By Elisa Mala

The Bronx is the only New York City borough that isn’t situated on an island. But that’s not its only claim to fame – it boasts some of the city's most colorful and entertaining attractions. It's an easy subway ride from virtually anywhere in Manhattan, but on the first Wednesday of every month, there are even free trolley rides from midtown. While the borough is often overshadowed by its neighbor to the south (Manhattan), it's worth seeing up close. Take it from NEWSWEEK’s Elisa Mala, who lived just below the Bronx-Manhattan border for a good part of her life.

Ride the Skyfari at the Bronx Zoo, a cable car that soars over treetops, orangutans and more than 6,000 other furry friends at heights of up to 100 feet. Afraid of heights? Never fear – an internal train ride that’s appropriate for children and adults alike stays closer to the ground and covers quite a lot of it. Or try the narrated tram tour at the New York Botanical Garden, where riders can hop on or off as many times as they like to check out one of the city’s few waterfalls, a serene reflecting pool or numerous verdant gardens.

Stroll past the nautical museum, lighthouse, docks and mom-and-pop shops on City Island, an islet off the coast of Pelham Bay Park that is as picturesque as any North England port town. Settled by the English in 1685, it's steeped in centuries of nautical history and feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, even though it’s only a few miles away from the skyscrapers.

Visit Yankee Stadium, the former home of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig and the third-oldest stadium in Major League Baseball. The historic house of the Bronx Bombers, who have won more championships than any other team, will be torn down at the end of this season, when the Yankees move into a spiffy new home next door. One thing that will probably never change: the availability of Cracker Jack, a mixture of popcorn, peanuts and caramel that has been immortalized in the lyrics of the sport’s unofficial anthem, "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." In 2004, the stadium switched to Crunch ‘n Munch. Fans protested, and 16 days later, Cracker Jack was back.

Admire the eclectic collection of contemporary works at the Bronx Museum of Art, which champions the underdog by featuring pieces from artists from underrepresented populations and those whose life or work are directly connected to the region.