Newark on a Budget: 3-Day Adventure

Experience Newark on a dime without compromising on the fun.

21 June 2023

Explore the vibrant city of Newark on a limited budget with a variety of free activities to indulge in. Walk around the picturesque Branch Brook Park and admire its cherry blossoms. Visit the Newark Museum for free on Thursdays and indulge in art, history, and science exhibits.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Newark

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the local diner, Tops Diner, which has been serving classic American fare since 1942.
  • Take a stroll through Branch Brook Park, the largest park in Newark, with over 2000 cherry blossom trees.
  • Visit the Newark Museum of Art, which houses a vast collection of American and international art, including works by Georgia O'Keeffe and John Singer Sargent.
  • Check out the Ironbound neighborhood, known for its Portuguese and Spanish cuisine, and grab lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants.
  • In the evening, catch a show at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, which hosts everything from Broadway musicals to jazz concerts.
  • Hotel Recommendation: Try the Best Western Plus Robert Treat Hotel, an affordable option in downtown Newark with modern amenities and easy access to local attractions.
Day 2

A Day in the City

  • Take a 20-minute train ride to New York City and explore the Big Apple's many sights and sounds, including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Times Square.
  • Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world, with over 2 million works of art.
  • Grab a slice of New York-style pizza at Joe's Pizza or Ray's Pizza–two legends in the city's pizza scene.
  • Shop 'til you drop in the trendy SoHo district, home to boutique shops and high-end fashion stores.
  • Catch a Broadway show at one of the many theaters in Manhattan, like the famous St. James Theatre.
Day 3

History and Culture

  • Start the day at the Newark Public Library, which dates back to 1889 and has a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts.
  • Visit the Military Park, a triangular park in the heart of downtown Newark, and learn about the city's role in the American Revolution.
  • Grab lunch at Hobby's Delicatessen, a local institution that's been serving classic deli fare since 1962.
  • Take a tour of the Prudential Center, the home of the NHL's New Jersey Devils and host to many major concerts and events.
  • End the day with a visit to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a stunning Gothic-style cathedral that's one of the largest in the country.
  • Hotel Recommendation: For a quirky and budget-friendly stay, try the Riviera Hotel, which has been serving guests in Newark since 1922 and offers colorful, retro-themed rooms at a great price.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Newark by plane is to fly into Newark Liberty International Airport. Many major airlines offer direct flights to this airport from cities around the world.

Car

To get to Newark by car, you can take the New Jersey Turnpike or Garden State Parkway, both of which lead directly to the city. However, traffic can be heavy during peak times, so it's best to plan your travel accordingly.

Train

There is a train station in Newark, but it primarily services regional trains. The best option for long-distance travel by train would be to take Amtrak to Penn Station in New York City and then take a regional train to Newark.

Boat

Newark is not accessible by boat, as it is not situated on a major waterway. The closest significant port is the Port of Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, which is primarily used for shipping containers and not passenger transportation.

Bus

The best way to get to Newark by bus is to take a bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City and then take a regional bus to Newark. Many national bus companies offer routes to this terminal.

More travel plans