Newark, New Jersey often gets overlooked as a destination, but this city has a lot to offer visitors. As the largest city in New Jersey, Newark is home to famous attractions, a thriving arts scene, unique architecture, and diverse neighborhoods.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Newark Museum | A museum complex with art and artifacts from around the world, including a Tibetan Buddhist Altar. |
| New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) | One of the largest performing arts centers in the U.S., hosting major shows and concerts. |
| Branch Brook Park | A county park known for its extensive collection of cherry blossom trees. |
| Cathedral of the Sacred Heart | A Gothic Revival style cathedral offering guided tours of its architecture and history. |
| America’s Longest Mural | A large mural in Lincoln Park featuring over 100 portraits of influential African American and Hispanic figures. |
| Baseball Game at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium | Watching minor league baseball games for entertainment. |
| Ironbound Neighborhood | A vibrant area with diverse cuisine, especially Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish. |
| Newark Museum of Art | New Jersey’s largest museum with American, African, Tibetan, and European art collections. |
| Historic James Street Commons District | An area with 19th-century buildings and landmarks, reflecting Newark’s historic prosperity. |
| NJ Devils Hockey Game at Prudential Center | NHL games featuring the New Jersey Devils, offering an energetic sports experience. |
Whether you’re interested in history, art, entertainment, sports, or great food, Newark has something for you. Here are the top 12 things to do in Newark, New Jersey.
Visit the Newark Museum
Name and Location: Newark Museum, 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Founded in 1909, the Newark Museum is the largest museum in New Jersey. It has an extensive collection of American art and artifacts.
What to Expect: A diverse collection of art, natural science, and cultural exhibits. Highlights include Tibetan Buddhist altars, African art & artifacts, and 18th & 19th century American decorative arts.
Visitor Information: Open Wed-Sun, admission fee applies. The museum offers guided tours, a museum shop, and cafe.
The Newark Museum is one of the best attractions in Newark. This museum complex houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world. The Tibetan Buddhist Altar room is considered one of the best in the Western Hemisphere.
Other highlights include the African art and collections related to Native Americans, fine arts, and decorative arts. Don’t miss seeing the Tibetan yurt constructed without nails in the museum’s aromatic courtyard. With 80 galleries spread across three buildings, you’ll need to spend a good portion of your day exploring everything the Newark Museum has to offer.
See a Show at NJPAC
Name and Location: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: NJPAC opened in 1997 and is the largest performing arts center in New Jersey. It hosts over 400 diverse performances each year.
What to Expect: A wide variety of live performances including Broadway shows, concerts, dance, comedy, and more. The theaters range in size from intimate to grand.
Visitor Information: Ticket prices vary by performance. Guided tours are available when no events are scheduled.
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States. Since opening in 1997, NJPAC has hosted major Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, and more. The theaters inside NJPAC can seat over 6,000 guests.
Famous acts like Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis, and Itzhak Perlman have all graced the NJPAC stages. Even if you don’t catch a show, you can take a guided tour of NJPAC to see the theaters and learn more about upcoming performances. Between the world-class entertainment and stunning architecture, NJPAC is a top Newark attraction.
Explore Branch Brook Park
Name and Location: Branch Brook Park, Park Ave & Clifton Ave, Newark, NJ 07104
History and Significance: Branch Brook Park opened in 1895 and is home to the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the U.S. with over 4,000 trees.
What to Expect: Miles of scenic paths, lakes, and meadows. The cherry blossoms bloom in April, attracting thousands of visitors.
Visitor Information: Free and open daily from dawn until dusk. Peak bloom typically occurs in mid April.
For a relaxing outdoor experience in Newark, spend some time at Branch Brook Park. This county park is home to one of the largest collections of cherry blossom trees in the United States, with over 4,000 Japanese cherry blossom trees lining the branches of the Third River.
The best time to visit is in April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Bring a picnic lunch and stroll through the park’s gardens and trails. You’ll forget you’re in the middle of a major city while enjoying the natural beauty of Branch Brook Park.
See the Cherry Blossoms at Newark’s Branch Brook Park
Name and Location: Branch Brook Park, Park Ave & Clifton Ave, Newark, NJ 07104
History and Significance: Branch Brook Park opened in 1895 and is home to the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the U.S. with over 4,000 trees.
What to Expect: Miles of scenic paths, lakes, and meadows. The cherry blossoms bloom in April, attracting thousands of visitors.
Visitor Information: Free and open daily from dawn until dusk. Peak bloom typically occurs in mid April.
Branch Brook Park is home to over 4,000 Japanese cherry blossom trees that explode in breathtaking color in the spring. The 360-acre park is designed in the style of Central Park, with gentle meadows, lakes, and forested areas.
It’s one of the best places in the country to view the delicate cherry blossoms. Pack a picnic and visit during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival when the trees are at their pinkest!
Tour Newark’s Gothic Cathedral
Name and Location: Newark Cathedral, 131 Cathedral St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Built in 1853, Newark Cathedral is a massive Gothic Revival church and a prominent landmark in Newark’s skyline.
What to Expect: Intricate Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass. Daily mass and prayer services are held.
Visitor Information: Free guided tours available select days. Visitors are welcome to attend services and light candles.
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is one of Newark’s most iconic buildings. This impressive Gothic Revival style cathedral was constructed in the late 1800s and serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Newark.
Notable features include its large rose window, bronze doors, and spectacular architecture. Guided tours provide the history and allow you to see the cathedral’s pipe organ and ornate altars up close. Attending mass on Sunday is another way to see this Newark cathedral in action.
See America’s Longest Mural
Name and Location: Newark Mural, 130-132 Market Street, Newark, NJ
History and Significance: At over 2,700 feet long, this mural depicts 300 years of Newark’s history. It was created in 2012 by Brazilian muralists.
What to Expect: A vibrant, larger-than-life depiction of key events, figures, and landmarks in Newark’s past painted across several buildings.
Visitor Information: Free and open to view publicly on Market Street in downtown Newark.
Stretching over a football field in length, the Portraits mural in Newark’s Lincoln Park is a sight to behold. This massive mural features over 100 larger-than-life portraits of important African American and Hispanic figures.
Notable individuals represented include Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, and Roberto Clemente. It took 12 artists over 6 years to complete the expansive mural along the wall overlooking Route 280. Bring your camera when visiting Newark to document this record-breaking mural.
Catch a Baseball Game
Name and Location: Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: The Prudential Center, home of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, opened in 2007. It hosts major sporting events and concerts.
What to Expect: A lively arena atmosphere to watch hockey, basketball, concerts and more. Good food and drink options available.
Visitor Information: Ticket prices vary per event. Public tours may be available on select dates when no events are scheduled.
Even if you aren’t a huge sports fan, catching a minor league baseball game in Newark can be a fun and affordable activity. The Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League play their home games at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium. Tickets start around $10.
Grab some ballpark snacks and enjoy the laidback atmosphere as you watch America’s favorite pastime being played. Between the interesting mascots, on-field promotions, and chance of catching a home run ball, you’re sure to be entertained at the ballpark.
Tour the Historic Ironbound Neighborhood
Name and Location: Ironbound Neighborhood, Newark, NJ
History and Significance: Newark’s historic Ironbound district established in 1667. Known today for its Portuguese community and dining scene.
What to Expect: Vibrant neighborhood with shops, bakeries, and restaurants. Good area to experience Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine.
Visitor Information: Located east of Newark Penn Station. Ferry Street is a central thoroughfare with many dining options.
The Ironbound is one of Newark’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. This diverse neighborhood features Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish restaurants and shops, giving it a unique cultural vibe. Stroll down Ferry Street to find cuisine representing worldwide flavors and cuisines.
Visit during one of the Ironbound’s lively festivals, such as the annual Portugal Day celebration. In addition to great food, the Ironbound has beautifully maintained homes, parks, and places like St. Stephens Green that reflect the immigrant history of the neighborhood.
See Art at the Newark Museum of Art
Name and Location: James Street Commons Historic District, Between Broad and Maiden Lanes, Newark, NJ
History and Significance: A colonial residential area established in 1668. Home to many well-preserved 18th and 19th century buildings.
What to Expect: Brick row houses, churches, and commercial buildings in Federal and Greek Revival styles. Gives a glimpse into Newark’s past.
Visitor Information: Roughly bounded by Broad, Washington, Court, and Maiden Lanes. Best appreciated by walking tour.
As New Jersey’s largest museum, the Newark Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of American art. See works by famous painters like Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and Winslow Homer. Other galleries feature African art, Tibetan art, and classical European pieces.
Don’t miss Newark’s oldest museum’s Tibetan Buddhist altar, considered one of the best in the Western Hemisphere. With 80 galleries spread across three buildings, you’ll need a few hours to fully explore the diverse collections. The Newark Museum of Art is a must for art lovers visiting the city.
Experience the Ironbound Neighborhood
For a taste of Newark’s diversity, spend some time in the Ironbound neighborhood. Sometimes called Little Portugal, this lively area is known for its outstanding Portuguese and Brazilian restaurants. Savor authentic dishes and drinks while listening to traditional fado music.
Besides the delicious cuisine, the Ironbound has charming residential streets lined with well-maintained homes. Visit during one of the neighborhood’s annual festivals for an even livelier experience. Whether you’re in the mood for pastel de nata egg tarts or fresh paella, the Ironbound satisfies cravings.
See a Show at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Whether you love theater, music, or dance, catch a show at NJPAC during your visit. As one of the nation’s largest performing arts centers, NJPAC brings major Broadway shows, concerts, comedians, and other acts to Newark.
See world-renowned orchestras in the main Prudential Hall or more intimate shows in the Victoria Theater. Even if you don’t catch a performance, you can tour NJPAC to see the incredible architecture and theaters yourself. Located downtown, NJPAC is an essential Newark experience.
Tour the Historic James Street Commons District
Name and Location: Masterpieces at Newark Museum, 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102
For a taste of Newark’s past, stroll through the James Street Commons Historic District. This area contains well-preserved 19th century buildings that once housed some of Newark’s early industries and businesses. Notable buildings include the Old City Hall and the Newark Symphony Hall.
You can pick up a free self-guided tour map that will lead you past landmarks like theWM. H. Quinby Co. Spice Mill and Portuguese monuments. It’s a quiet, charming area that provides insight into Newark’s historic prosperity.
See the Masterpieces at Newark Museum
History and Significance: The Newark Museum has an extensive art collection, with strengths in American and Tibetan works. Founded in 1909, it is New Jersey’s largest museum.
What to Expect: American art from the 18th-20th centuries. Asian collections including Tibetan altars. African art & artifacts. Paintings, sculpture, decorative arts.
Visitor Information: Open Wed-Sun. Admission fee applies. Guided tours, museum shop and cafe available.
As the city’s largest museum, Newark Museum houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts. The museum is best known for its Tibetan art, considered one of the best in the Western Hemisphere. Masterpieces not to miss are the Tibetan Buddhist Altar, Asian art galleries, American art, and African art collections.
You’ll also find interesting exhibitions related to science, technology, and cultures around the world. With 80 galleries to explore, you can easily spend hours wandering this exceptional museum in Newark.
Cheer on the NJ Devils
Name and Location: NJ Devils Hockey at Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: The NHL’s New Jersey Devils have played at the Prudential Center since 2007, bringing pro hockey to Newark.
What to Expect: Fast-paced NHL hockey games in an energetic arena setting. Good food, drinks, and fan camaraderie.
Visitor Information: Ticket prices vary. Games occur in hockey season from October to April.
If you’re visiting Newark between October and April, consider catching an NHL hockey game at the Prudential Center. The New Jersey Devils play their home games at The Rock, as the arena is nicknamed. Watching the speedy action of hockey live is sure to get your heart pumping.
The passionate Devils fans also create an energetic environment. The arena is easily accessible in downtown Newark near several restaurants and bars perfect for pre and post-game fun. Whether you’re a diehard hockey fan or just enjoy sports, a Devils game should be on your Newark itinerary.
Conclusion
Although it often flies under the radar, Newark has no shortage of great attractions, entertainment, culture, and dining for visitors to enjoy. From world-class museums and performing arts to historic neighborhoods and professional sports, Newark offers a diversity of experiences.
Next time you’re looking for an interesting urban destination, consider adding Newark to your itinerary and exploring some of these top things to do. With its blossoming revitalization, Newark is a city on the rise that deserves more attention as a destination.