When it comes to visiting New York, everyone tends to stick to Manhattan and the main tourist areas – Times Square, the Empire State Building, Central Park, but in doing so, they are missing out on some great places. There are so many reasons to visit the Bronx, although it’s fair to say that the area could benefit from having some money injected into it. Make sure you keep an eye on where you’re walking so you don’t end up tripping – if you do find yourself injured, see this personal injury lawyer based in the Bronx area.
Pelham Bay Park
If you thought Central Park was big, wait until you see Pelham Bay Park! It’s over three times the size and has something for everyone – from golf courses (yes, plural!), to hiking trails, stunning plants, and animals to spot. There are areas to barbecue, fish, and play sports, and it’s certainly big enough to spend the entire day happily, without spending a dollar!
Yankee Stadium
Even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan, the Yankee Stadium is still worth visiting for the atmosphere alone. It was rebuilt in 2009, and you can book onto a tour to see why it cost a whopping £1.5 billion to create! If you can, try to go on a game day so you can get the full experience – don your iconic New York Yankees baseball cap and don’t forget to get to load up on snacks and hotdogs too!
Edgar Allan Poe’s Cottage
The Bronx is a hub of creativity, and to immerse yourself in a little slice of that, why not head to the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage. The 19th-century poet wrote Annabel Lee and The Bells in this cottage, which was turned into a museum in 1975, to celebrate his life. It’s a little different from the hip-hop history that the area is known for, but it’s a must-visit for any aspiring writers or avid historians.
The Hall of Fame for Great Americans
Over at the Bronx Community College, you’ll find an incredible 630-foot stone structure, within which lives 98 bronze busts of “Great Americans.” What makes a great American? Well, the criteria for nomination requires the person to be a U.S Citizen (native-born or Naturalized), have been dead for at least 25 years, and have made a contribution in economics, politics, or culture that had a positive effect on the nation.
The Bronx Museum of the Arts
Sure, New York is filled with museums and galleries, but the Bronx Museum of the Arts is pretty special too. Focusing on connecting dynamic audiences with diverse, often under-represented artists, this contemporary art venue shines a spotlight on creators of African, Asian, and Latin American ancestry and spans 33,000 square feet.
So next time you’re in the city, instead of heading to Brooklyn for a hipster bar, or to the department stores of Manhattan for a shopping spree, why not take a subway to the Bronx and see what you’re missing.
