Just eight miles from New York City, Newark, New Jersey, is among the oldest cities in the nation. Out of all the beautiful towns in New Jersey, Newark offers something really unique. The city is home to the largest flowering cherry blossom trees in the U.S. And that's not all Newark has to offer. With world-class entertainment, outdoor adventures, museums, culinary treats, and even a cathedral—there are so many things to do in Newark, New Jersey!

Visitors can book tickets for a show at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, spend the afternoon exploring the Newark Museum of Art, or spend the day outside at Riverfront Park. They can enjoy a leisurely lunch in Ironwood or create an artistic masterpiece at a local screen-printing shop.

Newark, New Jersey, is bursting with charm and plenty of sights to see. Here is our complete guide and list of things to do in Brick City!

UPDATE: 2023/09/29 06:58 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

More Things To Do In Newark

Newark, one of the country's oldest cities, delivers a charming balance between historical attractions and modern-day delights. There is something for everyone to see and do. In this updated article, find out more ways to enhance your vacation with the top things to do in Newark.

Top Things To Do in Newark

There are so many things to do in New Jersey, and many of them are right here in Newark!

1 Take A Newark Walking Tour (Self-Guided)

View of Newark, New Jersey from across the Passaic River
Image by Bruce Emmerling from Pixabay 
View of Newark, New Jersey from across the Passaic River

A self-guided walking tour is a great way to get to know any city; Newark is no exception. While there are paid tours available from various agencies, visitors can also use their smartphones to pinpoint iconic Newark landmarks, see the sights, and learn a bit about the city's history.

Download the Newark Walks app on Apple or Android for a precise map of all the historical and cultural spots to check out during the self-guided walking tour of the city. Interpretive signs, trail markers, and more help keep walkers on track outside the digital app.

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2 Catch A Show At The New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Yellow Day Lilies and trees in front of the New Jersey Performing Arts in Newark, New Jersey. 
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Yellow Day Lilies and trees in front of the New Jersey Performing Arts in Newark, New Jersey. 

Check out the events page for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. From music to comedy, literary readings, and dancing—this is the best place in the city to catch a show.

With world-class performances, tourists are guaranteed a great time. The center has even featured icons like Jerry Seinfeld, Tony Bennet, and Dianna Ross!

  • Address: 1 Center Street, Newark
  • Hours: Fri to Thur, 12-4 pm

For the best views in the house, guests should target the seats in the first two levels.

3 Take In An Epic Concert At Prudential Center

Prudential Center hosts all manner of music events, including, for a few years (ending in 2023), the Grammy Museum Experience. Visitors can check the calendar lineup to see what musicians will be performing at Prudential, from Lauryn Hill to Dan + Shay to Luis Miguel to Maná.

  • Address: 165 Mulberry Street, Newark

The Prudential Center is also a popular hotspot for sports enthusiasts in Newark. If not celebrating legendary musicians at the Grammy Museum Experience, catch a hockey, basketball, and indoor soccer games or watch a boxing/MMA match at its indoor arena.

4 Get A Bite To Eat In Ironbound

The Ironbound Welcome Sign in Newark, New Jersey
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The Ironbound Welcome Sign in Newark, New Jersey

Ironbound is one of Newark’s most famous neighborhoods. Just steps from Newark’s Penn Station, it’s easy to get to and offers many yummy things to taste. This shopping district has over 170 businesses and restaurants, many offering multicultural cuisine, especially Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian. Known to have some of the best Portuguese food in the country, Ironbound exudes an old-fashioned style.

Some popular spots are Teixeira’s Bakery for fresh-from-the-oven baked goods, Seabra’s Marisqueira for a glass of wine and the salada de polvo, and Nasto’s Old World Desserts for a scoop of ice cream.

Foodies looking to sample the local culinary scene must try these famous Ironbound Portuguese restaurants.

5 Discover Something New At Newark Museum Of Art

The Newark Museum of Art in Newark, New Jersey. 
Jim.henderson via Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
The Newark Museum of Art in Newark, New Jersey. 

With more than eighty galleries to wander through, the Newark Museum of Art is the biggest museum in New Jersey. Its collections feature American, African, Asian, and Classical art. Highlights include the extensive collection of Tibetan art and a Buddhist altar consecrated in 1990 by the Dali Lama himself.

There’s also a sculpture garden, a planetarium, kids' workshops, and interactive galleries.

  • Address: 49 Washington Street, Newark
  • Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Cost: $10 per person

To protect the art collection at the Newark Museum of Art, visitors may not touch the exhibits, however tempting it might be.

6 Sightsee Or Board A Boat At Riverfront Park

Riverfront walkway in Newark, New Jersey
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Riverfront walkway in Newark, New Jersey

A stroll along Newark’s Riverfront Park is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. Enjoy views of the Passaic River while traveling along the Orange Walkway. Alternatively, tourists can also rent a kayak or grab a boat tour to get up close and personal with the water.

Riverfront Park is a popular public green space. A great spot for active tourists, the park also offers a baseball field, basketball and tennis courts, two playgrounds, a soccer field, and an open grassy area.

  • Address: 709 Raymond Blvd, Newark
  • Admission: Free
  • Hours: 8 am 9:30 pm

Riverfront Park hosts a string of events throughout the year that should interest tourists. Consult the Newark City Foundation site for scheduled events and dates.

7 Catch A Show At Newark Symphony Hall

Newark, New Jersey skyline looking east.
Wikimedia Commons: Fody licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Newark, New Jersey skyline looking east.

The Newark Symphony Hall has been a staple in Newark for almost a century. This place has seen everything from classical music to opera, ballet, piano virtuosos, rock n’ roll, R&B, and gospel!

Some iconic names have performed in the Hall, such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Tony Bennet, and Aretha Franklin, to name a few.

  • Address: 1020 Broad Street, Newark

For an immersive experience outside the musical performances, take the Newark Symphony Hall tour and learn about the storied history and legacy of the iconic venue.

8 Admire The Cathedral Basilica Of The Sacred Heart

View of the front of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. 
Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash
View of the front of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey. 

Built on the highest peak in Newark, this French Gothic Cathedral is a whopping 45,000 square feet. It’s one of the most spectacular cathedrals in the world and features hand-carved wood, marble, and stone decorations, beautiful stained-glass windows, massive bronze doors, and fourteen bells in the west tower made in Italy and tested by Vatican bell experts.

The building is both a national and a state historical landmark. Tours are offered on the first Sunday of every month following the noon Mass. If interested, guests can meet in the pulpit after Mass.

  • Address: 89 Ridge Street, Newark
  • Hours: Mondays through Fridays, 9 AM to 5 PM; Saturdays, 9 AM to 4 PM

Watch out for the annual concert series, which the Cathedral hosts. It is the perfect time to hear the pipe organ playing.

9 DIY A Design At Newark Print Shop

Aerial photo of Newark New Jersey
Jin via Adobe Stock
Aerial photo of Newark NewJersey

The Newark Print Shop is a screen-printing shop where tourists can create their very own artistic masterpieces. From t-shirts to hats and bags (and other options), customers can create a unique print by moving through each section of the printing process.

The Newark Print Shop also provides classes and workshops, and they have an exhibition space to showcase brilliant pieces.

  • Address: 304 University Avenue, Fl 2, Newark
  • Hours & Cost: Open to the public every Wednesday from 6 PM to 10 PM, tourists can get creative in the open studio for a mere $10.

Related: 8 Things To Do In Hoboken: Complete Guide To One Of New Jersey's Favorite Cities

10 Do Some Light Reading At Newark's Main Public Library

Newark Public Library facade
Deposit Photos: LeeSnider
Newark Public Library facade

A library may not sound like the ideal tourist spot, but Newark's Main Library is a sight to see. There are three floors for library-goers to explore: a children's room (a great place to decompress when traveling with kids), an LGBTQ+ Center, a Teen Room, and more.

Visitors can also learn about Newark's history, including the architectural history of the Newark Public Library.

  • Address: 5 Washington Street Newark, NJ 07102.
  • Hours: Mon & Fri (9 am - 5:30 pm), Tuesday, Wed &Thur (9 am - 8:30 pm), and Sat (11 am - 3 pm)

No public parking is available at the Main Library; prepare to park on the street (and pay) or take public transportation to get there.

11 Spot Cherry Blossoms At Branch Brook Park

Cherry blossoms at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Newark, New Jersey
Photo by Christopher Lotito on Unsplash
Cherry blossoms at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Newark, New Jersey

Branch Brook Park is home to many community events (like a fishing derby and outdoor concerts in summer) and an enormous grove of cherry blossom trees. It even has a live webcam feed that monitors the cherry blossoms so visitors can check out the conditions before they go.

The park also has a Cherry Blossom Festival that takes place in spring (generally April).

  • Admission: Free
  • Hours: 24 hours

Take a self-guided historic walking tour of the area; scan the QR codes at each green sign near various attractions.

12 Enjoy Waterfront Views At Essex County Riverfront Park

Distant view of Newark over the water Passaic River
Deposit Photos: digidream
Distant view of Newark over the water Passaic River

Essex County Riverfront Park is Newark's only waterfront green space, and it's an excellent spot to take a stroll, relax on a bench, and check out the scenery.

Events also take place at Riverfront Park, depending on the season.

How big is Riverfront Park? Riverfront Park spans 12 acres and includes two playgrounds, basketball courts a baseball field, and a soccer field.

13 Spend The Day Out At Military Park

Wars of America is a bronze sculpture in Military Park, Newark
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Wars of America is a bronze sculpture in Military Park, Newark

Alongside Washington and Lincoln Parks, Military Park is among the three downtown parks in the city built in the colonial era. This historic landmark offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities ideal for the whole family. Adults can make the most of fun activities and games like ping pong as children enjoy the Imagination Playground.

  • Admission: Free
  • Hours: 7 am - 9 pm

Join the yoga class, held daily at noon, at the Military Park by the Newark Yoga Movement to stretch out the body and relax the mind.

14 Experience City Life At Penn Station

Newark Penn (Pennsylvania) bus and rail station
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Newark, New Jersey: View of the Market Street side of the busy Newark Penn (Pennsylvania) bus and rail station.

One of the busiest intermodal passenger hubs in the country, Penn Station offers a snapshot of what it feels like to live in a big city. The Newark Light Rail, New Jersey Transit commuter lines, AMTRAK northeast corridor lines, and PATH rapid transit system converge at this site, culminating in a quintessential hustle and bustle for commuters.

Tourists need not be part of the commotion, but just watching the drama as passengers and pedestrians rush to beat deadlines and get to their destination is an oddly satisfying experience.

There is no need to drive a car to Penn Station; parking spaces are not too many and expensive. Board a taxi or public transportation instead.

15 Catch A Live Game At The Prudential Center

Prudential Center arena in downtown Newark
Shutterstock

Newark, NJ: View of Prudential Center arena in downtown Newark

Sports fanatics and enthusiasts in the city converge at the Prudential Center to enjoy riveting games while supporting their home teams. Launched in 2007, the multi-purpose indoor arena sits around 16,000 spectators and is home to the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League and Seton Hall University's Seton Hill Pirates.

The atmosphere is out-of-this-world around the stadium, especially when the home teams are playing, making up for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Reserve a parking slot online in advance to avoid the long queue and hassle at the Prudential Center, especially when there is a big event.

16 Admire The Art By Gateways To Newark

Historic marquee of the Paramount Theater
Shutterstock

Newark, NJ: Historic marquee of the Paramount Theater on Market Street in Newark, New Jersey.

Gateways to Newark initiative brought together 18 local and overseas artists like Khari Jonson Ricks and Tatyana Fazlalizadeh to create a beautiful 1.4-mile mural as a way to decorate the city's entryways. The iconic mural, which took around 1,500 gallons of paint to create, is said to be the longest on the East Coast.

Besides being an awesome sight, the mural is a popular landmark to pause for a photo for lasting memories of times spent in Newark.

For a deeper dive into the story behind the mural, visit the Gateways to Newark website and watch videos about the artists involved in the mural's creation.

17 Best Time To Go To Newark

Cherry Blossoms in Newark, New Jersey
Photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash
Cherry Blossoms in Newark, New Jersey

Spring

April is the perfect time of year to visit Newark. The cherry blossoms are out in full bloom and absolutely gorgeous. But while spring brings pleasant temperatures, it can be unpredictably chilly at times. Bring layers.

Summer

Summers in Newark are hot and humid. If you love the sun, this is a great time to visit. This is also the season when Newark sees the most tourists, so hotels and airfare may be more expensive.

Related: 10 Best Beaches In New Jersey You Need To Visit

Fall

Daily highs range from the mid-80s to the low 50s. The temperatures drop as the calendar approaches winter. Tourists can expect to see rain or snow five to seven times per month in the fall.

Winter

Newark in winter is cold. Temperatures range from average highs from the 50s to the 30s. It rains and snows approximately seven to eight times per month. Winter is too cold for most outdoor activities and is Newark’s slowest tourist season.

18 Best Ways To Get Around Newark

Newark Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey.
Wikimedia Commons: King of Hearts licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Newark Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey.

After flying into the newly improved Newark Airport, tourists have options to get around Brick City.

Car

This is the easiest option. Tourists can travel around Newark on their own timetable, but be aware—traffic can be very heavy. Route 21 heads through downtown Newark. Be aware that it can be jam-packed, in which case tourists can travel to many downtown destinations using Interstate 280.

Parking can be difficult in Newark, but try Spot Hero to reserve a parking spot downtown.

Rail, Light Rail & Bus

Newark’s Penn Station is a major transportation hub. From here, tourists can travel by rail, light rail, and bus. Tourists can plan trips around Newark or even a day trip from Newark to many nearby cities, such as Manhattan.

Walk

Newark is a very walkable city. It's actually the fifth most walkable city in the U.S. Mix walking with fantastic public transport options and tourists can easily explore the entire city.

Related: Why The New Jersey Fairy Trail Is Just Magical As It Sounds

19 Where To Eat In Newark

Aerial view of Newark, New Jersey
 Jin via Adobe Stock
Aerial view of Newark, New Jersey

New Jersey has its own iconic Jersey dishes, but Newark is known in particular for its international cuisine.

Breakfast

Teixeira’s Bakery

Perfect for breakfast on the go, this quaint bakery has the best pastries. It has an old-school vibe, a delicious scent of warm baked goods, and a fair number of locals who stop and chat with the people behind the counter.

  • Address: 184 Ferry Street, Newark
  • Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5 AM to 8 PM; Sunday, 6 AM to 8 PM
  • Recommended: Pasteis de Nata

Related: First Time In New Jersey? Try Doing These Things

Lunch

Iberia Tavern and Restaurant

Iberia Tavern and Restaurant is one of the best Portuguese restaurants in Newark. It introduced its Spanish and Portuguese cuisine to Newark in 1926, and the restaurant soon gained the reputation of great food, large portions, and affordable prices.

  • Address: 80-84 Ferry Street, Newark
  • Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, opens at 11 AM; Sunday, opens at 12 PM.
  • Recommended: Shellfish and Sangria!

Dinner

Casa d’Paco

Case d’Paco is a must-stop destination for anyone traveling to Newark. Located in the Ironbound, the Galician-style restaurant offers staples, like paella and langostinos, in addition to a new alternative menu every week, allowing tourists and locals alike to fall in love over and over again with each new delicious dish.

  • Address: 73 Warwick Street, Newark
  • Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 12 AM; Sunday, 12 PM to 11 PM; Mondays, Closed.
  • Recommended:

20 Where To Stay In Newark

Aerial View of Newark, New Jersey
Photo by Emmanuel Ogbonnaya on Unsplash
Aerial View of Newark, New Jersey

While Newark doesn’t have the luxury hotels that nearby Manhattan offers, there are fantastic mid-range and budget hotels perfect for a weekend getaway in Brick City.

Doubletree by Hilton Newark Penn Station

The Doubletree by Hilton Newark Penn Station is connected to Penn Station via an indoor corridor. This makes traveling in and out of Newark and around Newark very easy!

  • Address: 1048 Raymond Boulevard, Newark
  • Amenities: Complimentary shuttle service to Newark Airport; warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie upon arrival; complimentary Wi-Fi; 55-inch HDTV; Market Street Bar and Grill restaurant serving casual American cuisine; fitness center.
  • Cost: $$$

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Newark Airport

  • Address: 128 Frontage Road, Newark, NJ 07114
  • Amenities: Indoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Free airport shuttle, Shuttle service (free), Business center
  • Cost: $$$

Mid-Range

RYP by Wyndham Newark Downtown

This unique hotel offers standard hotel rooms as well as family rooms with bunk beds. Perfect for everything from business trips to family getaways, the TRYP by Wyndham Newark Downtown is centrally located and within walking distance of Newark's downtown attractions.

  • Address: 24 East Park Street, Newark
  • Amenities: fitness center; bar/lounge; Free Wi-Fi; Free airport shuttle; restaurant; room service.
  • Cost based on double occupancy: $$

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Newark Airport

  • Address: 20 Frontage Road, Newark, NJ 07114
  • Amenities: Fitness center, Restaurant, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Coffee shop, Business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV
  • Cost: $$

Budget

Comfort Suites Newark – Harrison

Centrally located next to the airport, Penn Station, Red Bull Arena, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the Comfort Suites Newark – Harrison is an excellent option for the budget traveler.

  • Address: 1348 McCarter Highway, Newark
  • Amenities: fitness center; flat-screen TV; Free Wi-Fi; free parking; airport shuttle; refrigerator; microwave.
  • Cost based on double occupancy: $

Red Carpet Inn Newark - Irvington NJ

  • Address: 100 Union Avenue, Irvington, NJ 07111
  • Amenities: Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Free parking, Business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV, Cable or satellite TV, Free toiletries
  • Cost: $