Paterson: Budget-Friendly Fun in 4 Days

Exploring the charm of Paterson without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Paterson, United States is a great destination for budget travelers. Visit the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park for breathtaking views and a glimpse into the industrial revolution. Experience local dining and culture at the bustling Paterson Public Market.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

All About Paterson

  • Check into the Red Carpet Inn and Suites, a budget-friendly hotel just a mile from Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.
  • Start the day with a coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Lou Costello Memorial Square, named after the famous comedian and actor born in Paterson.
  • Head to Paterson Museum to learn about the city's industrial past and the famous people who lived there, including Lou Costello and poet William Carlos Williams.
  • Enjoy a lunch of hot dogs and fries at the iconic Hot Grill, a Paterson institution since 1961.
  • Take a walk around Eastside Park, one of the city's largest parks, and admire the beautiful homes in the Historic District surrounding it.
  • End the day with dinner and a drink at The Shannon Rose, an Irish pub with a cozy atmosphere and live music on weekends.
Day 2

A Day with Nature

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the Brownstone Pancake Factory, known for their creative pancakes and waffles.
  • Spend the morning at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, where you can admire the powerful waterfall and learn about its historical significance.
  • Take a picnic lunch to Garret Mountain Reservation, a beautiful park with stunning views of New York City and miles of hiking trails.
  • Stop by Lambert Castle, a historic landmark and museum showcasing the history of Paterson and Passaic County.
  • Have dinner at The Oak Pit, a cozy barbecue restaurant with live jazz music on weekends.
  • Catch a movie at Fabian 8 Cinema, a local movie theater with affordable ticket prices and a classic charm.
Day 3

A Culinary Tour of Paterson

  • Start with breakfast at Rutt's Hut, a legendary hot dog joint that has been around since 1928.
  • Explore Little Lima, Paterson's Peruvian neighborhood, and try some ceviche and lomo saltado at El Chevere.
  • Head to Paterson Farmers Market for lunch and sample some of the best empanadas and pupusas in town.
  • Take a dessert break at Gelato Paradiso, a family-owned gelato shop with unique flavors like avocado and corn.
  • Enjoy dinner at Clifton Thai, a Thai restaurant just a few miles from Paterson that's a local favorite for their authentic dishes.
  • End the night with a nightcap at The Huddle Sports Bar & Grill, a casual spot with cheap drinks and pub grub.
Day 4

Outdoor Adventures

  • Start with breakfast at The Brownstone, a beautiful event and catering space with an on-site restaurant serving up classic breakfast dishes.
  • Spend the day at Jungle Habitat, a former safari park turned mountain bike trail system with over 10 miles of trails for all levels.
  • Have a picnic lunch at Rifle Camp Park, a tranquil park with stunning views of New York City and plenty of hiking trails.
  • Take a short trip to Lambertville for a stroll along the Delaware & Raritan Canal and a visit to Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn for dinner.
  • End the night with an after-dinner drink at The Grasshopper Irish Pub, a cozy spot with a friendly atmosphere and great drinks.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The most convenient way to get to Paterson, United States by plane is to fly into Newark Liberty International Airport, which is approximately 20 miles from Paterson. From there, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or rental car to reach your destination.

Car

Driving to Paterson is also an option, as it is located close to major highways such as Interstate 80 and the Garden State Parkway. You can rent a car from Newark Liberty International Airport or drive your own vehicle to reach your destination.

Train

Although there is no train station directly in Paterson, you can take a NJ Transit train from New York Penn Station to Paterson Train Station, which will take approximately 45 minutes.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no boat options available to reach Paterson due to its inland location.

Bus

There are several bus options available to reach Paterson, including NJ Transit buses that go from New York Port Authority Bus Terminal to Paterson Bus Terminal, as well as Greyhound buses that go from various locations to Paterson Bus Terminal.

Destination

Paterson

Welcome to the city where the Great Falls are so impressive, you'll forget all about that one time you fell off the monkey bars. Just be prepared to hear a lot of Bruce Springsteen.

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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

Paterson: Budget-Friendly Fun in 4 Days

Paterson, United States is a great destination for budget travelers. Visit the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park for breathtaking views and a glimpse into the industrial revolution. Experience local dining and culture at the bustling Paterson Public Market.

Paterson's Perfect 3-Day Adventure Guide

Paterson, located in northern New Jersey, is a culturally rich destination with plenty to offer tourists. Visitors can explore the Great Falls, a stunning natural wonder that cascades 77 feet into the river below. In addition, there are several museums and historic sites, such as the Paterson Museum and the Lambert Castle.

Paterson Escapades: 4 Days of Family Fun

Planning a family friendly trip to Paterson, United States? Explore the Great Falls National Historical Park, where kids can learn about the city's industrial past and enjoy scenic walks. Discover the Paterson Museum, which offers interactive exhibits showcasing the city's history, art, and culture, perfect for engaging the whole family. Don't forget to take a relaxing stroll along the Paterson Great Falls Walkway, where you can admire the stunning waterfall views and have a picnic in the park.

Discover Paterson: A Fun-Filled 4-Day Trip

A trip to Paterson, United States, promises a blend of history, art and exploration. Visitors can embark on a walking tour of the Great Falls National Historical Park to see the second largest waterfall on the East Coast or explore the Paterson Museum housed in a 19th-century locomotive factory. For a taste of art, the Art Factory Paterson is a must-visit destination showcasing art, food and nightlife in one location.