NYC & COMPANY INVITES VISITORS AND THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY TO ENJOY THE CITY BY EXPLORING “THE BRONX LIKE A NEW YORKER”
Press Realase in English / Spanish
—NYC & Company invites tourists and locals to explore the parks, gardens, neighborhoods and gastronomy in the Bronx, as part of the new “Get Local NYC” or “Become a New Yorker” campaign —
—From the famous Yankee Stadium to Arthur Avenue, the Bronx Zoo and City Island, the Bronx offers unique attractions, vibrant communities and expansive green spaces—
New York City, April 20, 2022 — NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organization of New York City and the five boroughs convention and tourism bureau, invites locals and visitors to explore the Bronx Like to New Yorker and its wide variety of attractions that this destination offers.
Just a train ride north of Manhattan, the Bronx has everything to offer, from the Bronx Zoo to the famous Yankee Stadium. Take some time and stroll down the Grand Concourse or hop on a ferry from Manhattan to an idyllic waterfront spot called Clason Point. Explore vibrant and one-of-a-kind neighborhoods like Riverdale, where visitors can enjoy a famous Guinness at An Beal Bocht, an authentic Irish pub; Arthur Avenue, the city’s first Little Italy; and Mott Haven, where The Lit. Bar is a must-stop for book lovers, and Chocobar Cortes is a must-see for chocolate lovers.
The Bronx is steeped in history: George Washington stayed here in the 18th century, poet Edgar Allan Poe lived here in the 19th century, and hip-hop music was born here in the 20th century. The district also boasts 7,000 acres of land invested in parkland (about 25 percent of its total area), from majestic gardens like Wave Hill and the New York Botanical Garden to Van Cortlandt Park, famous for its racetracks. background.
“As the cradle of hip hop and the epicenter of a wide diversity of cultures and large green spaces, the Bronx is full of countless New York experiences that you should never miss,” said María Torres-Springer, deputy of the mayor for Economic Development and New York City Labor.
“As the weather gets warmer, there’s no better time to explore the vibrant neighborhoods of the Bronx, easily accessible by the NYC Ferry, the subway and across a myriad of bridges, many with walkways pedestrian”.
“The Bronx may be most famous for Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden and for being the birthplace of hip hop, but it’s also overflowing with authentic and unique local experiences to explore.” said NYC & Company Chairman and CEO Fred Dixon.
“From the waterfront locations like City Island and Orchard Beach, to Arthur Avenue and Little Italy, the murals and restaurants on River Avenue and 161st Street, which line Yankee Stadium, the sprawling parks and gardens, and the enjoy extraordinary ethnic cuisine throughout the borough, the Bronx stands out as an extraordinary destination to experience NYC like a New Yorker.”
A unique and charming option for accommodation in the Bronx is the wonderful boutique Opera House Hotel, housed in a renovated historic theater that once housed entertainment legends like Harry Houdini and the Marx Brothers.
The hotel has 60 rooms, a gym, breakfast included, concierge service and is located near two subway stations: 149th Street-Grand Concourse and Third Avenue-149th Street.
The Bronx also boasts hundreds of restaurants, many of them cozy family-run establishments offering authentic cuisine from around the world, whether it’s Colombian sancocho, at La Masa; Mexican food at Taqueria Tlaxcalli or Italian food at Arthur Avenue. The red and white Michelin logo can be found on the door of SUYO Gastrofusion, an elegant and sophisticated space where the Latin-Asian menu includes Thai Chicken Empanadas and Panko Ripe. The Bronx has also become a destination for West African food, thanks to vibrant immigrant communities like Little Ghana.
Also, take the opportunity to try Ghanaian cuisine at Papaye, Togolese specialties at Bognan International and be sure to visit Grin for food from the Ivory Coast.
Below is a detailed look at some neighborhoods in the Bronx, along with top attractions, restaurants, art venues, and other unique destinations and experiences, including ferry rides and walkway bridge rides:
YANKEE STADIUM, THE GRAND CONCOURSE, AND THE HISTORY OF HIP-HOP: There’s nothing like taking a subway packed with Yankees fans to see the Bronx Bombers on their home turf (B, D, or 4 trains to 161st Street). If you’re on a budget, grandstand seats can be had for $10 and bleacher tickets are less than $30. Just be ready to cheer on the home team – Yankees fans are extremely loyal. Stadium food goes way beyond hot dogs and beer, these days, with options like Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, Marcus Samuelsson’s Streetbird, Halal Guys, and City Winery.
Outside the ballpark, grab a beer at Stan’s Sports Bar, known for Yankees memorabilia and die-hard fans, or pick up wings and craft beer at the Bronx Drafthouse. The neighborhood has many offers besides attending a game. The Eating Tree, a Jamaican restaurant, is known for its Jamaican chicken. As you wander around, take in the murals by street artist Andre Trenier, who has immortalized a dozen of baseball’s honorable legends like Joe DiMaggio in portraits.
Across the street from the stadium, the historic Bronx Terminal Market features a variety of restaurants and shops. An exhibit called “[R]Evolution of Hip Hop,” organized by the Universal Hip-Hop Museum (which has a permanent location currently under construction in the Melrose neighborhood), is scheduled to open at the market in May. Meanwhile, hip-hop fans can also take a trip to the “Hip Hop Blvd” sign at 1520 Sedgwick Ave. It’s the birthplace of hip-hop in 1973, when a DJ started rapping and scratching records. on a turntable or record player to keep people dancing at a party.
A few blocks east of the ballpark is the Grand Concourse. This famous 5-mile-long boulevard was inspired by the Champs Elysées and is known for its Art Deco buildings. The Grand Concourse Historic District includes the Fish Building at 1150 Grand Concourse, with an aquatic-themed exterior mural and boldly designed lobby, and the Andrew Freedman Home at 1125 Grand Concourse, a one-story Neo-Renaissance villa. block long that was originally used as a retirement home for wealthy people who had lost their fortune. The Bronx Museum of the Arts at 1040 Grand Concourse is well worth a visit and admission is free. Nearby, though not on the Concourse, is one of two Bronx locations of Ghanaian restaurant Papaye.
MOTT HAVEN Y EL SUR DEL BRONX (SOUTH BRONX): MOTT HAVEN AND THE SOUTH BRONX (SOUTH BRONX): Take the 6 train to Third Avenue-138th Street and walk a few blocks to Alexander Avenue, where The Lit. Bar, the only independent bookstore in the Bronx, is located. This bookstore offers avant-garde fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and children’s books, as well as classics from writers like “bell hooks” and Toni Morrison, all curated by The Lit. Bar founder extraordinaire, Noelle Saints. Just down the block, try Southern and Puerto Rican comfort food at Beatstro, which pays homage to hip-hop with displays of original vinyl LPs and more. When you reach the corner, stop at Chocobar Cortés for chocolate martinis and other treats.
The area also boasts a bevy of art destinations: WallWorks New York-Kreate Hub, a contemporary art gallery; the BronxArtSpace, a place for emerging and underrepresented artists; and the Bronx Documentary Center, a showcase of photos, film and perspectives you won’t see anywhere else. On Walton Avenue, the Pregones Theater houses the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater. The exclusive boutique hotel, Opera House Hotel, is located in close proximity to the area.
Southeast of Mott Haven, in the Port Morris area, check out The Bronx Brewery and Empanology, which offers contemporary takes on classic Puerto Rican cuisine, as well as vegan fare.
ARTHUR AVENUE (BELMONT), BRONX ZOO, NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN: There is only one thing to say to anyone heading to Arthur Avenue: Buon appetito! Located in the Belmont neighborhood, in the area known as Little Italy in the Bronx, and is a major destination for foodies. Fans say that the pizza at Zero Otto Nove is as good as any in Italy. There’s a touch of the old school at Mario’s (the restaurant celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019), while Tra Di Noi offers homemade classics; Dominick’s serves family-style food and Antonio’s Trattoria is a bit more contemporary. Pick up ravioli to take home at Borgatti’s and pastries at Delillo, and don’t miss the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, home of the Bronx Beer Hall and Mike’s Deli. The nearest tube station is Fordham Road (B, D or 4 trains).
The Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden are located east of Arthur Avenue in Bronx Park. The 265-acre zoo, one of the largest in the country, is home to more than 17,000 animals representing 700 species. Exhibits include the African plains, with lions; Madagascar, with lemurs; the Congo gorilla forest, the tiger mountain, the Himalayan highlands, the world of reptiles, the world of birds, the mouse house, as well as giraffes, bison, bears, the butterfly garden (of April to October), the Wild Asia Monorail (May to October) and much more. Kids will love the Bug Carousel, the Children’s Zoo and the Nature Trek climbing frame (ages 3 and up). Other experiences include face-to-face animal encounters and the aerial climbing tour, Treetop Adventure. A limited number of free tickets are available online in advance for Wednesdays. Take the 2 or 5 train to the East 180th station, then a taxi or bus to the zoo’s Asia Gate, a mile away. Details about other routes here.
The New York Botanical Garden is the largest urban natural area in the country and a National Historic Landmark. Its 250-acre dimensions include a million plants and 50 specialty gardens, including orchids, azaleas and roses; thousands of trees (some over 200 years old); and the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a Victorian-style conservatory. Take the Metro-North Commuter Rail Harlem Local Line from Grand Central to the Botanical Garden Station; the B, D or 4 trains to Bedford Park Boulevard, or the 2 to Allerton Avenue.
RIVERDALE, KINGSBRIDGE, Y VAN CORTLANDT PARK: The Northwest Bronx is home to some wonderful places to eat and drink, along with two of the most beautiful green spaces in the borough: Wave Hill and Van Cortlandt Park.
Wave Hill originated as a private estate visited by such luminaries as Charles Darwin, Mark Twain, Arturo Toscanini, and Theodore Roosevelt. Today anyone can enjoy its wooded trails, themed gardens, and stunning panoramic views of the Hudson River. Programming includes nature and bird walks, as well as art shows and live music. Take a Metro-North commuter train from Grand Central to Riverdale on the Hudson Line, or the 1 train to Van Cortlandt Park-242 Street.
Van Cortlandt Park is famous for its cross-country trails, including the notorious Cemetery Hill. Along the way, look out for a tortoise and hare sculpture, and stop by Lloyd’s Carrot Cake shop just outside the park; it’s a favorite among runners looking to reward their efforts. Hikers can enjoy forests and wetlands at a more leisurely pace on the Putnam Trail, Cass Gallagher Nature Trail, John Kieran Nature Trail, John Muir Trail, and Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, all about 1.5 miles. The park also has children’s playgrounds, a skating area, an Olympic-size swimming pool, cricket, baseball and soccer fields; ball courts; and even a stable and trails. The Van Cortlandt House Museum, inside the park near Broadway at 246th Street, was built in 1748 and hosted George Washington twice during the Revolutionary War. An exhibit tells the story of the Afro-descendant slaves who lived and worked on the property.
A few blocks from the museum, the Kingsbridge Social Club makes pizza in a unique rotating oven and serves heavenly zeppole. And don’t miss An Beal Bocht, one of the best Irish pubs in the city. Named after a famous Irish novel, An Beal Bocht’s décor includes a mural of Irish writers. On Saturday mornings, visitors can listen to bluegrass musicians play while enjoying a hearty Irish breakfast. In the evening, enjoy more live music in the pub over a famous traditional Guinness. Line 1 238th Street Station is the closest stop, but be prepared to climb a steep external staircase (known as a stepped street) to reach An Beal Bocht from there. The 242nd Street Station is further away but the terrain is less hilly.
WOODLAWN: Bordering suburban Westchester, this northern neighborhood is also known as Little Ireland. Clustering along Katonah Avenue is a series of Irish eating and drinking venues, including the Rambling House and Behan’s Public House (named for Irish writer Brendan Behan, whose work is displayed in excerpts on the walls). Both venues offer live music. The Kitchen serves fish and chips, and a typical Irish breakfast. Prime Cut Irish Butcher Store offers sausages and meat pies, among other dishes.
Woodlawn Cemetery is a magnificent green space that features 400 acres of gardens and wooded grounds, filled with sculptures and mausoleums. You can stop by the main entrance to get a map that lists dozens of famous people whose remains rest in this cemetery. At the cemetery’s Jazz Corner, pay your respects to music legends Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Lionel Hampton. Other notable absentees, resting at Woodlawn, include the great Cuban singer Celia Cruz; suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton; Moby Dick author Herman Melville; New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and prominent Parks Commissioner Robert Moses; actress Diahann Carroll; African-American businesswoman Madam C.J. Walker; and African-American Nobel Peace Prize winner Ralph Bunche. Founded in 1863, the cemetery is a National Historic Landmark. There are themed tours in the area. You can get there by taking the 4 train to Woodlawn Station; the 2 or 5 trains to 233rd Street; or take a Metro North commuter train (Harlem local line) from Grand Central to Woodlawn.
PELHAM BAY PARK Y CITY ISLAND:Spanning more than 2,772 acres, Pelham Bay Park is the largest park in New York City. Its attractions include the Playground for All Children, the Pond Walk, Sensory Garden, a 36-hole golf course and other sports facilities, as well as nature walks around Hunter Island, Siwanoy Trail and Turtle Cove. History buffs can tour the 19th-century Greek Revival-style Bartow-Pell Mansion. Orchard Beach, also known as the Bronx Riviera, offers a mile of sand on Long Island Sound, a boardwalk, pavilion, food concessions and sports courts. On the hottest days of summer, be prepared for crowds and music. To get there, take the 6 train to Pelham Bay Park Station at the end of the line.
To get to City Island, the typical Bronx fishing village, take the Bx29 bus from the Pelham Bay Park station. You have several dining options to choose from: the Sea Shore Restaurant and Marina, Artie’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant, Lobster Box, Tony’s Pier and The Black Whale. For a drink, head to The Snug. Shop for souvenirs at Kaleidoscope Gallery for jewelry, crafts, decor and art, or 239 Play for vintage toys. Notable houses include Samuel Pell House, an 1876 Victorian landmark, and 21 Tier St., which was featured in the Wes Anderson film The Royal Tenenbaums. Visitors can also see the City Island Nautical Museum, find graves decorated with boats and sea creatures at the local cemetery, or rent a boat at Jack’s Bait and Tackle.
A mile south of the Pelham Bay station, the Schuylerville neighborhood is home to Third Eye Throwbacks for vintage clothing and more. And in the vicinity of the area you have Louie & Ernie’s which is known for its excellent pizza.
REGARDING BRIDGES: The Bronx is the only borough in New York City that is not on an island. It is connected to the rest of the city by a multitude of bridges, so visitors can get to the Bronx by crossing some of them. Two of the most attractive pedestrian walkways are on the Henry Hudson Bridge and the High Bridge.
The Henry Hudson connects Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan with the Spuyten Duyvil neighborhood of the Bronx. Spuyten Duyvil is also the name of the nearby Metro-North train station, as well as the name of the creek that flows under the bridge.
The High Bridge or High Bridge connects Washington Heights, in Manhattan (at 172nd Street and Amsterdam Avenue), with the Highbridge neighborhood in the Bronx (at University Avenue and 170th Street). The High Bridge is the oldest bridge in New York City. It opened in 1848 as part of the Croton Aqueduct system, although some of its original stone arches have been replaced with one carved from steel.
THE FERRY: Take the NYC Ferry to the Bronx for just $2.75, the same price as a subway ride. Boats depart from Wall Street, 34th Street and other East River docks for two stops in the Bronx, Soundview and Throgs Neck-Ferry Point Park. The Soundview stop is located in a small park called Clason Point. It’s on a beautiful, quiet peninsula that feels like New England. Pack a picnic and enjoy the view, or stroll up Soundview Avenue for a bite to eat at Marvilla’s Bar & Grill or Mi Casita Lounge. The ship’s last stop, Ferry Point Park, includes an 18-hole links-style golf course.
Along the 8-mile-long Bronx River, two organizations offer rowboat and canoe rides, tours, bird-watching tours and other activities for locals and visitors alike. Check the Bronx River Alliance schedule here and the Rocking the Boat programs at this link (here).
For more information on exploring the Bronx, visit nycgo.com/bronx.
About NYC & Company:
NYC & Company is the official destination marketing organization and convention and tourism bureau for the City of New York. It is dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities in the five boroughs, fostering economic prosperity, and spreading the positive image of New York City throughout the world. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nycgo.com.
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