City Island Bronx: The Fishing Village You’ll Love

City Island is a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge, but above all it's one of those unexpected corners of New York, tucked into the Bronx in the northern part of New York.

It will surprise you, because it looks like a sleepy New England fishing village, the kind you find in a Stephen King novel. Along with Belmont, the Little Italy of the Bronx, it's another one of those places I recommend if you've already been to NYC several times and want to explore somewhere new.

Anywhere in this island neighborhood you're just steps from the water (one of the many islands that make up this patchwork city). It's hard to believe it sits only 30 kilometers from Midtown Manhattan, which is exactly why New Yorkers love it when they want to escape the city.

What to do in City Island

This Bronx neighborhood is best known for its seafood restaurants, all lined up along City Island Avenue.

It fills up with visitors on weekends, city folks coming for the food, and the star of the show is the succulent lobster. Book ahead so you don't end up disappointed. Tony's Pier is one of the local favorites.

Johnny's Reef Restaurant is another busy spot, thanks to its lovely marina views and plates of fried seafood (2 City Island Ave, Bronx).

Beyond the food, the neighborhood stands out for its distinctive Victorian architecture and for being a great place to go sailing, fishing and enjoying water sports.

City Island Nautical Museum

If you like museums and all things nautical, you'll enjoy the City Island Nautical Museum. It only opens on weekends, which are also the busiest days in this peaceful corner of northern New York.

Historic tour of the Bronx

Want to get to know the Bronx? I recommend the Contrasts of New York tour.

How to get to City Island

Line 6. Pelham Bay Park station
Then take the Bx29 bus