New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)

The basics

Access to the NYBG is ticketed, and visitors can book all-garden passes in advance. Once inside, explore the vast grounds, including the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the Thain Family Forest, and the Rock Garden. A good way to get your bearings—and save yourself from achy feet—is to take the tram tour. Some New York City sightseeing passes include free garden admission and access to hop-on, hop-off buses, which stop outside the entrance.

Things to know before you go

• New York Botanical Garden is a must for anyone who needs a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

• A visit to the garden inevitably involves some walking, so wear comfortable shoes.

• New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) tickets are priced based on peak and off-peak times. You can also pre-purchase a holiday train show all garden passes during the holiday season.

• Most of the exhibits are outdoors; dress accordingly.

• Visit the Pine Tree Café or Hudson Garden Grill for dining experiences while at the garden.

• Most areas are wheelchair accessible, as is the tram, though some sections are inaccessible because of sloping, uneven topography.

How to get there

NYBG sits on Southern Boulevard in the Bronx, NYC. To get here, ride the Metro–North Harlem local line from Grand Central Terminal to the Botanical Garden station. The nearest subway stops are Bedford Park Boulevard (B, D, or 4 train) and Allerton Avenue (2), which are a 15-minute and a 20-minute walk away, respectively.

When to get there

There is no bad time to visit the NYBG. The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden is in full bloom from May to October, while the Thain Family Forest is most spectacular during fall. The Holiday Train Show attracts crowds from November to January, while the Orchid Show takes place in March and April. Ticket prices are reduced midweek, and admission to the grounds (excluding the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, special exhibitions, the Rock Garden, and the tram tour) is free on Wednesdays.

The Home Gardening Center

For keen gardeners, the NYBG’s Home Gardening Center is a big part of the garden’s appeal. Between March and November, the center offers a program designed to inspire and educate amateur gardeners. As well as model gardens and display areas, the center also offers tips from experts on vegetable gardening, composting, and other essential techniques.

Ways to explore

Access to the New York Botanical Garden is ticketed, with some special events requiring timed entry; visitors can book online in advance. Aim to explore one attraction, such as the Rock Garden, or utilize the tram tour to cover more ground in this 250-acre (101-hectare) landmark.

Some NYC sightseeing passes include free garden admission and access to hop-on hop-off buses that stop outside the entrance. Maximize time in the Bronx by exploring nearby Arthur Avenue, which is known as the Little Italy of this borough. Walking tours here offer the chance to taste your way through the neighborhood.

Accessibility

Most areas of the New York Botanical Garden, including the tram, are wheelchair accessible, though some sections of the garden are challenging to access because of sloping, uneven topography.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, water bottle, hat

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, breathable clothing

Not allowed

Tripods, selfie sticks, outside food and beverage, weapons, feeding wildlife, pets

Amenities

Restrooms, food and beverage options, tram

Address

The New York Botanical Garden is located on Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. Visitors arrive by public transportation, hop-on hop-off bus, or by car.

Driving

It is fairly easy to drive to the New York Botanical Garden, but expect to pay somewhat expensive parking fees at the garden’s lot, located at 2900 Southern Boulevard, or the parking garage at 401 Bedford Park Boulevard.

Public transportation

Take the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem Line from Grand Central Terminal to the Botanical Garden station. The nearest subway stops are Bedford Park Boulevard (B, D, or 4 train) and Allerton Avenue (2 train).

Best times to visit

The morning hours are generally the quietest time to visit the New York Botanical Garden. Choose a weekday morning to explore the gardens with the smallest crowds.

Best days to visit

Tickets are offered at reduced prices midweek, and crowds tend to be smaller on weekdays, so those seeking value and a peaceful atmosphere may want to consider visiting then.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad time to visit. The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden is in full bloom from May to October, while the Thain Family Forest is most spectacular during the fall.

Special events

The annual Holiday Train Show® attracts crowds from November–January, while the Orchid Show takes place in March and April. The garden is also known for one-off events throughout the year.