Explore the most beautiful part of The Bronx and discover New York City without mass tourism and crowds!
The Unfairly-Bypassed Borough
The colorful, incredibly diverse, and vibrant borough of The Bronx is not the most popular area in New York City. Manhattan and Brooklyn seem to get the most attention from visitors. However, The Bronx is home to top landmarks and the largest park in the city. It has its own “Little Italy,” the most significant metropolitan zoo in the country, The New York Botanical Garden, and Yankee Stadium.
The Prettiest Neighborhood in The Bronx
Riverdale is its prettiest neighborhood. Its curvy streets full of trees, the mighty Hudson River to the west, and a plethora of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and parks, make this peaceful area one of the best neighborhoods in The Bronx. Hire a chauffeur to Riverdale and explore the “real” New York City, with all the charm and beauty but far away from tourists and cameras. This article will hopefully help you explore this neighborhood and give hints about where to go and how to see the best of lovely Riverdale.
Where Is Riverdale?
Riverdale is located in the northwestern corner of The Bronx, south of Yonkers, west of Van Cortlandt Park and Broadway, and northwest of Kingsbridge. The southern border is either Harlem River or Spuyten Duyvil area, depending on who you ask.
How To Get to Riverdale from Downtown Manhattan?
There are three ways to travel from Manhattan to Riverdale.
1. You could use the subway and go to 242 Street Station on Broadway. Depending on what’s your destination in Riverdale, this could be a long walk. If you don’t mind walking and spending some calories from all that yummy New York pizza, this will work just fine. You’ll need about an hour to get there from Downtown Manhattan.
2. Taking a bus is a good option if you want to save money. However, you’ll need to spend between an hour and a half and two hours inside one.
3. Taxis, Lyft, and Uber could be good choices if you’re not in a rush and don’t mind looking and waiting for one of the vehicles. This type of transportation could be faster or slower than a train, depending on the driver’s experience and skills.
4. The fourth and most luxurious option is to hire a chauffeur at least one day before your trip. Rent a chauffeured sedan or SUV, and your private driver will take you from Financial District to Riverdale fuss-free. AJ Limo New York provides luxurious and cost-effective livery services from all the airports, city neighborhoods, and suburbs. Your chauffeur will choose the best route, and you can arrange all kinds of amenities like refreshments or a sightseeing tour.
Riverdale Attractions
– Van Cortlandt Park – Check out the largest park in New York City if you like recreation, hiking, biking, cricket, or golf. You’ll find a skate park, swimming pools, tennis courts, a horseriding area, playgrounds, beautiful forests, and many more facilities. It is located near Riverdale, east of Broadway.
– Visit the oldest building in The Bronx – The Van Cortlandt House Museum. Africans that Frederick Van Cortlandt (1699-1749) had enslaved constructed the Georgian-style home in 1748 for his family. The Comte de Rochambeau, the Marquis de Lafayette, and George Washington resided there during the Revolutionary War.
– Explore Wave Hill gardens and learn about people and their natural environment. You can also visit a nearby Historic District, and you’ll have a feeling you’re far away from any major city.
– The Riverdale Memorial Bell Tower (Riverdale Monument) is another local must-see. The monument, which is 50 feet tall and 17.5 feet wide, is situated between Riverdale Avenue and the Henry Hudson Parkway on West 239th Street.
– Make sure you visit the lovely Riverdale Presbyterian Church. The church has continued to provide services to Riverdale’s Presbyterian neighborhood since it was designated a New York City landmark in 1966.
– Henry Hudson Park and Henry Hudson Monument are located in the Spuyten Duyvil neighborhood on the south, near Kappock Street and Palisade Avenue.
Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops
Done exploring and looking for a place to eat, chill, or have a cup of coffee? Some of the best restaurants in the area are Cocina Chente, Tin Marin, Beccofino, Salvatore’s, Bella Notte, Greek Express, Metate, and Yo-Burger.
There are plenty of places that offer good coffee around Riverdale Avenue. Try Sheza Coffee House, Noni’s Coffee and Deli, The Cafe at Wave Hill, or Skyview Cafe & Delicatessen.
The local bar scene will not disappoint. Places like An Beal Bocht Cafe, Fenwicks, Tortoise & Hare, Bronx Alehouse, Blackstone Bar & Grill, and many others are mostly located near Broadway and Riverdale Ave.
Riverdale Limo Service
Preschedule your trip to Riverdale with AJ Limo New York, the best local black car service, and count on luxurious, timely rides and safe returns to your hotel or the airport. Whether you need a ride from LGA to Riverdale, JFK to Van Cortlandt Park, or Spuyten Duyvil to EWR, your limousine ride will be equally luxurious and always on time!