Jersey City Travel Guide 2025

Jersey City, New Jersey makes an excellent destination for culture, food, and entertainment in the bustling New York City area. The city, New Jersey’s second most-populous, sits on the Hudson River within view of the iconic New York City skyline, making it a popular—and more affordable—base for trips to the Big Apple.

Home to green spaces like waterfront Liberty State Park with breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, opulent Baroque theaters, and a tree-lined, Historic Downtown district filled with global eateries and trendy bars, you’ll find Jersey City a fantastic place for urban exploration and new experiences. Get inspired for your visit with this guide to Jersey City, learning the best things to do and where to stay, eat, take photos, and plan day trips nearby.

Getty / Megan Maloy

Jersey City is known as an extremely walkable city, especially in the Historic Downtown area and neighborhoods like Journal Square and Newark Avenue. Getting around Jersey City is easy with multiple public transit options, including PATH trains, light rail, and ferries.

The Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH) trains have stations all over the city, including on downtown Grove Street, Journal Square, and Exchange Place. Routes travel to cities like Manhattan, NY and Newark, NJ.

Water taxis and NY Waterway ferries are available from Paulus Hook, Liberty State Park, and Port Liberté in Jersey City. Routes carry commuters and travelers over the river to Midtown and Downtown Manhattan.

Part of NJ Transit, the Hudson Bergen Light Rail offers transportation options within Jersey City and between nearby cities like Hoboken and Bayonne, NJ. You can choose Park and Ride options in Liberty State Park or use the light rail to connect with PATH trains and NY Waterway ferries.

Rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, service Jersey City, offering transportation in and around the city at varied rates. Taxi services are available on the street downtown or can be scheduled online.

Getty / JGI/Jamie Grill

Fall, from September to mid-November, is the best time to visit Jersey City overall. With moderate highs ranging from the mid-50s to the upper 70s at this time of year, conditions are mostly dry and ideal for walking the Historic Downtown district, sightseeing, and enjoying seasonal fall festivals and events that take place in the city’s parks and streets.

Some of the best fall events in Jersey City include:

An added bonus to visiting Jersey City during the fall is the opportunity to visit with smaller crowds than the peak May-September season and see the lush green spaces and trees around the city cloaked in prismatic autumn color, from glittering gold to blazing orange. Liberty State Park is one of the best places for fall foliage in Jersey City, and local brew houses, restaurants, and entertainment venues celebrate with plenty of themed offerings and events.

iStockphoto.com / Marc Dufresne

When you visit Jersey City, don’t miss the best activities and attractions the city has to offer! Whether you’re ready to explore local parks and museums, visit the Historic Downtown district for great food, drinks, and shopping, or venture across the Hudson for a taste of NYC, here’s a look at the best things to do in Jersey City.

The Statue of Liberty stands as an American symbol of freedom and new beginnings, and the best place to see it in Jersey City is on the 1,200+ acres of Liberty State Park. A green oasis in the heart of the city that runs along the Hudson River waterfront, you’ll find impeccable, clear views of the famed statue from the park’s promenade and Statue of Liberty overlook.

Just across the river, you can take a ferry from the park to visit Ellis Island, the Ellis Island Immigration Station, and see the statue up-close for a truly unforgettable day in Jersey City. Book a Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island and Immigration Museum to see it all with a guide. The Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial frames the space where the Twin Towers once stood with a massive steel corridor within the park. You’ll also find the Liberty Science Center interesting to visit, with its IMAX Dome theater, live animals, and interactive exhibits.

The Historic Downtown district is packed with enough entertainment to deserve at least an afternoon or evening of your trip to Jersey City. Bars and ethnic eateries line downtown’s Grove Street, trees and buildings with historic charm line the streets, green spaces are abundant, and local shops sell everything from baked goods to records and clothing.

You shouldn’t skip Newark Avenue, known as Restaurant Row in Jersey City, when you’re looking for the perfect place to dine. Just a street over, Grove Street offers a wide range of global cuisine and bars that make the nightlife scene noteworthy. It also features a PATH station to reach other parts of the city or venture over to Manhattan. You’ll find the entire downtown district to be easily walkable, making it a perfect activity to plan for your visit.

Jersey City is an unexpected destination for outdoor recreation—with its proximity to the largest metropolitan area in the United States, the number of parks, trails, and outdoor adventures in the city may surprise you! Go for a Private Sunset Sail of NYC Skyline and Statue of Liberty in Jersey City or book a One Hour FUV Rental to zip around in a miniature electric vehicle with views of the skyline. From Liberty State Park, you can see NYC on a Kayak Adventure (1 hour) or opt for the longer New York Skyline Magic Private Tour With a Local in Jersey City (3 hours) to spend more time on the water. Prefer hiking? The park’s Freedom Way trails lead along the waterfront with short loops and longer trails that lead to nearby Caven Point Beach.

From Grove Street or Marin Boulevard, you can walk or run a continuous waterfront path all the way to Hoboken Station with great views of the Hudson and NYC skyline. Thrill-seekers will enjoy options like indoor go-karting at Pole Position Raceway and visiting Pershing Field Park for ice skating, swimming, and sports fields.

Jersey City is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, and it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to culture in the local museums, theaters, and art galleries. Let your interests dictate the attractions you add to your itinerary, with an array of options like:

The Powerhouse Arts District is especially fun to visit because it’s packed with more than just art galleries and fun events—you’ll also find vegan and ethnic eateries, coffee shops, and local boutiques and studios in this bustling area.

One of the most popular things to do in Jersey City is taking the ferry across the Hudson River to Manhattan. While the iconic skyline always looms in the distance, you won’t believe how quickly you can reach the City That Never Sleeps from Jersey City! The NY Waterway ferry (about one hour) can take you to Midtown or Downtown Manhattan, where you can live out your NYC dreams by visiting famous landmarks, eating at unique restaurants, strolling through Central Park, and more. Pack it all into a single day with a Manhattan 1-Day Sightseeing City Tour in New York City!

If you’d rather skip the ferry, there are other ways to reach Manhattan from Jersey City on land. You can ride the PATH and connect with the Manhattan MTA, take a bus or taxi, or drive to Manhattan.

iStockphoto.com / Mystockimages

Whether you’re looking to stay amid all the action downtown or want a place that’s more secluded and quiet just outside the tourist areas, you’ll find excellent hotels in Jersey City to choose from. We’ve analyzed the myriad accommodations in the city and found that these are the best hotels in Jersey City.

The Westin Jersey City Newport has a prime location on the Hudson Riverfront with exceptional guest rooms, plush beds, and a contemporary style. Just steps from the nearest PATH train station, you’ll find this hotel to be the perfect base for all your Jersey City and NYC adventures. Dine at the onsite restaurant and enjoy drinks at the bar, swim in the indoor pool, and wrap yourself in luxury as you ascend the grand central staircase to your room.

For a quieter stay just outside downtown, choose the Canopy by Hilton with its location in the trendy arts district. Slightly bohemian and offering a range of unique eateries, studios, and galleries close by, Canopy stands out as one of the best hotels in Jersey City for its level of comfort, onsite dining and bar, and special features like an outdoor terrace and espresso machines in every room.

If you want to be nestled where the action is, stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Jersey City Newport. Situated downtown, you’ll be able to reach many of Jersey City’s best restaurants, shops, and museums in five minutes or less. Featuring a heated indoor pool, hot tub, and landscaped courtyard, this upscale accommodation puts you close to PATH stations for Manhattan visits and exudes a modern, contemporary style.

A true example of luxury and opulence in the heart of Jersey City, Hyatt House Jersey City boasts some of the grandest design in the city with its Italian marble lobby, ornate metal work, and historic staircase dating back to the 1920s. Once a First National City Bank, the hotel now features a top-rated rooftop restaurant, spacious guest rooms, and proximity to light rail and PATH stations that connect you with the city and nearby NYC.

If you’ll be traveling to Jersey City for more than a few days, consider an extended stay hotel like Sonesta Simply Suites Jersey City. Close to Newport, where many of the city’s financial firms operate, this clean and modern hotel features guest rooms equipped with kitchenettes. Many rooms have views of the Manhattan skyline, and interior corridors, an exercise room, and high-speed internet make it a great place to stay for work or pleasure trips.

Getty / Alex Treadway

Jersey City’s diverse population makes it an exceptionally interesting city to dine in. The rich backgrounds of the city’s residents have led to a thriving culinary scene with restaurants and menus hailing from countries and regions around the world. From mouthwatering American classics to ethnic eateries serving up Korean, Indian, French, and Italian fare, these are the best restaurants in Jersey City.

Jungsik has earned the rare Five Diamond designation, owing to the exceptional food award-winning Chef Jungsik Kim creates with Asian and European flair. Innovative tasting menus showcase the chef’s talent in pairing classic and unlikely flavors using the freshest ingredients, including Wagyu beef tartare, caviar, langoustine lobster, and more with Korean and French-inspired flavors. Located across the river in Manhattan, this restaurant is worth the trip.

Light Horse Tavern is a contemporary gastro pub sitting downtown, putting spins on American dishes with thoughtful flavor combinations and tasty grub that’s been elevated with quality ingredients and presentations. A street terrace for outdoor dining, fresh seafood, hand-pattied burgers, and fried food baskets spilling over with clams and crab cakes make it one of the most delectable options in Jersey City.

Located downtown as the perfect spot for an enjoyable lunch or dinner while you explore, Bistro La Source is a Jersey City favorite with a full menu of French and Belgian fare that receives the American treatment for yummy twists on European flavors. Expect abundant lunch fare like salads and charcuterie boards and inspired entrees for dinner, like expertly-grilled steak frites, sumptuous Mussels a la Marinière, and tasty desserts to finish the experience.

Liberty Prime Steakhouse is known for offering the best omakase (Japanese for “I’ll leave it up to you”) experience in New Jersey with a stunning Prix Fixe menu that delights diners who are willing to trust the chef for their culinary journey. Classic American dishes with elegance, like seafood and hand-selected steaks, set the tone with an upscale dining room that’s sure to impress on your trip to Jersey City.

For gastro pub grub you can enjoy on the waterfront, check out Hudson & Co. in the Plaza 10 office tower. Its elevated location provides some of the best views over the Hudson River and the menu is ever-changing with a few immensely popular mainstays that keep locals coming back for more. From sushi and pizza to seafood and burgers, every palate can find its match at this stylish restaurant and enjoy the chance to dine on the patio.

iStockphoto.com / TomasSereda

From capturing the soul of Jersey City with the New York City skyline and downtown action shots to wandering through beautiful parks and tree-lined streets in search of the perfect photo, these are the best photo spots in Jersey City.

Hudson River Waterfront Walkway: This 18-mile path spans multiple cities on the New Jersey waterfront, and approaching it from Jersey City gives you an incredible view of the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River. Look for the Water’s Soul and 14 other sculptures!
Liberty State Park: From the Statue of Liberty overlook and the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal to the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial steel corridor, you’ll find some of the best views of the NYC skyline and Statue of Liberty right here in Liberty State Park to get those quintessential New York City photos on your trip.
Grove Street: Capture the bubbly essence of Historic Downtown Jersey City from Grove Street, where photo ops like the PATH station, artist murals, unique shops and restaurants, and busy streets present great opportunities to hone your photography skills.
Hamilton Park: A beautiful green space in the city, Hamilton Park is the perfect place to get pictures of the natural side of Jersey City in contrast with the towering NYC skyline next door. Spring and fall are incredible with blooms or glowing foliage, but summer and winter can be beautiful in vibrant green or light blankets of snow.
Little Manilla: This section of the city in the Five Corners district features colorful flags strung high across the streets and an abundance of Filipino markets, shops, bakeries, and restaurants. It’s a great spot for photography and grabbing a bite to eat!

iStockphoto.com / Adventure_Photo

In Jersey City, you can clearly see the NYC skyline, but you might not realize how close you are to destinations like Philadelphia or Atlantic City. These exciting day trips from Jersey City are interesting enough to lure you away from the city for a few hours—or an entire day!

1. Adventures in Bear Mountain State Park, NY

The mountainous Bear Mountain State Park spans over 5,200 acres in nearby New York along the Hudson River. Being under 2 hours from Jersey City, is the perfect place for an adventurous day trip. Come for hiking and biking trails, paddle boats, zoo, and museum. In winter, skiing, sledding, and ice skating are fun activities in the park. You can even book a Private Fall Foliage Helicopter Tour from Westchester during fall!

2. Beaches, Casinos, and Nightlife in Atlantic City

Atlantic City is the Las Vegas of the East Coast with glitzy resorts, casinos, and buzzing nightlife. With highly-rated restaurants and a famous boardwalk along the beach, it makes a great day trip destination from Jersey City when you’re ready to roll the dice or stroll on the sand. One of the best options for transportation in style is taking Atlantic City Trips Round-Trip from NYC area in Lincoln MKT Limousine, where you’ll be picked up from your hotel, whisked off to Atlantic City, and brought back that evening to continue your Jersey City trip.

3. Explore Culture, Food, and History in Philadelphia, PA

In under two hours, you can reach the City of Brotherly Love—Philadelphia—and explore all the history, sightseeing, and culture it has to offer. From the Liberty Bell and bustling Reading Terminal Market to Independence Hall and LOVE Park, there’s so much to see and do in the city that you might want to make it a multi-day trip! See as much as possible with a Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites or take a Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour to do it at your own pace.

iStockphoto.com / Marc Dufresne

If your hopes are high but your budget is low for visiting Jersey City, keep these tips in mind to save money on your trip without crossing fun activities off your list. By making use of special discounts, free attractions, and affordable dining spots, you’ll be able to tackle Jersey City without breaking the bank.

Rely on public transportation and walking - Thankfully, this is a walkable city and walking is always free! Avoid parking fees for locations further than your feet can carry you by taking public transportation (buses, light rail, and trains).
Marvel at the green spaces - It’s free to visit places like Liberty State Park and Van Vorst Park with excellent views of greenery, the NYC skyline, Statue of Liberty, and more.
Use your AAA membership - You’ll be able to access special vehicle discounts, plus cheaper tickets and hotels around the city when you book with your membership.
Hunt for happy hours - Many of Jersey City’s best restaurants offer happy hour specials (like two-for-one drinks, half-priced appetizers, or discounted entrees).
Pick hotels off the waterfront - Due to the views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline, the waterfront is the most expensive area to stay in. Choose hotels away from the waterfront to stick to a tighter budget.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Jersey City trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.