Where to Stay in Hoboken (Best Places & Areas in 2024)

3 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Hoboken

The city of Hoboken is pretty small – only 1.97 square miles to be exact! This means that there are only a few neighborhoods to stay in Hoboken itself, as seen in this map of the city borders. Let’s take a look at the three main areas that are best if you’re paying this little city a visit:

The Waterfront

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Waterfront Hotels: W Hoboken • Global Luxury Suites at Hoboken Waterfront • Courtyard by Marriott Jersey City Newport

The Waterfront is the main place you’re probably considering for where to stay in Hoboken. Perfect for first-time visitors and families, the views from The Waterfront are the area’s most popular attraction and one key reason why Hoboken is one of the best cities in New Jersey.

Of course, you’ll find dazzling views of the Hudson River in this area, but there are other attractions as well. I recommend that you enjoy an array of restaurants and visit the Hoboken Historical Museum.

For an amazing stay, Global Luxury Suites is an excellent hotel choice. It offers a rooftop garden, gorgeous waterfront views, and a one-of-a-kind luxury experience.

Pros of Staying at the Waterfront:

• Gorgeous waterfront views
• Close to public transportation
• A wide variety of restaurants, bars, and attractions to choose from 

Cons of Staying at the Waterfront:

• Expensive
• Can get very crowded and a bit noisy 
• Hotels book up quickly

Downtown

👉 Best Area for Nightlife | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: Renovated 1 Bedroom Apartment • Westin Jersey City Newport • Chic 2 Bedroom Apartment

Downtown Hoboken is a little further inland, but still not far from the waterfront. In fact, it’s often debated whether Downtown is also part of the Waterfront area due to their proximity. 

Downtown Hoboken is characterized by the area along Washington Street. Here you’ll delight in a wide range of nightlife options including rooftop bars, lounges, and amazing restaurants serving up cuisine from all over the world. It’s also home to the legendary Cake Boss, featured as one of New Jersey’s best foods.

As evening sets in, the Downtown area comes alive – especially in the summer. Music and colorful lights stream from bars and lounges creating a vibrant scene.

The only downside is that hotels become more scarce in this area. Still, I recommend staying at one of many rental properties, such as this well-reviewed 1 Bedroom Apartment.

Pros of Staying Downtown:

• Lots of options for nightlife
• Very walkable – everything is within walking distance
• Most festivals take place in this area

Cons of Staying Downtown:

• Can get crowded, especially during the summer
• Not many options for hotels 

City Center

👉 Best for a Quieter Experience | ✨ Best City Center Hotels: Harmony Lofts on Jackson 2 • Hoboken Studio via Vrbo • Dharma Home Suites

Another beautiful section of Hoboken is the City Center. It’s not as popular as the Waterfront or Downtown area, but that’s part of the appeal. There are fewer crowds to deal with. 

The City Center constitutes the area around Church Square Park. While The Waterfront and Downtown areas are suited for families and tourists who want activities and nightlife, the City Center is more residential. Here you’ll find beautiful (and expensive!) homes, as well as a more family-oriented, suburban feel. 

Hoboken hotels are scarce in this area as well, so you’ll most likely have to opt for an apartment rental in the City Center. The Harmony Lofts on Jackson 2 is a highly-rated option.

Pros of Staying in the City Center:

• Quieter than Downtown and the Waterfront
• Nice parks in the area
• Relaxed residential vibe

Cons of Staying in the City Center:

• Limited choices for accommodations
• Not as many attractions

Tips for Staying in Hoboken

Plan Ahead

The farther in advance, you plan your trip to Hoboken, the better. Last-minute trips, especially during holiday weekends and special events, can mean a much higher nightly price for you. Cheap hotels aren’t easy to come by in general, so make sure you plan ahead for a more pleasurable and cost-effective trip.

Consider Apartment Rentals

Most people want to stay in a hotel when staying in Hoboken, but hotels in Hoboken can be really scarce. So, try renting an apartment for a unique experience. There are gorgeous apartments and condos available in the area. Getting the residential experience can make your stay in Hoboken even more fabulous.

Visit in Early Fall

Although Hoboken can be enjoyed all year long, early fall is one of the best times to visit New Jersey as a whole. The temperatures are cooler, which makes for more a comfortable experience walking around the city, and hotel prices start to drop in the fall as well. 

Pay a Visit to Carlo’s Bake Shop

Carlo’s Bake Shop is home to some of the most delectable treats in Hoboken and to the legendary Cake Boss. Be sure to stop by for some goodies while you’re visiting Hoboken. They offer a variety of cakes, cookies, and even specialty breakfast sandwiches.

Use a Ride Share

Hoboken is akin to a mini New York City in many ways, one of the most prominent ways being parking. Parking is pretty bad in Hoboken. Walking, taking public transportation, or using a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft is your best bet when it comes to getting around. 

Experience the Nightlife

Hoboken is one of the best cities in New Jersey for nightlife. There are plenty of lively upscale bars, eclectic restaurants, and chill lounges for all tastes and styles. Many offer outdoor seating so you can enjoy the refreshing night air while you savor your favorite dish or beverage.

Spend a Day in NYC

Visiting New York City from Hoboken is as simple as a quick 10-minute ride on the PATH train. From there, you can visit a host of NYC attractions. Take in the sights of One World Trade Center, Madison Square Garden, or the Empire State Building. 

🛎️ Need a Place to Stay in NYC? Check out our guide on the best areas and hotels in New York City.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Hoboken

What is the best area of Hoboken for first-time visitors?

The Hoboken Waterfront is hands down the best area of Hoboken for first-time visitors. This area is packed with great restaurants, beautiful parks, and of course, gorgeous waterfront views. 

What areas of Hoboken are safe to stay in?

The safest areas in Hoboken are the Waterfront and the Downtown areas. Hoboken is small with a strong police force patrolling the city. This makes the majority of Hoboken very safe to stay in. 

What are the best hotels in Hoboken?

Two of the best hotels in Hoboken are the W Hoboken and the Global Luxury Suites at the Hoboken Waterfront. Being that Hoboken is so small, there aren’t many hotels, but these are two of the best.

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Thanks for reading my guide to where to stay in Hoboken! There are beautiful accommodations no matter which area you decide to stay in Hoboken. Up next, check out my guide to the best places to visit in New Jersey.

Have fun in Hoboken!

(Featured Image Credit: Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock)