Top 19 Things To Do In Jersey City, New Jersey

things to do in jersey city nj
Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 8 min read

Nesting on the northeastern side of New Jersey, Jersey City is a vibrant city with picturesque cityscape, skyscrapers, and a breathtaking waterfront on the eastern side. It is a fantastic destination if you like modern living and luxurious attractions. While in Jersey City, you can visit the One World Trade Center and gorge on exquisite food and premium drinks from the fine dining restaurant on the 101st floor. If you like going on city tours and visiting landmarks, be sure to include Liberty State Park and the 9/11 memorial in your itinerary. If you are a science geek or a curious tom, you will surely enjoy a day at the Liberty Science Center marveling at fascinating tools, equipment, experiments, galleries, and exhibits. For a more in-depth guide, here is a list of things to do in Jersey City, New Jersey. Feel free to browse below.

1. Discover the historic Empty Sky - 9/11 Memorial


One of the worst tragedies that occured in the United States of America is the 9/11 bombing. To commemorate this tragic event, a historic landmark called Empty Sky - 9/11 was built. If you happen to be in Jersey City, and you have spare time, drop by the remarkable Empty Sky - 9/11 Structure in Hudson River Waterfront Walkway and honor those who lost their lives because of this unfortunate event as well as those who lost their lives to help others save theirs. To the modern heroes, offer them prayers and thanks of gratitude.

Empty Sky - 9/11 Memorial

Address: Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

Website: Empty Sky - 9/11 Memorial

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free admission

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2. Learn sailing at Liberty Landing Marina


Jersey City is a vibrant metropolis with lots of skyscrapers and modern attractions. If you are an old soul, don’t worry because there are also lots of activities in the city that will cater to your kind of action. If you like the sea and miss sailing back in the countryside, you can enjoy hours of boating in the Liberty Landing Marina at Audrey Zapp Drive. Rent a boat and enjoy hours of being free in the waters as well as marveling at the beauty of nature. Not to mention, sunsets in Jersey City make the most beautiful cotton candy skies.

Liberty Landing Marina

Address: 80 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305, USA

Website: Liberty Landing Marina

Opening hours: 7:30am - 6pm (daily)

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3. Enjoy the buzzing nightlife at White Eagle Hall

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you are done with the sights and the attractions of Jersey City, why don’t you dip into its nightlife and see for yourself what makes it different from other cities? If you like dancing, movies, live performances, and the like, White Eagle Hall is definitely a must-visit for you. Nesting in the heart of the city, it is a majestic venue for concerts and other artistic performances. Check out their website when you visit the city to know about the upcoming events that you might be interested in.

White Eagle Hall

Address: 337 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

Website: White Eagle Hall

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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4. Stroll across Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park fountain
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jim.henderson used under CC0

Lincoln Park is a beautiful public park in Jersey City where you can go and spend some quality time alone, with friends, or with family. It is a vast land with lots of greens and open spaces to set up a picnic or just stroll. It is also a fantastic place for your morning or afternoon jogging routine. Not to mention, the area has lots of nightlife offerings, excellent restaurants, chic cafes, concert venues, comedy clubs, and more.

Lincoln Park

Address: Jersey City, NJ 07304, USA

Website: Lincoln Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free admission

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5. Embrace science at Liberty Science Center


If you are thinking of a place to bring your family, why don’t you take them to the fascinating Liberty Science Center and enjoy a day gazing at science equipment and and exhibits related to the scientific process, the universe, historical events with big impacts on the modern world, and everything under the sun? Enjoy all kinds of activities that are ideal for families or group of friends. Don’t forget to bring your camera when you visit the Liberty Science Center because everything is just picture-perfect within the museum.

Liberty Science Center

Address: 222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305, USA

Website: Liberty Science Center

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

Price: From 19.75 USD

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6. Interact with the locals at Grove Square


When you visit cities you have never been to before, people say that the best way to learn about it is to interact with locals and get useful tips and tricks about getting around the place, the secret gems, and the whole city in general. The best place to do so is by visiting the Grove Square in Newark Ave. It is a laid-back and casual restaurant that is a melting pot for locals and tourists alike who want some chill time alone or with company. Plus, it’s been voted one of the five best restaurants in Jersey City.

Grove Square

Address: 116 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

Website: Grove Square

Opening hours: 9am - 2am (daily)

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7. Treat your eyes with the views from J. Owen Grundy Park

J Owen Grundy Park
Source: Photo by Flickr user Shinya Suzuki used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Surely, Jersey City has one of the most picturesque landscapes in the United States. It is a perfect balance of natural wonders and modern city life. If you want to see its beauty from a stunning perspective, visit the J. Owen Grundy Park and marvel at the beauty of the skyscrapers, the waters, and the hustle and bustle of the city as a whole. Not to mention, the park itself is a beauty of its own with vast open spaces, chill seating spots, lovely floras and lush greens, architecture design, and more.

J. Owen Grundy Park

Address: Hudson St, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

Website: J. Owen Grundy Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free admission

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8. Unwind at Liberty State Park


Thinking of where to go while on a vacation in Jersey City? One destination you should definitely not miss is the Liberty State Park in Morris Pesin Drive. It is a beautiful green area in the heart of the modern metropolis that is Jersey City. Here, you can marvel at the beauty, intricacy, and art of famous landmarks, architecture, and places such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Liberty State Park

Address: 200 Morris Pesin Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305, USA

Website: Liberty State Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free admission

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9. Gorge on American delicacies at Light Horse Tavern

Light Horse Tavern in Jersey City
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Walter Burns used under CC BY 2.0

Thinking of mouthwatering food? If so, think no more and just head over the delightful Light Horse Tavern. Featuring a sophisticated interior design and a hearty romantic ambiance, Light House Tavern promises an elevated dining experience. With delicious impeccably cooked food, premium drinks, top-notch service, and great ambiance, your money will be spent with no regrets. Come alone, with friends, or with family, and enjoy quality time in Light House Tavern.

Light Horse Tavern

Address: 199 Washington St, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

Website: Light Horse Tavern

Opening hours: 11:30am - 11pm (daily)

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10. Tour the famous Hudson and Manhattan Railroad Powerhouse


The Hudson and Manhattan Railroad Powerhouse is one of the many fascinating landmarks in Jersey City. It is of great relevance to the city in terms of heritage, architecture, and culture. Since the beginning, the city organizes tours to this famous site for locals and tourists alike in an effort to preserve the heritage of the city and to make people aware of its importance and contribution to the society and the modern times.

Hudson and Manhattan Railroad Powerhouse

Address: Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

Website: Hudson and Manhattan Railroad Powerhouse

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11. Breathe in some fresh air in the lush greenery of Richard W. DeKorte Park


Richard W. DeKorte Park is a charming natural and public park in Jersey City. It showcases majestic views of the peaceful waters and the city’s picturesque skyline. It is an ideal place to breathe in fresh air if you want to be away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Jersey City. It is also an ideal spot for your morning biking and jogging routines. Also, if you are experiencing an artist’s block, come visit Richard W. Dekorte Park for a peaceful and undisturbed time.

Richard W. DeKorte Park

Address: 1 DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA

Website: Richard W. DeKorte Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free admission

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12. Sample signature beers at Departed Soles Brewing Company


Thinking of a place for a get-together with friends, afternoon solo drinking, after-dinner drinks, birthday spot, or just a regular bar to chill out? Whatever the occasion and situation is, the Departed Soles Brewing Company promises a great time when you visit the place. Located in the heart of downtown Jersey City, this fantastic bar offers delightful craft beers that are guaranteed made from gluten-free ingredients. So whether you are health-conscious or not, you will surely benefit from a drink at the Departed Soles Brewing Company.

Departed Soles Brewing Company

Address: 150 Bay St #2a, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

Website: Departed Soles Brewing Company

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 5pm - 9pm; Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 2pm - 10pm; Sun: 1pm - 7pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

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13. Shop your heart out at Newport Centre Mall

things to do in jersey city nj | shop your heart out at newport centre mall
Source: instagram

If you like shopping and dining, you should visit Newport Centre Mall. It is a beautifully furnished mall with modern decors, updated and branded stores, fine dining restaurants as well as casual cafes, movie theatres, gaming area, and more. Everything that comes to mind when you think of a good time is here in Newport Centre Mall ready to be of service to you. Also, from cooking ingredients to furniture to appliances, and modern gadgets, be assured you can find them in this fantastic mall.

Newport Centre Mall

Address: 30 Mall Dr. E W, Jersey City, NJ 07310, USA

Website: Newport Centre Mall

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9:30pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm

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14. Honor the dead at Harsimus Cemetery


If you have families or friends that lived in the Jersey City and have already left the worldly platform, you may visit them at the Harsimus Cemetery at Newark Ave. With peaceful and well-maintained burial grounds, you will appreciate the tranquility of the cemetery when you visit. It is open to the public at any time of the day. The Harsimus Cemetery is considered one of the national treasures in the Jersey City. It is also the burial grounds of the soldiers and heroes who fought during the civil wars.

Harsimus Cemetery

Address: 435 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

Website: Harsimus Cemetery

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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15. Treat your foodie soul at Liberty House Restaurant and Events

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


If you are like most people who, when visiting vibrant cities, splurge on excellent mouthwatering food and whose top priority is to give their palates an ultimate gastronomic experience, you should experience the eats at the charming Liberty House Restaurant and Events. Not only do they serve mouthwatering food, but the service, the interior, and the ambiance are other things to love about this place. Plus, with its expansive windows, lots of natural light come into the restaurant, and you can marvel at the beauty of the Jersey City cityscape from inside.

Liberty House Restaurant and Events

Address: 76 Audrey Zapp Dr, Jersey City, NJ 07305, USA

Website: Liberty House Restaurant and Events

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm (closed on Mon)

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16. Visit the Katyn Forest Massacre Memorial

Memorial service was held Saturday April 22, 2017 At Exchange place Jersey City.

Posted by Katyn Forest Massacre Memorial Committee, inc on Wednesday, 26 April 2017

Dedicated to the casualties of the Katyn Massacre in 1940, Katyn Forest Massacre Memorial is the masterpiece of the Polish-American sculptor Andrzej Pitynski. The sculpture is located in the Exchange Place in Jersey City. From this area, you can marvel at the beauty of the city’s skyline, calm waters, and architecture. Not to mention, there are shops, excellent restaurants, and other recreational areas nearby.

Katyn Forest Massacre Memorial

Address: 2, Exchange Pl, Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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17. Attend a show at AMC Loews Newport Centre 11


If you are thinking of an exciting way to kill time while on a vacation in the beautiful, vibrant metropolitan city of Jersey City, why don’t you watch a movie at the AMC Loews Newport Centre 11? Featuring modern movie theatres with comfortable seats and advanced cinemas, you will surely love the movie as well as the ambiance in the theatre. Not to mention, their films are always up to date. Check their website before you visit so you would have an idea which movie would you like to watch or if they are featuring your ideal movie of the moment.

AMC Loews Newport Centre 11

Address: 30 Mall Dr W # 300, Jersey City, NJ 07310, USA

Website: AMC Loews Newport Centre 11

Opening hours: Open daily (schedule varies)

Price: From 9 USD

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18. Browse through contemporary artwork at 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace


if you are an artist or a regular tom who just likes to dip into the art scene of the cities he visits, the best place to check out marvelous art masterpieces in Jersey City is at 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace. 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace showcases breathtaking pieces from resident artists as well as fresh talents. They also hold fantastic events that you might be interested in, from International Women’s Month exhibits to artists’ talks, and many others. Check out their website to see the upcoming events.

107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace

Address: 107 Bowers Street, C2, Jersey City, NJ 07307, United States

Website: 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace

Opening hours: Fri: 11am - 6pm (closed from Sat - Thu)

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19. Wander through the iconic neighborhood of Paulus Hook


Located in Jersey City, nesting by the Hudson River waterfront, Paulus Hook is a lovely and vibrant neighborhood with lots of attractions, natural parks, excellent restaurants, fantastic shops, theaters, museums, and more. It is a charming area that is ideal for tourists who like sightseeing and city walks. It is also a place with historical significance to America as it was where the Battle of Paulus Hook, which led to the defeat of the British forces in the US, took place.

Paulus Hook

Address: Neighborhood in Jersey City, New Jersey

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Stunning Jersey City

Jersey City
Source: Pixabay

Jersey City is a vibrant city in New Jersey with fascinating landmarks and delightful attractions. It also has a breathtaking cityscape and rich art scene. Not to mention, scattered around town are excellent eats from fine dining restaurants to casual and laid-back cafes. If you are planning to visit Jersey City any time soon, use this article of the things to do while in the city as your guide in planning your itinerary. May you have a wonderful experience ahead.

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Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

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