Things to do in Newark, New Jersey
- Newark is one of the oldest cities in the United States, having been founded by Connecticut Puritans in 1666.
- The city's park system was largely designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm, the successors to the creators of Central Park.
- Newark was a global leader in leather tanning and manufacturing during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- The city's 'Ironbound' district is historically significant for its high concentration of immigrant populations, particularly from Portugal and Brazil.
- Newark Liberty International Airport was the first municipal commercial airport in the United States, opening in 1928.
About Newark, New Jersey
Newark is the most populous city in New Jersey and a primary transportation hub for the New York metropolitan area, featuring a complex intersection of historic architecture and expansive urban park systems. The city is home to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which ranks as one of the largest Gothic-style cathedrals in the United States. Residents and visitors utilize green spaces like Branch Brook Park, famed for its massive collection of cherry blossom trees, and the vast institutional resources of The Newark Museum of Art. Strategically positioned near major transit arteries, the city functions as a central gateway for regional commerce and cultural exchange.
Highlights of Newark, New Jersey
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
This park contains the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States, exceeding the count in Washington D.C.
Temples
Visitors can view extensive French stained glass windows within this massive, 19th-century Gothic-revival structure.
Museums
The museum houses a premier collection of Tibetan art and the historic Ballantine House, a restored Victorian mansion.
Parks
This public square commemorates Harriet Tubman's historical ties to the city and features an iconic monument in her honor.
Museums
This site preserves the laboratory where Thomas Edison developed key technologies that shaped the 20th century.
Parks
Located in the heart of downtown, this historic park serves as a central green gathering point amidst the city's commercial district.
Top things to do in Newark, New Jersey
The 92 highest-rated places in Newark, New Jersey, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Branch Brook Park is a 360-acre urban park designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm, known for housing the largest collecti...
2
Parks
Warinanco Park is a 205-acre park designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the firm founded by the designers of Central Park. T...
3
Parks
Weequahic Park is a 311-acre historic landscape designed by the Olmsted Brothers, located in the South Ward of Newark. T...
4
Temples
The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark is the fifth-largest cathedral in North America and a preeminent ex...
5
Parks
Watsessing Park is a 70-acre linear park designed by the Olmsted Brothers, spanning Bloomfield and East Orange. The Tone...
6
Parks
West Hudson Park is a 183-acre recreational space spanning the border of Kearny and Harrison, New Jersey, designed by th...
7
Museums
The Newark Museum of Art is the largest museum in New Jersey, housing a comprehensive collection that spans American, As...
8
Museums
Thomas Edison National Historical Park preserves the inventor's laboratory complex and his 29-room Queen Anne-style esta...
9
Parks
Military Park is a six-acre urban commons in downtown Newark that has served as a public space since 1667. The site hist...
10
Parks
Monte Irvin Orange Park is a 47-acre public recreation space managed by the Essex County Parks system in New Jersey. The...
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Parks
Eastside Park is a 70-acre historic greenspace located in the Eastside section of Paterson, New Jersey. The park was des...
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Parks
Riverbank Park in Newark’s Ironbound district is a historic 10.74-acre park designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers la...
13
Historical places
Edgemont Park is a 15-acre municipal park in Montclair, New Jersey, characterized by its central man-made pond fed by To...
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Temples
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Historical places
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Temples
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Zoos
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Parks
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Temples
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Temples
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Temples
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Temples
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Temples
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Parks
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Historical places
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Temples
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Newark, New Jersey on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Newark, New Jersey
April, when the cherry blossoms in Branch Brook Park reach peak bloom, or autumn for mild temperatures.
2-3 days
The city is highly accessible via NJ Transit trains, the Newark Light Rail, and PATH trains, though ride-sharing is common for navigating between neighborhood pockets.
The downtown district is best for immediate access to transit and cultural institutions, while the Ironbound neighborhood is preferred for its dense concentration of dining options.
Mid-range; hotel rates are generally lower than in nearby Manhattan, though transit and dining costs remain consistent with the broader New York metro area.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 92 curated attractions in and around Newark, New Jersey, ranked by traveller ratings.
Branch Brook Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Newark, New Jersey right now.
The largest category is temples, with 32 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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