New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)

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 admission to the garden, as well as access to hop-on hop-off buses, which stop outside the entrance.

• 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.

• Most of the exhibits are outdoors; dress accordingly.

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

NYBG is situated 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.

There is in no bad time to visit the NYBG. The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden is in full bloom May to October, while the Thain Family Forest is most spectacular during fall. The Holiday Train Show attracts crowds 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.

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.

It's worth setting aside at least several hours to explore the New York Botanical Garden. Sprawling across 250 acres—making it the most extensive botanical garden in any city in the United States—the green space comprises many gardens, greenhouses, and other tranquil areas worth discovering.

Yes, it's very worth visiting the New York Botanical Garden. The largest botanical garden in the country, it's home to gardens, greenhouse and conservatories, hiking trails, and more across its sprawling 250 acres. The garden is open throughout the year, and there's always something new to discover.

There's no bad time to visit the New York Botanical Garden, which offers year-round displays and activities. Spring, when its 200-plus cherry trees are blossoming, is always a popular time to visit. That said, thanks to its annual Holiday Train Show, winter is also a lovely time in the garden.

There is no dress code for the New York Botanical Garden. As you'll be exploring inside and out (including in humid greenhouses) and likely walking for miles, it's worth wearing comfortable clothes and shoes and bringing layers. Note that the gardens have no coat check, so prepare to carry whatever you wear.

Yes, the bulk of the New York Botanical Garden is accessible to wheelchair users, including the main garden area, its buildings, and tour vehicles. Note that some areas outdoors have uneven ground and may be difficult to access. The garden also rents free manual wheelchairs on a first-come-first-served basis.

Yes, there is parking at the New York Botanical Garden. Paid on-site parking (free for members) is available at the main entrance, though it can be limited during popular visiting days. Alternatively, the New York Botanical Garden also operates the nearby Peter Jay Sharp Building parking garage.