Princeton, NJ

Travel Guide

Morven showing a house
Princeton University which includes wildflowers, a garden and heritage elements
Princeton University Art Museum showing art, religious aspects and interior views
Princeton which includes outdoor eating as well as a small group of people
Princeton University showing outdoor art, street scenes and a garden

Home of one of the nation’s acclaimed Ivy-League universities, this small colonial town offers history, performing arts and numerous festivals.

Princeton’s culture revolves around Princeton University, the highly revered school brought to the community in 1756. Walk the campus to see several colonial buildings. Visit the college’s cultural attractions as well as historical sites from pre-Revolutionary War times.

Tour Princeton University’s campus to find art and architectural delights. Step through the wrought iron FitzRandolph Gateway to encounter Nassau Hall, a giant stone building which withstood Revolutionary War occupation. The University Chapel features stained glass created by American artists.

At the free Princeton University Art Museum, inspect some of the 92,000 rotating works in collections from around the world, ranging from ancient to contemporary. Self-guided activities engage all members of the family in learning about resident artworks. Enjoy exciting special exhibits that change throughout the year.

Catch one of the more than 200 annual music, dance and theater performances that the McCarter Theatre Center produces annually. Developmental works frequently go on to Broadway success.

Canoe, bike or jog for miles at the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. Use the massive indoor and outdoor facilities at Mercer County Park for year-round recreational activities.

Tracing the town’s roots to 1675 and the first arrival of Quaker missionaries, Princeton residents love to celebrate their history. Princeton Battlefield State Park commemorates a crucial Revolutionary War victory under George Washington’s command. Nearby are the 18th-century Bainbridge House, Washington’s headquarters at Rockingham House and the governor’s Greek revival mansion of Drumthwacket.

The city hosts many festivals. Celebrate Albert Einstein’s birthday on March 14, “Pi Day” (for pi, 3.14…) with pie and Einstein-related fun. The great physicist lived and taught in Princeton after moving to the United States in 1933. Enjoy performing arts at April’s Communiversity and June’s month-long Princeton Festival. Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, participate in Patriots’ Week festivities with reenactments and other activities telling the story of the Battles of Trenton and other pre-Revolutionary events.

Just over an hour’s drive from New York or Philadelphia, Princeton is an inspirational community well worth a visit.

Where to stay in Princeton

Fried bananas and ice cream

Princeton Junction

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Princeton Junction and surrounding area, you can visit University Square Shopping Center and Delaware River Heritage Trail Lake Carnegie Trailhead.

Princeton Junction
Princeton showing heritage elements, interior views and a church or cathedral

Princeton Center

While visiting Princeton Center, you might make a stop by sights like Palmer Square and Princeton Cemetery.

Princeton Center
Hyatt Regency Princeton
Hyatt Regency Princeton
4 out of 5
102 Carnegie Ctr, Princeton, NJ
$143 nightly
The price is $164 total per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
$164 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Princeton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,018 reviews)
"The shower knot missing. And I asked a staff to fix. Nothing was done."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Hyatt Regency Princeton
Homewood Suites by Hilton Princeton
Homewood Suites by Hilton Princeton
3 out of 5
3819 U.S. 1 South, Princeton, NJ
$106 nightly
The price is $121 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$121 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Princeton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Me and my kids home away from home
"I love homewood suotes and the staff..the upgrades are beautiful"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Homewood Suites by Hilton Princeton
The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village
The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village
4 out of 5
201 Village Blvd, Princeton, NJ
$149 nightly
The price is $171 total per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
$171 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Princeton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Safe, quiet and convenient location."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village
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.
Stunning Luxury Villa nearby downtown Princeton, NJ
Stunning Luxury Villa nearby downtown Princeton, NJ
Princeton
Stay at this villa in Princeton. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Delaware and Raritan State Park and Delaware River Heritage ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5 reviews)
My Mom's 90th Birthday celebration event
"It was wonderful - my mom (90), her three adult children and our 7 adult children with their spouses and significant others (not all stayed in the house as several were local to the area) - 10 of us actually stayed slept in the house - - birthday part was also attended by several of my Mom's great ..."

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2024

Stunning Luxury Villa nearby downtown Princeton, NJ
Kiteville Neptune
Kiteville Neptune
2.5 out of 5
4035 New Jersey 33, Neptune City, NJ
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Neptune City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wall Township Speedway ...
7.8/10 Good! (58 reviews)
"I thank management and staffs for their attentive, friendly and outstanding service."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Kiteville Neptune
1897 MANSION 30 min to NYC Sleeps up to 26 with 12 bedrooms and 7 and 1/2 baths
1897 MANSION 30 min to NYC Sleeps up to 26 with 12 bedrooms and 7 and 1/2 baths
Plainfield
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Plainfield. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Plainfield Country Club ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
Excellent Stay
"The house was great, everyone was very accommodating!"

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2025

1897 MANSION 30 min to NYC Sleeps up to 26 with 12 bedrooms and 7 and 1/2 baths
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.

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