offering art exhibits and concerts. Nearby, Van Cortlandt Park contains a 100 year old forest and New York City's largest freshwater lake. In the park, the Van Cortlandt House Museum illustrates the borough's role in the Revolutionary War.

Off the coast of the Bronx, City Island is the centre of New York City's nautical community with the look and feel of a New England fishing village. Small fishing boats are available for rent seasonally and larger boats run fishing trips year round, but no beaches or private boat ramps. With a number of bike paths leading to and from the small island, it makes a great day trip with numerous seafood restaurants, small shops and antique dealers.

Cost: Free, Fees may apply for activities. Please see websites for details.

Hours : 24 hours

Website: I Love the Bronx

Address: Borough of the Bronx

Nearby attractions: Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, Yankee Stadium, Fort Tryon Park, The Cloisters, Pelham Bay Park and Orchard Beach, Harlem

Getting There on Transit
Subway Train / Bus	Subway Station	Walking Time
1, 2, 4, 5, 6, B, and D	Any of over 70 stations in the Bronx	0 minutes
Getting there :: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, B, and D trains to one of over 70 stations in the Bronx

A giraffe stands tall among the trees in the Bronx Zoo cc licensed flickr photo shared by Tasslehoff Burrfoot