The Bronx Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Bronx travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

When visiting New York, many people skip The Bronx entirely, or only go there to catch a game at Yankee Stadium. But there’s so much more to this borough than just baseball!

When you explore The Bronx, you’ll discover beaches like Orchard Beach, waterfront neighborhoods like City Island, and the sprawling New York Botanical Garden and Pelham Bay Park — two urban sanctuaries that will make you forget you’re in New York City for an afternoon.

If you’re looking for art, history, culture, or food, The Bronx has no shortage on any of those fronts either.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to The Bronx in New York City, plus the best things to do in The Bronx.

Note: This Bronx visitor’s guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

The Bronx Map

Use this Bronx tourism map to begin planning your trip to this incredible destination!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

New York City Travel Tips

Best Tours In The Bronx

Explore local culture with a Bronx tour guide through these unique NYC excursions:

• New York Hip Hop Tour
• All-Garden Pass for the New York Botanical Garden
• Bronx Zoo Admission Ticket
• NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Contrasts, Color and Character
• Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx Private Tour with a Driver-Guide
• NYC Private Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, 100% Personalized

Click here for a full list of New York City tours.

Getting Around The Bronx

Like much of New York City, most of The Bronx is walkable — and bikeable. Actually, Citi Bike stations are all over NYC, including The Bronx, and offer a budget-friendly way to get around in an eco-friendly way that also allows you to see the sights.

In terms of public transportation, the best way to get around The Bronx is via subway, which gets you anywhere you may need to go for just $2.75 — no need to wait in traffic.

Additionally, The Bronx (and the rest of NYC) is connected via other public transportation options like buses and even ferries. While buses are operated by the MTA, just like the subway, you’ll want to download the NYC Ferry app to see schedules and buy tickets for the ferry.

Prefer a private car service? Uber and Lyft are plentiful in The Bronx, though do note that cabs tend to be much cheaper. You can hail a cab on the a main street, which is the cheapest option, or use an app like Arro or Curb to order one.

Driving? It’s much easier to find parking in The Bronx than it is in Manhattan, though you can always use the SpotHero website and app to snag super discounted parking spots. This is especially recommended if you end up driving into Manhattan, where finding parking is a nightmare.

Hotels In The Bronx

Click here to browse the best hotels in The Bronx!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use the map below to search for local stays. It’s set to Mott Haven, but you can easily change the location to your specific destination. Note that Mott Haven does have a high crime rate; however, it’s also very close to Manhattan, easily accessible the Bronx attractions like Yankee Stadium, and is home to great restaurants and hotels itself.

If you’d like something with a lower crime rate, Bronx neighborhoods like Country Club, Kingsbridge, Morris Park, Riverdale, and Woodlawn may be a better fit.

The Bronx Travel Insurance

When visiting The Bronx — or anywhere else in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Bronx travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

The Bronx Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in The Bronx.

Q: Why is it called The Bronx?

The borough of The Bronx is named after the Bronx River, a tributary of the East River, that flows through it.

Q: Is The Bronx safe for tourists?

The Bronx sometimes gets a bad rap for safety, especially due to negative connotations from its past, but overall this borough is very safe to visit.

It’s important to use common sense, but you should not have any issues when visiting The Bronx, especially in areas near tourist attractions.

Of course, like with any city, you would not want to wander around unfamiliar streets in The Bronx alone late at night. Also, check with your hotel for advice on places to avoid, especially after dark.

Q: What is The Bronx best known for?

The Bronx is best known for being home to Yankee Stadium, where the New York Yankees play.

This borough is also home to the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden, which are two attractions popular with tourists and locals alike.

Additionally, The Bronx is known for being a diverse borough. In fact, according to The Census Bureau, it is the most diverse area in the country, with nearly one-third of residents born in a foreign country, and immigrants from all around the world living in the borough.

Q: What are some important Bronx travel tips to keep in mind?

If you’re going to a baseball game at Yankee Stadium, stay hydrated and wear lots of sunscreen! This also goes for other outdoor activities in The Bronx, like visiting the Bronx Zoo or one of the beaches.

Another Bronx travel tip is to plan your journey using the subway. The 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, B, and D subway lines all serve The Bronx, and it’s the easiest and most affordable way to get around.

Q: What are some top places to go in The Bronx?

If you are wondering what to do in The Bronx, you can’t go wrong with classic tourist activities like visiting the Bronx Zoo or strolling through the New York Botanical Garden. These attractions are just a few of the many reasons New York City is so popular.

Beyond that, The Bronx is home to some fantastic museums. The Bronx Museum of the Arts is a must-visit for art lovers who have already checked off the Met and the MoMA. The Van Cortlandt House Museum houses an interesting collection in an 18th-century mansion.

And if you’re interested in literary history, the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage is a great place to check out in The Bronx.

Q: What are the top things to do in The Bronx?

One of the top things to do in The Bronx is catching a baseball game at Yankee Stadium.

If you’re looking for great food in The Bronx, you can’t miss Arthur Avenue.

This street in the Belmont neighborhood of The Bronx is home to the most authentic “Little Italy” in New York City. You’ll have no shortage of options for mouth-watering, made-from-scratch Italian food instead.

Q: How far is The Bronx from New York City?

The Bronx is actually located within New York City! It’s one of NYC’s five boroughs along with Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.

Q: How long is the subway ride from The Bronx to Manhattan?

The Bronx and Manhattan are right next to each other, so it depends on where you need to go. For instance, if you’re going from the bottom of the South Bronx to top of East Harlem (in Manhattan), which are connected via a walking bridge, it would be less than 10 minutes on foot.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling from Van Cortlandt Park in the northern Bronx to The Battery (formerly known as Battery Park) on the southern tip of Manhattan, it would take about 55 minutes via subway or 45 minutes via car.

Q: How much spending money do you need for a week in New York City?

The average traveler spends about $240 per day in New York City on accommodations, transportation, food, activities, and other travel expenses.

That being said, there are certainly ways to save money in the city — like staying in hostels, considering Couchsurfing, cooking your own meals, sticking to public transportation, and enjoying some budget-friendly NYC activities.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in New York?

Most visitors from abroad who are allowed to enter the United States — the country New York State is located in — can stay for up to six months. Entry requirements and allowances vary depending on where you are from, so definitely check the US government website.

Q: Do I need a travel visa for New York?

Visa requirements vary depending on where you are from. You can visit the US government website to see if you need a visa and what type.

Q: Where is The Bronx?

The Bronx is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City, which is located in the southeastern part of New York, a state located in the United States.

The Bronx is separated from Manhattan by the Harlem River and is the only NYC borough located on the US mainland.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in The Bronx?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted in The Bronx, though it is always wise to carry some cash for street stalls and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in The Bronx?

Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in The Bronx.

Q: What is the local currency in New York State?

The local currency in New York is the US Dollar (USD).

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