Looking for vibrant culture, historic architecture, and easy access to NYC? Head to Newark! As New Jersey’s largest city, Newark is a dynamic urban hub filled with performing arts, diverse dining, major sports, and beautiful parks. Whether you’re catching a show at NJPAC, exploring museums, or flying into town, Newark delivers big-city excitement with local flavor.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Newark is in the spring and fall (April–June and September–October). These seasons offer comfortable weather for exploring downtown, attending festivals, and enjoying outdoor spaces like Branch Brook Park. Winters can be cold and snowy, while summers are warm and bustling with events.
How to Get There
- By Air: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is one of the busiest in the U.S., located just 10 minutes from downtown.
- By Train: Newark Penn Station is a major Northeast Corridor hub served by Amtrak, NJ Transit, and PATH trains to NYC.
- If you are traveling by car: Newark is accessible via I-95 (NJ Turnpike), I-78, Route 21, and Route 1/9. It’s about 20 minutes west of Manhattan.
Where to Stay
- TRYP by Wyndham Newark Downtown – Modern, stylish hotel near Prudential Center and walking distance to key attractions.
- Hotel Indigo Newark Downtown – Boutique hotel housed in a restored historic building with rooftop views and industrial-chic rooms.
- Courtyard by Marriott Newark Downtown – Comfortable and convenient with an on-site bistro and proximity to NJPAC and the arena.
Top Attractions
1. Newark Museum
Rating: ★★★★★
© Newark Museum
- What is the Newark Museum?
- Newark Museum is the largest museum in New Jersey, featuring a vast collection of global art and natural science exhibits.
- When was the Newark Museum established?
- The museum was established in 1909.
- Where is the Newark Museum located?
- The museum is located on Washington Street in downtown Newark.
- What types of art are displayed at the museum?
- The collection includes:
- Ancient art
- Contemporary art
- Decorative art from around the world
- What makes the Tibetan collection special?
- The museum houses a renowned Tibetan collection, including a Buddhist altar consecrated by the Dalai Lama.
- It is regarded as one of the best Tibetan art collections in the world.
- Does the museum feature exhibits beyond art?
- Yes! The museum is also dedicated to the natural sciences.
- The Victoria Hall of Science displays a selection of its 70,000 specimens.
- The museum also has a planetarium.
- Why should art lovers visit the Newark Museum?
- The museum offers an extensive collection of global and historical artworks, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers in Newark.
49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ, Phone: 973-596-6550
2. Riverfront Park
© Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com
- What is Newark Riverfront Park?
- Newark Riverfront Park is a popular green space located on Brill Street along the Passaic River, linking the Ironbound area of Newark with the waterfront.
- Why is Newark Riverfront Park important?
- Newark has few green spaces, making the park a valuable recreational area for residents and visitors.
- It provides a scenic and relaxing environment for people from the Ironbound neighborhood and beyond.
- What activities can visitors enjoy at Newark Riverfront Park?
- Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the river.
- The park also hosts various events and activities, including:
- Yoga classes
- Zumba classes
- What is the mission of Newark Riverfront Park?
- Supported by the Trust for Public Land, the park aims to:
- Connect people with the river
- Promote physical health
- Encourage environmental awareness
- Why should visitors explore Newark Riverfront Park?
- If you’re wondering what to do in Newark today, this park is a great place to start exploring and enjoying nature.
3. New Jersey Performing Arts Center
© New Jersey Performing Arts Center
- What is the New Jersey Performing Arts Center?
- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is a major cultural venue located on Center Street in downtown Newark.
- What organization is based at NJPAC?
- NJPAC is the official home of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
- When did NJPAC open?
- The center opened in 1997 on the site of the former Military Park Hotel.
- Where is NJPAC located?
- NJPAC is situated in the middle of Newark’s cultural district, alongside:
- Newark Museum
- Newark Public Library
- New Jersey Historical Society
- Why is NJPAC significant to Newark?
- The center has played a key role in the revitalization of Newark.
- Is NJPAC a good place for a date night?
- Yes! NJPAC is one of the best places in Newark for a romantic date night, offering world-class performances.
- What makes NJPAC one of the largest performing arts centers in the U.S.?
- NJPAC is not only a major venue for performances but also runs one of the largest arts education programs in the country.
- What educational opportunities does NJPAC offer?
- NJPAC provides residencies, scholarships, and arts training classes.
- Students can learn about dance, music, poetry, and theater through these programs.
1 Center Street, Newark, New Jersey, Phone: 973-642-8989
4. Ironbound, Newark, NJ
© Courtesy of arburk holder - Fotolia.com
- What is the Ironbound neighborhood in Newark?
- Ironbound is a four-square-mile neighborhood in Newark, NJ, known for its diverse, close-knit working-class community.
- What are the borders of the Ironbound neighborhood?
- Ironbound is roughly bordered by:
- Passaic River to the north
- Chapel Street and Manufacturers Place to the east
- Route 1 to the southeast
- Delancy and Malvern Streets to the southwest
- McCarter Highway to the west
- What is the community like in Ironbound?
- Ironbound is a multi-ethnic, close-knit working-class community with a rich cultural heritage.
- How many restaurants and shops are in Ironbound?
- The neighborhood is home to more than 170 restaurants and many unique shops.
- Is Ironbound close to Newark’s central business district?
- Yes! Ironbound is located close to Newark’s central business district, offering easy access to the city's sights and attractions.
- What public transportation options are available to reach Ironbound?
- The neighborhood is well-connected by public transportation.
- Newark Penn Station serves as the gateway to Ironbound.
- Does Ironbound host any events or festivals?
- Yes! Ironbound hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating its diverse culture and community.
5. Prudential Center
© Prudential Center
- What is the Prudential Center?
- Prudential Center is a large multi-purpose indoor arena located on Lafayette Street in Newark’s central business district.
- When did the Prudential Center open?
- The arena officially opened in 2007.
- How many people can the Prudential Center accommodate?
- The center has a seating capacity of over 17,000 for hockey games and over 18,000 for basketball games.
- What sports teams call the Prudential Center home?
- The arena is home to the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL).
- It is also home to the Seton Hall Pirates NCAA basketball team.
- What is the Prudential Center's nickname?
- The arena is nicknamed “The Rock”.
- What events take place at the Prudential Center?
- In addition to sporting events, the center hosts:
- Music concerts
- Special events like Disney on Ice
- Does the Prudential Center have dining options?
- Yes! The Restaurant at Prudential Center serves American food and drinks.
- How has the Prudential Center impacted Newark?
- The arena has played an important role in the revitalization of downtown Newark.
- Is the Prudential Center easily accessible by public transportation?
- Yes! The center is located close to public transportation, making it convenient for visitors.
25 Lafayette Street, Newark, New Jersey, Phone: 973-757-6000
Where to Eat
6. Nasto's, Newark
© Nasto's
- What is Nasto’s?
- Nasto's is a famous Italian ice cream shop in Newark, known for its homemade gelato, ice cream, and Italian desserts.
- When was Nasto’s established?
- Nasto’s has been serving customers since 1939.
- Where is Nasto’s located?
- The shop is located on the corner of Jefferson Street in Newark, in a building that was once a brewery.
- What makes Nasto’s special?
- Customers love watching the gelato-making process.
- It uses authentic Italian recipes from Frank’s hometown of Nocera, Italy.
- All ingredients are locally sourced and fresh.
- What desserts are available at Nasto’s?
- Nasto’s offers a wide variety of ice creams, sorbets, and gelatos, as well as Italian specialty desserts like:
- Tortoni
- Spumoni
- Tiramisu
- Tartufo
- Reginetta
- Do customers have to visit in person to buy Nasto’s ice cream?
- No! Nasto’s now offers delivery and nationwide shipping, so you can enjoy their desserts from anywhere.
236-40 Jefferson St, Newark, New Jersey, Phone: 973-589-3333
7. Manu's Sushi Lounge
© Manu's Sushi Lounge
- What is Manu’s Sushi Lounge?
- Manu's Sushi Lounge is a unique restaurant in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood that blends Japanese sushi with Mediterranean and Italian flavors.
- Where is Manu’s Sushi Lounge located?
- The restaurant is housed in a beautiful historic building in the Ironbound district, a community known for its Spanish and Portuguese influences.
- What makes Manu’s Sushi Lounge unique?
- It offers an innovative “Mediterranean-sushi fusion” that combines traditional sushi with Italian and Portuguese tapas.
- What is the dining atmosphere like?
- The restaurant features a beautiful and elegant two-level dining room.
- It is often packed, especially on live music nights.
- There are also a few sidewalk tables for outdoor dining.
- What are some examples of Mediterranean-sushi fusion dishes?
- A popular dish is Portuguese chorizo soaked in sake, served with grilled char.
- Customers can mix and match by ordering sushi or sashimi along with Mediterranean-inspired tapas.
90 Ferry Street, Newark, New Jersey, Phone: 973-465-5600
8. Casa d’Paco
© Casa d’Paco
- What is Casa d’Paco?
- Casa d’Paco is a hip Spanish-style restaurant in Newark, known for its authentic hot and cold tapas.
- When was Casa d’Paco established?
- The restaurant has been serving its signature Spanish cuisine since 2015.
- Who is the executive chef at Casa d’Paco?
- The kitchen is helmed by executive chef Angel Leston, who curates new menus weekly.
- What makes Casa d’Paco unique?
- The restaurant offers new weekly menus to give repeat diners a fresh experience.
- It highlights Galician-style favorites and contemporary Spanish dishes.
- What types of dishes are served at Casa d’Paco?
- The menu features a variety of hot and cold tapas, including:
- Chipirones (baby squid)
- Pulpo a galega (Galician-style octopus)
- Zamburillas rellenas (stuffed scallops)
- Jamón Ibérico croquetas (Iberian ham croquettes)
- Are there larger entrees available?
- Yes! Casa d’Paco serves larger Spanish entrees, such as:
- Salmon a la plancha (grilled salmon)
- Paella
- Chuleton (ribeye steak)
- Langosta rellena (stuffed lobster)
- What drinks are available?
- Casa d’Paco has an extensive Spanish wine menu.
- The bar also serves award-winning cocktails, including cask-aged varieties.
73 Warwick St, Newark, NJ 07105, Phone: 862-307-9466
9. Nico Kitchen and Bar
© Nico Kitchen and Bar
- What is Nico Kitchen and Bar?
- Nico Kitchen and Bar is a spacious and elegant restaurant located inside the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).
- How many people can Nico Kitchen and Bar accommodate?
- The dining room can seat up to 185 guests, with an additional 50 seats at the bar.
- When is Nico Kitchen and Bar busiest?
- The restaurant is especially packed on show nights and often during lunch hours.
- What is the atmosphere like?
- The restaurant features spacious private booths and a high ceiling that makes the dining room feel even larger.
- The decor includes a soft earthy color scheme and comfortable seating, creating a cozy yet elegant ambiance.
- Who is the chef at Nico Kitchen and Bar?
- The restaurant's menu is curated by Consulting Chef DePersio, known for his polished yet unpretentious Italian cuisine.
- What is a must-try dish at Nico Kitchen and Bar?
- One of the most popular dishes is the Mascarpone Polenta Fries, a customer favorite.
- Does Nico Kitchen and Bar offer desserts?
- Yes! The pastry chef creates daily dessert specials, known for their creativity and exceptional quality.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center, One Center Street, Newark, New Jersey, Phone: 973-642-1226
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