Newark is a bustling town on River Trent known as ‘Brick City’ replete with history and a splendid old ruined castle along with a wealth of old buildings. It is the most populated city in New Jersey, just an hour’s drive west of Manhattan across the Hudson. A melting pot of art and architecture, experience the history through its exquisite art scene, explore the extensive museums and galleries, stroll around the scenic parks, relish international cuisines, and enjoy sports and entertainment. Whether you are a tourist or a local, the city’s unique heritage, art, and cuisine combine to create a wonderful multicultural community and provide a whole new travel experience. Here is the list of the Top 10 things to do in Newark and the best places to visit in Newark to spend the best moments and make the best of your trip.
1. Cheer for Your Favorite Team at Prudential Center
The sports enthusiasts would love to catch up on a hockey match with New Jersey Devils, see them in action, catch a live show, or enjoy a pre-event dinner at the variety of restaurants in Prudential Center. This arena hosts several sports events, social, and entertainment events from top performers to professional ice hockey like the Gospelfest, Disney on Ice, National Football League, Rally of Democratic Governor Jon Corzine, etc. This multi-purpose arena, nicknamed – The Rock, is home to the only Grammy Museum on the east coast.
2. Explore the Military Park
Explore the newly renovated Military Park located in Downtown Newark for its beautiful landscapes and quiet setting, a space where locals meet, interact, and develop new friendships. There is an open space for kids, recreational facilities, and free programs like yoga and meditation to keep the visitors to the park entertained. Don’t miss taking photos of the Wars of America monument by the famous Gutzon Borglum and the John F. Kennedy bust. The Military Park is a great, tranquil spot for visitors and locals to enjoy movies, ping pong, live music, Zumba, chess, and much more.
3. Stroll around the Ironbound Neighborhood
The Ironbound Neighborhood is a four-square-mile area. As you wander around the Ironbound neighborhood, get a glimpse of a striking influence of Portuguese in the architectural styles of the buildings. The neighborhood is multicultural as people belonging to different ethnicities live here. Ironbound has numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore. Stop by Nasto’s for Italian ice cream, Seabra’s Marisquiera for seafood, Forno’s for Paella Valencia, Mompou Tapas Bar for delectable tapas, or Fernandes Steakhouse for Brazilian cuisine.
4. Marvel the Architecture of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Standing in the heart of Newark city, next to Branch Brook Park, is this beautiful French Gothic Revival style church, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. This cathedral is one of the famous sites for tourists and religious believers. Strike a connection with the divine as you marvel at this national historic landmark. The church looks beautiful when lit at night, and tourists come here to admire the church’s limestone walls, stunning stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and French furnishings.
5. View the Cherry Blossoms at Branch Brook Park
Indulge in nature and bask amidst beauty when visiting Branch Brook Park. This 360-acre park, open 365 days a year, is the perfect location for cycling, jogging, bird-watching, and more. With more than five thousand cherry blossom trees, the park looks like a painted canvas when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Plan your visit during the blossom period in April to see the violet-colored flowers spread across the park that will put you in awe of its beauty. The park has a butterfly garden, roller rink, and paths to wander along streams, pools, and lakes.
6. Watch a Live Performance at New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Known as one of the largest art centers in the United States of America, The New Jersey Performing Arts Center is ultra-modern and houses the 2750-seat Prudential Hall and 500-seat Victoria Theater. NJPAC hosts music and dance by artists who excel in classical, rock, pop, hip hop, jazz, theater, poetry, and comedy shows, showcasing world-class performances. The center offers an arts education program. The NJPAC offers two on-site dining options Nico’s Kitchen and Bar and Tier 3 Cafe.
7. Walk along the River in Riverfront Park
The Riverfront Park is an urban oasis overlooking the Passaic River. It is the perfect location to take a stroll on the riverside, as you catch a sweet river breeze, soak up some sun, and enjoy the outdoor activities with amazing scenery that is food for the soul. The park features walking and biking trails, basketball courts, chess tables, playgrounds, soccer fields, a floating boat dock, and picnic spots where visitors can enjoy art events, live music, and family movie nights. Enjoy the outdoors while sculpting your body with the free fitness classes like yoga, Zumba, etc.
8. Visit the Alice and Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium
The Alice and Dreyfuss Planetarium in the Newark Museum is an amazing, interactive theater to appreciate and learn about planetary science, space, and astronomy. Bring your kids for an amazing experience as you embark on an inspirational journey to watch the heavenly bodies traveling through the Solar System, exploring the constellations, visiting the distant galaxies, and soaring up to the edge of the Universe. Each planetarium show accommodates fifty people on a first come basis. You cannot bring food and drinks inside the theater.
9. Experience Newark’s Nightlife
If you are looking for a memorable night out in the town, Newark will not disappoint you! With so many things to do in Newark, NJ at night, nightclub and party lovers will have a great time with the variety of options available, from enjoying a cocktail to visiting the nightclubs like Barcade, Krug’s Tavern, and Hell’s Kitchen Lounge, and QXT’S Night Club. Visit the local bars, restaurants, and lounges to experience American food and culture. Dine with friends at Market Street or Edison Place, or eat at places to suit every budget, including BBQ restaurants, Irish Pubs, and places to get authentic American smashed burgers.
10. Treat Yourself to Delicious Food in Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant
The Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant is an old-school Jewish deli run by the Brummer family since 1962, serving the residents of Newark for more than fifty years. It pickles its own corned beef in 50-gallon stainless steel vats, which is the legendary dish of the restaurant. Patrons come here to enjoy potato pancakes, cajun-spiced burgers, homemade soups, and daily specials like fresh salmon, gazpacho, wraps, salads, Philly cheese steaks, frankfurters, and more. Those who have an affinity for the deli can shop from a wide variety of souvenirs, including T-shirts.
With this list of the top 10 things to do in Newark, New Jersey, it is inarguable that Newark is indeed every tourist’s dream. Whether traveling solo, with friends, or with family, everyone will find something interesting to do here. A US visa or a US tourist visa allows enjoying all the attractions this city has to offer.
