- What are the top attractions in Newark?
- Newark offers a variety of attractions, including museums, scenic parks, restaurants, sports, theater, and music.
- What is the largest museum in New Jersey?
- The largest museum in New Jersey is located in Newark, offering an extensive collection of art, history, and science exhibits.
- Where can visitors enjoy outdoor activities in Newark?
- Newark Riverfront Park provides a scenic place to walk along the river and enjoy nature.
- What is special about the Ironbound neighborhood?
- The historic Ironbound neighborhood is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse dining scene.
- Where can visitors enjoy live music in Newark?
- Newark hosts various symphony performances and live music events throughout the city.
- What types of food can be found in Newark?
- Newark’s restaurants and cafes serve a variety of international flavors, including:
- Burgers
- Sushi
- Steaks
- BBQ
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1. Newark Museum
Explore art and science exhibits on an affordable cultural trip for all ages.
© 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
Walk along the water and enjoy skyline views on a peaceful spring outing.
© 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
See live performances and admire world-class talent on an exciting weekend night.
© New Jersey Performing Arts Center
- What is the New Jersey Performing Arts Center?
- 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
Savor Portuguese cuisine and explore local shops on a fun food-focused trip.
© 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
Catch a concert or hockey game on a quick, thrilling evening visit.
© 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
6. Nasto's, Newark
Taste homemade gelato and grab classic desserts on a fun kids-friendly stop.
© 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
Enjoy fresh rolls and sip sake on a romantic couples dinner date.
© 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
Savor Spanish tapas and enjoy a lively vibe on an exciting weekend outing.
© 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
Dine on upscale Italian fare and sip cocktails before a show on a couples night.
© 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
10. PES Studios
Discover animation magic and look at creative works on an unusual artsy trip.
© PES Studios
- What is PES Studios?
- PES Studios is a multidisciplinary creative hub in Newark, housed in a three-level space connected to Penn Station.
- Who founded PES Studios?
- The project is part of the New York City-based Project for Empty Space nonprofit organization.
- It was originally founded in 2012 as a pop-up exhibition that transformed empty office spaces into contemporary art venues.
- When did PES Studios become a permanent space?
- Since 2015, PES Studios has had a permanent exhibition space at its Penn Station location.
- What kind of art is showcased at PES Studios?
- The venue features rotating exhibitions showcasing works by regional, national, and international artists and curators.
- When can visitors see exhibitions at PES Studios?
- Exhibitions are open to the public on weekday afternoons.
- Special events, such as open studio times, also provide opportunities to view artwork.
- Does PES Studios offer artist programs?
- Yes! PES Studios has an artist-in-residency program that provides studio and workspace throughout the complex.
800 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102, Phone: 973-818-2452
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming parks, and fewer crowds. |
Robert Treat Hotel – Historic accommodations near downtown attractions. |
Visit Branch Brook Park – Experience the largest collection of cherry blossoms in the U.S. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for festivals and outdoor activities. |
DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station – Convenient stay with easy access to NYC. |
Attend a concert at Prudential Center – See top artists and sports events. |
Fall (September-November) – Cool temperatures, vibrant foliage, and cultural events. |
Courtyard by Marriott Newark Downtown – Comfortable accommodations near shopping and dining. |
Explore the Newark Museum of Art – Discover diverse art collections and interactive exhibits. |
Winter (December-February) – Cold weather, festive holiday displays, and indoor attractions. |
Hotel Indigo Newark Downtown – Stylish boutique hotel in the city center. |
Enjoy Winter Village at Prudential Center – Experience ice skating and holiday markets. |
Plan Your Trip
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