Advice for New York visit wanted (mainly Bronx Zoo).

[Small Mammal Fan]

Hi, sorry, I had another question regarding my visit planned in early September.
Is the zoo quite exhausting to walk around? What is the terrain like? Is it sort of flat with paving or are there a lots of inclines? Just thinking how tired we will be by closing at 5 pm, and whether we could fit other New York sights in on that day? I know everyone is different in their physical ability, I just wanted a bit of a general consensus please. As we are based in Manhattan as tourists, would anyone reccomend doing the Empire State building that evening or will that be too much? Thank you.

 

[15399]

Hi, sorry, I had another question regarding my visit planned in early September.
Is the zoo quite exhausting to walk around? What is the terrain like? Is it sort of flat with paving or are there a lots of inclines? Just thinking how tired we will be by closing at 5 pm, and whether we could fit other New York sights in on that day? I know everyone is different in their physical ability, I just wanted a bit of a general consensus please. As we are based in Manhattan as tourists, would anyone reccomend doing the Empire State building that evening or will that be too much? Thank you.

How many days do you have in NYC? You really don't need that much time to see all the major sights, so as long as you have 4-5 days you probably wouldn't need to combine anything with Bronx. That said, Bronx Zoo is relatively flat, contains the monorail ride which is sitting down, and except for a few sections (e.g., World of Birds) is relatively compact. Yes, it is large, but it is a very doable zoo to walk around, so you could probably handle doing something else in the evening too if you really want to.

 

[Zoo-Lover-1-2-3]

Hi, sorry, I had another question regarding my visit planned in early September.
Is the zoo quite exhausting to walk around? What is the terrain like? Is it sort of flat with paving or are there a lots of inclines? Just thinking how tired we will be by closing at 5 pm, and whether we could fit other New York sights in on that day? I know everyone is different in their physical ability, I just wanted a bit of a general consensus please. As we are based in Manhattan as tourists, would anyone reccomend doing the Empire State building that evening or will that be too much? Thank you.

The Empire Star Building could definitely be fit in with the zoo in one day! I would do the Empire State Building after though. I also really recommend going when it’s dark as the view from the top is outstanding. Also if you’ve not considered it already I recommend maybe buying the tickets in advance if possible. There might be a line when you reach the building. The zoo is also mostly flat but still make sure to stay hydrated as it is a fairly large zoo. NOTE: you can’t take any drinks into Congo Gorilla Forest so I recommend finishing any refreshments before going in. They usually have people at the entrance checking to make sure you don’t have any so it’s unlikely you could sneak a drink through.

 

[Cat-Man]

The Empire Star Building could definitely be fit in with the zoo in one day! I would do the Empire State Building after though. I also really recommend going when it’s dark as the view from the top is outstanding. Also if you’ve not considered it already I recommend maybe buying the tickets in advance if possible. There might be a line when you reach the building. The zoo is also mostly flat but still make sure to stay hydrated as it is a fairly large zoo. NOTE: you can’t take any drinks into Congo Gorilla Forest so I recommend finishing any refreshments before going in. They usually have people at the entrance checking to make sure you don’t have any so it’s unlikely you could sneak a drink through.

Is there a particular reason for the drinks rule?

 

[Zoo-Lover-1-2-3]

I’m pretty sure that they just want to keep the exhibit clean as some of the floors are made of a bouncy material that you could sometimes find at a playground and that’s probably really hard to clean. Also they probably don’t want you dropping anything that can make a mess as it can get quite crowded in their and you can easily get bumped into by accident and drop something.

 

[Philipine eagle]

Hi, sorry, I had another question regarding my visit planned in early September.
Is the zoo quite exhausting to walk around? What is the terrain like? Is it sort of flat with paving or are there a lots of inclines? Just thinking how tired we will be by closing at 5 pm, and whether we could fit other New York sights in on that day? I know everyone is different in their physical ability, I just wanted a bit of a general consensus please. As we are based in Manhattan as tourists, would anyone reccomend doing the Empire State building that evening or will that be too much? Thank you.

All WCS zoos close relatively early (5pm week days, 5.30pm weekends), so there is more than enough time to do one or more other attractions.

Check museum opening hours as several have a late-night opening 1 day a week.

 

[Mary]

If coyotes or pronghorn are particular must-see species, then I'd get it if you chose to go here, but I don't think it is worth heading out of your way to Queens for this small zoo, when there are better small zoos more easily accessible.

Hi! Queens local here. The pronghorn at Queens are extremely difficult to see, and I believe there is only one left. It's in a fenced in area in the very back of the elk habitat, and you can barely see it. The coyotes are also super elusive, and as someone who has been going there at least twice a month for 2+ years, I have seen them twice.