What to do in Newark, NJ

Activities, attractions and tours
Downtown Newark featuring a square or plaza, a city and outdoor art

Newark Attractions

No idea how to fill in your time in Newark? Don't stress. We've pulled together some fantastic ideas for you. Delicious food, a fascinating history and spectacular attractions — this large city offers them all.

If you're ready to explore Newark, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a local expert show you the most popular tourist attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {577 fun activities in Newark fun activities in Newark} are also worth checking out.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Newark

Attractions

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Wildlife & nature

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Cruises & boat tours

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Shows & concerts

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Adventure & outdoor

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What to do in Newark

Free Things to Do in Newark

Leave your wallet in the hotel room. It's a snap to have a blast in Newark without surrendering a penny.

Alumni Field - Pencil in time to play and add some excitement to your time here.

Rutgers University Newark - Take in the originality and design of this impressive example of modernistic architecture.

Seton Hall University - If you want to explore the area's history through its landmarks, include this one on your sightseeing schedule.

New Jersey Institute of Technology - Dig out your guidebook and learn why this place is worth adding to your itinerary.

Grace Church - Incorporate some spirituality into your trip by visiting this religious sanctuary.

Military Park - Organize a picnic date and enjoy a stroll around the trees and shrubs.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Newark? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Newark on a sunny day?
When the weather is putting on a show, these outdoor activities are impossible to resist:


What to do in Newark on a rainy day?
There’s no need to squelch your way through a rainy day when there are plenty of great indoor activities like these on offer:


What should I not miss in Newark?
Impress your friends back at home by snapping a selfie at Prudential Center.
Are there cheap things to do in Newark?
If you’re on a shoestring budget, think about adding these bargain tours and activities to your to-do list:


What can you do in Newark for free?
Your vacation in Newark needn’t send you broke with free things like these to keep you on the go:

  • Cape Liberty Cruise Port
  • The Mills at Jersey Gardens
  • Military Park
  • Rutgers University Newark

Popular places to visit

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Prudential Center

See everything from electrifying hockey games and huge musical concerts to monster truck rallies and children’s shows at The Rock.

Prudential Center
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New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Come for a night at the theater and be dazzled by a Grammy Award-winning symphony orchestra, an international ballet company or a famous rock group.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center
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Military Park

Inspect the array of military sculptures and see the sword from above in this scenic park in the downtown area.

Military Park
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Branch Brook Park

The largest park in the “Garden State” features lakes, waterways, forests, meadows and a spectacular cherry blossom festival in spring.

Branch Brook Park
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The Mills at Jersey Gardens

You can do some window-shopping at The Mills at Jersey Gardens during your stay in Elizabeth. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theater scene in this walkable area.

The Mills at Jersey Gardens
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Red Bull Arena

Catch an event at Red Bull Arena during your trip to Harrison. Experience the fascinating museums and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Red Bull Arena
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Rutgers University Newark

Explore the campus of Rutgers University Newark during your stay in Newark. Experience the acclaimed art scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Rutgers University Newark
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Mall at Short Hills

You can enjoy retail therapy at Mall at Short Hills during your stay in Short Hills. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Mall at Short Hills
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Seton Hall University

Explore the campus of Seton Hall University as part of your travels around South Orange. Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Seton Hall University

Explore areas of Newark

Downtown Newark showing heritage architecture, a square or plaza and outdoor art

Downtown Newark

3.5/5Good!(558 area reviews)

Join local residents at a fun event, look around the impressive city hall and admire the statues and flowers in Military Park.

Downtown Newark
Newark showing a skyscraper, landscape views and a city

Newark Central Business District

If you're spending time in Newark Central Business District, check out sights like Prudential Center or New Jersey Performing Arts Center and hop on the metro to see more the city at Military Park Station or Washington Street Station.

Newark Central Business District
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Bergen

The restaurants and parks are a few reasons travelers visit Bergen. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Liberty Science Center and Lincoln Park, a few notable attractions nearby.

Bergen
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Ironbound District

When in Ironbound District, you can plan a visit to Prudential Center and Red Bull Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Ironbound District
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Marion

Marion is well-liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Jersey City area, you might plan a trip to Lincoln Park or Hamilton Park.

Marion
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Bloomfield

4/5Very Good!(150 area reviews)

Bloomfield is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can plan an outing to Staten Island Mall and The Mills at Jersey Gardens while you're in town.

Bloomfield
See our Where To Stay guide

Day trip destinations from Newark

Bayonne

Bayonne

Secaucus

Secaucus

Photo by SCT319

Bloomfield

Photo by Antoine OBannon

Springfield

Edison

Edison

Photo by Armando Pinto

Elizabeth

Liberty State Park featuring general coastal views, night scenes and a city

Jersey City

Photo by Evgeniy Kolesnikov

Lyndhurst