10 Locals-Endorsed Things to Do in Jersey City 

Full of history and culture, Jersey City is part of the New York metro area, but it’s got a unique personality of its own. Diverse neighborhoods and people contribute to the fun, eclectic vibe infusing every corner of the city. Wander around downtown, Journal Square, the Heights, and historic areas like Paulus Hook and Bergen-Lafayette, and you’ll see what we mean! There’s also an exciting food scene and plentiful festivals and street fairs to keep you entertained for weeks. 

While many residents commute across the Hudson to work in Manhattan, more and more people are sticking around as major financial companies and tech firms put down roots along the riverfront. Word to the wise, if you’re considering a move here, you’d better hurry. Jersey City is in the middle of a huge real-estate boom, and places are going fast! 

With its high-energy atmosphere and rapid growth, you can imagine there’s an increasingly long list of fabulous things to do here. Choosing where to go first might seem overwhelming to visitors and new residents, but some of the locals came to the rescue with their suggestions. Read on for some insider knowledge on exciting things to do in Jersey City!

1. Picnic at Liberty State Park

Boris Ostrovsky of VepoClean, a local cleaning company servicing the Jersey City area, suggested a visit to Liberty State Park as one of our first stops. “Liberty State Park in Jersey City is a must-see place with amazing views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island,” he says. “This large park, covering over 1,200 acres, offers a peaceful escape from the busy city life. It has open green spaces and picnic areas that are perfect for families and friends to relax and enjoy the outdoors. You can walk or bike along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway and take in stunning views of New York Harbor!”

2. Learn a thing or two at Liberty Science Center (LSC)

“While you’re in the park, stop by the Liberty Science Center with its fun, interactive exhibits and the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere,” Ostrovsky says. There’s the Wild About Animals exhibit, where you can watch and learn about a wide variety of animals and their ecosystems. You’ll also find exhibits teaching visitors about different types of energy production, the science and engineering behind skyscrapers, and much more. You can get extra hands-on in the Touch Tunnel, a unique exhibit where visitors must rely solely on their sense of touch as they crawl through a pitch-black tunnel. It’s an excellent way to learn about sensory perception and how people navigate when sight isn’t an option.  

The LSC hosts temporary and traveling exhibits focusing on a variety of themes, education and outreach initiatives, and a calendar of special events and programs. The IMAX theater shows films that complement the center’s exhibits, and there are family-friendly features like the Young Learner’s Lab. When you’re hungry, rest with some grub in one of the museum’s dining areas or picnic spots. 

Good to know: LSC hours vary depending on what’s going on around the museum. They’re usually open from 10 am to 5 pm, but definitely check their website for the most current schedule. 

3. Explore the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal

Liberty State Park is also home to the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ Terminal), “an important site for immigrants arriving in the early 1900s,” adds Ostrovsky. Immigrants processed at nearby Ellis Island would take the ferry to the terminal, then board trains to destinations across the country. It was also a junction for city commuters and long-distance travelers from across the Northeastern and Midwestern regions of the US. 

Though the terminal closed in 1967, it was restored and is now part of the National Register of Historic Places, serving as a departure point for ferries to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The terminal also hosts a museum with exhibits highlighting its historical significance, and it serves as the visitor center for Liberty State Park.

4. Stroll the streets of Van Vorst and Hamilton Parks

“As a resident of Jersey City for over 21 years, it’s hard to name just one thing, but walking through the historic neighborhoods of Van Vorst Park and Hamilton Park is a must,” says Michelle Mumoli, a local real estate broker and founder of The Mumoli Collective. “The historic brownstones are definitely an impressive site for architecture lovers. Make sure to stop by local eateries off the beaten path in these neighborhoods like the Hamilton Inn, Choc o Pain (a phenomenal French bakery), and Kitchen Step, just to name a few.”

5. Take in some local live music

Zoë Snow, professional organizer and founder of Sorted by Snow, gave us tips on where to enjoy the arts in Jersey City. “As a local, there are a few spots that I always recommend to visitors,” she says. “One of my top picks is catching some live music at Fox and Crow. This cozy neighborhood bar in The Heights has a fantastic atmosphere and consistently showcases talented local musicians. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy Jersey City’s vibrant music scene!”  

6. Enjoy the arts at Mana Contemporary

“Another must-visit is Mana Contemporary, an expansive art center that offers an immersive experience with contemporary art,” says Snow. “It’s a hidden gem where you can explore diverse exhibitions and artist studios and even attend special events. The creative energy here is truly inspiring.” Artists at Mana collaborate across disciplines, sometimes working with dancers, filmmakers, and other creatives. It also houses the Richard Meier Model Museum, a unique permanent exhibit showcasing the renowned architect’s models.   

Good to know: The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Visit their website to book a tour!

7. Get your brunch on

“For brunch, Sam A.M. Cafe in Paulus Hook is a favorite!” adds Snow. “It’s a charming, laid-back spot with a menu that features fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their coffee is excellent, and the vibe makes it a great place to start your day before exploring the rest of the city.” The café also offers their signature coffee whole bean by the bag so you can take it home! 

8. Visit the historic downtown area

“Jersey City offers a variety of unique experiences that capture the vibrant local culture,” says Michael Chien, CEO and marketing director of 101 Pickleball — a local resource for all things pickleball. “One must-visit spot is the Historic Downtown area. It’s a culinary goldmine featuring everything from artisanal coffee shops to diverse ethnic eateries!” Check out the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza, a hub for bars, restaurants, and outdoor dining. It’s a buzzing, pedestrian-only (hence the name) spot, perfect for people-watching. 

Take a stroll down the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway for dramatic views of the New York City skyline or down the skyscraper-lined boulevards in areas like the Waterfront and Exchange Place. Downtown is also an excellent place if you’re into the street art scene. The Jersey City Mural Arts Program brings in local and international artists to create pieces that have become a hallmark of the city’s creative personality.

9. Go outside and play (pickleball, of course!)

“Locals love playing pickleball in William Birch Pickleball Courts and North Arlington Pickleball Courts for their accessibility and community vibe,” Chien says. “Both are outdoor, free-to-use courts that attract players of all levels, making them ideal spots for both casual games and more competitive matches. As it’s a low-impact sport, pickleball is accessible to players of all ages while still providing a solid workout. Another popular location is Wheeler Park, which also offers free courts and is surrounded by greenery, providing a refreshing environment to play in.”

10. Stick around for a festival

If your timing is right, Jersey City hosts some popular, can’t-miss cultural events you won’t want to miss. For example, the annual Jersey City Jazz Festival offers a diverse lineup of performances from all Jazz genres (think traditional, swing, bebop, Latin, Afro-Cuban, and fusion). The festival is free and open to the public, attracting local and internationally acclaimed artists alike. There are food trucks, beer gardens, and family-friendly things for the kiddos to do, like face painting, games, and crafts.  

Make yourself at home in Jersey City 

It’s difficult to imagine how American immigrants felt as they passed through Ellis Island and boarded a train to a new life in the CRRNJ Terminal. A century or two later, Jersey City is still a haven for diversity, welcoming people from all over the world. (We’ve got the fantastic food to prove it!) The city is at once a bustling metropolis and a laid-back place for families to grow. It’s grounded in history but is dedicated to progress.  

We hope you’ll check out some of the exciting things our locals have suggested — there really is something for every taste and interest here. If you’re a new resident, welcome home. If you’re just visiting, don’t be surprised if you want to stay. Happy exploring!