Jersey City, NJ

Travel Guide

A city skyline with a prominent skyscraper reflecting on the water.
A nighttime city skyline with illuminated buildings and a river in the foreground.
A cityscape with modern skyscrapers, including a tall building under construction.
A city skyline with tall buildings and a rusty metal structure in the foreground.
A city skyline at sunset with illuminated buildings and a calm river in the foreground.

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

Find the best Jersey City areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Jersey City
Learn more about Jersey City

Downtown Jersey City

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.

Journal Square

Visitors to Journal Square rave about its fascinating museums, important monuments, and soaring skyscrapers. You might also want to make some time to see Loew's Jersey Theater or Jackie Robinson Statue while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Paulus Hook

Paulus Hook is well-liked for its churches. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Jersey City area, you might plan a trip to Statue of Liberty or One World Trade Center.

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.

Hudson Yards

While you're in Hudson Yards, take in top sights like The Edge and jump on the metro at 34th Street–Hudson Yards Station to see more of the city.

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
$133 nightly
The price is $152 total per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
$152 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Total with taxes and fees
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! (3,410 reviews)
"Everything was great. Breakfast staff was amazing. Pool time at 8pm was a little inconvenient"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Clifton/Rutherford
Harmony Suites

Harmony Suites

3 out of 5
455 Plaza Dr Secaucus NJ
$147 nightly
The price is $173 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$173 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total with taxes and fees
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! (3,510 reviews)
"Let me start off by saying this, I was really wowed by the photos I had seen and I was very excited to use the pool. However, when we entered our room there was an intense smell of urine. Despite it looking clean we could not determine where the smell could be coming from. We attempted to disguise ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2026

Harmony Suites
Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel

Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel

3.5 out of 5
500 Harbor Boulevard Weehawken NJ
$169 nightly
The price is $194 total per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
$194 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
Total with taxes and fees
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! (2,247 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2026

Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel
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.
Dharma Home Suites Hoboken at Novia

Dharma Home Suites Hoboken at Novia

4 out of 5
1414 Grand Street Hoboken NJ
Stay at this aparthotel in Hoboken. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, laundry facilities, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Madison Square Garden and Manhattan ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (292 reviews)
"It felt like an elevated camp lodge experience rather than a hotel. Cozy rooms with all you need. No tv! Great shower and comfy bed , good restaurant for dinner and breakfast buffet( nicer than others we experienced). Such nice staff and beautiful views. Especially from the hot tub which was great ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2026

Dharma Home Suites Hoboken at Novia
One Grove

One Grove

2 out of 5
215 Grove St Jersey City NJ
Stay at this apartment in Jersey City. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and concierge services. Popular attractions Statue of Liberty and Wall Street are located ...
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
2BR/2BA Luxury NYC Condo – Stunning Views, hot spots, Ideal for Leisure/Business

2BR/2BA Luxury NYC Condo – Stunning Views, hot spots, Ideal for Leisure/Business

New York NY
Stay at this condo in New York. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Manhattan Cruise Terminal and Times Square are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
"Wow! Wow! Wow! This place deserves a slow clap. Our host made our stay perfection. My husband and I traveled with our three school age daughters. The house was stocked with everything we needed. Toiletries, snacks, some beverages. He took care of our every need. The home was clean and the views were ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2026

2BR/2BA Luxury NYC Condo – Stunning Views, hot spots, Ideal for Leisure/Business
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.

Stay near popular Jersey City attractions

Things to do

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