Just north of the hustle and bustle of Manhattan lies a natural treasure that is often overlooked by visitors: the New York Botanical Gardens. This veritable oasis covers an impressive 100 hectares in the Bronx district, making it the largest botanical garden in the United States. Listed as a historic monument since 1967, this plant sanctuary offers a refreshing alternative to classic tourist attractions such as Times Square or Central Park.
Unlike traditional urban green spaces, this garden offers total immersion in a botanical universe that changes with the seasons: the vibrant bloom of spring, the luxuriance of summer, the flamboyant hues of autumn and the refined grace of winter. For travellers looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, this haven of peace is a must-see destination, ideally located close to the Bronx Zoo.
A green oasis in the heart of the Bronx
The roots of the garden: history and mission
The story of this botanical gem began in 1891, the brainchild of botanist Nathaniel Lord Britton. Deeply inspired by the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew near London, this passionate scientist transformed the former lands of the Lorillard family into an exceptional botanical space. The site was carefully chosen for its remarkable natural features: an undulating landscape and the presence of a freshwater river, naturally creating different microclimates conducive to great plant diversity.
Since its creation, the garden has had a threefold mission, which continues to this day: to carry out fundamental scientific research on plants from all over the world, to maintain and constantly enrich the horticultural collections, and to raise public awareness of plant biology. This scientific, conservation and educational vocation makes the Botanic Garden a unique place where beauty meets knowledge.
Must-see botanical gems
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is the garden’s architectural jewel. This imposing Victorian glass and metal conservatory, inspired by the Italian Renaissance, houses an exceptional collection of tropical plants. Inside, you’ll find majestic palms, tree ferns and a host of exotic species. The aquatic pools are a highlight of the visit, with their magnificent water lilies and lotus flowers, which blossom particularly in summer.
The Peggy Rockefeller Rosarium
The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden is one of the most visited areas between May and October. Its 650 varieties of roses offer an incomparable visual and olfactory spectacle. Originally designed by landscape architect Beatrix Farrant in 1916, the garden was not completed until 1988, thanks to the financial support of David Rockefeller. The layout of the garden, designed as a succession of geometric parterres organised around a central space, allows the different varieties to be admired from their best angles. The rosarium has won numerous international awards for both its beautiful design and the diversity of its collection.
The Native Plant Garden
The Native Plant Garden covers 3.5 hectares and features almost 100,000 specimens of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns from the region. Designed by landscape architect Sheila Brady, the area plays a crucial ecological role as a habitat for local wildlife, including squirrels, butterflies, birds and amphibians. A stroll through this area offers an opportunity to observe the natural interactions between flora and fauna in a preserved ecosystem.
The Alpine Garden
Built in 1931, the Rock Garden is a remarkable example of technical landscaping where man works hand in hand with nature. In this mineral space structured by strategically placed rocks, Alpine plants grow harmoniously between the stones and crevices. The combination of mineral and plant elements creates living tableaux that change with the seasons.
Practical experience: services and facilities for visitors
Themed and educational areas for families
The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden offers fun activities that change with the seasons. This educational area allows children to discover the world of plants through experimentation and play. The themed decorations change throughout the year: pumpkins and autumn figures in October for Halloween, a magical winter atmosphere in December, and a celebration of renewal in spring.
The Howell Family Garden is one of the most participative areas of the botanic garden. As the on-site signage indicates, this garden welcomes visitors aged “3 to 103” who want to literally get their hands dirty! Thanks to The Edible Academy programme, you can learn the basics of vegetable gardening and techniques for growing edible plants.
Services and facilities to make your visit as enjoyable as possible
For visitors who want to save energy or have limited time, the Tram Tour is a great option. This free bus (included in the admission price) makes a complete circuit of the garden, with 8 strategic stops positioned near the major points of interest. The best strategy is to get on at the first stop“Main Tram Stop 1“, located not far from the main entrance, and then get off at stops 7 or 8, depending on your interests.
Founded in 1899, the LuEsther T. Mertz Library is the largest collection of botanical works in America. With over 550,000 books and 11 million documents in its archives, this institution is an invaluable resource. The building itself is well worth a visit, with its imposing architecture testifying to the importance attached to scientific knowledge.
Practical information: preparing for your visit
Admission to the Botanic Garden is via an“All-garden Pass” ticket, priced as follows:
- Adults: 35
- Students and senior citizens: $31,
- Children (aged 2-12): $15,
- Under 2s: free.
This ticket gives access to all areas of the garden, including The Orchid Show (temporary orchid exhibition), the main greenhouse, the Tram Tour and all the outdoor gardens. A great way to save money: entry is included in the Sightseeing Pass, a good option if you plan to visit several of New York’s paid attractions.
The quickest way to get there from Manhattan is to take theHarlem Line train from Grand Central station. The journey takes just 22 minutes to theBotanical Garden stop, a considerable time saving compared with the traditional underground. Return tickets cost 17.50 dollars at peak times and 13 dollars at off-peak times. If you opt for the metro, take line 4 (green) or line B/D to Bedford Park Boulevard, then allow around 15-20 minutes’ walk or take the Bx26 bus.
When to visit? The garden’s seasons
May is undoubtedly the most spectacular time to visit the garden. Nature awakens in an explosion of colour and fragrance: magnolias, cherry and apple trees in bloom create tableaux of striking beauty, while spring bulbs carpet the flowerbeds in vivid hues. This is the ideal season to admire the Home Gardening Centre, with its many tulips and narcissi.
The summer months, from June to August, see the garden reach its peak of vegetation. The outdoor collections are in full bloom, particularly the roses and water basins. On the other hand, the days can be hot and humid, particularly in July and August. Make sure you bring a hat, sun cream and a bottle of water. The greenhouses can reach high temperatures in the middle of the day, so opt for a morning visit for greater comfort.
Autumn in New York, particularly in October, transforms the garden into a striking palette of warm colours. The maples, oaks and other deciduous species take on golden, orange and purple hues. This is the perfect time to explore the Native Plant Garden and admire the local species in their autumn finery.
Although less frequented during the cold season, the garden reveals a more subtle but equally fascinating beauty in winter. The graphic silhouettes of bare trees, evergreens and frosted grasses create pictures of pure elegance. The main greenhouse becomes a warm refuge, where the tropical vegetation contrasts pleasantly with the harsh winter outside. Temporary exhibitions such as the Holiday Train Show are additional attractions that more than justify a winter visit.
Incorporate into your travel itinerary
Making a visit to the Botanical Gardens part of your trip to New York requires some planning. Its location in the Bronx, north of Manhattan, makes it a less immediate attraction than the central sites. For this reason, it is generally recommended for visitors with an extended stay (more than a week) or making a second trip to New York.
An effective strategy is to devote a whole day to exploring the Bronx, combining a visit to the Botanical Gardens with one to the neighbouring zoo, just 15 minutes away on foot. This proximity allows you to take full advantage of two major attractions in a single day, maximising your time and travel.
The New York Botanical Garden is much more than just a tourist attraction: it is a plant sanctuary where biodiversity is preserved and enhanced, a place of education and research, and a place where everyone can recharge their batteries. This experience will provide a pleasant contrast to the bustle of the Big Apple and a memorable souvenir of your stay in New York.
Entrance to the Botanical Gardens is available on 3 different passes, see the pass comparison to save money!
