Newark may seem modest compared to its neighbor to the west, yet it is nevertheless the largest city in the entire Garden State.
There are many interesting things to do in Newark during your stay as the city is known for its history and many amazing places you could visit.
This article has several fun-filled places you should visit if you are on a tour.
Things To Do In Newark (NJ)
1. New Jersey Performing Arts Center
One of the biggest and most successful performing arts venues in the entire country for almost 20 years is the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
The venue hosts everything from stand-up comedians to jazz jam sessions to R&B performances to classical ensembles, drawing huge crowds from both New York and the larger Garden State.
Its mission is to showcase a diverse range of live entertainment and performances both locally and internationally.
The area also hosts recurring festivals including the Sounds of the City, a non-profit event that takes over Theater Square in the summer, and the TD James Moody Democracy of Jazz Festival, which is the only significant jazz festival in Newark and takes place in November.
2. Newark Museum
A little distance from the waters of the Newark Reach, situated amid the city streets, is the largest museum in the entire Garden State.
The exhibitions here are, to put it mildly, eclectic.
They include everything from rare pieces of Tibetan Plateau art to masterworks of American realism.
With almost 5,000 items including an altarpiece blessed by the Dalai Lama, the collection of Buddhist treasures at the Newark Museum is regarded as one of the best Sino-Tibetan exhibits in the entire world.
There are also some fascinating science exhibits to view, such as a renowned planetarium and interactive waste and energy demonstrations.
3. The Cathedral Basilica Of The Sacred Heart
One of the largest basilicas in all of America, this incredibly enormous church stands tall and proud on the edge of the flourishing Branch Brook Park in a magnificent display of Gothic Revival architecture.
The building’s construction started back in 1898 and took a phenomenal 29 years to finish as the architects experimented with adding flying buttresses in the Anglo-style and French medieval spires.
The cathedral is now an excellent place to enjoy some calming chamber music, reflect on the massive construction endeavor that resulted in its towers’ 71-meter height, or decipher the fusion of architectural influences that migrated to North America from Europe in the early 20th century.
4. Branch Brook Park
Branch Brook Park occupies more than 359 acres of land in Essex County’s northernmost districts and is one of the many oases of urban greenery that dot the city of Newark’s neighborhoods.
The size isn’t what brings hikers and wildlife enthusiasts here, though.
Cherry trees are the cause. The Cherry Blossom Festival held here every April promises blossoms of pink and white to match even Tokyo with more than 14 distinct varieties of blossoming trees and more than 4,000 individual trees.
For the rest of the year, visitors can stroll along the curving walkways, cross stately bridges, and even catch a glimpse of the towering Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the gardens’ eastern edge.
5. Riverfront Park
The city’s Riverfront Park, which clings to the Passaic River’s meanders as it bends and turns around the districts of central Newark, is maybe the best place for watching the sunset and observing the city lights switch on after nightfall.
The area is undergoing some sort of urban regeneration right now, with a variety of art installations and renovations happening.
For instance, the walkways now have brand-new boardwalks, and there are plenty of picnic areas and even public loungers for those summertime swims.
6. City Without Walls
Since opening its doors, City Without Walls (abbreviated cWOW) has been at the forefront of innovative art and creativity in Newark.
It is located in a former industrial space on Crawford Street.
The purpose is to give modern artists who work and live in the city a place to exhibit their works.
This means that throughout the year, visitors can anticipate a genuinely diverse choice of shows, with anything from avant-garde sculptural pieces to installation works adorning the spaces.
The Newark City Murals project, which is also administered by the cWOW gallery, intends to embellish downtown Newark with thought-provoking art murals, include international artists in the creation of street art, and instruct young people in the procedures and techniques of urban mural painting.
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7. Ironbound Neighborhood
Some people refer to this area as Little Portugal, while others refer to it as Mini-Spain.
Visitors come here for the Argentine empanadas or the sizzling paella, while others come for the gaucho steaks and the hot chorizo straight from Madrid.
Undoubtedly the best foodie destination in the Garden State, this winding maze of streets south of the Passaic River and east of the Newark Penn Station offer a unique multicultural mix of cafes, restaurants, and dive bars.
Iberian meats may be found at Lopes Sausage Company, and the best Italian sorbets and cones can be found at Nasto’s Ice Cream.
8. Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant
In-house prepared, hand-cured, and pickled corned beef has been a Newark institution for more than 50 years at Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant.
The restaurant, which advertises itself as a traditional Jewish deli, has steadily grown to become one of the preferred local haunts for hearty American, Eastern European, and Italian fare.
The menu features a variety of dishes, including German frankfurter sausages, colorful veggie salads, hot burger patties seasoned with Cajun spices, Philly cheese steaks, and of course the iconic corned beef baps.
Additionally, there is a selection of branded clothing for customers who enjoy the sandwiches in particular.
The establishment becomes rowdy on New Jersey Devils game days when large crowds of fans gather.
9. The Priory
The Priory, one of the many jazz bars available in The Brick City, is housed in a nearby area of Newark’s Saint Joseph’s Church in the center of University Heights.
The musicians on this album, which is renowned for its swinging, bluesy backing track and features some of the best gospel music this side of the Dixie Line, have a distinct Caribbean, Creole, and New Orleans edge.
Particularly popular on Friday nights, when throngs of locals go to the venue to let loose and dance the night away.
Meanwhile, brunches prepared in the substantial Creole tradition mark Sunday midday.
10. Military Park
Military Park is one of the city’s oldest urban green spaces, and it is located in the center of downtown Newark, surrounded by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the New Jersey Historical Society.
The area served as a training ground for Union soldiers during the American Civil War before evolving into the community’s central commons.
A restaurant and new walkways have been built as a result of recent renovations, but the enormous Wars of America structure by Mount Rushmore famed architect Gutzon Borglum still takes center stage.
11. Gaslight Brewery & Restaurant
The Gaslight Brewery & Restaurant may be found in South Orange’s suburbia, among the streets.
In this case, it serves a variety of rib-eye steaks, pizza, shareable nachos, quesadillas, Tex-Mex, and traditional shrimp and grits.
But there’s no denying that the beer commands attention.
There are robust classics like the Bison Brown Ale, modeled after English country beers, or the Big Dog Porter, with its coffee bean edge and Canadian malts, not to mention the laid-back Pin-Head Pilsner, made in the mold of the old Bohemian concoctions from the Czech Republic.
12. Kilkenny Ale House
The Kilkenny Ale House is a cozy, warm Irish pub that is worth a visit.
The inside resembles an authentic Irish alehouse, complete with occasional Celtic murals.
The beers are also excellent; the taps are overflowing with robust stouts and unique bitter brews.
There is food there, a strange assortment of pub fare like inexpensive burgers and fries, shepherd’s pie, and other hearty dishes direct from the Gaelic country’s kitchens.
13. Jewish Museum Of New Jersey
The Jewish Museum of New Jersey organizes everything from cultural workshops to integration programs, interfaith dialogues, and artistic representations of Judaism to represent support, and preserve the history of the nearly 500,000 Jews who currently reside and work in the state of New Jersey.
Programs on the Jews of Assisi during 1943 and 1944, photography collections by Jewish-American artists, discussions on the early Jews of New Jersey’s agricultural villages, and analyses of the Jewish role in the civil unrest of 1960s America were some of the previous displays.
14. Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Thomas Edison was one of America’s most prolific inventors and discoverers, and this designated national historical property is dedicated to preserving his life, times, and achievements.
The great man tested new kinds of phonographs, batteries, film cameras, and audio recording during the final decades of the 19th century right here, on the industrial outskirts of West Orange, barely 15 minutes drive from downtown Newark.
Intricate tools and machines used by the master are now visible at the location, which was set up much as they would have in the 1890s.
15. The New Jersey Devils At The Rock
For any first-time visitors passing through the Garden State, going to the Prudential Center to see a New Jersey Devils game is somewhat of a requirement.
The hockey games that take place on the ice rinks of the brand-new stadium located just a short distance from Newark Penn Station are a symphony of chants and cries, all of which belie the locals’ love and passion for their hometown team.
The team is a regular contender at the top of the NHL standings.
When the New York Rangers are playing a game at the Prudential Center and the different restaurants and bars are packed to capacity, games are never more boisterous.
16. Newark Public Library
The Newark Public Library, a major educational resource and architectural treasure in the heart of the city’s downtown cultural district, is currently hosting the interesting exhibit Newark at 350 Settlement, Growth, Renewal through the end of the year.
A scale model of Newark in 2016 also features each building, famous location, and park in the largest city in the state.
The exhibition commemorates Newark’s 350th anniversary since its creation in 1666, along with a variety of free events held in each of the city’s five wards.
17. Newark Walks
Discover Newark with Newark Walks, a fun and interactive walking tour of the city.
Learn about the monuments, public art, and landmarks in Newark while getting your cardio on and getting fit.
Could you have imagined that four amazing sculptures by Mount Rushmore’s artist Gutzon Borglum can be seen in Newark?
To learn more, however, you’ll have to begin the journey.
Get outside, download the app, and embark on an adventure that explores Newark’s lengthy history going back to the 1600s.
18. New Jersey Historical Society
The New Jersey Historical Society is the oldest cultural organization in the state and was founded in 1845.
Visit their library to learn about local history, peruse the gift shop, or stop by for a fantastic program.
They offer panel discussions, audio tours of exhibitions, walking tours, brown bag lunches, and other topical programs.
Costumes, furniture, paintings, prints, ceramics, glass, tools, and a plethora of other items are all included in museum collections.
Manuscripts, reference books, rare books, pictures, maps, broadsides, pamphlets, mass-produced prints, and other items that depict New Jersey’s cultural and historical legacy from the colonial era to the 20th century can be found in the library’s collections.
They comprise the greatest and largest body of work on New Jersey ever assembled.
19. Prudential Center
The Prudential Center is a sizable indoor arena that serves many different purposes, and it is situated on Lafayette Street in Newark’s core business center.
The Center, which opened in 2007, routinely holds over 17,000 spectators for hockey games and over 18,000 spectators for basketball games.
Both the NCAA’s Seton Hall Pirates and the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League call The Center home.
The Prudential Center, sometimes known as “The Rock,” is a venue for exceptional events including Disney on Ice and music concerts.
American cuisine and beverages are offered at The Restaurant at Prudential Center.
The Center is convenient to public transportation and has played a significant role in the revitalization of downtown Newark.
20. Manu’s Sushi Lounge
Manu’s, which is housed in a lovely old building in Ironbound, a historically significant neighborhood with a large Spanish and Portuguese population, offers something fresh on the dining scene.
It’s hazardous to add Italian food and tapas to a menu that is primarily sushi and sashimi, yet the customers are completely delighted.
The exquisite, two-level dining room is always crowded, especially on nights when live music is playing.
Even a few sidewalk tables have appeared recently.
Try the Portuguese chorizo soaked in sake served with grilled char if you’re interested in what they call the “Mediterranean-sushi fusion.”
You can order sushi or sashimi and then something from the tapas menu that is from the Mediterranean to attempt “fusing.”
21. Casa d’Paco
Since 2015, Casa d’Paco, a trendy Spanish-style hangout in Newark, has been serving customers real hot and cold tapas.
The restaurant, run by executive chef Angel Leston, creates fresh menus every week to offer regular customers a unique dining experience.
The menus highlight classic Galician dishes and modern choices from various Spanish culinary scenes.
Favorites like jamón Ibérico croquetas, zamburillas rellenas, pulpo a galega, and chipirones are regularly offered alongside cold dishes like salmon rollitos and Spanish charcuterie plates on menus.
Larger entrees are also offered, with a focus on classics such as langosta rellena, paella, chuleton, and fish a la plancha.
Award-winning cocktails, including cask-aged variations, go well with the vast choice of Spanish wines.
22. Nico Kitchen And Bar
Within the New Jersey Performing Arts Center is the sizable restaurant Nico Kitchen and Bar.
185 people can eat there, and an additional 50 people can eat at the bar.
The restaurant is frequently full during lunchtime and on entertainment nights. It is a classy location with roomy, private boots.
The dining room’s high ceiling makes it appear even bigger, yet the soft, earthy color scheme and snug seats make it feel homey.
Consulting Elegant but not pretentious Italian cuisine is served by Chef DePersio. People throng this eatery to enjoy his fries with mascarpone and polenta.
23. PES Studios
PES Studios is a one-of-a-kind center for multidisciplinary innovation located in Newark on a three-level building close to Penn Station, the city’s transportation hub.
The initiative, which is a component of the charity Project for Empty Space in New York City, began as a pop-up exhibition in 2012, converting vacant office buildings into locations for modern art.
Rotating exhibitions showcasing works by local, national, and international artists and curators have been on display at the permanent Penn Station location since 2015.
Public access to exhibitions is available on weekday afternoons and during special occasions, such as open studio hours.
Additionally, the building offers work and studio space for artists through an artist-in-residence program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions to visit in Newark?
Branch Brook Park
Prudential Center
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
The Newark Museum of Art
What are the most popular things to do in Newark with kids?
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
The Newark Museum of Art
Branch Brook Park
What are some highly rated fun things to do in Newark, NJ?
Backyard Cinemas
PingPod
Jersey Axe House
Side Scrollers
Project for Empty Space
What is the number 1 attraction in NJ?
Atlantic City’s Famous Boardwalk is the number one attraction in Newark, NJ.
What is Newark NJ best known for?
Newark International Airport is one of the world’s busiest, since it serves both Newark and the New York City area.
What is special about Newark?
Newark is home to the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States.
What is the prettiest town in Newark?
Cape May.
Lambertville.
Collingswood.
Allentown.
Spring Lake.
What is the nicest part of Newark NJ?
The Ironbound neighborhood is the nicest part of Newark NJ.
Why do they call Newark Down Neck?
The Ironbound is also called Down Neck because of its site on a bend of the Passaic River.
Is Newark a walkable city?
Newark was recently named the fifth most walkable American city.
Conclusion
Using this article as your guide you have 23 places you have to visit and tons of things you have to do.
Enjoy!!!!
