10 Best Things to Do in Jersey City

Given its proximity that is close to Manhattan, there are plenty of excitingthingsto do inJerseyCity. Naturally, the beautiful perspectives of the New York City skyline stand apart, as there are several prominentJerseyCitylandmarks providing lovely vantage points.

However, there are other hidden gems worth discovering here, such as scenic downtown parks, performance spaces, cultural institutions, and historic buildings. Plus, there are entertaining tours within JerseyCity and others departing from here into Manhattan.

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To aid planning your trip, I’m sharing the 10 top attractions in Jersey City to discover something new beyond the Hudson River.

1. Liberty State Park, one of the most popular attractions in Jersey City

Liberty State Park is one of the most visited areas in Jersey City since it provides views of several popular destinations. This peninsular green space is encircled by Upper New York Bay and sits across from Liberty and Ellis Islands. Due to its strategic location, it offers incredible vistas of the Statue of Liberty in NYC.

In addition to the panoramic views, this Jersey City park features some unusual areas such as Communipaw Cove, a small nature sanctuary, and one of the few persisting tidal salt marshes in the state. You can also see the historically important Communipaw Terminal (also referred to as the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal), which was constructed in 1889 and operated until 1967. It’s presently on the National Register of Historic Places, and you can still see its platforms and ferry slips, which transported millions of immigrants throughout the 20th century. There are numerous informative plaques and displays, as well as a memorial honoring the terminal’s employees.

Along Liberty State Park`s waterfront walkway with attractions for recreation and remembrance, stop to admire memorials paying tribute to loss of life in tragedies. Landmarks include a sculpture evoking liberation from oppression and another honoring 9/11 victims. Nearby sits an educational center welcoming visitors to discover its exhibits illuminating science, technology and environment. The promenade ultimately reaches a viewpoint overlooking the iconic statue serving as symbol of freedom.

2. Liberty Science Center, a cool place to visit in Jersey City as a family

As I stated, the Liberty Science Center is situated in Liberty State Park. It’s a family-friendly science museum with interactive exhibits, learning labs, and one of the largest planetariums globally. The center also has a theater that shows laser light shows, 3D productions, and educational documentaries.

Spending a few hours at this location is an excellent activity for families visiting Jersey City to enjoy jointly as guests of all ages can come across something to arouse their interest. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions so more can be learned about different fields of study.

As an interesting fact, the Liberty Science Museum is also home to the original contracting and expanding structure known as the Hoberman sphere, a geodesic dome design that has been replicated into a children’s toy made of plastic. The sphere can shrink and grow up to three times its size, and one may have even had one of these toys while growing up.

If visiting this Jersey City museum is part of your plans, be aware that it’s closed on Mondays. Also, you can save money on entrance by obtaining your ticket in advance here.

3. Mana Contemporary, one of the most artistic places in Jersey City, NJ

Another indoor activity in Jersey City that you can consider is visiting Mana Contemporary. This cultural institute and art center always has something interesting occurring, from community programming to special exhibits.

Located within a manufacturing building from the 1920s used to make bricks, Mana Contemporary contains workspaces, dance studios, and galleries designated for residential artists. The center also serves as a performance area and facility for the Middle East Center for the Arts, the International Center of Photography, and the Karole Armitage dance company.

You can also visit the architectural exhibition here, which is organized in partnership with the Richard Meier Model Museum and features installations and sculptures by the abstract artist and architect. The shows, programs, and artwork on display at Mana Contemporary change with the seasons, so it’s one place in Jersey City where there is always novel to see.

4. See the Empty Sky Memorial, one of the best things to do in Jersey City

I mentioned earlier that you can visit the Empty Sky memorial in Liberty State Park, and I highly recommend doing so, as it’s one of the most poignant attractions in Jersey City.

Constructed as a remembrance to the victims of the terrorist atrocities of September 11, 2001, Empty Sky is New Jersey’s official 9/11 memorial. It holds a meaningful placement in the park, at the mouth of the Hudson River, so it’s straight across from the original site of the Twin Towers.

The memorial design was selected through a public vote by the Families and Survivors Memorial Committee who reviewed over 300 submissions. The finished memorial includes two engraved walls listing victims of the 9/11 World Trade Center collapse as well as those who died at the Pentagon that same day. Also listed are the 746 New Jersey residents who lost their lives in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.

Standing between the two granite dividers, you can gaze at Ground Zero in Manhattan. It’s a thoughtful place where you can pay your regards while contemplating the NYC perspective from Jersey City.

5. Catch a performance at White Eagle Hall, a fun thing to do in Jersey City for couples

If you’re searching for evening activities in Jersey City, check out one of the trendiest live performance venues in the vicinity. For example, White Eagle Hall in the downtown area is often filled with people enjoying music and social interaction.

White Eagle Hall also holds a lot of history, having been built in 1910 by Polish immigrants and craftsmen, who used the white eagle from Poland’s coat of arms as the venue’s emblem. The building’s original purpose was as a community center, although over the decades, it began hosting live performances, such as the Battle of Bands in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The building underwent renovations in 2013 to modernize certain aspects while preserving important historical elements. It can now welcome up to 800 people through its doors with amenities like three bars, an elevated stage for performances, backstage work areas, and on-site eateries. Vestiges of the original construction still remain such as the ornate iron-worked balcony, decorative ceiling made from patterned tin, and polished wooden floorboards now forming the bar surface. The artistic stained glass windows stand out particularly, serving as a hallmark of the music hall.

This venue hosts DJs, freelance artists, dance shows, comedians, and family-friendly performances, so be sure to check the calendar of events here.

You can also check out the nearby Loew`s Jersey Theater performance theater dating back to 1929. Constructed in the Baroque/Rococo style, it serves as a Registered Historic Place of New Jersey and a popular site for filming and photography shoots. While the old movie palace hosts shows, one of the coolest things to see here is its Wonder Organ, which is adorned in white and gold leaf and ornate detailing.

6. Liberty Landing Marina, an interesting place in Jersey City to visit

Another attraction at Liberty State Park worth experiencing is the Liberty Landing Marina. This location is perfect for participating in outdoor activities like boating, jet skiing, or simply sightseeing from the pier.

The marina is known for its high-end boat service, which includes slip rentals and a marine store. During your visit, you’re sure to see small boats and yachts docked here, as well as sightseeing ferries en route to the Statue of Liberty or New York City.

The Excursion Trip by Water is a fun activity to do in Jersey City with family, and it takes you around New York Harbor in a fast boat to see some iconic attractions from the water. For even more excitement, check out the Sea the City jet ski tour, which I’ll discuss in a bit.

Individuals also come to the marina to unwind, and the best way to do so is by savoring gourmet meals at one of the two eateries. The Liberty House and Maritime Parc are two of the premier waterfront dining establishments in Jersey City, making them ideal spots for anything special with a partner.

7. J. Owen Grundy Park, another place in Jersey City with nice views

Traveling north along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, another Jersey City park worth visiting called J. Owen Grundy Park will be encountered.

Following that, your party will see the Grand Canyon National Park and explore the South Rim`s finest viewpoints. From here, you’ll make your way back to Sin City, traveling together Route 66, one of the most historic roadways in the country.

The landmark located in Jersey City was named after J. Owen Grundy, a native of New Jersey, official historian, and chairman of Jersey City’s Municipal Historic Districts Commission. It’s a peaceful place to visit, and while you’re there, I suggest checking out nearby Exchange Place next door, a downtown Jersey City district often called Wall Street West since many financial company headquarters and banks are located there. There is also the 1920s Colgate Clock, which measures 50 feet across and once topped the Colgate-Palmolive headquarters in Jersey City.

8. Explore Van Vorst Park and Historic Downtown Jersey City

Moving farther from the waterfront, you’ll encounter another scenic place in Jersey City. Situated in the neighborhood of the same name, Van Vorst Park is a small yet beautiful area where you can go for a stroll, sit in tranquility, and admire the lush greenery.

The formal park recalls a Victorian garden style, with its original landscaping completed by local horticulturalist Peter Henderson in 1851. Current features include a pleasant gazebo, a reflective fountain, a playground, and a dog area. Walking paths wind among the trees and flowers, providing views of 19th-century brownstone row homes amidst the greenery.

While you’re there, you may as well explore some other exciting things to do in downtown Jersey City. For example, the nearby Historic Downtown district is a fairly residential area that’s home to City Hall, a public library, the Jersey City Museum, and several great places to eat like Wurstbar and Ani Ramen House. If you like to shop, the NewportMall is close by and has over 130 stores, a movie theater, and a food court.

9. Sea the City tour, an exciting thing to do in Jersey City, NJ

Earlier I mentioned the different tours departing from the Liberty Landing Marina, and these Jersey City tours offer a wonderful way to explore the surroundings in a unique manner outdoors.

One of the more thrilling excursions is the SeatheCity personal watercraft tour through New York Harbor where visitors can observe the skyline from up close. During the one hour trip, navigators will meander around Liberty Island and as far as the Manhattan Bridge prior to returning to the dock. Individuals must be at least 18 to pilot the personal watercraft, and kids 12-18 must ride with an adult.

Sea the City also provides a 90-minute Hot Tub Boat tour, which is a fun activity for adults in Jersey City. You’ll cruise along the Hudson River while admiring the sights of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and other top attractions. Each boat has two 10-person hot tubs, a bathroom, and a changing room, and you can learn more about the tour and the jet ski excursion here.

Another alternative is taking a Statue of Liberty cruise departing from Liberty State Park. A variety of tour options is offered, although the general tour is covered by the New York Pass. All of the cruises include admission to the Statue of Liberty Museum, but visitors must upgrade their ticket if wanting to access the statue’s pedestal or crown.

10. Jersey City food tour, another cool thing to do in Jersey City

Lastly, one of the best ways to explore a new place is by sampling the local cuisine, so consider taking a food tour of Jersey City such as this one. During the three-hour tour, you’ll visit four different restaurants, although the precise locations rely on the day you visit.

An experienced guide will direct you through the downtown region and point out hidden gems and small locations you might have otherwise missed noticing. At each stop, you’ll sample tasty small foods and apps as well as pleasant drinks. You can even speak with the chefs and restaurant managers to gain more knowledge about their culinary inspirations and techniques.

In addition to exploring some of the finest dining establishments in Jersey City, you’ll become familiar with the local culture and art scene, too. So, bring your appetite and prepare to delve into amazing cuisines like Asian, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, New American, and more.

Where to stay in Jersey City

If your expanding list of places to explore in Jersey City is growing long, consider staying overnight. There are different lodging options available here, and since the city is so near to Manhattan, it’s a convenient replacement to the busyness of NYC.

The waterfront boasts the highest rated resorts, but if you’re unsure where to lodge in Jersey City, here are my recommendations:

• Hyatt Regency Jersey City: this clear and tidy hotel is situated on the waterfront, by J. Owen Grundy Park. In addition to the great views, you’ll enjoy modern facilities like a gym and an indoor pool.

• Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District: this is a trendy lodging with lots of shopping and dining venues nearby. Plus, the rooms are clean and spacious, and the property has an intimate, boutique atmosphere to make you feel comfortable.

• Courtyard by Marriott Jersey City Newport: This hotel offers a prime location if wanting convenient access to NYC via public transportation. You`ll also be near the Newport Mall, and features like a pool and restaurant make it family-friendly.

How to get to NYC from Jersey City

If you want to venture over to Manhattan after exploring the attractions in Jersey City, you have a few options to get there. You can drive, but the route takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

Using public transportation to NYC is the simplest way to travel. The speediest option is via subway, either from the PATH station at Journal Square or Exchange Place. Both stations connect to the World Trade Center transportation hub and take 13 minutes and 5 minutes individually. Plus, the one-way fare is $2.75. You can obtain more info here.

Travel by ferry is another option to get from Jersey City to Manhattan. The NY Waterway ferry departs from the Paulus Hook Ferry Terminal at Exchange Place and arrives at Pier 11 at Wall Street in Lower Manhattan or West 39th Street in Midtown. A one-way ticket costs $8 and the trip takes about 20-25 minutes. However, the ferry only runs on weekdays. You can see the ferry schedules here.

Finally, the Line 119 bus runs from Journal Square in Jersey City to Manhattan’s Port Authority Transportation Center. It costs $6 one-way and takes approximately 35 minutes.

Map of Jersey City, NJ

I hope this guide helps you plan your visit! Here is a map with all the Jersey City tourist points of interest and hotels I mentioned:

Don’t forget about these activities during your time in New York City, especially as they’re so nearby. Also, if you have some free time, you can check out other attractions in New Jersey to round out your trip.

On the off chance that you have any inquiries or you’d care to offer your top choice thing to do in Jersey City, leave me a remark underneath. I’d cherish to hear from you! Have a protected trip!