Things to do in Newark

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Downtown Newark featuring a square or plaza, a city and outdoor art
Downtown Newark showing heritage architecture, a square or plaza and outdoor art
New Jersey Performing Arts Center showing theater scenes, interior views and modern architecture
Military Park which includes a high rise building, a statue or sculpture and a city
Prudential Center featuring a sunset

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 {1055 fun activities in Newark fun activities in Newark} are also worth checking out.

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Most popular activities in Newark

Tours & day trips

See all 853 activities
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 1807 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $74 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 249 activities
Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
Price is $60 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 117 activities
New York City Dinner Cruise with Live Music

New York City Dinner Cruise with Live Music

Activity duration is 3 hours
7.0 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $175 per adult
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Shows & concerts

See all 49 activities
The Lion King On Broadway

The Lion King On Broadway

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 1449 reviews
Price is $160 per adult
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Attractions

See all 47 activities
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

Activity duration is 1 hour and 59 minutes
9.2 out of 10 with 719 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $54 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Newark

Number of things to do
1055
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
eSIM: Airalo United States Package: $2
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

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!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Newark

Prudential Center which includes a city and a high rise building

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
New Jersey Performing Arts Center showing theater scenes, interior views and modern architecture

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
This is where they shot the pool scene in Cocoon movie. This chateau is a divine estate for a wedding!

Pleasantdale Chateau

You can learn about the history of West Orange when you stop by Pleasantdale Chateau. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Pleasantdale Chateau
Branch Brook Park showing a park

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
Montclair Art Museum showing interior views and art

Montclair Art Museum

Use the audio guide to learn about historic and modern Native American art and sip wine at a live music event.

Montclair Art Museum
Little fairy dwellings are strewn throughout the South Mountain Fairy Trail

South Mountain Reservation

Explore the great outdoors at South Mountain Reservation, a lovely green space in Newark. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.

South Mountain Reservation
Military Park which includes a high rise building, a statue or sculpture and a city

Military Park

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

Military Park

The Mills at Jersey Gardens

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

The Mills at Jersey Gardens

Sports Illustrated Stadium

Catch an event at Sports Illustrated Stadium during your trip to Harrison. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Sports Illustrated Stadium

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Newark

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

Downtown Newark

3.5/5(558 area reviews)

Discover cultural venues like New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Newark Museum of Art in this central business district. Easily explore on foot via the Lenape Trail or access public transit at Penn Station and Newark Light Rail stops.

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
“The Long Exposure Selfie” This is the view of New York City’s downtown financial district as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey. The Freedom Tower stands mightily over the Hudson River where US Airways Flight 1549 had to make an emergency landing after losing both engines to bird strikes. It has popularly come to be known as “The Miracle On The Hudson”. This sight is less than half a mile from the Exchange Place Path train station. One can also reach this place via the New York Water Taxi Service. This place is truly a sight to behold and should be on everyone’s itinerary when visiting The Big Apple!

West Side

3/5(46 area reviews)

Lincoln Park offers various recreational facilities, while West Side Avenue boasts shopping options. Easily accessible via West Side Avenue Station and multiple bus routes, the area is undergoing expansion with new residences and retail spaces.

West Side
Some of the most wonderful bakeries are in Ferry st Newark New Jersey.. Wonderful Portuguese pastry

North Ironbound

North Ironbound might not have many top sights, but Prudential Center and Sports Illustrated Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

North Ironbound
Some of the most wonderful bakeries are in Ferry st Newark New Jersey.. Wonderful Portuguese pastry

Ironbound District

Experience a European market town vibe in this Portuguese-influenced area, with waterfront recreation along the Passaic River and parks like Riverfront Park. Easily accessible from Newark Penn Station, enjoy local amenities within walking distance.

Ironbound District
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Greenville

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Primarily residential with parks such as Bayside Park and Audubon Park, this affordable area offers historic sites like Bayview – New York Bay Cemetery. Easily accessible via Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and New Jersey Transit buses.

Greenville
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips 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

Frequently asked questions

Is Newark worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Newark is explore American Dream. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then experience more of this area's festivals and culture.
How do I spend a day in Newark?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to American Dream and DreamWorks Water Park. Then, explore other parts of Newark for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Newark?
You can't go home without exploring American Dream, rated the top tourist attraction in Newark.
Is three days enough to stay in Newark?
Three days in Newark is enough to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many travelers stay for two days on average. Turtle Back Zoo, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Loew's Jersey Theater are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like New York.
Is Newark a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to do and see in Newark. Several attractions, such as Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and African Art Museum of the Society of African Missions, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Newark's neighborhoods, Newark Central Business District is 0.2 miles away from downtown, while Ironbound District is 1 mile away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Newark with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Newark with kids.

What to do in Newark for adults?
Washington Street and The Manor are just a few of the things to do in Newark. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Newark?
In Newark, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local neighborhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a great way to learn about the best free things to do in Newark.