The Borough That Reinvented Itself
Few places tell New York’s story of resilience better than the Bronx. It went from farmland to elegant boulevards, from crisis and abandonment to the birthplace of a global music movement, and today it is one of the most vibrant boroughs in the city, with a strong Latino identity. Knowing that story is the best way to understand what you see when you visit.
In this guide we tell you the history of the Bronx, its great icons and how to visit it with a local guide.
Last updated: October 22, 2026.
From Jonas Bronck’s Farm to a Great Borough
The Bronx takes its name from Jonas Bronck, a settler who farmed the area in 1639. It is the only one of New York’s five boroughs located mainly on the mainland rather than on an island. In the early 20th century, the Grand Concourse, a wide boulevard lined with Art Deco buildings, became a symbol of the borough’s prosperity.
Crisis and Rebirth
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Bronx suffered a deep crisis, with economic decline, abandonment and fires that destroyed entire blocks. But in the middle of that crisis something extraordinary was born: in August 1973, at a party in the recreation room of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, hip-hop was born, the most influential cultural movement of the last half century. Since then the borough has rebuilt itself, and murals, music and community are part of its identity.
The Yankees and Their Stadium
The Bronx is also home to the most famous baseball team in the world. The original Yankee Stadium opened in 1923, and legends like Babe Ruth played there. The current stadium, inaugurated in 2009 across the street, continues that tradition and is one of the most visited sports venues in the city.
Other Bronx Gems
Arthur Avenue is considered the “real Little Italy” of New York, with traditional bakeries, butcher shops and restaurants. The Bronx Zoo, opened in 1899, is one of the largest urban zoos in the world, and the New York Botanical Garden, founded in 1891, is one of the most important in the country. The borough’s Latino culture, especially Puerto Rican and Dominican, is everywhere in its music, food and murals.
The Bronx on the Contrasts Tour
On our New York Contrasts Tour, the Bronx is the first stop. You visit the Joker stairs, made famous by the 2019 film, and Yankee Stadium. You pass the Bronx courts and the 42nd Precinct, known as a filming location of Fort Apache, The Bronx, and stop at the Big Pun mural, a tribute to the legendary Puerto Rican rapper, and the colorful “I Love The Bronx” by the Tats Cru artists. If you want to go inside the stadium, choose the Contrasts Tour with Yankee Stadium access, and for a smaller group, the VIP Contrasts Tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the Bronx?
It is named after Jonas Bronck, a settler who farmed the area in 1639.
Where was hip-hop born?
At a party at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, in the Bronx, in August 1973.
Is it safe to visit the Bronx?
Yes. With a professional guide and on planned routes, the Bronx is a safe and fascinating place to visit, and New York today has some of the lowest crime levels in its modern history.
Can I go inside Yankee Stadium?
Yes, with our Contrasts Tour with Yankee Stadium access.
Related Articles
New York Contrasts Tour 2026: Complete Guide to the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn
Guided NYC Boroughs Tour with Yankee Stadium Inside Access
Why Are They Called the Yankees? Origin of the Word, the Nickname and the New York Team
Sources
Sources: Wikipedia, The Bronx, Hip hop, Yankee Stadium, Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden; Real’s Tours NYC, New York Contrasts Tour itinerary (realstoursnyc.com). Schedules and itineraries may change.
Real’s Tours NYC is not affiliated with the New York Yankees, the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden or any organization mentioned in this article. Schedules and itineraries may change, so please confirm current details when you book.
