Top Bronx Things to Do and See
Contents
The Bronx, a popular borough of New York City, is a very interesting neighborhood to visit in your exotic car rental. It is the only mainland borough of New York City and is well-known for its popular parks and institutions of academic learning.
The Bronx is always referred to as “The Bronx,” never just “Bronx,” because the name was derived from the Bronx River. It was first known as Bronck’s River, after Jonas Bronx settled here in 1639. The name eventually became “Bronx,” and the Bronx was born! Famous people who have called the Bronx home include Anne Bancroft, Hank Greenburg, Billy Joel, and Calvin Klein.
The Bronx Zoo
With over 4,000 animals and an amazing array of exhibits, the famous Bronx Zoo has everything from Congo gorillas to snow leopards, to an acre of an indoor Asian rainforest. As the most popular and well-known Bronx attraction, you will definitely want to drive your exotic car rental to the Bronx Zoo on your vacation! www.bronxzoo.com
Yankee Stadium
Come see where the famous New York Yankees take to the mound and view the spectacular stadium or take a behind-the-scenes tour. Opened on April 18, 1923, Yankee Stadium has been home to the likes of many famous ball players including Babe Ruth. Check out the Yankee’s schedule to see if you can catch one of their home games! www.newyork.yankees.mlb.com
City Island
When you visit City Island you can relax with the waters of the Long Island Sound and Eastchester Bay on both sides of this quaint little oasis. There are many fabulous restaurants in which to grab a bite or visit the City Island Nautical Museum for a fascinating glimpse into the area’s history. www.cityislandchamber.org.
Edgar Allan Poe Cottage
Located at Kingsbridge Road and the Grand Concourse, this little wooden farmhouse was built in 1812 and was inhabited by the famous Edgar Allan Poe from 1846 to 1849. It enjoyed an authentic restoration in 1975 by the Bronx County Historical Society and now welcomes visitors to explore the historic premises. www.bronxhistoricalsociety.org/about/poecottage.html
Little Italy in the Bronx
Many locals will tell you that the Little Italy neighborhood in the Bronx is one of the best-kept secrets in all of New York City! Located on Belmont Avenue and Arthur Avenue, you can drive your exotic car rental to the Bronx and delight in fabulous Italian eateries, bakeries, shops, delis, and markets! www.arthuravenuebronx.com
The New York Botanical Garden
This beautiful collection of fauna is open year-round from Tuesday through Sunday. This 250-acre historic site is filled with forty-eight amazing gardens and plant collections. The New York Botanical Garden also offers many education programs in horticulture and plant science. (718) 817-8724 or www.nybg.org
Sights in this Borough
- Bronx Zoo / Wildlife Conservation Park
- City Island
- Edgar Allan Poe Cottage
- Hall of Fame for Great Americans
- Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler
- New York Botanical Garden
- Orchard Beach
- Van Cortlandt House Museum
- Wave Hill
- Woodlawn Cemetery
- Yankee Stadium
Where to Eat in the Bronx
New York Tourism has ranked their top three choices for restaurants in the Bronx! Make sure you stop by at least one of them in your exotic car rental to get a great bite to eat.
- Montezuma Mexican Restaurant – Stop in for authentic Mexican dishes that have become a favorite in the Bronx over the past fifteen years. (718) 601-6400
- Joe’s Place Restaurant – With a delicious selection of Spanish cuisine, Joe’s Place is a great place to eat and features soups and salads, meats, sandwiches, seafood, pasta, and much more! There is something to please everyone in your group. (718) 918-2947
- Skyview Glatt Kosher Deli – This traditional New York City deli is a must-stop with your exotic car rental. Try some fabulous roast beef, corned beef, or pastrami brisket on the freshest of bread. This is an authentic Kosher deli. (718) 796-8596
Special Events in the Bronx
For an up-to-date selection of events happening in the Bronx including theatre, exhibits, special films, community services, outdoor events, and various workshops, please visit www.bronxmall.com/cal/.
Why is it called The Bronx?
The Bronx has an interesting history behind its name. The borough was named after Swedish-born sea captain Jonas Bronck, who purchased land in the area in 1639. This area was originally part of Westchester County, but it was annexed by New York City in 1874.
The name Bronx first appeared on a map in 1763 and since then, it has been used to refer to the entire borough. The borough has seen a lot of change over the years, from rural farmlands to bustling urban neighborhoods. Today, it is home to many diverse cultures and communities that make up its vibrant atmosphere.
The Bronx has become an iconic symbol of New York City and is known for its unique culture, art, music, and food. It’s no wonder why this borough has such a special place in the hearts of so many people around the world!
History of the Bronx
The Bronx is one of the boroughs of New York City. Covering 57 sq mi (147.6 sq km) of which the land area is just 42 sq mi (101.8 sq km), the Bronx is the northernmost borough of the city. It is also the only one which is primarily in the mainland United States, where it borders Westchester County of New York State. Of the five boroughs, the Bronx ranks fourth in population and size, and third in population density.
Originally outside New York City, the Bronx was annexed by the city in parts – West Bronx in 1874, and East Bronx in 1895. The two parts are divided by the Bronx River. In 1898, the Bronx became a separate borough and county. The Bronx borough has the same boundary as Bronx County. They were created by separating them from the Borough of Manhattan, which remains as New York County.
The Bronx was named after the Bronx River, which in turn was named after Jonas Bronck, an immigrant from Småland in Sweden. Bronck had settled east of the river, which was then named the Bronck River. The area was originally the homeland of the Lenape Native Americans, but with more settlers arriving from the Netherlands and Great Britain, the Indians were forced to move out.
In the 19th century, successive waves of immigrants arrived, among them Italians, Germans, Jews, and Irish. Joining them were Cuban, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans from the Caribbean area, particularly Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Together, the different ethnic groups created a culture of their own in the Bronx.
Neighborhoods in this Borough
- Baychester
- Bedford Park
- Belden Point
- Castle Hill
- City Island
- Eastchester
- Edenwald
- Fordham
- Harding Park
- Highbridge
- Hunts Point
- Kingsbridge
- Marble Hill
- Melrose
- Morris Heights
- Morris Park
- Morrisania
- Mott Haven
- Norwood
- Parkchester
- Pelham Bay
- Pelham Gardens
- Pelham Parkway
- Riverdale
- Soundview
- The Hub
- Throggs Neck
- Tremont
- Van Nest
- Wakefield
- West Farms
- Williamsbridge
- Woodlawn
- University Heights
Islands of the Bronx
- North Brother Island
- Pelham islands
- Rikers Island
- South Brother Island
Final Word
The Bronx New York is a vibrant and exciting place to explore. Whether you’re looking for a day of outdoor fun, some unique dining experiences, or an interesting museum trip, the Bronx has something to offer everyone. From the Bronx Zoo to the New York Botanical Garden and Yankee Stadium, there are plenty of sights and activities that will make your visit memorable. Take some time out of your busy schedule to explore all that the Bronx has to offer – you won’t regret it!