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I nearly don’t wish to write this publish as a result of I like dwelling in Jersey City a lot that I don’t need individuals to find out about it. I moved from Brooklyn to Jersey through the pandemic for cheaper hire and more room and now I can confidently say it was the most effective resolution I may’ve made.
Jersey City has a a lot slower-paced vibe than Williamsburg with rather more low-key nightlife, however from a dwelling standpoint I like the truth that the streets are a lot cleaner, it’s quieter and you may get to know the locals that dwell right here.
The metropolis’s buildings are a mixture of previous and new. The waterfront space is dominated by glassy skyscrapers, resorts and luxurious house buildings however should you stroll across the neighborhood you’ll discover leafy streets lined with brownstones and Victorian-era buildings. If you have got a canine then there are a number of nice parks the place you’ll be able to take them for a stroll, together with Hamilton Park, Van Vorst Park and Liberty State Park.
Manhattan Yacht Club can also be primarily based in Jersey City and on a summer season’s day it’s good to hang around down by the Liberty Landing Marina searching in any respect the boats. There are loads of nice spots to eat and drink too, so no matter you’re within the temper for, you’ll discover one thing right here.
Many New Yorkers scoff on the considered dwelling in Jersey as a result of it’s “not New York” however in actuality it’s just one cease on the Path to World Trade Center and two stops from Grove Street to the West Village. Jersey City is unquestionably value trying out and every time my mates come to go to, they’re at all times pleasantly stunned and wish to come again.
For inspiration, right here’s my checklist of issues to do in Jersey City:
Things to Do in Jersey City, New Jersey
Liberty State Park
While Manhattan has Central Park, Jersey City has Liberty State Park, which is situated throughout from Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Covering an space of 1,212-acres, this huge park has loads of inexperienced area and provides unimaginable views of the Manhattan skyline.
What I like about Liberty State Park is that it’s by no means crowded, so you’ll be able to simply have a picnic or tan in peace. My favourite factor to do right here is stroll alongside the Liberty State Park Walk-way, which is a 2 mile promenade that hyperlinks the picnic space, the interpretive heart and the Terminal constructing. It runs all the way in which alongside the waterfront and spans two coves.
Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal
Within the park you’ll discover the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, which was as soon as a waterfront passenger terminal that served between 30,000 and 50,000 commuters every day. It operated till 1967 and is now listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.
Empty Sky Memorial
Close to the Central Railroad you’ll additionally discover the “Empty Sky” 9/11 Memorial, which was constructed to honor the individuals who misplaced their lives on the World Trade Center in 2011. It consists of two brushed chrome steel partitions which are 210 toes lengthy, which is the width of every aspect of the World Trade Center Towers. The names of those that died are etched within the floor.
Liberty House
While you’re in Liberty State Park, go to Liberty House, which is a restaurant and occasions venue that’s in style for wedding ceremony receptions. The restaurant has a patio and big outside space with big chess and loads of seating. It’s good to go right here for sundown drinks and simply sit by the hearth pits whereas trying on the view.
Have Beers at a Brewery
If you want a very good craft beer then there are two brewing firms in Jersey City.
902 Brewing Co. is a big industrial-style taproom within the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood with a rooftop providing views of the Manhattan skyline. My favourite beer on faucet is the Brady’s Nightmare, which is a ten% IPA. On weekends they usually have dwell bands and also you’re allowed to order your individual meals to the bar. Best of all, it’s canine pleasant.
Departed Soles is a bit more central, situated a brief stroll from Grove St Path Station. This is a a lot smaller brewery nevertheless it provides an ideal number of beers, together with IPAs, sours and lagers. I often order the Philosorapper, which is an 8% semi-sweet IPA with hints of banana and clove.
Van Vorst Park
One of my favourite issues to do in Jersey City is to wander round Van Vorst Park, which is situated between Montgomery Street, York Street, Jersey Avenue, and Barrow Street. It could also be small nevertheless it’s cute with numerous benches the place you’ll be able to simply sit and chill out. The close by streets are lined with brick and brownstone Victorian-era rowhouses and contained in the park you’ll discover a youngsters’s playground, gazebo and fountain.
Visit a Rooftop
Having lived in each Williamsburg and Jersey City, the view of Manhattan (in my view) is best from the Jersey City aspect than it’s from the Brooklyn aspect.
The finest place to catch a view of the Manhattan skyline is from the Rooftop at Exchange Place, a waterfront rooftop at One Exchange Place inside Hyatt House. Here you’ll be able to take pleasure in sundown cocktails and views of Manhattan, the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty and Staten Island.
For a extra laid again rooftop that harbors no pretences, go to Iron Monkey, which serves a number of craft beers on faucet.
Go for Brunch
There are numerous locations to get a very good brunch in Jersey City. If you desire a trendy, barely extra upscale environment, take a look at Latham House, which is located on the nook of Marin and Christopher Columbus Drive. Their smoked salmon benedict is absolutely, actually good and filling.
Another nice one for a particular brunch is Lokal, which is located on the waterfront and has lovely views of Manhattan via its glass home windows.
For an off-the-cuff brunch my favourite spot is Dream Vista, which is a Turkish cafe with a calming walled yard. Their poached egg avocado toast is scrumptious and so they serve some fascinating coloured lattes together with blue matcha and pistachio latte. Best of all, their meals and drinks are served on actually cute blue and white crockery.
If you’re an early riser, take a look at Sam a.m. in Paulus Hook, which opens at 6.30am on weekdays and 8am on weekends. Items on the menu embrace French toast, buttermilk waffles, biscuit and gravy and avocado toast.
Eat Good Food
Jersey City does meals properly and there are many nice choices to select from.
I like sushi and also you’ll discover numerous it in Jersey City. Try Itto Sushi, Domodomo, Honshu and Komegashi Too. If you desire a fancy omakase dinner, go to Sushi by Bou, which is a speakeasy inside Ani Ramen that has timed 60 minute seatings.
Taqueria Downtown – One of probably the most well-known spots in Jersey City, Taqueria Downtown serves scrumptious tacos and a imply steak quesadilla. Margaritas are robust and you may organize them to go.
Ani Ramen – The finest ramen in Jersey City. Order the Chef’s Special ramen, pork stomach Bao buns and crispy miso sake wings.
Matthew’s Food and Drink – Located close to the Grove Street Path, Matthew’s Food & Drink serves American fare, equivalent to burgers, sandwiches, salads and steaks. Try their black garlic mac n cheese, quick rib ragu or roast ½ hen.
Kitchen Step – Consistently listed as among the best eating places in Jersey City, Kitchen Step serves a contemporary American menu and common Daily Provisions specials.
Battello – If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or one thing particular, head to Battello, which is a contemporary Italian restaurant situated on the waterfront and boasts a terrace with lovely views of Manhattan. Just be sure that to ebook a reservation upfront as this restaurant will get up for months on weekends. My favourite dishes are the mafalde cacio e pepe and the yellowfin tuna rollatini.
Bistro La Source – For tasty French meals, ebook a desk at Bistro La Source, which serves classics equivalent to French onion soup and mussels mariniere. Their beef quick rib ravioli can also be nice.
Light Horse Tavern – Located on a reasonably road in Paulus Hook, Light Horse Tavern is a gastropub serving oysters, seafood, salads and entrees equivalent to New York strip steak, pork chops, salmon and duck.
Edward’s Steakhouse – If you’re within the temper for steak and don’t thoughts dropping a bit more money, go to Edward’s Steakhouse, which serves chops, steaks and seafood in an intimate setting.
Gin Tasting at Corgi Spirits
If you’re keen on a gin and tonic then you definitely would possibly wish to pay a go to to Corgi Spirits, the place you’ll be able to order seasonal cocktails, gin with Fever Tree mixers or tasting flights for $5. If you purchase a bottle of Corgi gin to take house, they’ll even waive the tasting charge. The distillery has a comfortable seating space with a lounge really feel, that includes leather-based couches, a fire and comfortable armchairs that you would be able to chill and chill out in. In retaining with the British theme, the partitions show work of Prime Ministers Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. The distillery usually hosts occasions too, together with dwell music nights and comedy exhibits.
Powerhouse Arts District
The Powerhouse Arts District is a small space of downtown Jersey City comprised of previous manufacturing buildings from the 1800s which have been transformed into lofts, retail areas and low retailers. The space will get its title from a Victorian-era energy plant that was renovated into an arts heart. The imaginative and prescient is for the Powerhouse Arts District to grow to be “an iconic mixed-use centerpiece for arts, retail and entertainment”. While you’re there, pay a go to to Lackawanna Coffee and take a look at their black sesame latte.
Watch Sports at a Beer Hall
Whether you’re into NFL, soccer, basketball or every other sport, Jersey City has a number of nice sports activities bars with loads of TVs for watching. The most notable ones are Hudson Hall and Zeppelin Hall, which have distinctly totally different vibes.
Zeppelin Hall has a conventional German beer corridor vibe, with massive rooms, a fire and an enormous yard out again. In summer season it’s an ideal place to take a seat outdoors with a beer and take heed to dwell music. In retaining with the theme, the menu options typical German meals equivalent to Bratwurst and pretzels.
Hudson Hall attracts a barely youthful crowd and the vibe is extra that of an American sports activities bar. The menu is a bit more upscale with extra selection, that includes burgers, sandwiches, mac n cheese, smoked meats and salads. There are TVs throughout the room for sports activities lovers and a DJ performs most weekend nights.
Other locations to observe sports activities in Jersey City embrace Grove Corner, The Ashford and Greene Hook.
Hit up a Happy Hour
While there aren’t a ton of Happy Hours in Jersey City, there are nonetheless a number of good ones scattered across the metropolis.
Wurstbar – Wurstbar does an ideal completely satisfied hour from 4 until 7 that features $6 poutine and $6 wines.
Matthew’s Food & Drink – Happy hour goes from 4 until 6 and options $5 beers, $5 wines and half priced cocktails.
Greene Hook – Greene Hook’s completely satisfied hour runs from 4 until 6 with $1 oysters, $5 tacos, $3 beers and $6 wines.
Shop at Newport Centre
If you wish to get some purchasing performed, Newport Mall is a 3-level indoor purchasing heart with outfitters equivalent to Zara, H&M and Forever 21, plus department shops equivalent to Kohl’s and Macy’s. Inside you’ll additionally discover a big meals courtroom and an AMC movie show.
Eat Lobster Rolls at Surf City
In the summer season months, head to Surf City, which is a seasonal bar situated slap bang on the water reverse Liberty Landing marina. This large venue has loads of outside seating and is a superb place to drink beers and eat lobster rolls whereas watching the yachts go by. On a scorching summer season’s day it’s exhausting to consider you’re consuming in New Jersey.
Visit a Speakeasy
Not that many individuals find out about it however there’s a speakeasy known as Nucky’s situated within the basement of Hudson Hound. Just inform them you need the speakeasy and so they’ll take you right down to this small, dimly lit bar the place you’ll be able to order craft cocktails ready by educated bartenders.
Grab Drinks at One of These Bars
If you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Jersey City at evening, there are are quite a few bars within the space if you wish to go bar hopping. Nightlife in Jersey City is fairly low key, so should you’re on the lookout for nightclubs or a wild evening out then you definitely’re most likely going to wish to go to Manhattan or Brooklyn for that. However, Jersey City has some cool cocktail bars and sports activities bars, and most of them are open until 2am on weekends.
Dullboy – Best for cocktails, dullboy is a small bar with a lined yard the place you’ll be able to sit outdoors. This place can also be good for small bites, equivalent to ceviche, arepas, fried oyster tacos and lobster dumplings. They additionally serve burgers, sandwiches and a very good mac n cheese.
The Archer – My go-to spot in winter, The Archer has a dimly lit, cozy inside and serves quite a lot of fascinating meats, together with elk meatballs, venison cheesesteak, duck burger, pheasant and cherry creste di gallo and wild boarito. It additionally has an ideal cocktail checklist and provides a cocktail completely satisfied hour with $9 cocktails from 5 until 7pm.
Pet Shop – An area favourite, Pet Shop is a busy bar with meals, drinks and good tunes. Sit on the bar, of their yard or go right down to the basement – the selection is yours.
Golden Cicada – A little bit of an establishment in Jersey City, the Golden Cicada is an excellent enjoyable bar that’s in style with locals. It has a big outside space which is in style in the summertime months and there are tons of occasions all through the week, together with karaoke and dwell music nights.
Hamilton Park
Located within the north finish of Jersey City between eighth and ninth streets, Hamilton Park is a sq. formed park with a gazebo within the center. Within the park you’ll discover a canine run, tennis courts and two youngsters’s playgrounds. Throughout the 12 months Hamilton Park performs host to quite a lot of occasions equivalent to farmers markets and outside film nights.
The total neighborhood round Hamilton Park could be very cute with cute brownstones and leafy timber. For meals strive Hamilton Pork (BBQ), Rumba Cubana (Cuban) and Ahri’s Kitchen (Korean).
Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg is a weekly open air meals market that may be present in a number of areas, together with Williamsburg, Manhattan, Prospect Park and Jersey City. If you like meals, you’ll discover dozens of native distributors promoting every kind of cuisines. Smorgasburg takes place each Saturday at 200 Greene Street close to the Harborside Light Rail cease.
J. Owen Grundy Park
On a sunny day I prefer to take my canine for a stroll alongside the waterfront previous the Colgate clock and to J Owen Grundy Park, which is a pier proper by the Grove Street Path station. The pier is the most effective place to catch views of the Manhattan skyline, which seems to be tremendous fairly when it’s lit up at evening.
RPM Raceway
For one thing a bit totally different, get a bunch collectively and take a look at go karting at RPM Raceway. Race in Italian go-karts on European type tracks, then seize meals and cocktails within the RPM Bar & Grill afterwards. For non-members, 1 race prices $30.
Liberty Landing Marina
Jersey City has an attractive marina stuffed with yachts and boats and one of the simplest ways to see it’s by hopping on the ferry from Warren Street to Liberty Landing Marina. Alternatively simply seize a drink at Surf City and watch the boats passing by.
Sea the City and Other Watersports
If you want jet snowboarding and don’t thoughts the Hudson River water splashing in your face, strive a jet snowboarding tour with Sea the City, which departs from Liberty State Park. Along the way in which you’ll see sights equivalent to The Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Prices begin at $169.
If jet snowboarding isn’t your factor, you can too ebook a kayak tour or rise up paddleboarding with Urban Paddle, which is situated proper by Surf City.
White Eagle Hall
If you wish to catch a dwell efficiency head to White Eagle Hall, which is housed in a restored historic constructing on Newark Avenue. This 8,000 sq. foot area contains a wrought iron wraparound balcony and a coffered tin ceiling with 2 massive stained glass atriums. White Eagle Hall frequently hosts dwell music, theatre, comedy, dance, movie and household exhibits whereas serving meals and drinks.
The Honorable William Wall
The Honorable William Wall is Manhattan Yacht Club’s floating clubhouse on the water, anchored in New York Harbor simply north of Ellis Island. A small boat takes you from Manhattan Yacht Club out to the floating barge, the place you should buy drinks from the bar and benefit from the views of Manhattan. Tickets are $20 on weekdays and $30 on weekends.
Mana Contemporary
Housed in a big Nineteen Twenties former tobacco warehouse, Mana Contemporary is an arts and cultural heart that gives world class exhibitions and profession growth for artists. Mana Contemporary’s galleries and exhibitions are open for touring Tuesday via Friday from 3pm-4pm.
How to Get to Jersey City from New York
The finest strategy to get to Jersey City from New York is by taking the PATH prepare. If you have got a Metrocard you need to use your Metrocard to pay on the turnstile, identical to you’d with the subway. A full one-way fare is $2.75.
There are a few PATH choices. You can take the Newark PATH prepare (crimson line) from World Trade Center and get off at Exchange Place or Grove Street. There’s additionally a Hoboken prepare (inexperienced line) that goes from World Trade Center and stops at Exchange Place and Newport earlier than heading to Hoboken.
Or you’ll be able to take the PATH prepare (orange line) that runs from thirty third Street to Journal Square. This prepare is the most effective one to take should you’re coming from Midtown or West Village because it has numerous stops in these areas of Manhattan. Depending on the place you wish to go, you may get off at Newport or Grove St in Jersey City.
You can even take the ferry to Jersey City (Paulus Hook) with NY Waterway however they don’t run as usually because the trains so it’s finest to test the schedules. This is a pleasant experience although and it provides you wonderful views of Manhattan from the water. Ferries function from Pier 11, Brookfield Place and Midtown W thirty ninth St.
A Final Word…
So that completes this checklist of the most effective issues to do in Jersey City! Most vacationers go to New York and Brooklyn however by no means make it throughout the water to Jersey City. It’s a vacation spot that’s neglected and but it’s positively value a go to if in case you have the time. The tempo is slower than Manhattan however there’s nonetheless loads to find and it’s the most effective place to snap a photograph of the Manhattan skyline!