The Bronx - The Bronx

The Bronx
(New York)
Yankee Stadium
Location
The Bronx - Location
Flag
The Bronx - Flag
StateUnited States of America
Federated stateNew York
POSTAL CODE204xx
WebsiteTourism organization

The Bronx is a district of the city of New York.

To know

The Bronx - sometimes shortened to BX in the city and nicknamed The Boogie Down - with a population of 1,385,108 (2010 census), is the only one of New York's five boroughs to be on the mainland of the United States and not one. island. The Bronx was originally part of Westchester County but was gradually annexed to New York City before being definitively incorporated into the city in 1898.

The Bronx is the only one to have "the" associated with the name. This is because in the early 1600s, a Dutch settler named Jonas Bronck bought the land from the Native Americans who lived there. Whenever other landowners in the region had to pass through that area they called it "The Bronck's Land". At first the settler had thought of making fields to grow tobacco but the marshy lands and hills were not suitable for growing anything.

The Bronx has its own particular "character". Birthplace of rap / hip hop music and home to one of the most glorious American baseball franchises, the New York Yankees, also known as the "Bronx Bombers." Over the years, different ethnic groups have called the Bronx their home: Arthur Avenue is still the center of Italian-American New York culture, even more than Little Italy than Manhattan. South Bronx is a bit of a tough area but is the center of Puerto Rican culture. University Heights and Morris Heights know Dominican communities, while Woodlawn continues to have a large number of immigrants of Irish descent.

The central and southern parts of the Bronx are residential, with apartments and desperately inhabited. The Bronx is actually very diverse and is very different from what is generally described in the media. For example, Riverdale is a residential neighborhood, mostly with single family houses on cliffs overlooking the Hudson River. It looks like a very quiet neighborhood, far from the Bronx image of "ugly, dirty and bad". Bronx Park is Van Cortlandt Park they are two large parks, very quiet. City Island, on Long Island Sound bay but officially part of the Bronx feels more like a small New England fishing town and is well worth a visit. The normal downtown area is called "The Hub" between 149 St. and Third Avenue. Although it is not as large as the center of the great American cities, there are plenty of shops here and it is the shopping center of the district.

The Bronx certainly has difficult areas, but it also has many very quiet neighborhoods and a vibrant and varied cultural life.

Geographical notes

Geographically, the Bronx has several hills. You can then stand on a street corner and look down from a promontory or see the subway trains 10 meters below. Many streets, particularly in the West Bronx north of Yankee Stadium, have sections where there are steps instead of sidewalks, a bit like San Francisco.


How to orient yourself

Parks and Gardens

The Bronx has more than 75 parks including some of the largest in New York State, so much so that a fifth of the district's territory is covered in parks.

  • Van Cortlandt Park, Broadway, Jerome Avenue, City Line, Van Cortlandt Park South. The fourth largest park in New York City and home to America's oldest golf course. Van Cortlandt House is the oldest building in the Bronx. The largest freshwater lake in the city is within this park which also has fields for various sports, a children's playground, athletics tracks and the Riverdale Equestrian Center. During the summer it is easy to see the residents barbecuing inside the park. 
  • Crotona Park, Fulton Avenue. This park has the largest and deepest public swimming pool in New York City. 
Van Cortlandt House, built in 1748 and currently used as a museum


How to get

By subway

To get to the Bronx from Manhattan and other boroughs (excluding Staten Island) you can take the subway using lines 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, B and D.

On the train

The Harlem and Hudson lines of the Metro North railway that depart from Grand Central Terminal and stop in Harlem between 125 St and Park Av, also pass through the Bronx, with several stops including Botanic Garden, close to the New York Botanic Garden, and Fordham (where you then change for other lines).

By bus

There are express buses from Midtown Manhattan (except the BxM18, which departs from lower Manhattan during rush hour) to various parts of the Bronx, and they are much better than taxis. There are also Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) bus lines connecting Upper Manhattan and parts of the Queens.

In the car

You can get there from Manhattan by crossing several bridges or one of the three bridges connecting Queens, while the north area is accessible via highways such as I-87, Bronx River Parkway, Hutchinson River Parkway, and I-95.

By taxi

It is not easy to hail a cab on the street in the boroughs of New York with the exception of Manhattan. In the Bronx it is easier to call one who will come and pick you up. When traveling to and from Manhattan, remember that travel between Lower Manhattan or Midtown and the Bronx can be quite expensive.

On foot

Pedestrians can cross all bridges connecting the Bronx and Manhattan, while the bridges connecting the Bronx and Queens, with the exception of the RFK Triboro Bridge, are non-pedestrian and are for vehicular traffic only.

How to get around

The Bronx is well served by the subway but most of the lines follow the north-south route, designed more to go to Manhattan than to move into the Bronx. Bus lines are slow and often overcrowded. This is why many people who need to move freely across the Bronx prefer the car; however the traffic on the Cross-Bronx Expressway it reduces travel to an exhausting queue. Another way to get around is to use the Metro-North Railroad. It operates in a few areas of the Bronx, but they are the ones where the subway (the Hudson Line in West Bronx, and the Harlem Line in the central part of the Bronx). Fares are higher than the metro and trains are not as frequent, but they are less crowded. Plus, on weekends, a "CityTicket" that allows you to travel around the city costs just $ 3.50. In general, if you plan your time well, you can visit the district by combining travel by subway, bus and walking.

You can find a bus map on the site of the MTA. Bus timetables can also be found in site of the MTA.

What see

Bronx Zoo in New York City
  • 1 Bronx Zoo (Remember that the Zoo is easily reached by trains 2 & 5 at West Farms Square / East Tremont Av., E 180th Street, or Pelham Parkway-White Plains Road.), ☎ 1 (718) 367-1010. A very famous zoo that is home to over 6000 animals. Beware of thefts, keep an eye on your things. 
  • 2 New York Botanical Garden, Bronx River Parkway to Fordham Road (Easily reached by trains 2 & 5 at West Farms Square, E 180th Street, or Pelham Parkway-White Plains Road or by Metro-North at Botanical Gardens station.), ☎ 1 (718) 817-8700. 48 beautiful gardens and a collection of plants on an area of ​​250 acres. 
  • 3 Wave Hill, 675 West 252 Street, ☎ 1 (718) 549-3200. Public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River. 
  • Orchard Beach (The Bronx Riviera) (It is located in Pelham Bay Park at the western end of Long Island Sound. Served by Bx5 and Bx12 during the summer.). An artificial beach of almost 2 km created in the 1930s. 
  • City Island (Served by the Bx29 from Pelham Bay Park tube station.). It has a decent nightlife. 
The Great Hall inside the new Yankee Stadium
  • 4 Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, Poe Park, Grand Concourse at Kingsbridge Road (Arrive by B & D trains at Kingsbridge Road.), ☎ 1 718 881-8900. A log farmhouse, built in 1812, once offered sweeping views over the hills of the Bronx, possibly even as far as the beaches of Long Island. It was the home of Edgar Allan Poe from 1846 to 1849, the last years of his life and here he wrote some of his most famous works. Managed by the Bronx County Historical Society since 1975, the cottage has been restored to its original appearance complete with period furniture. There is a presentation film and guided tour. 
  • Yankee Stadium, 161 St and River Ave (Use the B, D & 4 trains at 161st Street-Yankee Stadium and Metro-North Station at 153rd Street-Yankee Stadium.). Ecb copyright.svgA stadium tour costs $ 20.. Home of the New York Yankees. The old Yankee Stadium, "The House That Ruth Built", is no longer in use and has been replaced by the new Yankee Stadium next door. The stadium has very tight security measures, so backpacks and cameras are not allowed (only very small bags can enter). Monument Park is a tribute to the Yankee baseball legends and is located behind the pitch. Monument park officially closes 45 minutes before the games but actually even earlier if there are a lot of people. If visiting Monument park is one of your priorities then it is best to arrive at the opening. 
  • 5 Woodlawn Cemetery, Webster Avenue & E. 233rd Street (Metro-North to Woodlawn or Line 2 to 233rd Street for the Bx31 bus), ☎ 1 (718) 920-1470. A 400-acre cemetery opened in 1863 and one of the largest in the city. Among the celebrities who rest here are Joseph Pulitzer, Herman Melville, David Farragut, Duke Ellington, and Frank Woolworth. Call for information on guides and photo permits. 

Museums

  • 6 Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler, SUNY Maritime College, 6 Pennyfield Avenue (End of Pennyfield Ave; under the Throgs Neck Bridge), ☎ 1 718 409-7218. The main exhibition area focuses on the history of the exploration of the seas, from the Phoenicians to the present day. On display are paintings, models, navigational tools that document the progress from the earliest vessels to modern ships. It is also in a beautiful location and can be reached via the Bx40 along Tremont Avenue. 
  • 7 Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse at 165th Street (You arrive with lines B, D and 4.), ☎ 1 (718) 681-6000. Ecb copyright.svg$ 5 Adults / $ 3 Students and seniors. Simple icon time.svgMon- Wed closed / Open from 11 to 18 Thu, Fri and Sunday Fri 11-20. The museum focuses on contemporary urban art, and on several local artists. 
  • 8 Valentine-Varian House (Museum of Bronx History), 3266 Bainbridge Avenue at East 208th Street, ☎ 1 (718) 881-8900. Ecb copyright.svgAdult admission $ 5, Seniors and children $ 3. Simple icon time.svgOpen Sat: 10-16 & Sun: 13-17. The last farmhouse in the Bronx from the mid-1700s. The exhibits and educational programs focus on the history of the district. 
  • 9 Hall of Fame for Great Americans, 2183 University Ave (4 Train to Burnside Ave-), ☎ 1 (718) 289-5161. Ecb copyright.svgFree admission. Simple icon time.svg10:00-17:00. Regarded as the "original" Hall of Fame of the United States, and founded in 1900, it honors Americans who have made significant contributions to the nation. Part of Bronx Community College, it has over 100 bronze statues. 
  • 10 Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, 895 Shore Road, ☎ 1 (718) 885-1461. Ecb copyright.svg$ 5 adults, $ 3 children, students and seniors. Simple icon time.svgWed, Sat, Sun: 12-16. Shows the Pelham Bay Park neighborhood as it was centuries ago. The house is one of the few remaining country residences and today it is surrounded by an urban setting. 


What to do

  • Bronx Historic Districts. Most of the historic neighborhoods in the Bronx are south of Fordham Rd. Check their website for an up-to-date list. Some of the notable places are Bertine Block, the stone houses of Mott Haven along Alexander Ave and east of Willis Ave. on 139th-141st Sts., And Longwood Historic District. 
  • Little Italy (Around Arthur Av. Near E. 187 St. Take lines B, D, or 4 to Fordham Road. Change to the Bx12 bus towards Arthur Avenue. Or take the Metro-North to Fordham for the Bx9, Bx12, Bx17 or Bx22 to Arthur Avenue.). The Bronx also includes New York's "real Little Italy". 


Events and parties

  • Sunday Market, 660 West 237th Street. Simple icon time.svgEvery Sunday from 9 to 14, from the beginning of August to November. Great place to shop and buy fresh local produce. 
  • Bronx Culture Trolley, Hostos Community College. Simple icon time.svgFirst Wednesday of the month (except September and January). A free tour of the most beautiful and interesting places in the region. It also includes ongoing music festivals and fairs. 
  • Tour De Bronx. Simple icon time.svgUsually in late October. The largest cycling event in the state of New York. 
  • Riverdale Festival of the Arts, West 256th Street (Between Delafield and Mosholu Avenues). Simple icon time.svgEnd of October. Day dedicated to live music, from jazz to rock with stalls and food stands. 
  • Bronx Week Parade, Along Mosholu Parkway. Simple icon time.svgEnd of May. The opportunity for all Bronxians to show their pride: parade, bands, schools, student groups, sports clubs and much more. 


Shopping

The Bronx is known for being the cheapest place in New York City. Many areas are crowded and chaotic but don't be put off. Shopping here will be a truly authentic experience and will save you money. These areas are famous for clothing and food at very affordable prices.

Markets

Food

  • Garden Gourmet, 5665 Broadway (Train line 1 to 231st and buses BX7, BX9, BX10, BX20.), ☎ 1 718 796 4209. Simple icon time.svgOpen every day from 7 am to 11 pm. The best place in the Bronx for fresh produce, a real diamond in the dirt. Wide selection of cheeses and breads, but you can find everything, even exotic foods at very affordable prices. 
  • Mamma Rosa's Kitchen & Delicatessen, 1007 Allerton Avenue, ☎ 1 (718) 881-0242. Simple icon time.svgMon-Sat: 7: 00-19: 00 Sun: 9: 00-14: 00. One of the best deli in the Bronx. Mamma Rosa is a piece of Italy in the heart of the district. 
  • The Candy Box & Gelato Shoppe, 5684 Riverdale Avenue, ☎ 1 (718) 708-8008. Simple icon time.svgSun: 11: 00-20: 00, Mon-Thu: 11: 00-19: 30, Fri: 10: 30-16: 30. Sweets, ice cream, and many other specialties, it is also Kosher certified. 

Clothes

  • 3 Floors Department Store, 350 E. Fordham Road (Between Marion Avenue and Elm Place), ☎ 1 (718) 367-2200. Clothes, household products, watches, perfumes. The lower level has $ 5 signature shoes. from summer sandals to winter boots. 
  • Webster's Close Out Center, 761 Lydig Avenue, ☎ 1 (718) 292-3650. Here you can really find everything at discounted prices. 

Shopping centers

  • Bay Plaza, Bartow Avenue & Baychester Avenue (Between Hutchinson Pkwy and I-95). One of the largest shopping malls in the area, there are also many restaurants, jewelers, electronics stores and even a cinema. 
  • Fordham Road Center, Down Fordham Road. The ideal place to find great discounts. Fordham Road is very long and has shops attached to each other, from furniture to shoes. Close to Fordham University, and in the center of the area where Hip-Hop was born, you can find everything here. 
  • The Hub, 3rd Avenue & 149th Street. One of the oldest shopping areas in the Bronx. Discounted prices and the chance to show off your haggling skills. There are also many record shops here and music is always in the air, especially hip-hop and Latin American genres. 

Discs

The Bronx is the birthplace of hip-hop culture. Vinyl record shops are found almost everywhere as well as in other boroughs such as Manhattan is Brooklyn.

Other

  • Frank Bee, 3435 E. Tremont Avenue, ☎ 1 718 823 9792. Simple icon time.svgOpen all year round, Tue-Sat: 9: 00-21: 00, Sun: 9: 00-18.00. Frank Bee is one of the oldest costume shops in New York. Clothes for all occasions and for all budgets, truly a one-of-a-kind store. 
  • City Girl Accessories, 247 W. 231st Street, ☎ 1 (718) 796-2455. Ecb copyright.svgDeeply discounted prices, some silver pieces sell for $ 12. The shop has a Mexican / Midwestern style, they sell earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. 


How to have fun


Where to eat

Excellent Italian cuisine around Arthur Avenue. Another great place for Italian cuisine is Morris Park; authentic food and moderate prices.

Average prices

  • The Rambling House, 4292 Katonah Ave (Train 4 to Woodlawn and to the Bx34 bus). The best Irish cuisine in the Bronx. 
  • Mo Gridder's (At Hunt's Point), ☎ 1 718-991-3046. Simple icon time.svgOpen for lunch only, Tue-Sat 10 am-5pm. The best BBQ in the Bronx. It is outdoors but there is a covered area in the waiting area of ​​the garage next door. 
  • Carifesta Restaurant, 4251 White Plains Road (Train 2 to 233rd Street), ☎ 1 718-325-2261. It has Caribbean cuisine. 
  • Artiès, 394 City Island Ave (Take the 6 train to Pelham Bay Park and then the Bx29 bus). Ecb copyright.svgReasonable prices. Great for eating meat, fish and pasta. 
  • Lollipops Ice Cream, 4120 Baychester Avenue (Wakefield / Baychester neighborhood), ☎ 1 718-994-8755. Ecb copyright.svgPrices from $ 3. Simple icon time.svg9:00-20:00. So many different tastes, even Caribbean flavors. Nice atmosphere. 


Where stay

Average prices

  • Days Inn Hotel: Yankee Stadium / Bronx, 997 Brook Ave, ☎ 1 718 993-6600. 
  • Howard Johnson Bronx NY, 1922 Boston Rd, ☎ 1 718 378-4686, fax: 1 718 589-7718. One of the cheapest places to sleep in New York and be close enough to Manhattan. However it is in a somewhat sketchy area. 
  • Best Western Bronx Inn, 1440 Sheridan Expressway, ☎ 1 718 861-6500. 
  • Ramada, 1000 Baychester Ave, ☎ 1 718 862-2000, fax: 1 718 862-3090. 


Safety

The Bronx has several open questions regarding crime, in particular the South Bronx area where there are housing complexes in a sorry state, prostitution and a high crime rate. In recent years, several recovery and redevelopment projects have been promoted in the area south of the Cross-Bronx Expressway (the area most affected by the neglect and decay of the 1970s and 1980s), replacing abandoned buildings and empty spaces with new homes and a lower density. During the 1977 World Series of baseball the South Bronx area was described by commentator Howard Cosell with the phrase, "Ladies and gentlemen, the Bronx is burning"(Ladies and gentlemen, the Bronx is burning), about the fires that were shown on television. These were caused by the owners burning the buildings on purpose to get the insurance money.

The Bronx has several degraded and very dangerous areas, but that does not mean that the whole district is like this. To avoid problems, choose a destination or a route in advance, so as to avoid wandering around areas you do not know with the risk of ending up in areas to be avoided. The safest areas are the most crowded ones, around the main roads and along the avenues where there are commercial areas. These are also the areas where you can fully experience the experience of being in this particular place. Avoid inner courtyards, isolated houses or deserted areas, if someone or something makes you nervous, cross the street or enter a shop. Also avoid groups of young people on street corners and, of course, avoid any kind of drug-related or generally illegal activity while in the Bronx.

This unofficial map can be used as a guide.

How to keep in touch

Internet

There New York Public Library it is one of the largest in the world and inside you can use the internet for free (upon registration). In the Bronx it is located in the following points:


Other projects

  • Collaborate on WikipediaWikipedia contains an entry concerning The Bronx
  • Collaborate on CommonsCommons contains images or other files on The Bronx
  • Collaborate on WikiquoteWikiquote contains quotes from or about The Bronx
3-4 star.svgGuide : the article respects the characteristics of a usable article but in addition it contains a lot of information and allows a visit to the district without problems. The article contains an adequate number of images, a fair number of listings. There are no style errors.