18 Best Things to Do in Newark, NJ in 2024 (By a Local)

Newark, New Jersey, known as “Brick City” among residents, is a bustling city that’s only a 30-minute drive or train ride from Manhattan and Jersey City. This makes Newark perfect for a day trip or a longer stay.

From its bustling downtown to the quaint Ironbound area on Ferry Street, there are some seriously cool things to do in Newark.

As a New Jersey local, this article contains some of my absolute favorite Newark activities. And while you’re here, make sure to bookmark my guide on where to stay in Newark.

Without further ado, let’s get into it.

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18 Best Things to Do in Newark

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Enjoy a night out with live entertainment.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 466-5722 | Website

Also known as NJPAC, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center is a beautiful venue that showcases a ton of great entertainment. Here, you can catch a piano concert, a dance performance, or even a comedy show.

Since it’s located in downtown Newark, it can be difficult to find parking at the NJPAC, so I recommend taking an Uber or Lyft. If you’re renting a car, then your best bet is to park in one of the lots in the area. Street parking is nearly impossible and you risk a hefty parking ticket.

Go to their website to check out the full event list and get tickets. 

👉 Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to plan ahead as to what show you’ll see before you visit Newark. A lot of events sell out quickly, so grab your tickets ahead of time.

Prudential Center

Check out Newark’s premier sporting events arena.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 757- 6000 | Website

The Prudential Center is another one of Newark’s most popular tourist attractions. Like the NJPAC, this large venue holds many events – mainly sporting events and concerts. 

The Prudential Center is also home to the New Jersey Devils hockey team and, as such, is often called the New Jersey Devils Arena.  

If you have kids in tow, then definitely check out if Disney on Ice is on during your visit – I took my daughter to see Frozen on Ice and it was spectacular!

Do note that there are lots of vendors throughout the facility during events. However, some can be expensive.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? The Courtyard by Marriott Newark Downtown is well-rated and located close to many of Newark’s best attractions, such as the Prudential Center. In fact, it’s our top hotel recommendation for staying in Newark!

Newark Museum of Art

Explore the history of artin New Jersey’s largest museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 596-6550 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Thu-Sun, Closed Mon-Wed | Entrance: $10, Adults, $8 Children & Seniors

The Newark Museum of Art doesn’t get enough credit. It’s a great place to visit as well as New Jersey’s largest museum. The museum has varied and expanded its exhibits over the years and is home to an art collection with diverse pieces from all over the world. They even have an adorable mini zoo! 

This is one of my favorite museums to visit, as it also has an amazing planetarium, which is truly one of the best parts.

If you’re a Newark resident looking for some local things to do, then you’ll be happy to hear that Newark residents and members enjoy free admission to the Newark Museum. But even if you aren’t a resident, admission is still reasonable, making it a great place to go if you’re on a budget.

Newark Public Library – Main Branch

Visit Newark’s largest library.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 733-7779 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 9 am – 8:30 pm Wed, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm Sat, Closed Sun

Be sure to pay a visit to the Newark Public Library if you’re a bookworm (such as myself!). This 4-floor library houses thousands of books – including some rare finds!

The architecture is another reason to come visit this library even if you’re not an avid reader. Fun fact: the main branch is one of the oldest libraries in the state. Built in the 1800s, the design of the building is quite beautiful.

the library often holds small events as well. These include book readings, educational programs, and historical exhibits. 

👉 Pro Tip: Parking is rough as only limited street parking and paid lots are available. Both options often require some walking. I highly recommend rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber when getting around Newark.

Newark Symphony Hall

Check out this excellent performing arts center.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 643-4550 | Website

Newark Symphony Hall is a beautiful concert hall that puts on fabulous performances. The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra has performed here. It’s also where many other public and private events are held. People can rent out the hall for meetings, weddings, as well as other special events. 

But Newark Symphony Hall is more than a venue for events – it often provides educational programs as well, such as the Production Assistant Training Program. This program helps prepare young adults to work in TV and film. 

Before visiting, pay a visit to their website to see what events are coming up next and how you can get tickets.

Branch Brook Park

See the city’s natural beauty.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 268-3500 | Website | Hours: Open 24/7 Mon-Fri, 6:30 am – 10 pm Sat & Sun

Branch Brook Park is an expansive green space boasting the largest collection of Cherry Blossom Trees in the United States. The park is also home to beautiful landscapes and lakes, walking paths, and a driving path that takes you through Branch Brook Park.  

During your visit, bring a blanket and have a picnic on the grass near the fountain, or check out the Cherry Blossom Festival. Branch Brook Park is especially nice in the spring and summer when the weather is nice.

👉 Pro Tip: The park is huge and expands across Newark and into the neighboring town of Belleville. There are several entrances and a path that connects them all, so I recommend taking a drive along the path and exploring the park before settling on where you’d like to spend your day.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Marvel at gorgeous cherry blossom trees.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 268-3500 | Website | Hours: Open 24/7 Mon-Fri, 6:30 am – 10 pm Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free (events may have fees)

Hosted in Branch Brook Park is the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Features of the festival include bike races, a 10k run, food vendors, and of course, seemingly endless cherry blossoms. There are different entrances and you can enjoy the beautiful blooms from many areas in the park. 

Enjoy the blossoms by having a picnic under them, taking photos, or just basking in the natural beauty of the flowers. The Cherry Blossom Festival is something I look forward to every year, and I rarely miss one!

👉 Pro Tip: When it comes to the Cherry Blossom Festival, it’s better to go a little later in the day if your sole interest is the trees. After the mid-day rush, the crowds thin out and you’ll get more uninterrupted access to the beautiful blooms – and parking. 

Essex County Riverfront Park

A waterfront park facing the Passaic River.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 268-3500 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 9:30 pm daily

Essex County Riverfront Park overlooks the Passaic River. It’s graced with multiple athletic fields and is great for a day outside playing basketball or baseball. It also holds the title of being the only park of its kind in Newark with a waterfront.

Visitors can come here to let the kids run off some energy in the grassy fields or enjoy a game of tennis at the tennis courts. It also features baseball and soccer fields but there are also seating areas at the waterfront if you just want to sit back and relax.

⛱️ Feel Like Hitting the Beach? Then check out my picks for the very best New Jersey beaches – it has a little something for everyone!

Jewish Museum of New Jersey

Discover Jewish history.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 485-2609 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Sat-Mon, 11 am – 8 pm Thu, 11 am 4 pm Fri, Closed Tue & Wed | Entrance: Varies per event. Call for more information.

One of Newark’s hidden gems is the Jewish Museum – an educational establishment that takes visitors on a journey through Jewish culture.

New Jersey has a large Jewish population and this museum serves to bring attention to it. It even features how the Jewish community has had and continues to have, an active role in various parts of the world.

The Jewish Museum is part of the Ahavas Sholom synagogue, which is one of the longest-running synagogues in Newark. It showcases a variety of rotating and permanent exhibits for all ages, a gift shop, and special events. 

Check their website as they frequently update it with new event information.

Military Park

A fun park with activities for the whole family.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 900-5800 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily 

Military Park got its name from the fact that it used to be a training ground for troops during the French and Indian War. Today, in nice weather, Military Park is a popular lunchtime spot – especially so for people who work in the area. 

But this triangular-shaped, 6-acre park is more than something nice to look at, as it’s often the site of events and activities for all ages.

Different sections of Military Park are designed for different things. For example, on one side, there’s a Children’s Garden where you can find storytime and activities for kids. On the other side, there’s a meditation area for activities like Yoga and Tai Chi. 

Many performances and events are held in Military Park so before you visit, check their website to see what’s happening next.

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Check out the largest cathedral in North America.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 484-4600 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm – 7 pm Tue-Thu, 9 am – 5 pm Fri & Sat, 8:30 am – 2 pm Sun, Closed Mon

You’ll want to pay a visit to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart if you like older architecture. Even if you’re not religious, you’ll still enjoy the intricate design and architecture of this church. Its cornerstone was first laid in 1899, and then 55 years later in 1954, it was finished and dedicated. 

The Cathedral Basilica holds the title of one of the largest cathedrals in North America. It sits on a hill and can be seen from many areas in Newark because of its height. The Cathedral’s motto is that all are welcome.

All Points West Distillery

Tour a local distillery.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (646) 251-3176 | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm Fri, 7 pm – 10 pm Sat, Closed Sun-Thu

Make sure to visit the All Points West Distillery if you want to grab a good drink while you’re in Newark. They feature award-winning homemade spirits using their unique distilling techniques and boast an American take on popular spirits such as Whiskey, Rum, and Gin.

In November 2019, one of their distillers was named a Whiskey Artisan in NJ Monthly. They offer tours and tastings on Saturdays (which I highly recommend you book) – but by reservation only. Stop in and taste for yourself what everyone’s talking about.

👉 Looking for more information? My New Jersey travel guide includes everything you need to know about planning a trip to the garden state!

Tops Diner

Try the best dining in Newark.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 481-0490 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 11 pm daily 

In my humble opinion, one of the best diners you’ll ever visit lies between East Newark and Harrison – Tops Diner. The crowds of hungry people that come here, especially on a Sunday, totally attest to that! 

Tops Diner has huge portions, the food is fantastic, and the desserts are divine. It’s a great place to come with family and friends for any meal – breakfast to dinner. 

Don’t want to sit down? They have take-out options if you want to enjoy your meal on the go. 

👉 Read Next: Best Places to Stay in NYC

Fornos of Spain

Sample exquisite Spanish cuisine.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 589-4767 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 10:30 pm daily

Fornos of Spain is the place for you if you love a restaurant that offers family-style eating. They bring you large family plates loaded with rice and meats, all seasoned to perfection. It’s a great experience with amazing food and the best staff. 

Just make sure you bring your appetite! Forno’s is known for serving up large portions that would be challenging for even an entire family to eat. Oh, and definitely try their mango sorbet which they serve in an actual mango!

Teixeira’s Bakery

Pick up some delicious baked goods.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 344-4902 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 8 pm daily

The Ironbound section in Newark is known for its excellent Portuguese bakeries – and Teixeira’s is one of the best. This bakery serves up some of the warmest, softest, Portuguese rolls and a host of other baked goods that will make your mouth water.

Located on Ferry Street, Teixeira’s Bakery sits right in the midst of many other great Portuguese restaurants and bakeries – each adding its own special flair. Take a walk around and try the other local flavors that Ironbound has to offer.

🎰 Read Next: 27 Best Things to Do in Atlantic City, NJ

New Jersey Historical Society

Explore New Jersey’s varied history.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 596-8500 | Website | Hours: Museum – 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Saturday, Library 12 noon – 5 pm Tuesday – Saturday | Entrance: $3 Museum, $5 Library

The New Jersey Historical Society is a tribute to all things New Jersey history. Here you’ll get to explore the history of Newark and that of New Jersey as a whole.

Educational exhibits include one about New Jersey’s role in World Wars I and II, as well as a New Jersey river system section (all about the Delaware and Passaic Rivers). History buffs who want to know more about the Garden State’s rich history will definitely want to make a stop here.

Weequahic Park

Enjoy lake views and walking trails at this expansive park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (973) 268-3500 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 9 pm daily

Weequahic Park is a beautiful, expansive park. The park hosts a walking trail that goes around the entire area and surrounds the peaceful Weequahic Lake. 

The lake is teeming with wildlife from geese to elegant swans, but make sure you don’t get too close! The swans are often nesting and get aggressive if you get in their territory.

In addition to a great trail, Weequahic Park has a playground for the little ones. It’s an ideal place to come on a nice spring day or in summer when it’s not too hot. 

Newark Penn Station

Newark’s primary transportation hub.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 872-7245 | Website | Hours: 24/7

Although Newark Penn Station is often thought of more as a “how to get around” item as opposed to something to do, it is a primary Newark site. 

This hub of transportation is home to many bus and train routes and will greatly help you get around, as well as journey into New York City for the day if you want to. You can also take the PATH train to Jersey City and Hoboken and take in the sites out there.

📚 Related Reading: Looking to step outside of Newark for a bit? Newark Penn Station can take you to a variety of locations. Check out my list of the best places to visit in NJ for ideas!

FAQs About What to Do in Newark, NJ

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With its beautiful architecture as well as many historical sites, you’ll no doubt enjoy your visit to Brick City. For more trip-planning advice, check out my list of the best things to do in New Jersey!