5 REASONS WHY the BRONX (NYC) is AWESOME | Zoo & Botanic Garden & City Island & Yankees & Arthur Ave

Written By Steven Interrante

When people think of New York City, the Bronx might not be the first borough that comes to mind for a culinary adventure, but let us tell you, you'd be missing out big time! We recently explored the Bronx, and it completely blew us away with its vibrant culture, stunning green spaces, and, most importantly, its incredible food scene. Get ready to discover a side of the Bronx you never knew existed!

A Green Oasis: New York Botanical Garden & Bronx Zoo

Our day started with a peaceful escape to the New York Botanical Garden. While perhaps not as famous as its Brooklyn counterpart, this sprawling green haven is absolutely breathtaking. We loved wandering through the diverse plant collections, and honestly, the kids' section was a surprising highlight – we’re just big kids at heart! If you’re a New Yorker, take advantage of the discounted admission and summer happy hours.

Just a short trip from the Botanical Garden is the incredible Bronx Zoo. Spanning over 250 acres, it's a massive wildlife sanctuary home to over 4,000 animal species, making it significantly larger and more diverse than the Central Park Zoo. We had a blast seeing animals from all over the world. We even embarked on the dinosaur safari, which, while perhaps more for the younger crowd (even the 5-year-old on our ride wasn't entirely convinced by the "fake" dinosaurs!), was still a fun and quirky experience. Tip: visit on Wednesdays for free general admission to both the zoo and garden to make a full, budget-friendly day out!

Coastal Charms and Seafood Feasts on City Island

Next, we ventured to a hidden gem that feels a world away from the city bustle: City Island. This charming island, established way back in 1685, is renowned for its fantastic seafood. We headed to the famous City Island Lobster House, and oh my goodness, it did not disappoint! The lobster rolls were divine, packed with fresh, succulent lobster meat that tasted like it had just been pulled from the ocean – because it practically was! Plus, the generous appetizers served before the meal were a delightful bonus. If you love fresh seafood and a quaint, old-school coastal vibe, City Island is a must-visit.

From Grand Slams to Goals: Yankee Stadium

You can't really think of the Bronx without thinking of Yankee Stadium. While it's synonymous with baseball, we actually went to catch a soccer game there – it was Gökçe’s first ever! Even though it was a chilly day and our team didn't win, the atmosphere was electric. Sitting field level for an MLS match was an awesome experience, and there are so many food and drink options that even if you're not a die-hard sports fan, you'll still have a fantastic time. It's a truly iconic New York venue.

A Taste of Italy on Arthur Avenue: The Bronx's Little Italy

And finally, our stomachs led us to our last and arguably most anticipated stop: Arthur Avenue, the Bronx's authentic Little Italy. We'd heard it was even better than Manhattan's Little Italy, and we were eager to put that to the test! We arrived during the annual "Paragosto" fair, which added to the festive street atmosphere.

We ended up at Enzo's, where despite the early closing for the fair, they graciously welcomed us for some incredible pizza and sangria. The hospitality was unmatched, and the pizza was absolutely delicious. To cap off our Italian feast, we indulged in some rainbow cookies from Gino's Pastry Shop. Trust us, if you're on Arthur Avenue, you have to get these cookies – they were so good, we devoured two each!

Our Final Thoughts: The Bronx is a Must-Visit!

Our Bronx tour was an unforgettable blend of nature, wildlife, coastal charm, sports, and, of course, incredible food. From the peaceful gardens to the bustling Italian markets, the Bronx offers a rich and diverse experience that every visitor to New York City should discover. We loved every moment and hope you'll add these amazing Bronx spots to your own NYC itinerary!

What's your favorite hidden gem in the Bronx? Let us know in the comments below!

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