40 Best Things to do in Newark!

Newark is the largest city located in New Jersey, is a vibrant city with a rich history, diverse culture, and plenty of things to see and do. Known for its bustling arts scene, historic landmarks, and delicious food, Newark is a city that offers a unique blend of urban excitement and cultural heritage. In this comprehensive guide, we showcase the top attractions, and best things to do in Newark during your visit to New Jersey.

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1. Historic Attractions

Ironbound District

The Ironbound District is a neighborhood in Newark, covering about 4 square miles and is part of the city’s East Ward. The area got its name from the many rail lines and metalworking shops that once surrounded it. Today, it’s known for its strong immigrant roots, especially from Portugal, Spain, and Latin America. You can hear Spanish, Portuguese, and English spoken throughout the streets. Ferry Street runs through the area and is lined with local bakeries, places to eat, and small stores. Visitors come here to enjoy Portuguese and Brazilian food, and is known for its lively festivals and soccer clubs.

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Nearby Branch Brook Park, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a large and well-known church with deep history. It serves as the main cathedral for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark and is one of the largest Catholic churches in North America. Construction began in 1899 and was completed in 1954, with the building designed in the French Gothic style. One of the standout features is the large rose window above the main entrance, which is the biggest of its kind in any Catholic church. Inside, there are chapels honoring saints from many cultures, showing the city’s mix of communities.

Newark Penn Station

Opened in 1935, Newark Penn Station is a major transport hub, located at Raymond Plaza near Market Street. It was built in the Art Deco style, with colorful tile floors, metal details, and large hanging lights that still give it a classic look. It connects travelers through several major services, including Amtrak, NJ Transit, and the PATH train, offering easy trips to places like Boston and Washington, D.C. The station sees thousands of travelers each day and plays a big role in daily commuting and tourism. It’s part of New Jersey’s busiest travel network and helps link New Jersey to the rest of the East Coast.

Gateway Center

The Gateway Center is a group of office buildings located in the downtown area, and it was built in stages starting in the 1970s and has four main towers. These buildings are connected by indoor walkways, which help people move between offices, and the train station without going outside. Over the years, it has become a busy place for workers and visitors. A big part of the complex is called The Junction, which is a large indoor space filled with places to eat and shop. People who work in the buildings or visit the shops can walk through skyways that go over the streets, keeping them away from traffic.

New Jersey Historical Society

Founded in 1845, New Jersey Historical Society is a museum and library, and is one of the oldest groups in the state focused on preserving local history. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits that highlight different parts of state history, from early settlements and Revolutionary War times to more recent events. There’s a research library with old maps, letters, and photos, which people can use by making an appointment. They also offer walking tours outside to learn about Newark’s local sites and events. The exhibits cover topics like immigration, transportation, and local leaders who helped New Jersey.

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Nearby Newark, Thomas Edison National Historical Park is a special place where visitors can learn about one of America’s greatest inventors. The park includes Edison’s laboratory complex and his home, Glenmont, both of which are open for public tours. The lab, built in 1887, is where Edison worked on inventions like the phonograph and motion picture camera, and visitors can see old tools, workspaces, and a copy of the Black Maria, the first movie studio.

Nearby, Glenmont is a 29 room house where Edison lived with his family, filled with original furniture and one of the first homes in the area to use electricity. Tours of the house show how the family lived and where Edison found quiet time after work. The lab buildings include a machine shop, chemistry lab, and library that display how new ideas were developed and tested. Visitors can explore the area on their own or take part in a guided tours led by a park ranger.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Branch Brook Park

The Branch Brook Park is a large public space, stretching into Belleville and covering about 360 acres. There are also small ponds, bridges, and spots for relaxing or biking. One of the highlights is the cherry blossoms in April, with more than 5,000 cherry trees that bloom and bring many people to the Cherry Blossom Festival held each spring. The park also has tennis and baseball courts, a roller skating rink, and spaces for outdoor events like concerts and movies during warmer months. Some parts of the park, like the Prudential Lions and Octagon Shelter, have historic value and are worth checking out.

Weequahic Park

The Weequahic Park is another public park in the South Ward of Newark, and covers over 300 acres and has a 80 acres of lake, which is the biggest lake in Essex County. The park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the same group that helped design other well-known parks like Branch Brook Park. Weequahic Park has deep roots in Newark’s history and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The name “Weequahic” comes from a Lenni-Lenape word that means “head of the cove.” The park has walking paths, sports fields, tennis and basketball courts, and picnic areas.

Newark Riverbank Park

The Riverbank Park is a small green space that spans about 11 acres along the Passaic River. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers and opened in 1910, it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Even though it’s the smallest park in the Essex County system, it remains one of the most visited park. The park has a soccer field, baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, a running track, and a playground. There’s also a fieldhouse and space for community events. Today, the park hosts several programs like outdoor movies, music events, and learning activities with local groups.

Helicopter Tours

Helicopter tours offer a special way to see Newark and nearby areas from above. Most tours like FlyNYON Helicopter Tours and Hummingbyrd Helicopter Tours take off from places like Linden Municipal Airport or Essex County Airport, which are both close to Newark. These flights usually last between 15 to 30 minutes and give people a chance to see famous sights like the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Central Park, and the NYC’s skyline. These rides are made more enjoyable with customized tours and pilots give live commentary during the flight, pointing out landmarks and sharing facts.

Kayaking & Canoeing

Kayaking offer a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors while staying close to Newark. One of the main places to paddle is the Passaic River, which runs along parts of Newark and gives views of both nature and city buildings. Some local groups like Cranford Canoe Club and Urban Paddle Kayak Tours offer guided paddles or free kayaking days during the summer, especially near Riverbank Park or the Ironbound area. These events are open to beginners and include safety gear and basic lessons. Liberty State Park is one popular launch spot, offering views of the Statue of Liberty and New York’s skyline.

Biking Trails

Newark has a few good spots for biking trails, especially for people who enjoy short, easy rides in city parks. Branch Brook Park is one of the most popular parks in the area, known for its easy to walk 4.5 miles path that loops through the park. It’s a good choice for both new and experienced riders, and the path goes through open green spaces and past cherry blossom trees in the spring. Another option is the Riverfront Park Path, which runs for about 2 miles along the Passaic River.

This trail is also flat and easy, making it great for a quick ride or a peaceful break during the day. These parks are open year-round and are free to use. If you’re looking for a longer ride, you can connect to nearby trails outside the city, like the East Coast Greenway, which passes through parts of Newark and links to other towns. While Newark doesn’t have a large number of bike-only paths, the ones it does have are well-kept and easy to reach.

Golfing Courses

In Newark, one of the most well-known is Weequahic Golf Course, opened in 1913 and is the oldest public golf course in the state. The course has 18 holes, a par of 70, and stretches about 5,729 yards. Another nearby option is Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, where golfers can enjoy a full 18-hole course along with a smaller 9-hole area made for learners. Galloping Hill Golf Course is a good place for both casual players and those looking to improve their game. Hendricks Field Golf Course is another good option, built in 1929, offering 18 holes and is a part of the Essex County Parks System.

Belleville Park

The Belleville Park is a mid-sized public park in Newark, sits on around 32 acres and links up with Branch Brook Park, creating a long stretch of green space that runs for more than 2.5 miles. Some of the cherry blossom trees from Branch Brook Park also grow in Belleville Park, making spring a nice time to visit. The park has a few sports fields, including areas for soccer and softball, as well as bocce courts and a playground. There’s also a short jogging path that’s about a quarter mile long, which is good for walking or exercise. The park regularly hosts special events like live concerts during the summer.

Warinanco Park

Nearby Newark, Warinanco Park is another large public park opened in 1925, covers 205 acres and was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the same team behind Central Park in NYC. It has many open spaces, walking trails, sports fields, and gardens. One of the most popular spots is the lake, where people can rent pedal boats or fish from the shore. It has a running track, courts for tennis, and fields for soccer and baseball, giving visitors plenty of ways to stay active outdoors. The Warinanco Sports Center is located inside the park and has an ice rink in winter and turf fields during other seasons.

3. Iconic Landmarks

The Newark Museum of Art

Since 1909, Newark Museum of Art is the largest museum in New Jersey and holds a wide mix of collections that include American art, African and Asian works, decorative objects, and a large group of Tibetan pieces. It also features the Ballantine House, a restored 19th century home that shows how people lived during that time. For those interested in science, the museum offers the Dreyfuss Planetarium and the Victoria Hall of Science, which display fossils, animal models, and space-related exhibits. There’s also an outdoor sculpture garden and educational programs are held throughout the year.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center, also known as NJPAC, is a popular destination in the state where people go to watch live shows and join in on arts programs. Opened in 1997, it features several stages, including the large Prudential Hall with over 2,800 seats and the smaller Victoria Theater for more intimate shows. NJPAC hosts concerts, plays, dance performances, comedy acts, and family shows. It’s home to the New Jersey Symphony and works with many local and national groups. The center also runs programs for students and teachers, helping kids to explore music, dance, and theater.

Prudential Center

The Prudential Center, also known as “The Rock,” is a large indoor arena, holding up to 18,000 people and is best known as the home of the Seton Hall University basketball team and New Jersey Devils hockey team. Throughout the year, the venue hosts events like wrestling matches, music concerts, and shows for families. Inside, visitors will find food stands offering snacks, burgers, pizza, and drinks, plus clean restrooms and wheelchair-accessible seating. Another key place in Newark’s entertainment scene is the Prudential Center, which plays a big role in hosting major events and sports games.

Liberty Hall Museum

Located inside Kean University in Union, Liberty Hall Museum is a historic home built in 1772 by William Livingston in a Georgian-style with 14 rooms. Over time, it expanded into a large 50 rooms mansion with Victorian-style features, showcasing its long history. The museum sits on a large property with gardens, walking paths, and some of the oldest trees in the state. Visitors can see rooms filled with furniture, letters, clothing, and tools used by the Livingston and Kean families over many generations. It also has a wine cellar where old bottles of Madeira wine were found during a recent restoration.

Whippany Railway Museum

Opened in 1965, Whippany Railway Museum is a small and friendly place where families can learn about trains and how they shaped local towns. Visitors can walk through old passenger and freight cars, see model trains, and check out displays filled with train history. The museum runs special themed train rides like the Easter Bunny Train, Pumpkin Patch Train, and the popular Polar Express during the holidays. These rides go through parts of Morris and Essex Counties and cross a steel bridge over the Passaic River. The train cars are in vintage style and give riders a look at travel from earlier times.

Ritz Theatre & Performing Arts Center

The Ritz Theatre & Performing Arts Center is a historic venue that first opened in 1926 on the site of an old opera house. Designed in the Art Deco style, the theater has about 2,800 seats and hosted vaudeville acts, silent films, and later movie screenings. Today, it is used for concerts, plays, comedy shows, and other events, with a wide seating layout that offers good views from most areas. The theater also has a modern sound system and is known for its strong acoustics to host major concerts. It’s also a part of a local historic district and today it holds a place on National Register of Historic Places.

Cherry Blossom Welcome Center

Located in Branch Brook Park, Cherry Blossom Welcome Center is about 12,000 square feet, built to help visitors learn more about the park and its cherry blossom trees. Inside, there is a large community room that can hold around 250 people, along with a kitchen, restrooms, coat rooms, and storage areas. The lobby has a display with a fake cherry blossom tree, a mural showing the history of the trees, and cases with items related to the park. Outside, there is a front entrance, a back patio that looks over the baseball fields, and two bocce courts that can be used for special events year-round.

Sports Illustrated Stadium

The Sports Illustrated Stadium is a soccer venue that was first opened in 2010 under the name Red Bull Arena and later renamed in 2024. The stadium is home to the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer and Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. It can seat up to 25,000 people and is known for its close-up views, with the front row just 21 feet from the field. Over the years, it has hosted many big matches, including games with the U.S. national teams and top international clubs. The stadium also holds live concerts, festivals celebrations, and several events throughout the year.

Newark Symphony Hall

Opened in 1925, Newark Symphony Hall becomes a popular arts venue, designed by architect Frank Grad in a classic design. The main concert space, named Sarah Vaughan Hall after the famous Newark-born singer, seats about 3,500 people. The venue also has smaller spaces like the Newark Stage, a 200 seat black box theater, and the Terrace Ballroom, which is used for events and gatherings. There’s also a dance studio and rehearsal rooms that support local arts programs. Newark Symphony Hall has hosted many types of performances over the years, including concerts, plays, and local events.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

Opened in 1963, Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is home to over 130 species of animals from all over the world, including birds, and reptiles. Visitors can explore themed sections like African Adventure, Amazing Asia, and Sea Turtle Recovery area, where rescued turtles are cared for before being returned to the wild. There’s also a reptile house, a butterfly tent, and a touch tank for hands-on learning. Families enjoy the zoo’s miniature train ride, carousel, pony rides, and a playground. Behind-the-scenes tours, animal talks, and events like holiday lights and Family Fun Nights make each visit different.

Dreyfuss Planetarium

The Dreyfuss Planetarium is part of the Newark Museum of Art and is a small indoor theater that helps people explore space in a simple and fun way. It has 50 seats and uses a full-dome digital system to show stars, planets, and galaxies just like they appear in the night sky. Visitors can watch shows that explain the solar system, deep space, or Earth’s early history through easy-to-follow visuals. Since seats are given on a first-come basis and the doors close once a show starts, it’s best to arrive early. The planetarium offers special sessions for school groups and runs during regular museum hours.

Imagine That!!!

The Imagine That!!! is a children’s museum, offering over 16,000 square feet of hands-on play and learning. It has more than 20 themed areas like a music room, grocery store, fire truck, and a three-story play structure, where kids can climb, dress up, pretend, and explore at their own pace. There’s also a craft room for art projects and a café with allergy-friendly food options. The museum hosts birthday parties and school trips, and also runs special events throughout the year. Kids are allowed to explore the fire truck cab, play instruments, shop with mini carts, or slide through the big structure.

The Funplex

The Funplex is a large amusement center that offers both indoor and outdoor attractions for visitors. The space is 100,000 square feet and offers many fun things to do inside, including bowling lanes, bumper cars, arcade games, and laser tag matches. One of the main attractions is the XD Dark Ride, a 4D motion theater that mixes video and real movement. The indoor go-karts and virtual reality games are popular with kids and teens, while children enjoy the soft play zone and foam ball area. Outside, the Splashplex Waterpark includes waterslides, pools, a lazy river, and private cabanas for rent.

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary

Covering about 16.5 acres, Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary is filled with walking trails, native plants, and many species of birds. It has more than 45 types of trees, including very old tulip trees, as well as wildflowers and rare ferns. Over 100 bird species have been spotted here, making it a good spot for birdwatching. The historic Stone House, built in 1933, now includes meeting rooms, a small animal exhibit, and a bird observation area. Inside, visitors can learn about native wildlife through displays and educational programs that offers science activities, group hikes, and nature classes.

5. Natural Attractions

Military Park

Covering 6 acres, Military Park is located between Rector Street, Broad Street, and Park Place in a triangle shape. It was first laid out in the 1600s by Robert Treat and served as a training site for soldiers during early American wars. It later became a public park after the American Revolution and stayed that way ever since, serving as both a gathering place and a space with deep historical meaning. The park has the “Wars of America” sculpture, made by the same artist who designed Mount Rushmore. Today, it serves as a public spot and hosts events, including concerts, fitness classes, and festivals.

Eagle Rock Reservation

The Eagle Rock Reservation is a large forest area covering more than 400 acres along the First Watchung Mountain. It’s known for walking trails, wooded paths, and clear views of the New York City skyline, especially from the rocky cliff called Eagle Rock that gave the park its name. One of the most visited spots is the 9/11 Memorial, built in 2002, which honors those who died in the World Trade Center attacks and has a stone wall engraved with the names of those who lost their lives. The park is part of longer Lenape Trail, marked with yellow signs, which connects different natural areas in Essex County.

Greenwood Gardens

The Greenwood Gardens is a public garden spread across 28 acres of land once part of a private estate surrounded by protected parkland. Visitors can walk along terraced paths, see old stone walls, fountains, and small garden structures built in the early 1900s, many of them designed in the Arts and Crafts style. Some paths are uneven or have steps, so guests are advised to wear walking shoes and check for ticks after visits. Guests can explore on their own or join guided tours offered at different times. Greenwood Gardens hosts nature talks, seasonal walks, and special events throughout the year.

The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Covering 127 acres, Frelinghuysen Arboretum was once part of a private estate called Whippany Farm, owned by George and Sara Frelinghuysen, and was turned into an arboretum in 1971 after their daughter Matilda donated it to the county. The grounds include formal gardens, woodlands, meadows, and 2,000 types of trees and plants. Visitors can walk along trails, enjoy the Great Lawn, or explore themed garden areas like the Braille Nature Trail and the Promising Plants Garden. The site also has a historic Colonial Revival mansion and Haggerty Education Center, which offers gardening classes.

Watchung Reservation

Covering about 2,000 acres, Watchung Reservation is a large natural area sits between the First and Second Watchung Mountains. One of the most visited spots is the Deserted Village of Feltville, where visitors can see old buildings from the 1800s and learn about the area’s past. Another popular place is Lake Surprise, where people can walk, fish, or enjoy the water. The park has a 6 miles History Trail that shows important sites and tells stories about the land before it became a park. Nearby, the Trailside Nature & Science Center provides learning activities and nature programs designed for families.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

New York City

Start a day trip from Newark, and take just 30 minutes drive to reach New York City, which offers plenty of attractions to see and things to do. Once in the city, you can walk or take the subway to places like Times Square, Central Park, or the Statue of Liberty ferry. Many people also visit museums, try local food, or shop in famous areas like SoHo or Fifth Avenue. If you plan to return the same day, it’s best to keep an eye on train or bus schedules, especially during rush hours. For lunch, the city has huge mix of restaurants to take a break. It’s a good way to enjoy the city without needing to stay overnight.

Trenton

Taking a day trip to Trenton takes nearly 45 minutes drive from Newark and doesn’t take much time. Once in Trenton, you can walk to the New Jersey State House offers free tours and gives a look at how the state government works. Right next to it is the Old Barracks Museum, which shares stories from the Revolutionary War. Nearby, Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion has art and local history exhibits. For lunch, there are small restaurants and cafes near the downtown area. Trenton is also known for its role in early American history, so walking around the city gives you a feel for the past.

Philadelphia, PA

From Newark, a day trip to Philadelphia in Pennsylvania takes roughly 1.5 hours drive, and is easy to reach by train, bus. Once in Philadelphia, many attractions are within walking distance or a short ride away. You can visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, or the Museum of the American Revolution. Reading Terminal Market is an ideal spot to stop for lunch, with lots of food stands serving variety of local meals. If you enjoy art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the famous “Rocky Steps” are also nearby. If you enjoy art, the city has plenty of museums and art exhibits that support regional artists.

New Haven, CT

Planning a day trip to New Haven in Connecticut takes about 2.5 hours from Newark, and works well for people who enjoy history, art, and walking around a college town. Once you arrive, the station is close to downtown and Yale University. You can walk to the Yale campus and visit the Yale University Art Gallery or the Yale Center for British Art, both free to enter. The New Haven Green is a nice place to sit and relax, and there are many small restaurants and cafes. You can also visit Peabody Museum of Natural History, which is part of Yale and has exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, and ancient cultures.

Allentown, PA

From Newark, a day trip to Allentown takes nearly 2 hours drive for a short getaway. Once in Allentown, the Allentown Art Museum is a good place to start, and offers a mix of American and European art. Nearby, the Liberty Bell Museum shares stories about the city’s role in American history. If you enjoy science and hands-on exhibits, the Da Vinci Science Center is fun for families. For outdoors, Cedar Beach Park has walking paths and picnic areas. In downtown, visitors find small stores and many places to eat. For lunch, try a local diner or grab a snack at the Allentown Farmers Market if it’s open.

Gateway National Recreation Area

Taking a day trip to Gateway National Recreation Area takes roughly an hour drive from Newark, and is a great way to enjoy nature without going far. The park spans more than 27,000 acres and runs from Sandy Hook in New Jersey all the way into parts of New York City. The area has several beaches, walking trails, and shaded picnic spots. You can visit the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, which is over 250 years old, and stop by the nearby visitor center to learn. Nature lovers find a lot of places to fish, bike, and watch birds. The park follows a carry-in, carry-out rule, so visitors must take their trash with them.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

From Newark, a day trip to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area takes about 1.5 hours drive, and it covers over 70,000 acres along the Delaware River, stretching across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Visitors can hike trails like the Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail, walk to waterfalls such as Dingmans Falls and Raymondskill Falls, or enjoy a picnic by the river. The park also has places for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. If you like history, you can visit old villages and learn about life in the 1800s. The Appalachian Trail runs through the area, and there are signs along the way to help you explore.

How to Reach Newark

If you’re coming from New York City or other parts of New Jersey, NJ Transit trains run often and stop at Newark Penn Station, which serves as a major hub for Amtrak, PATH, and local transit, making it simple to get around. The PATH train also connects Newark with Jersey City and Manhattan, offering a quick and affordable way to reach the city. Buses operated by companies like NJ Transit and Greyhound come from various locations and stop near downtown Newark and Penn Station, which allows for easy transfers to local trains or light rail.

For those driving, highways like I-78, I-280, the Garden State Parkway, Route 21, and the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) all lead into the city. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is just a few miles from downtown and is one of the busiest airports in the country, offering flights from all over. From the airport, you can reach the city by AirTrain and NJ Transit, or take a taxi, rideshare, or rental car. The airport also connects to Amtrak and Northeast Corridor trains, making it accessible from many Northeast cities.

Local Transportation

Getting around Newark is simple, thanks to its many public transport options. Newark Penn Station is the main hub in the city and connects to NJ Transit trains, Amtrak, PATH trains, and local buses. From here, you can travel to New York City, nearby towns, or other parts of New Jersey. The PATH train is a quick way to reach Jersey City and Manhattan. Newark also has a light rail system that runs between Newark Penn Station, Broad Street Station, and several neighborhoods, making it easy to move around the city.

Buses run often and serve most areas, including stops near schools, parks, and shopping centers. You can pay for bus and light rail rides using a ticket machine or mobile app. If you’re coming from the airport, the AirTrain connects Newark Liberty International Airport to NJ Transit and Amtrak trains, so you can reach downtown in about 10 minutes. For drivers, major roads like I-78, I-280, Route 21, and the Garden State Parkway pass through Newark, and there are parking lots and garages near busy areas.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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