As New Jersey’s largest city, Newark offers visitors plenty of great things to see and do. From museums and performing arts to historic sites and vibrant neighborhoods, Newark is home to many notable attractions.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Newark Museum of Art | Houses a diverse collection of arts including American, decorative, and global cultures. |
| Prudential Center | Indoor arena and entertainment venue, home to the New Jersey Devils and the GRAMMY Museum Experience. |
| Branch Brook Park | Urban green space known for its cherry blossom trees. |
| Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart | Gothic Revival architecture with intricate interior designs. |
| New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) | A hub for concerts, theater, dance, and more. Home to several resident companies. |
| Ironbound Neighborhood | Cultural area with Portuguese heritage, offering diverse dining and vibrant street life. |
| Newark Liberty International Airport Observation Deck | Offers panoramic views and insights into airport operations. |
| Marsilio’s Kitchen & Market | Italian market and restaurant with homemade pastas, sauces, and baked goods. |
| Greater Newark Conservancy | Focuses on urban agriculture, environmental education, and community gardens. |
| NJPAC Resident Companies | Hosts performances by New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and others. |
| Riverfront Park | Park along the Passaic River with scenic views, recreational facilities, and event space. |
| Newark Museum of Art (Reiterated) | Emphasized for its expansive collections and role as a cultural hub. |
Here is a look at 12 of the top attractions that visitors to Newark should not miss.
Newark Museum of Art
Name and Location: Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Founded in 1909, it is the largest museum in New Jersey. The museum has an impressive collection of American art and decorative arts.
What to Expect: Visitors can view artwork spanning 2,500 years from cultures around the world. There are galleries dedicated to Asian, African, American and Classical art.
Visitor Information: Open Wed-Sun, admission fee applies. The museum offers free admission on Thursdays.
One of the best art museums in the state, the Newark Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of American art, decorative arts, contemporary art and arts of global cultures. The museum encompasses 80 galleries displaying works spanning 5000 years.
Highlights include the largest collection of Tibetan art outside Tibet, a significant collection of 18th and 19th century American paintings, and arts from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. Frequent special exhibits also take place in the museum’s galleries. With its diverse and wide-ranging collections, the Newark Museum of Art is a must-see.
Prudential Center
Name and Location: Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Opened in 2007, it is a multi-purpose indoor arena and home to the New Jersey Devils hockey team. The arena hosts major concerts and events.
What to Expect: Catch a hockey game, concert or event at this lively downtown arena. There are restaurants, bars and shops inside.
Visitor Information: Event times and ticket prices vary. Public transportation recommended due to limited parking.
Home to the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, the Prudential Center is Newark’s premier indoor arena and entertainment venue. Catch a hockey game or concert by artists like Bruce Springsteen in this modern facility. With seating for up to 19,500 people, state-of-the-art acoustics and excellent sight lines, the Prudential Center delivers a thrilling live event experience.
It’s also home to the GRAMMY Museum Experience, an interactive music museum allowing visitors to explore music history and try out instruments. Whether you’re a sports fan, music lover or both, the Prudential Center is a Newark highlight.
Branch Brook Park
Name and Location: Branch Brook Park, Heller Pkwy, Newark, NJ 07107
History and Significance: Opened in 1895, it is the oldest county park in the U.S. The park is home to the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the country.
What to Expect: Visitors can stroll, jog or bike ride through this urban oasis. The cherry blossoms put on a stunning display in the spring.
Visitor Information: Open daily from dawn until dusk. Free admission.
For a beautiful urban green space, head to Branch Brook Park. This park was designed by the famed Olmsted brothers landscape architecture firm, who also designed Central Park. Spanning 360 acres, Branch Brook Park offers lovely lawns, walking paths, athletic fields and picnic areas.
Its most famous feature is the 4,300 cherry blossom trees that bloom spectacularly in the spring, making it one of the best spots for cherry blossom viewing in the country. Bring a picnic, go for a stroll and enjoy the natural beauty within the city.
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Name and Location: Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St, Newark, NJ 07104
History and Significance: Completed in 1954, this impressive cathedral has the fifth-largest nave in North America. The interior features intricate mosaic tile work.
What to Expect: Visitors can attend mass or take a guided tour of this architectural landmark. The soaring vaulted ceilings are a highlight.
Visitor Information: Open daily, mass schedule varies. Guided tours by appointment.
With its soaring Gothic Revival architecture, the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is one of Newark’s most striking buildings. This Roman Catholic cathedral was constructed over a 75 year period from 1899 to 1954. The interior features magnificent vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and ornate details.
Many works of art adorn the Cathedral, including sculptures, mosaics, marble altars and a carved oak pulpit. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour and admire this architectural and artistic wonder. Attending a service provides the full experience with the Cathedral’s majestic pipe organ.
NJPAC
Name and Location: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Opened in 1997, NJPAC is the largest performing arts center in New Jersey. Resident companies include the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
What to Expect: The theaters at NJPAC host Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances and more. There are outdoor plazas and restaurants.
Visitor Information: Performance schedule and ticket prices vary. Self-guided tours available daily.
For performing arts in Newark, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is the place to be. This impressive complex in downtown Newark spans six city blocks and includes two theaters, an outdoor plaza, restaurant and bar.
NJPAC hosts concerts, dance, theater, comedy and more from acclaimed artists and companies from around the world. Resident companies like the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra perform here regularly. The Lucent Technologies Center for Arts Education also offers performing arts classes for learners of all ages and abilities at NJPAC. It’s both a top Newark attraction and important community resource.
Ironbound Neighborhood
Name and Location: The Ironbound is a vibrant neighborhood in Newark, NJ. It is known for its Portuguese community and restaurants.
History and Significance: First settled in 1667, it developed a strong Portuguese identity in the 20th century. The neighborhood has an international culinary scene.
What to Expect: Walk around and sample Portuguese, Brazilian, Spanish and French cuisine. Street festivals occur in the summer months.
Visitor Information: Located east of Newark Penn Station. The neighborhood is very walkable.
For some of Newark’s best dining and culture, explore the Ironbound neighborhood. Originally settled by Portuguese immigrants, today the Ironbound continues to express that cultural heritage alongside Brazilian, Spanish, and other Latin American influences. Newark’s “Little Portugal” along Ferry Street boasts amazing Portuguese restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and shops.
Nearby, find Brazilian steakhouses and eateries too. Bi-weekly outdoor Ironbound Vendas food and craft markets during warmer months showcase the neighborhood’s culinary diversity. With vibrant public art, local shops and an energetic street life, the Ironbound provides a memorable Newark experience.
Newark Liberty International Airport Observation Deck
Name and Location: Newark Liberty International Airport Observation Deck, Brewster Rd, Newark, NJ 07114
History and Significance: Opened in 2001, this elevated deck offers views of the airport runways and NYC skyline. The airport opened in 1928.
What to Expect: Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the busiest airports in the country. Watch planes take off and land from the viewing area.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission fee applies. Accessible by AirTrain from airport terminals.
For panoramic views across Newark and beyond, visit the Newark Liberty International Airport Observation Deck. Located on the third floor of Newark’s Terminal C, floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping vistas of the runways, planes and control tower at one of the country’s busiest airports.
Interactive exhibits provide details on the airport’s operations and history. There are also dedicated aircraft-spotting areas. Come watch the planes take off and land as you enjoy unique aerial views of Newark, the New York City skyline and New Jersey meadowlands. Entry is affordable, making this a fun and budget-friendly attraction.
Marsilio’s Kitchen & Market
Name and Location: Marsilio’s Kitchen & Market, 518 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107
History and Significance: Opened in 2015, this eatery uses seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. It’s run by accomplished chef Nancy Marsilio.
What to Expect: Sample creative Italian cuisine in a cozy setting. There is a market selling homemade sauces, baked goods and more.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended.
For a delicious taste of Italian heritage in Newark, indulge at Marsilio’s Kitchen & Market. This gourmet Italian market and restaurant originated as a 1920s family-run grocery business. Today, Marsilio’s honors that legacy through its made-from-scratch pastas, sauces, baked goods and specialty products. Enjoy sit-down meals of pizza, pasta, sandwiches and more in the market’s cozy eatery space.
Or take home gravy and prepared dishes, wine, imported cheeses and gourmet groceries made in-house. From mozzarella-stuffed arancini to cannoli filled to order, Marsilio’s is a food lover’s paradise. Savor the flavors at this Newark institution.
Greater Newark Conservancy
Name and Location: Greater Newark Conservancy, 32 Prince St, Newark, NJ 07103
History and Significance: Founded in 1987, this non-profit promotes environmental stewardship through community programs and urban farming.
What to Expect: Visitors can take gardening classes, volunteer in the urban farm, or tour the grounds. Seasonal farmers markets are held.
Visitor Information: Office open Monday-Friday. Tours and programs by appointment.
This non-profit organization operates educational programs that connect Newark residents with the urban environment. The Greater Newark Conservancy’s sustainability initiatives include urban farms, community gardens, environmental education and healthy food access.
Visitors can tour sites like Hawthorne Avenue Urban Farm to see how vacant lots have been transformed into plots growing organic produce for the community. Bridgeton Community Farm offers public gardening plots as well as a native plant nursery and apiary. For an inspiring model of urban agriculture and green community development, explore the Greater Newark Conservancy.
NJ Performing Arts Center Resident Companies
Name and Location: NJPAC is home to four resident arts companies in Newark, NJ.
History and Significance: The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Ballet, and more. NJPAC provides a home for NJ’s major performing arts institutions.
What to Expect: Attend performances by the resident companies in NJPAC’s theaters. Programs offer ballet, opera, classical music and more.
Visitor Information: Performance schedules and ticket info available on NJPAC website.
In addition to hosting touring acts, NJPAC is home to four excellent resident arts companies. The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra performs classical symphonic music at NJPAC throughout each season. NJPAC’s resident dance company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, presents incredible contemporary dance.
For jazz, the Dorthaan Kirk Trio performs weekly shows in NJPAC’s lobby. And the African Globe Theater works to preserve African culture through the performing arts. Attending a performance by these talented resident companies allows a deeper experience of Newark’s local arts scene.
Riverfront Park
Name and Location: Riverfront Park, Raymond Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance:Opened in 2012, this waterfront park connects downtown Newark to the Passaic River.
What to Expect: Stroll along the riverwalk, have a picnic, and enjoy views of Newark’s skyline. The park hosts events and concerts.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 6am-11pm. Free admission.
This scenic park along the Passaic River offers beautiful views of downtown Newark on the opposite bank. Strolling paths wind through the park’s open green space and flower gardens. A riverfront promenade looks over the water with the Newark skyline as a backdrop.
The park also features athletic fields, ping pong and chess tables, an amphitheater for events and a playground. Locals love to relax here or attend free outdoor concerts and movies in warm weather. For a refreshing oasis in the heart of the city, escape to Riverfront Park.
Newark Museum of Art
Name and Location: Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Founded in 1909, it is the largest museum in New Jersey. The museum has an impressive collection of American art and decorative arts.
What to Expect: Visitors can view artwork spanning 2,500 years from cultures around the world. There are galleries dedicated to Asian, African, American and Classical art.
Visitor Information: Open Wed-Sun, admission fee applies. The museum offers free admission on Thursdays.
With its diverse array of galleries and expansive collections, the Newark Museum of Art is a must-see attraction. This stellar museum houses American art, decorative arts, contemporary pieces and significant global cultural artworks. Special exhibits also inspire and educate. For art lovers, the Newark Museum of Art offers discovery, beauty and new perspectives right in the heart of Newark.
Conclusion
From museums showcasing thousands of years of human creativity to performing arts venues bringing world-class entertainment, Newark offers impressive attractions. Historic sites provide insight into the city’s heritage while neighborhoods like the Ironbound reveal Newark’s cultural diversity through cuisine, shops and public art. Parks and green spaces act as urban oases.
Sports and music fans flock to the Prudential Center arena for major events. Throughout its distinct neighborhoods, Newark provides places to shop, dine, learn and appreciate arts, culture and community. For visitors looking to experience this New Jersey city’s dynamic attractions, Newark delivers memorable options.