If you're planning a trip to New York City, and looking for things to do in New York for first-timers… then don't miss out on exploring the amazing borough Bronx. With this carefully created list of the top 20 unconventional things to do bronx ny, you'll discover a new side of the area.
While popular attractions like the Bronx Zoo and Yankee Stadium are worth your time, there's a wealth of hidden gems and one-of-a-kind experiences that showcase the borough's rich culture and character. Whether you are interested in visiting quirky museums, exploring artistic neighborhoods, indulging in culinary delights, or discovering historical landmarks, the Bronx has something for everyone.
So, get ready to delve into the borough's diverse culture and identity with this comprehensive guide.
1. Bird Watching at North Brother Island
North Brother Island is a hidden place for watching birds in New York City's East River. It's a safe area for birds where they can live without being bothered. People who like watching birds can see many different kinds there, like herons, egrets, and birds that fly a long way to get there. The island is peaceful and clean, making it a special place to see birds in their home. However, going there would require permission and you have to follow some rules for taking care of the birds and the island when you visit.
2. Learning about the history of Hart Island
At first, it was where soldiers trained during the Civil War. Later on, it became a cemetery for people who didn't have anyone to claim them after they died. Hart Island was also used as a place for people who needed help, like those in trouble with the law, people with mental health issues, or those with tuberculosis. Nowadays, it's still a cemetery, and the city's Department of Correction takes care of it. The island's story shows how difficult life was for some people in the past, and it's an important part of New York City's history. So, if you are in NYC and looking for some unique things to do in nyc, then visit this cemetery… you will learn a lot.
3. Ride the Bug Carousel at Bronx Zoo
The Bug Carousel at the Bronx Zoo is a fun thing to do in the bronx, a special ride for people of all ages. Instead of horses, it has big and detailed insect sculptures like butterflies, beetles, and praying mantises. When you ride on it, you can see the bright colors and cool details of these big bugs and also learn about insects. It's a fun and educational way for both kids and grown-ups to enjoy nature while having a classic amusement park experience.
4. Historical Tour of Woodlawn Cemetery
Woodlawn Cemetery is a special place with a lot of history. It covers a big area of land, and many famous people are buried there, like Miles Davis who was a famous jazz musician, writers like Herman Melville and Dorothy Parker, successful businesspeople like F.W. Woolworth, and women who fought for equal rights like Elizabeth Cady Stanton. You can take tours around the cemetery to learn more about different parts of history, like Black history, Irish history, Italian history, and women's history. There are beautiful statues, gardens, and big buildings to see, making it a unique and interesting bronx attraction to visit and learn about New York City's past.
5. Nature Walks and Hikes in Thain Family Forest
The Thain Family Forest is a peaceful and beautiful part of the New York Botanical Garden. You can see many different plants and animals there, like really old oak trees, tulip trees, and sweetgum trees. People can walk on trails, and enjoy still natural and clean surroundings. It's a special place for city people to enjoy nature and take a break from the busy city life. It's perfect for quiet walks and learning about how nature can survive even with human activity around.
6. Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
It is a special event that happens every year and has been entertaining people for more than 30 years. In this show, they use natural materials to create over 190 famous places from New York City. There are model trains that run along tracks for almost half a mile inside a big building. This year, they've added a new outdoor train display, which is a great place for taking holiday pictures. There's also NYBG GLOW, where they light up the garden and old buildings at night, making it look festive. They also have special nights with bars, food options, and extra benefits for members, making it a really fun place. So, if you are looking for things to do in nyc at night, visit this amazing place during the holidays.
7. Guided tours of Bartow Station
The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum gives tours where a guide shows you around the big house and its gardens. You can learn about how families lived there in the 1800s in the marshy area. The tours talk about the building's design, the old-fashioned rooms, and the people who used to live there. They also take you to see the carriage house, fancy gardens, special gardens for Native American plants, and wildflowers, a veggie garden, and an herb garden. The museum is happy to host groups of ten or more, including school trips. Besides tours, the museum has spaces for meetings, parties, and commercial filming or photoshoots. You can even rent the place for your private events, making it a cool and historical spot to visit.
8. Shopping and eating at Cafe al Mercato
Cafe al Mercato is a restaurant in the Arthur Avenue Retail Market in the Bronx. They serve yummy Italian food like pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. It's a great place to eat while you're out shopping. The cafe has a cozy and friendly feel, and you can try dishes like eggplant focaccia with broccoli rabe, cheese ravioli in a creamy tomato sauce, and lots of tasty pizza options. The market is always busy and lively, with locals and visitors enjoying the authentic Italian food and the vibrant atmosphere of Arthur Avenue. So, next time if you are looking for the best italian restaurants in the bronx, then do try this one.
9. Dining at La Morada
Eating at La Morada is special because they serve Mexican food with lots of care and hospitality. The place feels cozy and relaxed, decorated with colorful art, and has a warm vibe. The menu is full of tasty Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and soups. They use fresh ingredients, and the staff is super friendly and helpful. They make sure you have a good time and answer any questions about the food. What's cool about La Morada is that they care about making the world a better place. They support social justice causes, which means they want everyone to be treated fairly and kindly.
10. Seek Healing at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at St. Lucy's Church
The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at St. Lucy's Church is a calm and peaceful place …. what is the bronx known for. At this place, people go for comfort and to feel better emotionally and spiritually. It's like the special place in France called Lourdes that people believe can heal them. The grotto is quiet and good for thinking, praying, and asking for help. Some statues and candles make it feel special and holy. People visit to find peace, think deeply, and pray for themselves or their families, which can give them hope and make them feel better during tough times
11. Food Shopping at Teitel Brothers
Teitel Brothers is a famous Italian store in Little Italy on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. It is famous for selling really good Italian food. They have a lot of different things like cheese, meats, oils, tomatoes, pasta, beans, spices, tuna, anchovies, olives, and desserts. People who love Italian food love shopping there. Customers say the food is always fresh and tasty, especially their fresh mozzarella, different kinds of olives, and real Italian flavors. They also make their meats like soppressata and salami, which are good. Teitel Brothers is a great place to go if you want to try authentic Italian food and have a delicious experience.
12. Learning About the Life and Work of Elizabeth Cady Stanton at her Graveyard
At the Woodlawn Cemetery, visitors can pay their respects at Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s resting place and reflect on her deep influence on the advancement of women's rights in the United States. The monument dedicated to Henry Brewster Stanton and Elizabeth Cady Stanton stands as a tribute to her lasting legacy, allowing visitors to gain insight into her significant contributions to the fight for women's rights
13. Playing Billiards at Nano Billiards Cafe
You can not only play the game of billiards, but this Café is a unique place to eat as well. During the day, they serve Dominican food made by Chef Anita Romero, who is known for her delicious stews, meats, and side dishes. People like the food because it's fresh and tasty, and they also appreciate the quick service and friendly staff. The café has a cozy kitchen and a lively atmosphere, which makes it a popular spot for grabbing a quick meal and playing billiards.
14. Learning about the history of St. Raymond’s Cemetery
The place has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. Established in 1842, it is one of the oldest cemeteries in the Bronx and has served as the final resting place for individuals from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. The cemetery has a rich history that is closely tied to the development of the surrounding community. Its grounds are adorned with impressive monuments and elaborate mausoleums that reflect the area's cultural heritage.
15. Sightseeing Cruises on Rat Island
Sightseeing cruises around Rat Island are not commonly available. However, numerous sightseeing cruises in New York City offer breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Manhattan skyline, and many more attractions. If you are looking for activities and what to do in the bronx… then these cruises will make your time wonderful. It provides guided tours, onboard facilities, and a variety of cruise durations to cater to different preferences. While Rat Island itself may not be a featured destination on these cruises, it offers an excellent opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of New York City from the water.
16. Picnicking at Concrete Plant Park
Concrete Plant Park in the Bronx is a special place for picnics. It used to be a place for industry, but now it's a beautiful park with lots of green areas, a path next to the river, and a garden with plants you can eat or use for medicine. The park is one of the calm and pretty places in the bronx, making it perfect for picnics where you can relax and enjoy the view of the Bronx River.
17. Explore the Museum of Villa Charlotte Bronte
The Villa Charlotte Brontë was built in 1926 by a local lawyer named John J. McKelvey. The building is unique and has 17 different units, each designed differently. It has a long history going back to the early 1900s. The villa is named after the famous novelist Charlotte Brontë. It's situated by the river and has beautiful paths lined with hedges, arched staircases, and a courtyard that's lower than the ground level, which reminds people of Italian villas. Although it's not open to the public as a museum and is used as a co-op, its impressive architecture and history make it an important place in the Bronx.
18. Learn about Earthquakes at William Spain Seismic Observatory
The William Spain Seismic Observatory is not open for public tours because visitors can't go inside the observatory. It's located at Fordham University's Rose Hill campus in the Bronx and is one of the oldest places in the U.S. that studies earthquakes. The university's physics department runs the observatory. They use special equipment to detect strong movements caused by earthquakes and work with a government program to understand earthquake risks in cities. The data they collect is sent to a government center in Colorado. Even though people can't go inside, the observatory has a rich history and has helped a lot in studying earthquakes, showing how involved Fordham University is in this kind of research.
19. Art and Architecture Tour of Parkchester Terracotta Sculptures
They are a large and unique collection of sculptures made of baked clay that decorate the buildings in the Parkchester area. These sculptures were made in the 1940s and there are more than 1,000 of them. They show different things like people, animals, and designs, such as firefighters, mermaids, workers, and exotic animals. They are built into the walls of the apartment buildings and make the neighborhood look nice. Some of the sculptures are being taken down because they are not just decorations, they are also valuable parts of history that need to be taken care of.
20. Historical Exploration in West 230th Step Street
Exploring West 230th Step Street in the Bronx is like taking a journey through one of New York City's longest stairways. It's about 295 feet long and 38 feet high, linking Marble Hill and Kingsbridge with Spuyten Duyvil and Riverdale at the top. It is very important historically and shows how city planners and architects dealt with hilly areas. The street has three sets of stairs that go through green areas and homes, giving us a look at how the city used to be built. If you're looking for some adventurous things to do in the bronx then learn how cities are planned, old buildings, or how New York City has changed over time.
