Even though the Bronx is (more or less unjustly) associated with high crime rates, it still receives over 2 million tourists a year. The reason is simple. The Bronx is home to one of the largest urban zoos in the world, and it's the perfect place for a half-day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Opened in 1899, the zoo has gradually developed into one of the largest in the world. You'll be engulfed by the extraordinary variety of animals and enthusiasts can spend all day here.

Attractions and animals at the Bronx Zoo

The main zoo in New York covers 107 hectares, which is almost twice as large as the Prague Zoo.

The zoo offers over 4,000 animals of 650 different species. You will admire large primates, elephants, felines, hundreds of birds... It would be superfluous to list the animals here. You'll find almost everything from all over the world.

Traditionally, the largest pavilions attract the most attention, including the Congo Gorilla Forest with twenty lowland gorillas, the African Plains with many animals known from African safaris and the bear pavilion.

Entrance fees and opening hours

From the beginning of April to the first week of November, the Bronx Zoo is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and until 5:30 pm on weekends and holidays.

The rest of the year, 10:00-16:30.

Ticket prices vary by visitor category:

41,95 USD - Adults over 13 years of age
36,95 USD - Seniors over 65 years of age
31,95 USD - children under 13

Official zoo website: bronxzoo.com

How to get to the Bronx Zoo?

The zoo is located on the northern edge of New York City in the Bronx. It has several entrances, some of which are relatively easy to reach by subway directly from Manhattan. Use these subway stations:

West Farms Sq - E Tremont Av (480 meters from the entrance to the zoo): red line 2, green line 5 (note, selected express lines of line 5 pass through this station)
Pelham Parkway (650 metres from the zoo entrance): Red Line 2, Green Line 5 (note that only some Line 5 services go to this station)

The subway ride to Midtown Manhattan (Times Square) takes about 40 minutes, and the subway ride to Lower Manhattan takes about 60 minutes.