New York’s ‘City Of Seven Hills’ Is Just 30 Minutes From NYC — With Gatsby-Era Gardens & Stunning Hudson River Views

We love escapes that feel close to home but completely different from NYC. And what if we told you there was one just north of the Bronx, and only a short train ride away. That’s where Yonkers, NY quietly holds its own with its historic gardens and riverfront charm . Recently highlighted by Islands.com, Yonkers has rightfully earned its nickname as the “City of Seven Hills” — a place that’s more than just an NYC suburb and one that blends steep, winding streets, historic estates, and waterfront views . Yonkers’ nickname comes from its hills: Park, Nodine, Ridge, Cross, Locust, Glen, and Church . Streets wind up and down steep slopes, staircases connect neighborhoods, and skyline glimpses reveal the Hudson in the distance. Life here literally happens on the hills, and that layered, hilly layout is part of the city’s charm — a mini hill town just a 30 minute train ride from the city that’s waiting to be explored. Untermyer Park & Gardens — Yonkers’ hidden crown jewel ---------------------------------------------------------- There’s plenty to do in a town like this, but no visit is complete without a stroll through Untermyer Park & Gardens . This 40-acre estate, perched on one of Yonkers’ hills , feels like stepping into a Gatsby-era dream. Walled Persian-inspired gardens, fountains, mosaic tiles, and the Temple of Love make it a visual spectacle that you literally have to see to believe. The Vista staircase — modeled after Italy’s Villa d’Este — plunges toward the Hudson River, offering dramatic views perfect for photography or a romantic afternoon wander. Seasonal concerts, holiday lights, and carefully curated plantings make Untermyer a year-round destination — so you can really plan a day trip any time you feel like it. Hudson River Museum & revitalized waterfront ------------------------------------------------ A short walk away, the Hudson River Museum blends regional art, river history, and a planetarium inside a Gilded Age mansion overlooking the water. It’s one of those rare museums that feels both educational and scenic — especially when you step outside and catch views of the Palisades across the river. Down below, Yonkers’ waterfront has undergone a quiet transformation in recent times. A pedestrian esplanade stretches along the Hudson , lined with public art, seating, and wide-open views perfect for lingering. Sections of the Saw Mill River, once buried under streets and parking lots, have been “daylighted,” restoring flowing water, habitat, and peaceful plazas right in the heart of downtown. Just steps from the train station, the waterfront also connects to several stops along Westchester County’s African American Heritage Trail . Here, you’ll find a bronze statue honoring Yonkers-native jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald, along with artist Vinnie Bagwell’s Enslaved Africans’ Rain Garden — a powerful sculpture installation that adds depth and reflection to the riverfront walk. For a quirky twist, keep an eye out for the Science Barge , a floating sustainable farm docked along the Hudson that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie. Historic streets, hidden hills, and neighborhood charm ---------------------------------------------------------- Yonkers’ industrial past and hill-based layout give the city a layered, lived-in feel you don’t get in flatter suburbs. Neighborhoods like Park Hill and Nodine Hill sit high above the Hudson, offering skyline glimpses toward Manhattan, especially striking at sunset. Once home to factory managers and workers, these areas mix grand old houses with modest row homes, reflecting Yonkers’ boom-era roots. Green space is woven right into the city too. Tibbetts Brook Park , one of Westchester’s largest parks, follows the Saw Mill River with walking paths and water features that feel surprisingly removed from the city just south of it. Nearby historic sites like Sherwood House quietly anchor the neighborhood in Yonkers’ early history. Downtown Getty Square is an easy place to start exploring as well. Formerly an industrial and transit hub, it’s now a mix of old brick buildings, new cafes, and the daylighted Saw Mill River. And just across from the train station sits Philipse Manor Hall , a pre-Revolutionary War estate that tells the complex story of the Indigenous Munsee Lenape people, enslaved Africans, and merchant families who shaped Yonkers long before it became a city of hills. Where to eat, drink & relax ------------------------------- After exploring, Yonkers has plenty of spots to recharge: * Yonkers Brewing Co. — in a converted trolley barn, mixing craft beer with riverfront views. * Zuppa Restaurant — modern Italian fare served in a renovated newspaper press building, ideal for a relaxed sit-down dinner. * TaqueRio Taco Bar — a casual favorite for tacos, street corn, and margaritas. * Waterfront cafés and Park Hill taverns — perfect for a coffee break or a drink after tackling the hills. When to visit & how to get there ------------------------------------ Like we mentioned earlier, Yonkers is worth a visit any time of year since it’s so close to the city. Summer brings festivals, waterfront concerts, and long evenings along the Hudson. Fall drapes the hills in gold, winter turns rooftops and staircases into snow-dusted postcards, and spring blossoms at Untermyer Gardens make it especially photogenic. From NYC, it’s just a 30-minute Metro-North ride or a similar drive , making it seemingly too easy for you to not try it. Source: https://secretnyc.co/yonkers-ny-city-of-seven-hills/