Jersey City, NJ

Travel Guide

Jersey City
Jersey City
Jersey City
Jersey City
Jersey City

Directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan, this vibrant city offers a smaller scale metropolitan experience anchored by the famous Liberty State Park.

Skip the crowds of Manhattan to enjoy gorgeous vistas and an exciting cultural scene in Jersey City. Compared to its cousin across the Hudson River, Jersey City may seem small but it is actually the state’s second-largest city.

Spend the day outside exploring the 1,212-acre (490.5-hectare) Liberty State ParkOpens in a new window. Get your camera ready for panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline beyond. Stop at the Empty Sky MemorialOpens in a new window to pay homage to the New Jersey residents who perished in the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. Walk by the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, which welcomed over 8 million immigrants stateside from Ellis Island.

See an IMAX film and check out the interactive exhibits in the Liberty Science Center, located in the park. Don’t miss its famous Touch Tunnel, which simulates sightlessness.

Enjoy beautiful sights as you walk or bike along the Jersey City and Hoboken WaterfrontOpens in a new window. Take the nearly 5-mile (8-kilometer) path from Liberty State Park up to Hoboken’s bustling Washington Street and Castle Point beyond.

Go inland and catch a show at Loew’s Jersey TheatreOpens in a new window, located in the city’s commercial hub, Journal Square. This magnificently opulent cinema hails back to the 1920s and was recently restored to its former splendor. Check out the vintage working pipe organ inside.

Discover Jersey City’s bustling cultural life in its historic downtown. Walk by stately brownstones and sleek condominiums. Continue onto Grove Street and browse its vibrant array of boutiques and restaurants.

For a change of scene, go to the Palisades. These steep cliffs line the western side of the Hudson River. Their natural beauty is a contrast to the skyscrapers of New York City across the water. Explore The Heights, a residential neighborhood known for its exquisitely preserved Victorian mansions.

Where to stay in Jersey City

Downtown Jersey City

Downtown Jersey City

4.5/5(608 area reviews)

Downtown Jersey City is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Jersey City City Hall and Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.

Downtown Jersey City
The Waterfront

The Waterfront

4/5(12 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in The Waterfront, Newport Centre and Hudson River Waterfront Walkway are top sights worth seeing.

The Waterfront
Newport

Newport

Unique features of Newport include the river views and bars. Make a stop by Newport Centre or Holland Tunnel while you're exploring the area.

Newport
Journal Square

Journal Square

Discover a bustling business district and residential area with diverse shopping options along Newark Avenue and India Square. Enjoy cultural events at Loew's Jersey Theater and easy access to transportation at Journal Square PATH and bus station.

Journal Square
Capturing the urban charm of Jersey City Heights, this aerial view showcases the vibrant residential neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and a sprawling cityscape. The bustling energy of this area blen

The Heights

2.5/5(33 area reviews)

Perched atop the New Jersey Palisades, this neighborhood boasts stately Victorian and Edwardian homes, Pershing Field's green space, and a bustling Central Avenue shopping district. Easily access the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail via Congress Street elevator.

The Heights
Historic Downtown

Historic Downtown

While visiting Historic Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Hudson River Waterfront Walkway and Jersey City City Hall.

Historic Downtown
Harmony Suites

Harmony Suites

3 out of 5
455 Plaza Dr Secaucus NJ
The price is $173 total per night from May 11 to May 12
$173 total
per night
May 11 - May 12
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Secaucus. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,397 reviews)
it is lovely hotel, friendly staffs, convenient to go to New York central station just 20 mins ride will be in Manhattan. Breakfast is ok, could do better though. Omelet and fruit were what I like there only. If improve the breakfast quality it is perfect hotel.

Reviewed on May 9, 2026

Harmony Suites
Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel

Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel

3.5 out of 5
500 Harbor Boulevard Weehawken NJ
The price is $277 total per night from May 25 to May 26
$277 total
per night
May 25 - May 26
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Weehawken. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,233 reviews)
Muy buena la propiedad no me gustó el parqueo es demasiado caro deberían incluirlo en el paquete de hotel es precio hight pague $35 por una noche is crazy

Reviewed on May 9, 2026

Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Clifton/Rutherford

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Clifton/Rutherford

3 out of 5
265 Route 3 East Clifton NJ
The price is $140 total per night from May 25 to May 26
$140 total
per night
May 25 - May 26
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Clifton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,270 reviews)
Large groups of teens and others will make the breakfast experience not so easy

Reviewed on May 9, 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Clifton/Rutherford
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming newly renovated full-floor Jersey City brownstone with WiFi, AC

Charming newly renovated full-floor Jersey City brownstone with WiFi, AC

Jersey City NJ
Stay at this apartment in Jersey City. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Statue of Liberty and Wall Street are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (31 reviews)
The host was very nice and communicative.However, people / guests living in the building were very loud for both the nights from dusk to dawn and didn’t let us sleep well and it was more horrible for second night when sounds became louder as if someone was breaking the floor. Besides the apartment ...

Reviewed on Apr 5, 2026

Charming newly renovated full-floor Jersey City brownstone with WiFi, AC
One Grove

One Grove

2 out of 5
215 Grove St Jersey City NJ
Stay at this apartment in Jersey City. Enjoy free WiFi, concierge services, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Statue of Liberty and Wall Street ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Nice and clean, check in is not vert clear, and communication was poor.

Reviewed on May 3, 2026

One Grove
Spacious 3BR ❤️ Near Times Square - 13 Minutes - Manhattan Skyline view ❤️

Spacious 3BR ❤️ Near Times Square - 13 Minutes - Manhattan Skyline view ❤️

West New York NJ
Stay at this apartment in West New York. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Manhattan Cruise Terminal and Broadway ...
9/10 Wonderful! (43 reviews)
Very clean and convenient location to the bus which took us straight into port authority. Beautiful views from the boulevard to manhattan. A few wine glasses would be nice to relax with tired feet at the end of the evening, but otherwise, coffee, shampoo/showergels/ towels etc supplied. Thank ...

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2026

Spacious 3BR ❤️ Near Times Square - 13 Minutes - Manhattan Skyline view ❤️
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Jersey City

Jersey City is well served by urban rail networks, which cover most of the city and surrounding area. PATH is a rapid transit train that covers much of New Jersey as well as Manhattan, while the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail is also extensive and convenient. Buses are less so, although the unofficial ‘dollar vans’ offer a cheap way to get around. Water taxis and ferries are another way to reach Manhattan. Visit the Jersey City TransportationOpens in a new window website.Browse Jersey City rental cars.

Best time to visit

Jersey City is best visited between spring and fall, when the weather is warm and the cold winters have subsided. Temperatures average below freezing in January, meaning this time of year is best avoided, although you can get great deals on hotel rooms during the winter. The height of summer can be very hot and humid, so spring and fall are best for more temperate weather and smaller crowds than summer.

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