Things to do in New Brunswick, New Jersey
- New Brunswick was incorporated as a city in 1784, just one year after the signing of the Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolutionary War.
- The city is often referred to as the 'Healthcare City' due to the massive presence of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and the corporate headquarters of Johnson & Johnson.
- The first-ever college football game was played in New Brunswick on November 6, 1869, between Rutgers and Princeton.
- The city maintains a unique 'college town' atmosphere that exists alongside its identity as a significant regional transit hub for commuters heading to New York City.
About New Brunswick, New Jersey
New Brunswick serves as a central hub for higher education and healthcare, anchored by the extensive campus of Rutgers University. The city is defined by its transit-oriented downtown corridor and its status as a major regional medical center in Middlesex County. Visitors can explore academic culture at the Zimmerli Art Museum, Rutgers University or retreat to the expansive trails at Johnson Park. The local landscape is complemented by regional spiritual landmarks like the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Edison located just a short distance away. Its strategic position along the Raritan River bridges the gap between industrial history and modern academic development.
Highlights of New Brunswick, New Jersey
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Explore an extensive collection of over 60,000 works, including significant Russian art and American prints.
Parks
Walk through 180 acres of botanical collections, including an American holly collection and bamboo groves.
Venues
Experience Big Ten college football atmosphere at the primary home field for Rutgers athletics.
Temples
Admire the intricate hand-carved Italian marble and pink sandstone architecture of this traditional Hindu mandir.
Parks
Enjoy riverside recreational space that stretches along the Raritan River, offering picnic areas and trails.
Venues
Visit this multipurpose arena to watch major collegiate basketball and wrestling events.
Parks
Interact with farm animals in a scenic, educational setting suitable for families.
Temples
Visit a central community hub for local residents and students to participate in religious and social events.
Top things to do in New Brunswick, New Jersey
The 107 highest-rated places in New Brunswick, New Jersey, ranked by travellers.
1
Venues
The PNC Bank Arts Center is a 17,500-capacity open-air amphitheater located directly off the Garden State Parkway in Hol...
2
Parks
Roosevelt Park is a 217-acre county recreational facility located in Edison, New Jersey. The park features the Plays-in-...
3
Parks
Cheesequake State Park is a distinct ecological transition zone where northern hardwood forests and southern pine barren...
4
Parks
Holmdel Park is a 563-acre Monmouth County facility centered around the historic Longstreet Farm, an operating 1890s liv...
5
Parks
Raritan Bay Waterfront Park is a expansive 124-acre recreational facility located along the Raritan Bay shoreline in Say...
6
Parks
Merrill Park is a 182-acre public facility in Colonia, New Jersey, operated by the Middlesex County Department of Parks...
7
Parks
Keyport Waterfront Park serves as the primary public recreation space along the Raritan Bay shoreline in New Jersey. The...
8
Parks
Deep Cut Gardens is a 54-acre horticultural park in Middletown Township, New Jersey, designed for both public education...
9
Parks
Monmouth Battlefield State Park preserves the site of the longest one-day battle of the American Revolutionary War, foug...
10
Parks
Johnson Park is a 473-acre multi-use recreational area situated along the banks of the Raritan River. The park features...
11
Parks
Rutgers Gardens is a 180-acre botanical garden managed by Rutgers University, serving as both a public green space and a...
12
Venues
SHI Stadium is the primary home venue for the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights football team. Located on the Busch Cam...
13
Parks
Oak Ridge Park is a 77-acre recreational facility located in Clark, New Jersey, managed by the Union County Parks Depart...
14
Temples
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Edison is a traditional Hindu place of worship constructed according to ancient Ved...
15
Parks
Conference House Park is located at the southernmost point of New York State on the shores of the Arthur Kill and Rarita...
16
Venues
Jersey Mike’s Arena, originally known as the Rutgers Athletic Center (RAC), serves as the primary home court for Rutgers...
17
Parks
Johnson Park is a 473-acre Middlesex County park spanning both sides of the Raritan River, connected by the John A. Lync...
18
Parks
Sayreville Kennedy Park is a 30-acre municipal recreation area located along the banks of the Raritan River. The park fe...
19
Parks
Crystal Springs Family Waterpark is a municipal aquatic facility located within the 43-acre Frost Woods Park. The waterp...
20
Amusement parks
Sky Zone South Plainfield is an indoor active entertainment venue featuring wall-to-wall interconnected trampolines. The...
21
Temples
The Muslim Center of Middlesex County (MCMC) is a prominent community hub and religious institution located in Piscatawa...
22
Parks
Johnson Park Animal Haven is a public wildlife sanctuary located along the banks of the Raritan River in Piscataway, New...
23
Venues
Plays In The Park is an outdoor musical theater venue located within Roosevelt Park in Edison, New Jersey. Operated by t...
24
Parks
Bicentennial Park is a community recreation space situated along Hardenburg Lane in East Brunswick, New Jersey. The park...
25
Museums
The Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum is a leading university art museum located on the Rutgers University campus in New...
26
Parks
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Museums
28
Parks
29
Museums
30
Parks
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New Brunswick, New Jersey on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to New Brunswick, New Jersey
Late spring and early autumn are ideal, as the mild temperatures are perfect for touring the university campus and outdoor parks like Rutgers Gardens.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to visit the university museums, local parks, and surrounding regional cultural centers.
The city is highly walkable downtown near the train station, with NJ Transit rail service and local buses providing regional connectivity.
Stay in the downtown district near Easton Avenue for immediate access to restaurants, the train station, and the Rutgers University campus.
Mid-range; lodging and dining prices reflect the influence of a large university population and proximity to the New York City metropolitan area.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 107 curated attractions in and around New Brunswick, New Jersey, ranked by traveller ratings.
PNC Bank Arts Center is the highest-rated place to visit in New Brunswick, New Jersey right now.
The largest category is parks, with 44 places to explore.
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