Yonkers, New York Travel Guide

Discover Yonkers, New York – a perfect blend of urban charm, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes along the Hudson River.

Nestled along the Hudson River, Yonkers is a delightful blend of urban charm and natural beauty. This city offers a treasure trove of experiences for every kind of traveler. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, Yonkers is a must-visit destination in New York. Explore the city's numerous parks, such as the lush Untermyer Gardens and the scenic views at Tibbetts Brook Park. For history buffs, the Hudson River Museum provides a captivating glimpse into the area's past, while the Science Barge offers a unique, eco-friendly adventure on the river. Yonkers also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with galleries and theaters that host a variety of performances and exhibitions. Don't miss the chance to stroll through the bustling downtown area, where you can find eclectic shops, cozy cafes, and top-notch restaurants. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Yonkers has something to offer everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Yonkers.

Visit the Hudson River Museum for a mix of art, history, and science exhibits.
Take a walk through Untermyer Gardens for beautiful views and photo opportunities.
Enjoy the local cuisine at downtown Yonkers' diverse range of restaurants.
Check the schedule for performances at the Yonkers Waterfront Amphitheater.
Plan a visit to the Science Barge for an eco-friendly tour on the Hudson River.

Explore Yonkers: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Yonkers

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Central Park

Discover the serene beauty and cultural richness of Central Park, the iconic urban oasis in the heart of New York City.

4.8

Times Square

Experience the dazzling energy and vibrant culture of Times Square, the iconic heart of New York City, filled with entertainment, dining, and shopping.

4.7

Rockefeller Center

Experience the magic of Rockefeller Center, a historical landmark in NYC with stunning views, art, shopping, and seasonal festivities.

4.7

Empire State Building

Experience breathtaking views and rich history at the iconic Empire State Building, a must-visit landmark in the heart of New York City.

4.7

Best landmarks in Yonkers

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Statue of Liberty

Explore the iconic Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, offering stunning views and rich historical significance in the heart of New York Harbor.

4.7

Charging Bull

Explore the iconic Charging Bull in New York City’s Financial District, a powerful symbol of resilience and economic strength, perfect for memorable photos.

4.4

Grand Central Terminal

Explore the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal, a historical landmark and transportation hub that embodies the essence of New York City.

4.8

Flatiron Building

Discover the architectural wonder of the Flatiron Building, an iconic landmark in New York City, showcasing stunning design and rich history.

4.5

Best restaurants in Yonkers

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Yard House

Experience the best of New American cuisine at Yard House in Yonkers, where flavor meets fun in a vibrant gastropub setting.

4.4

Minetta Tavern

Discover Minetta Tavern: A historic French-American restaurant serving exquisite cuisine in the heart of Greenwich Village.

4.5

Rory Dolan's Restaurant & Bar

Experience authentic Irish cuisine and vibrant nightlife at Rory Dolan's Restaurant & Bar in Yonkers—where every meal is a celebration.

4.6

Raceway Diner

Discover the essence of classic American dining at Raceway Diner in Yonkers—where delicious breakfasts meet warm hospitality.

4.3

Best bars in Yonkers

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Yard House

Experience vibrant dining at Yard House in Yonkers, where craft beers and New American cuisine come together in a lively atmosphere.

4.4

Rory Dolan's Restaurant & Bar

Discover the warmth of Irish culture at Rory Dolan's Restaurant & Bar, where hearty meals and friendly service await you in Yonkers, New York.

4.6

Heritage Bar & Restaurant

Discover the heartbeat of Irish culture at Heritage Bar & Restaurant, where hearty meals and a spirited atmosphere await you in Yonkers.

4.5

Francey Brady's

Discover the lively ambiance and delicious cuisine at Francey Brady's, Yonkers' premier bar and restaurant for food and fun.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Yonkers

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GO SPORTS BAR & LOUNGE

Join the excitement at GO Sports Bar & Lounge in Yonkers, where sports, drinks, and nightlife create an unforgettable experience.

4.1

Ned Devine's Saloon

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ned Devine's Saloon, a beloved pub in Yonkers offering delicious food, drinks, and unforgettable nightly entertainment.

4.7

The Hole In The Wall Bar

Discover the charm of The Hole In The Wall Bar in Yonkers, where great drinks and a friendly atmosphere await.

4.5

La Sensacion Bar & Lounge

Experience the lively atmosphere of La Sensacion Bar & Lounge, a top destination in Yonkers for great food, drinks, and nightlife.

4.4

Best shops in Yonkers

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Chelsea Market

Discover the culinary delights of Chelsea Market, New York City's iconic food hall brimming with vibrant flavors and artisanal treasures.

4.5

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Discover unbeatable deals at over 200 stores in the iconic Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, a must-visit destination for savvy shoppers.

4.5

Brookfield Place

Explore Brookfield Place, New York's luxurious shopping destination with waterfront views, exquisite dining, and vibrant cultural experiences.

4.6

Cross County Center

Explore Cross County Center in Yonkers for exceptional shopping, diverse dining, and vibrant community events that cater to all ages.

4.4

Explore Yonkers on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Yonkers, mapped for you.

Yonkers Essentials

Yonkers is located in Westchester County, New York, just north of New York City. The closest major airport is LaGuardia Airport (LGA), approximately 20 miles away. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are also viable options, though slightly further. From these airports, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or a combination of public transportation options to reach Yonkers. Metro-North Railroad provides direct train service from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan to Yonkers station, making it an easy commute from New York City.
Yonkers is well-connected through various modes of transportation. The Metro-North Railroad offers frequent services to New York City and other parts of Westchester County. Local bus services operated by Westchester County's Bee-Line System are reliable for getting around Yonkers and neighboring towns. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available. If you prefer to drive, car rentals are accessible at major airports and within the city. For a more leisurely experience, consider walking or biking along the scenic Hudson River waterfront.
The currency used in Yonkers, like the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Most establishments, including restaurants, shops, and hotels, accept major credit and debit cards. Contactless payments and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are also widely accepted. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and many banks offer currency exchange services. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case you encounter places that do not accept cards.
Yonkers is generally a safe city for tourists, but standard safety precautions should always be taken. Areas like Getty Square and South Broadway are bustling and can get crowded; keep an eye on your belongings. While Yonkers is largely safe, some neighborhoods such as southwest Yonkers have higher crime rates. It's advisable to avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night. Always stay aware of your surroundings and use well-lit, populated routes when traveling.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. St. John’s Riverside Hospital and Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital are the main medical facilities in Yonkers. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens can be found throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest emergency services and have contact information handy.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the season. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but consider wearing stylish outfits if dining at upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect places of worship by dressing modestly and speaking quietly. Public Transport: Do be courteous on public transportation. Give up your seat for the elderly or disabled and avoid loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. A smile can go a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and tip generously, usually 15-20% of the bill. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from locals or your server.
To experience Yonkers like a local, visit the Yonkers Farmers Market held on Thursdays and Saturdays for fresh produce and local goods. Explore the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, a hidden gem offering beautiful landscapes and historical architecture. Take a stroll along the Yonkers waterfront, where you can enjoy views of the Hudson River and dine at waterfront restaurants. For a unique outing, visit the Hudson River Museum, which offers a mix of art, history, and science exhibits. Engaging with locals can offer insights into the city’s rich history and culture.

When is the best time to visit Yonkers?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Yonkers

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Yonkers. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey
  [Hey]
- GoodbyeLater
  [Lay-ter]
- YesYeah
  [Yeah]
- NoNah
  [Nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [Please/No prob-lem]
- Thank youThanks
  [Thanks]
- Excuse me/Sorry‘Scuse me/Sorry
  ['Skews me/Sor-ry]
- How are you?How you doin'?
  [How you doin'?]
- Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [Good. You?]
- Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [You speak En-glish?]
- I don't understandI don't get it
  [I don't get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please
  [Can I see the menu, please]
- I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meat]
- Cheers!Salut!
  [Sa-lut!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseCheck please
  [Check please]
- Help!Help!
  [Help!]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [Get lost!]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [Call the cops!]
- Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
  [Get a doctor!]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
- I'm just lookingJust looking
  [Just looking]
- How much is it?How much?
  [How much?]
- That's too expensiveToo much
  [Too much]
- Can you lower the price?Can you do better?
  [Can you do bet-ter?]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [What time is it?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [It's one]
- Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [Ten thir-ty]
- MorningMorning
  [Morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
- EveningEvening
  [Evening]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [Today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
- 1One
  [One]
- 2Two
  [Two]
- 3Three
  [Three]
- 4Four
  [Four]
- 5Five
  [Five]
- 6Six
  [Six]
- 7Seven
  [Seven]
- 8Eight
  [Eight]
- 9Nine
  [Nine]
- 10Ten
  [Ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Show me on the map
  [Show me on the map]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...
  [A ticket to ...]

History of Yonkers

Long before European settlers arrived, the land now known as Yonkers was inhabited by the Lenape people, part of the Algonquian-speaking tribes. The Lenape lived in harmony with the land, fishing in the Hudson River and farming the fertile soil. Their presence is still felt in the region through archaeological findings and preserved artifacts.
Yonkers' modern history began in 1646 when Adriaen van der Donck, a Dutch lawyer, purchased the land from the Native Americans. He established a vast estate known as Colen Donck, which eventually became Yonkers. The Philipse family later acquired the land and built the Philipse Manor Hall, an elegant Georgian mansion that still stands today as a museum and testament to the early colonial era.
Yonkers played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War. Its strategic location along the Hudson River made it a vital area for both British and American forces. The Philipse family, being Loyalists, faced confiscation of their lands after the war, which were then sold off to patriotic citizens. Many historical markers and sites in Yonkers commemorate this turbulent period.
The 19th century brought rapid industrialization to Yonkers, transforming it into a bustling city. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s and the construction of factories along the Hudson River spurred economic growth. Notable industries included sugar refining, carpet manufacturing, and elevator production, with the Otis Elevator Company becoming a world-renowned enterprise.
Yonkers has long been a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. Waves of immigrants, including Irish, Italian, and Eastern European communities, settled in Yonkers throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Each group brought their unique traditions, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the city. Neighborhoods like Park Hill and Getty Square reflect this diverse heritage.
In 1899, Yonkers became home to the Empire City Race Track, now known as Yonkers Raceway. This iconic harness racing track has hosted numerous significant races and events, becoming a beloved institution in the community. The raceway's presence has also spurred economic development and tourism in the area.
The late 20th century saw significant urban renewal projects in Yonkers. Efforts to revitalize the downtown area included the construction of new residential and commercial complexes, the refurbishment of historic buildings, and the enhancement of public spaces. These developments have transformed Yonkers into a vibrant, modern city while preserving its rich historical legacy.
In recent years, the Yonkers waterfront along the Hudson River has undergone extensive revitalization. The creation of parks, walkways, and cultural venues has turned the area into a bustling hub for residents and visitors alike. The waterfront now hosts festivals, markets, and performances, celebrating the city's connection to the river and its maritime heritage.