Already seen Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building?  Consider spending some time in the Bronx.  New York City’s northernmost borough offers plenty of activities for a New York visitor interested in visiting places other than those that New York City is most famous for. 

Other than Yankee Stadium, The Bronx Zoo is among the Bronx’s most well known attractions.  Situated on 265 acres of land, the Bronx Zoo’s exhibits include the African Plains, Congo Gorilla Forest, Jungle World, Madagascar, and Tiger Mountain.  The Bronx Zoo is open year round, and on Wednesdays, admission is a “pay-what-you-wish” donation.

The Bronx is also home to what its residents consider to be the real little Italy of New York City, also known as Belmont.  Belmont is home to Arthur Avenue, a foodie’s dream.  Arthur Avenue is filled with bakeries, specialty food shops, markets and restaurants.   Craving a big sandwich filled with Italian meats and cheeses?  Mike’s Deli in the Arthur Avenue Market is the place to go.  Want a slice of Sicilian pizza?  Try Full Moon Pizzeria.  In the mood for a cannoli and an espresso?  Try De Lillo’s or the Arthur Avenue Bakery.    Or, if you’re in the mood for a nice, sit down Italian meal, try Dominick’s, where the dining is family style, the waiters are quick with recommendations, and where the chef also takes requests.  Belmont also has an array of other restaurants, bakeries and speciality shops (including Borgatti’s for fresh pasta and Teitel Brothers for olives which are simply sublime) from which to choose.

For someone who wants to spend a nice day outdoors away from the hustle and bustle of the City, the New York Botanical Garden is just the place to go.  Located practically across the street from Fordham University, the 250-acre Botanical Garden is built around part of the Bronx River and features acres of natural forest, indoor and outdoor gardens (including the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden and the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden), as well as various other activities.  The New York Botanical Garden is also home to the LuEsther T. Mertz Library.  Admission prices vary, depending on whether you purchase grounds only admission, or whether you wish to visit some of the other attractions or exhibits the Garden has to offer.  Grounds only admission is free on Wednesdays and on Saturdays from 10 am – 12 pm.

The Bronx Zoo, Belmont/Arthur Avenue, and the New York Botanical Garden are accessible by all methods of public transportation.  If you wish to take the subway, take the D train or the 4 train to Fordham Road and then either walk the rest of the way or hop on a bus.  If you wish to take the Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Station, take a Harlem Line train to either the Fordham or Botanical Garden stops.