Quick Summary:

  • From great museums, scenic parks, and excellent restaurants to sports, theater, and music, Newark offers plenty to see and do.
  • Visit the largest museum in New Jersey, walk along the river in Newark Riverfront Park, explore the historic Ironbound neighborhood, and listen to a symphony performance.
  • Our list includes great restaurants and cafes serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner with flavors from around the world, including burgers, sushi, steaks, and BBQ.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Newark Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Newark Museum | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Newark Museum

2. Riverfront Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Riverfront Park | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com

3. New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Category: Attractions
New Jersey Performing Arts Center | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© New Jersey Performing Arts Center

4. Ironbound, Newark, NJ

Ironbound, Newark, NJ | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Courtesy of arburk holder - Fotolia.com

5. Prudential Center

Category: Attractions
Prudential Center | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Prudential Center

6. Nasto's, Newark

Nasto's, Newark | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Nasto's

7. Manu's Sushi Lounge

Category: Food & Drink
Manu's Sushi Lounge | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Manu's Sushi Lounge

8. Casa d’Paco

Casa d’Paco | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Casa d’Paco

9. Nico Kitchen and Bar

Category: Food & Drink
Nico Kitchen and Bar | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Nico Kitchen and Bar

10. PES Studios

PES Studios | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© PES Studios

11. New Jersey Historical Society

Category: Attractions
New Jersey Historical Society | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© New Jersey Historical Society

12. Vonda's Kitchen

Category: Food & Drink
Vonda's Kitchen | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Vonda's Kitchen

13. Mercato Tomato Pie, Newark

Mercato Tomato Pie, Newark | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Mercato Tomato Pie

14. PortuCale Restaurant

Category: Food & Drink
PortuCale Restaurant | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© PortuCale Restaurant

15. New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

Category: Entertainment
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

16. Fernandes Steak House

Category: Food & Drink
Fernandes Steak House | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Fernandes Steak House

17. Mompou Tapas Wine Bar and Lounge

Category: Food & Drink
Mompou Tapas Wine Bar and Lounge | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Mompou Tapas Wine Bar and Lounge

18. Adega Grill

Category: Food & Drink
Adega Grill | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Adega Grill

19. Military Park

Category: Activities
Military Park | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Military Park

20. Top's Diner

Category: Food & Drink
Top's Diner | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Top's Diner

21. Branch Brook Park

Category: Activities
Branch Brook Park | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© Courtesy of Fotolia.com

22. Riverbank Park

Category: Activities
Riverbank Park | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© dk_photo/stock.adobe.com

23. Weequahic Park

Category: Activities
Weequahic Park | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© schankz/stock.adobe.com

24. All Points West Distillery

Category: Activities
All Points West Distillery | Things to Do in Newark, New Jersey
© All Points West Distillery

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