Attraction	Description
Liberty State Park	Large park with views of NYC and Ellis Island
Mana Contemporary	Arts complex in a renovated warehouse
SciFi City Comics	Comic book store with vintage and new comics
Liberty Science Center	Interactive science museum
Hamilton Park	Urban park with events and local eateries
Riverview Farmers Market	Outdoor market with local produce
White Eagle Hall	Historic venue for music and comedy
Historic Downtown	Area with shopping, dining, and culture
Liberty House Restaurant	Dining with skyline views
JFK Skate Park	Skate park with Manhattan skyline views
Six 26	Urban garden cocktail bar
The Distillery	Event space in a 19th-century gin distillery

World-class museums, scenic parks, and glittering waterfront vistas make Jersey City an engaging destination. From historic sites to modern attractions, here are 12 of the top attractions to experience in Jersey City.

Liberty State Park

Name and Location: Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ – located right next to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

History and Significance: This state park opened in 1976 on the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey terminal site. It offers access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

What to Expect: Panoramic views of NY Harbor, Liberty Island and Manhattan skyline. Outdoor recreation. Ferry service to the monuments.

Visitor Information: Open daily year-round. Nominal entry fee for vehicles. Ferry ticket required for monuments.

As the gateway to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, Liberty State Park lets visitors start their NYC trip with inspiring views. Catch ferries to the iconic landmarks, then explore Liberty State Park’s outdoor pleasures. Walkers and bikers enjoy the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway with panoramic vistas of downtown Manhattan. Nature lovers appreciate the natural environment with wetlands, forests and wildlife.

The Interpretive Center offers interesting exhibits about regional nature, history, immigration and railroads. The park regularly hosts festivals, concerts and other special events. With the Statue of Liberty as its backdrop, Liberty State Park is a scenic way to begin exploring the area.

Mana Contemporary

Name and Location: Mana Contemporary arts center in Jersey City, NJ. Located in a former tobacco warehouse near the waterfront.

History and Significance: This vast arts complex opened in 2011 to provide affordable studio space, galleries, events and exhibits.

What to Expect: Galleries, arts studios, exhibitions, workshops, events. Residencies for artists, large-scale installations.

Visitor Information: Free admission to galleries and events. Open daily, hours vary by location. Self-parking available.

Mana Contemporary is a one-of-a-kind arts complex housed in a renovated tobacco warehouse. Spanning over a million square feet, Mana unites artist studios, galleries, performance venues, and arts education all under one roof. Hundreds of resident artists create work on-site in media like painting, sculpture, photography and dance. Mana’s galleries host dynamic rotating exhibits.

Performance spaces hold film screenings, plays, concerts and lectures. Artists lead hands-on workshops teaching techniques. Food options include their contemporary American restaurant and cafe. Through immersive experiences with creativity, Mana spotlights Jersey City as a thriving arts hub.

SciFi City Comics

Name and Location: SciFi City Comics in downtown Jersey City, NJ.

History and Significance: Longstanding comic book store offering an extensive selection of comics, games, figures and more. A pop culture gem.

What to Expect: Huge collection of new and vintage comic books and graphic novels. Collectibles, apparel, weekly game nights.

Visitor Information: Open 7 days a week. Cash and cards accepted. Street parking and transit nearby.

Calling all sci-fi fans and comic book geeks! SciFi City Comics is a must-visit during your Jersey City getaway. With new and vintage comic books, toys, memorabilia and more, SciFi City is geek heaven. Marvel and DC comics fill the shelves alongside indie and small-press titles.

The selection includes rare finds like first edition Action Comics and signed comic art. Beyond comics, they stock collectibles, figurines, movie posters and trading cards from scifi, horror, anime and gaming lore. Costume pieces let you live out your cosplay dreams. Special events include game nights, artist meet-ups and film screenings. SciFi City fuels the imagination and passions of Jersey City’s vibrant geek culture.

Liberty Science Center

Name and Location: Liberty Science Center in Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ.

History and Significance: This interactive science museum opened in 1993 and features the country’s largest IMAX Dome theater.

What to Expect: IMAX movies, hands-on science exhibits, outdoor deck with stunning views of Manhattan.

Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission fee required. Advance tickets recommended.

At the Liberty Science Center, visitors of all ages can discover the excitement of science through interactive exhibitions. Get a glimpse into the future at the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium’s 3D laser shows set to music. Explore inventions that could change the world at Eat and Be Eaten, testing robotic arms and artificial intelligence. Discover the science secrets of favorite films like Star WarsTM and James BondTM.

Try fun experiments in Newton’s Daydream like spinning through the air in a gyroscope. Kids can run their own pizza parlor or become vets caring for robotic animals. With immersive exhibits, movies and labs, the Liberty Science Center makes STEM fields engaging.

Hamilton Park

Name and Location: Hamilton Park in Jersey City’s Hamilton Park neighborhood.

History and Significance: This scenic urban park dates back to the early 1900s and features gardens, a fountain, pathways and views.

What to Expect: Gardens, greenery, statues, scenic paths, benches. Popular community events venue.

Visitor Information: Free and open daily. On-street parking available nearby.

Hamilton Park offers a peaceful urban oasis in the vibrant Hamilton Park neighborhood. Stroll along the central fountain and gardens surrounded by stately brownstones. Lay out a picnic blanket under a shady tree and enjoy local gourmet goodies. Pick up lunch from South House or practiced grilled cheese sandwiches at Wonder Bagels. Let kids have fun at the large modern playground.

Hamilton Park often hosts outdoor community events like movie nights, craft fairs, and yoga classes. The accompanying Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association supports civic improvements through resident involvement. For a taste of Jersey City’s lively local lifestyle, relax in the beauty of Hamilton Park.

Riverview Farmers Market

Name and Location: Riverview Farmers Market in downtown Jersey City’s Van Vorst Park.

History and Significance: Popular weekly open-air market featuring local farms and food vendors. Running since 1997.

What to Expect: Farm fresh produce, artisanal food products, bakery goods, crafts. Live music and family activities.

Visitor Information: Saturdays 8am-3pm from May to December. Free admission.

For fresh local cuisine, stop by the Riverview Farmers Market running May through October. The outdoor market sources fruit, vegetables, baked goods and specialty foods from New Jersey and New York farms. Browse seasonal produce like juicy peaches or just-picked apples and pears. Discover artisanal food producers, with options like fresh mozzarella, olives oils and handcrafted chocolates.

Enjoy prepared foods from vendors while listening to live music in the park setting. Kids will have fun at special events like chili cook-offs or pie eating contests. The Riverview Farmers Market is a weekly community gathering that highlights Jersey City’s relationship with local agriculture.

White Eagle Hall

Name and Location: White Eagle Hall, a performing arts venue in downtown Jersey City.

History and Significance: This renovated 1910 hall hosts concerts, comedy shows, theatrical performances, community events.

What to Expect: Diverse programming – rock concerts to classical performances to stand up comedy. Full bar.

Visitor Information: Ticket prices vary by event. Box office hours online. Nearby parking.

Step back in time at the restored White Eagle Hall, a renovated 1910 burlesque hall. Today, White Eagle Hall brings top music and comedy acts to its intimate stage. Grab some Polish food next door at the family-owned Taste of Poland, a neighborhood fixture. Indie rock groups like Phantogram and Japanese Breakfast draw crowds.

Comedy stars like David Cross and Tig Notaro have performed here. The standing room only layout makes for an electric, communal viewing experience. Vintage woodwork and chandeliers add to the time capsule feel. For a memorable concert experience, White Eagle Hall mixes historic charm with modern entertainment.

Historic Downtown Jersey City

Name and Location: Historic downtown districts of Jersey City by the waterfront.

History and Significance: Charming neighborhoods with cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, restaurants, shops, cultural attractions.

What to Expect: Walkable streets to explore local history and architecture. Trendy cafes, galleries, bars, public art.

Visitor Information: Use city parking garages. Walking tour maps at visitor centers.

In Downtown Jersey City, charming 19th century architecture sets the stage for great shopping, dining and culture. The Beaux-Arts Loew’s Jersey Theatre on Journal Square anchors the neighborhood with indie films, concerts and events.

Trendy boutiques line the streets, like home goods at Sinat and upscale apparel at Clove. Try local flavors at The Hutton for craft cocktails and seasonal fare using regional ingredients. The diverse dining scene offers cuisines from Latin America, India, and more. Downtown Jersey City gives visitors walkable access to culture, entertainment, and tasty eats for a fun urban getaway.

Liberty House Restaurant

Name and Location: Liberty House Restaurant in Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ.

History and Significance: Upscale waterfront restaurant known for its breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Popular venue.

What to Expect: Refined American cuisine, Sunday brunch. Observation deck and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Hudson.

Visitor Information: Reservations recommended, especially for sunset dining. Valet parking available.

Take in sweeping skyline views of Manhattan while dining at Liberty House Restaurant, located right on the Hudson River. The contemporary American cuisine incorporates fresh seasonal and local ingredients into dishes like seared salmon or filet mignon. Their brunch menu features favorites like lemon ricotta pancakes and crab cake eggs Benedict. Extensive wine and cocktail lists complement your meal.

Floor-to-ceiling windows in the rustic yet elegant dining room maximize the panoramic views. Outdoor seating on the patio allows al fresco dining. Watching ships cruise along the Hudson as the sun sets behind the iconic New York City skyline makes for a memorable experience.

JFK Skate Park

Name and Location: JFK Skate Park in Lincoln Park, Jersey City, NJ.

History and Significance: Premier public skatepark with bowls, ramps, rails for skaters and BMX riders of all levels.

What to Expect: Free supervised skating facility. Skateable plaza space, beginner flow bowl, pro street course. Bring your own equipment.

Visitor Information: Open daily 8am-9pm. Minors require waiver signed by guardian. Helmets and pads recommended.

Jersey City skaters flock to JFK Skate Park, known for its ideal features and scenic backdrop. Located along the downtown Hudson River waterfront, the skate park capitalizes on panoramic views of Manhattan. Graffiti art brightens concrete ramps, rails and steps. Skaters challenge the park’s varied street terrain including ledges, banks and quarter pipes.

Nearby benches allow for taking breaks and admiring the NYC skyline. Flood lights keep the good times rolling into the night. Local skate shops hold contests and other special events. For conveniently located skating with inspiring scenery, JFK Skate Park is a top spot.

Six 26

Name and Location: Six 26 bar and music venue in downtown Jersey City, NJ.

History and Significance: Popular downtown live music and events space. Hosts local and touring rock, indie, jam bands.

What to Expect: Live music several nights a week ranging from rock to funk to acoustic. Full bar menu.

Visitor Information: Free or low-cost cover for most shows. 21+ only. Shows nights are Wed-Sun.

Six 26 calls itself an “urban garden cocktail bar,” encapsulating its whimsical indoor and outdoor spaces. Verdant plants and greenery transform areas into urban oases. Cozy lounge spaces have hanging chairs, perfect for snuggling and conversing. Creative cocktails incorporate garden-grown herbs and flowers into drinks like their lavender martini. Seasonal menus include garden bites like beet hummus and zucchini fritters. Blankets and lawn games encourage leisurely afternoons.

At night, lights stringing garden spaces create an enchanting ambiance. From gardening workshops to live acoustic music, Six 26 offers fun programming. Combining green spaces and great drinks, Six 26 is a novel nightlife experience.

The Distillery

Name and Location: The Distillery speakeasy-style bar in Jersey City, NJ.

History and Significance: Hidden basement cocktail bar known for its extensive menu, craft cocktails, and retro atmosphere.

What to Expect: Creative craft cocktails, punches, over 200 whiskeys and ryes. Intimate vibe with vintage decor.

Visitor Information: Hours 5pm-2am daily. Cocktail prices $12-15. Reservations recommended. 21+ only.

The Distillery mixes contemporary art with unique event spaces in a converted 19th century gin distillery. Their four floors contain four distinct event areas, from a rustic pub to chic wine lounge. Rotating exhibits showcase local artists. Drop into The Victor Pub & Kitchen for craft cocktails and elevated bar bites in a cozy atmosphere.

High Victorian Gothic architecture adds drama, with soaring ceilings and tall arched windows. Host your wedding, corporate event or private party at this historic venue. Public events range from craft fairs to comedy shows. Blending Jersey City’s arts, culture, and food scenes, The Distillery provides creative backdrops for memorable happenings.

Conclusion

With its strategic location on the Hudson across from Manhattan, Jersey City emerged as an up-and-coming hub. Dynamic museums, expansive green spaces, and an energetic arts scene make Jersey City an engaging alternative to NYC. Historic downtowns lined with shopping and dining provide perfect pedestrian exploring. Glimpse the Metropolis skyline along the scenic waterfront perched with restaurants and parks.

From past landmarks to present culture, attractionsDistillery capture Jersey City’s spirit: creative, culturally diverse, forward-looking and fun. Great city views, attractions, and amenities beckon across the river in an affordable, offbeat New Jersey escape.