Weekend Guide: Newark's Culture, Cuisine, & Nature

Explore the heart of New Jersey in the vibrant city of Newark.

22 April 2023

Visiting Newark as a tourist offers a unique opportunity to delve into the city's rich history and cultural heritage. From the stunning architectural landmarks to the thriving nightlife, there is plenty to explore in this vibrant city. Whether you want to enjoy some delicious local cuisine or explore the museums and galleries, Newark has it all.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Get Your Bearings In Brick City

  • Check into your hotel, The Robert Treat Hotel
    1 photos

    Robert Treat Center

    Robert Treat Center, 1 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

    Premise

    rthotel.com

    Learn more
    , a historic property with old-school charm.
  • Grab a coffee at Black Swan Espresso 4.7
    10 photos

    Black Swan Espresso - Specialty Coffee and Tea

    4.7 (284)

    93 Halsey St, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

    Cafe,Bakery

    bse.coffee

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    , a trendy hipster hangout.
  • Explore the Newark Museum 4.6
    10 photos

    The Newark Museum of Art

    4.6 (1518)

    49 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    Displays of American art, interior decor & more, plus a planetarium & an interactive nature exhibit.

    newarkmuseumart.org

    Learn more
    , featuring an extensive collection of art, science, and history exhibits.
  • Stroll through the Ironbound neighborhood
    10 photos

    Ironbound

    Ironbound, Newark, NJ, USA

    Neighborhood,Political

    Learn more
    , known for its Portuguese and Brazilian restaurants.
  • Have dinner at Fornos of Spain 4.6
    10 photos

    Fornos of Spain

    4.6 (3523) • $$$

    47 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105, USA

    Restaurant,Point of interest

    Large, bustling restaurant serving Spanish surf, turf & wines in an elegant, old-world setting.

    fornosrestaurant.com

    Learn more
    , where the paella will transport you straight to Valencia.
Day 2

A Cultural Extravaganza

  • Visit the New Jersey Performing Arts Center 4.7
    10 photos

    New Jersey Performing Arts Center

    4.7 (5512)

    1 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

    Point of interest,Establishment

    This expansive performing-arts center & event venue hosts many festivals & national acts.

    njpac.org

    Learn more
    , home to world-class performances.
  • Marvel at the Gothic architecture of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart 4.8
    10 photos

    Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart

    4.8 (1430)

    89 Ridge St, Newark, NJ 07104, USA

    Tourist attraction,Church

    French Gothic Revival church housing the largest pipe organ ever built by Schantz Organ Co.

    newarkbasilica.org

    Learn more
    , a stunning landmark.
  • Take a tour of the Grammy Museum Experience 4.5
    10 photos

    GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center

    4.5 (197)

    165 Mulberry St, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

    Museum,Tourist attraction

    grammymuseumexp.org

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    , celebrating the history and future of music.
  • Have lunch at Mercato Tomato Pie 4.2
    10 photos

    Mercato Tomato Pie

    4.2 (838) • $$

    212 Market St, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

    Store,Restaurant

    Laid-back venue serving oven-baked pizzas, pasta & brews in a spacious, modern interior.

    mercatotomatopie.com

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    , serving up traditional Jersey-style pizza.
  • Catch a movie at the Newark Screens 4.3
    10 photos

    CityPlex 12 Newark

    4.3 (3398)

    360-394 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA

    Movie theater,Point of interest

    Co-owned by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, this all-digital movie theater offers stadium seating.

    cityplex12.com

    Learn more
    , a historic theater with modern amenities.
Day 3

Nature & Smooth Jazz

  • Start the day at Branch Brook Park 4.6
    10 photos

    Branch Brook Park

    4.6 (9886)

    & Park Avenue, Lake St, Newark, NJ 07104, USA

    Park,Tourist attraction

    Scenic, 360-acre park featuring cherry trees, lakes & bridges plus bicycling & other activities.

    essexcountyparks.org

    Learn more
    , a serene oasis with over 5,000 cherry blossom trees.
  • Tour the Newark Public Library
    2 photos

    Newark Public Library

    Newark Public Library, 5 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

    Premise

    Learn more
    , a hidden gem with beautiful architecture and rare archives.
  • Head to the Jazz Bistro
    2 photos

    Brooklyn Jazz Bar

    1 Newark International Airport St, Newark, NJ 07114, USA

    Bar,Night club

    Learn more
    , a cozy spot featuring live jazz and delicious drinks.
  • Learning about military history at the Military Park 4.4
    10 photos

    Military Park

    4.4 (1625)

    51 Park Pl, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

    Park,Tourist attraction

    Triangular tree-lined green with a large war memorial, other statues & ample space for leisure.

    Learn more
    and join The Drumthwacket Foundation 4.5
    10 photos

    Drumthwacket Foundation

    4.5 (106)

    354 Stockton St, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    The official residence of the governor of New Jersey is a historic landmark offering guided tours.

    drumthwacket.org

    Learn more
    in supporting veterans and their families.
  • End with dinner at McWhorter Barbecue 4.6
    10 photos

    McWhorter Barbecue

    4.6 (1167) • $

    104 McWhorter St, Newark, NJ 07105, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Down-home restaurant that charcoal grills Portuguese-style BBQ like ribs & chicken.

    Learn more
    , a hole-in-the-wall spot with lip-smacking ribs.
Day 4

Shop Til You Drop

  • Explore the expansive selection of boutiques and stores at the Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall 4.5
    10 photos

    The Mills at Jersey Gardens

    4.5 (35879)

    651 Kapkowski Rd, Elizabeth, NJ 07201, USA

    Shopping mall,Point of interest

    Outlet stores for dozens of popular brands, plus a Saks OFF 5TH, Neiman Marcus Last Call & a cinema.

    simon.com

    Learn more
    .
  • Check out the Prudential Center 4.5
    10 photos

    Prudential Center

    4.5 (11928)

    25 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

    Point of interest,Establishment

    Sports & entertainment arena hosts events ranging from professional sports to major-league bands.

    prucenter.com

    Learn more
    , home to the New Jersey Devils hockey team and countless concerts.
  • Grab lunch at the Halal Guys 4.2
    10 photos

    The Halal Guys

    4.2 (1582) • $

    72 Halsey St, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Offshoot of a famed food cart offering gyros, chicken & rice platters & other Middle Eastern fare.

    thehalalguys.com

    Learn more
    , serving up some of the best Middle Eastern street food around.
  • Take a photo with the world's largest toothbrush at the Colgate Clock 4.6
    10 photos

    Colgate Clock

    4.6 (1085)

    Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

    Tourist attraction,Point of interest

    Huge, long-running riverfront clock near the former site of the Colgate-Palmolive headquarters.

    Learn more
    .
  • Have a farewell dinner at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que 4.1
    10 photos

    Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

    4.1 (2372) • $$

    224 Market St, Newark, NJ 07102, USA

    Restaurant,Food

    Barbecue chain serving Southern-style meats & draft brews in a retro setting (most have live music).

    dinosaurbarbque.com

    Learn more
    , featuring some of the finest barbecue in the East Coast.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Newark

Welcome to a city that's been consistently debated between loving it or leaving it. Don't worry though, there's more to Newark than the smell of freshly baked pork rolls!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Romance and History: A Newark Weekend Getaway

Newark, often seen as a business hub, is also a perfect destination for a romantic getaway with its rich cultural heritage and stunning architectural marvels. From strolling in Branch Brook Park, admiring the cherry blossoms, to taking a romantic gondola ride along the city's Riverfront Park, Newark offers all that you need for an intimate vacation. With its vibrant dining options and cultural diversity, you can experience the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure with your loved one in Newark.

Weekend Guide: Newark's Culture, Cuisine, & Nature

Visiting Newark as a tourist offers a unique opportunity to delve into the city's rich history and cultural heritage. From the stunning architectural landmarks to the thriving nightlife, there is plenty to explore in this vibrant city. Whether you want to enjoy some delicious local cuisine or explore the museums and galleries, Newark has it all.

3-Day Getaway to Vibrant Newark, USA

Newark, United States is a vibrant city that has a lot to offer for tourists. Visitors can explore the city's history and architecture by visiting landmarks such as the Newark Museum and the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. They can also get a taste of the local cuisine and culture by dining at one of the many restaurants and attending events at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

Discover Newark: A Perfect Day Trip Destination

A trip to Newark as a tourist offers plenty of activities to keep one occupied. From exploring the beautiful historical sites to sampling the diverse culinary scene and enjoying the local live music, Newark is an exciting destination for tourists. The city also boasts a range of museums, gardens, and parks to satisfy any visitor's interests.