Things to do in Yonkers, New York
- Yonkers was the site of the first commercial carpet factory in the United States, established in 1843 by Alexander Smith.
- The city’s name is derived from the Dutch word 'Jonkheer,' meaning a young nobleman, referring to Adriaen van der Donck who owned the land in the 17th century.
- Yonkers was a significant location in the early history of the film industry, hosting the production studios of Elisha Otis, the inventor of the modern safety elevator.
- The city possesses a unique 'Seven Hills' geography, similar to Rome, which dictated the layout of its early street grids and development patterns.
- The first industrial-scale elevator was manufactured in Yonkers, fundamentally changing global urban architecture and the development of skyscrapers.
About Yonkers, New York
Yonkers is the fourth most populous city in New York, positioned directly north of the Bronx along the Hudson River. The city is defined by its dramatic topography, featuring steep hills and an expansive waterfront that integrates urban density with protected green space. Visitors can explore the historic landscape architecture of Untermyer Gardens or examine regional art and history at the Hudson River Museum. Proximity to major regional landmarks like Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center allows for a seamless blend of city exploration and botanical engagement.
Highlights of Yonkers, New York
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Explore the Persian-inspired Walled Garden and intricate Greco-Roman architectural elements overlooking the Hudson River.
Museums
Visit this cultural anchor to view its collection of American art, Gilded Age history, and a modern planetarium.
Parks
Walk through this 28-acre estate known for its world-class horticultural displays and panoramic views of the Palisades.
Parks
Access extensive hiking trails and scenic overlooks along the sheer cliffs bordering the Hudson River.
Parks
Traverse the expansive trails of one of New York's largest municipal parks, which bridges the gap between Yonkers and the Bronx.
Parks
Discover a massive living museum featuring over a million plants across diverse outdoor and indoor galleries.
Parks
Step inside this Victorian-style glasshouse to witness rare tropical and desert flora in a historic conservatory setting.
Top things to do in Yonkers, New York
The 200 highest-rated places in Yonkers, New York, ranked by travellers.
1
Venues
Yankee Stadium is a multi-purpose facility in the Bronx serving as the home ballpark for the New York Yankees since its...
2
Zoos
The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, spanning 265 acres of parklands and naturalistic hab...
3
Parks
The New York Botanical Garden is a 250-acre living museum and National Historic Landmark located in the Bronx. It houses...
4
Parks
Astoria Park is a 60-acre waterfront green space located along the East River in Queens, New York. It is home to the old...
5
Parks
Riverside Park is a four-mile-long linear landscape spanning the Hudson River waterfront from West 72nd Street to West 1...
6
Museums
The Met Cloisters is a museum branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art exclusively dedicated to the art and architecture...
7
Parks
Fort Tryon Park is a 67-acre public park in Washington Heights, Manhattan, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. It occu...
8
Parks
Van Cortlandt Park is the third-largest park in New York City, spanning 1,146 acres of forests, wetlands, and recreation...
9
Parks
Untermyer Gardens is a 43-acre public park in Yonkers, New York, featuring the Walled Garden inspired by Indo-Persian de...
10
Museums
The Museum of the City of New York occupies a prominent Georgian Colonial Revival building located at the northern end o...
11
Parks
Van Saun County Park is a 146-acre public space in Bergen County, New Jersey, featuring the Bergen County Zoo as its pri...
12
Parks
Palisades Interstate Park consists of a 12-mile stretch of cliffs rising 500 feet above the Hudson River, protected as a...
13
Parks
Overpeck County Park is an 805-acre multi-use recreational complex situated in Bergen County, New Jersey. The park is ge...
14
Parks
Riverbank State Park is a unique 28-acre multi-level facility constructed atop the North River Wastewater Treatment Plan...
15
Parks
Saddle River County Park is a 578-acre linear greenway consisting of five distinct, interconnected park areas: Otto C. P...
16
Parks
Morningside Park is a 30-acre public park that spans the steep geographic transition between the Morningside Heights and...
17
Temples
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is one of the world's largest church buildings, spanning 121,000 square feet and fe...
18
Parks
Inwood Hill Park is the only Manhattan park containing a significant remnant of the island's original old-growth forest....
19
Parks
Marcus Garvey Park is a 20-acre public park in Harlem that is unique for its rugged, hilly terrain and central fire watc...
20
Parks
The Conservatory Garden is the only formal garden within Central Park, spanning six acres at the park's northeast corner...
21
Parks
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is a Victorian-style glasshouse situated within the New York Botanical Garden in the Bron...
22
Parks
Highbridge Park is anchored by the historic High Bridge, the oldest remaining bridge in New York City, originally constr...
23
Parks
St. Mary's Park is the largest park in the South Bronx, spanning 35 acres of hilly, varied terrain. It features a modern...
24
Parks
Wave Hill is a 28-acre public garden and cultural center located in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, overlooking the...
25
Parks
Fort Washington Park spans 160 acres along the Hudson River in Washington Heights, Manhattan. The park contains the hist...
26
Parks
Holcombe Rucker Park is a world-renowned basketball court in Harlem, New York, synonymous with streetball culture. It is...
27
Parks
St. Nicholas Park is a 23-acre urban landscape in Harlem, characterized by its dramatic topography and steep elevation c...
28
Parks
Roberto Clemente State Park is a 25-acre waterfront facility located on the Harlem River in the Bronx. The park features...
29
Parks
J. Hood Wright Park is a multi-level recreational space situated on a steep hillside in the Washington Heights neighborh...
30
Temples
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, located on the grounds of St. Lucy's Church in the Bronx, is an outdoor shrine modeled after...
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Plan your visit to Yonkers, New York
May to October, when the riverfront parks and extensive botanical gardens are in full bloom and regional temperatures are most temperate.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to tour the riverfront museum, local historic gardens, and surrounding regional parklands.
A car is recommended for navigating the hilly terrain and accessing specific gardens, though the city is serviced by the Metro-North Railroad and local Bee-Line bus system.
Stay in the Ludlow or Getty Square areas for easy access to regional transit, or near the Greystone neighborhood for quieter riverfront views.
Mid-range; lodging and dining costs are generally lower than in Manhattan while remaining consistent with Westchester County pricing.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 200 curated attractions in and around Yonkers, New York, ranked by traveller ratings.
Yankee Stadium is the highest-rated place to visit in Yonkers, New York right now.
The largest category is temples, with 85 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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