Riverdale – A Leafy, Suburban-Feeling Haven
Nestled along the Hudson River, Riverdale offers a welcome respite from Bronx’s urban energy. This neighborhood has more of a leafy, suburban feel, with gothic churches, brick mansions, and winding streets lined with trees. Visit the landmark Stonehurst Carriage House with its distinctive turrets, tour Wave Hill’s sprawling gardens, or stroll through the 250-acre Riverdale Park for gorgeous views of the Palisades. Looking for outdoor adventures? Hike along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail or kayak along the Hudson. Just be sure to fuel up on bagels at An Beal Bocht Cafe or finish your day with Irish food and drinks at Rory Dolan’s first!
Arthur Avenue – The Real Little Italy
Forget Manhattan – Arthur Avenue is NYC’s most authentic Italian enclave. The smell of fresh basil and tomatoes will draw you into old-school Italian markets like Mike’s Deli and Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles. Load up on imported meats and cheeses, handmade pastas, and freshly baked bread before sitting down for red-sauce classics at cozy, family-run restaurants like Roberto’s, Emilia’s, or Mario’s. Don’t leave without picking up some cannoli and sfogliatelle for the road – you’ll find the best at cafes like Egidio Pastry Shop and Madonia Bakery.
City Island – A New England-Style Fishing Village
Just a 15-minute drive from Pelham Bay Park leads you to City Island, a small island that looks and feels worlds away from the Bronx. This historic maritime village is lined with yacht clubs, seafood restaurants, and antique shops that will transport you to a quaint New England fishing town. Come hungry and sample just-caught seafood like lobster rolls at Johnny’s Reef Restaurant or coconut shrimp at the Sea Shore Restaurant. Explore the Nautical Museum or take a fishing charter out on Long Island sound for a true City Island experience.
Belmont – Little Italy’s Next Door Neighbor
Right next to the Italian delights of Arthur Avenue you’ll find Belmont, a residential neighborhood known as the “Little Italy of the Bronx.” Belmont is home to the Bronx’s beautiful Italian gardens as well as the elegant Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the mighty Bronx County Courthouse, and St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church. Grab lunch at old-school Italian spots like Full Moon Pizzeria or Valenti’s Deli before exploring nearby Arthur Avenue’s markets and eateries. Top your day off with sweets from pastry shops like Egidio Pastry, Palombo Pastry Shoppe, and Grace’s Pastry Shop.
Pelham Bay – Escape to the Coast
Trade skyscrapers for shorelines with a trip up to Pelham Bay at the northeast corner of the Bronx. Hit the beach at Orchard Beach, explore historic Hunter Island, or enjoy a picnic in Pelham Bay Park, NYC’s largest public park. Walk along the shore or rent a pedal boat for a new perspective of the bay. Dine on fresh seafood with a view at restaurants like Seafood City. Don’t miss Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum to glimpse NYC’s colonial past. For a special night, book a table at elegant waterside venues like The Lobster House Restaurant.
Woodlawn – Magnificent Monuments and Mausoleums
History buffs won’t want to miss Woodlawn Cemetery, a sprawling 400-acre cemetery that’s more like an open-air museum. Founded in 1863, over 300,000 are buried here including notable businessmen like Otto Kahn and many jazz legends like Miles Davis and Duke Ellington. Beyond the 350 mausoleums lie sculptures, memorials, and monuments that commemorate great figures in history. Stop by Woolworth’s grand pyramid-topped tomb or stroll by the memorial to the victims of the Titanic. After, grab Irish grub and beers at nearby Woodlawn Tavern.
Morris Park – A Slice of the Old Country
From Italian to Albanian, Morris Park offers a slice of culture from many lands. Grab a table at cozy Italian spots like Ruggiero’s or Rao’s for killer red sauce and chicken parm. Try Albanian baked goods like they do back home at Euro Kosova Bakery. For Irish fare, cozy up at Irish pubs like Tracey’s Inn or McGuire’s. And no matter where you eat, save room for homemade gelato. Italian ice or rainbow cookies from favorites like Mike’s Deli or Teitel Brother’s. With vintage shop signs and old-world charm, you’ll feel a world away right in the Bronx.
Mott Haven – Industrial Chic & Hip Eats
If you want to experience the Bronx’s up-and-coming vibe, head to Mott Haven. Loft-style apartments and industrial buildings now host street art, microbreweries, and hip restaurants alongside body shops and warehouses. Pull up a chair for Neapolitan pizza pies at Zero Otto Nove or Southern comfort food at The Bronx Beer Hall. See cutting-edge art at 9J Art Gallery or get your culture fix browsing vinyls and books at The Point. Keep an eye out for BankNote Building, an iconic early skyscraper that epitomizes Mott Haven’s blend of grit and revival.
Concourse – Grand Architecture and Yankee History
Baseball fans flock to the iconic Yankee Stadium up in Concourse, but this northern neighborhood offers much beyond the ballpark. Snap pics in front of architectural wonders like the Beaux-Arts styled Bronx General Post Office and Art Deco landmarks such as the Bronx County Building. Pay respects to Babe Ruth with a visit to Gate of Heaven Cemetery before grabbing a bite of Dominican food at neighborhood favorite La Nueva España Restaurant II. And whatever you do, don’t miss taking a tour of the historic Yankee Stadium to immerse yourself in Yankee lore.