Newark is unfairly cast as an unfriendly city. Quite to the contrary, the city welcomes millions of visitors each year to shop, enjoy the beautiful public parks, take in a concert or theatre performance, and sample the delicious cuisine at the city’s diverse restaurants. If you’re planning a trip to Newark, here are some tips to help you get the most from your stay.
Finding Cheap Hotels
Newark’s proximity to New York City, and its reputation as a sophisticated urban center in its own right, can drive up the price of lodgings, especially in the downtown area. If you’re looking for bargains on Newark hotels, consider booking during the off-season, staying in neighborhoods away from the downtown business district, or exploring room share options. You can also find last-minute deals and discount packages for weekend visitors. Hotels near the airport are typically less expensive, but transportation into town can take up to an hour each way.
Enjoy the Public Parks
Newark has a surprisingly appealing array of public parks and recreational spaces. In fact, Branch Brook Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, has the largest collection of cherry trees in the nation. With more than 4,300 trees, the park bursts into bloom each spring with a dazzling display of pastel colors and sweet fragrance. Olmsted’s influence is also evident in the sweeping green lawns of Weequahic Park in Newark’s South Ward. Independence Park in the Ironbound is a cheerful urban space with playgrounds, soccer pitches, and a gazebo, perfect for whiling away an afternoon.
Explore the Restaurants and Culture
Running along Broad Street (Newark’s main thoroughfare) and near the revitalized Military Park, a plethora of charming restaurants, eclectic bistros, and bustling art collectives have taken root. Halsey Street in particular, which runs parallel to Broad, has undergone a cultural renaissance. Spend an afternoon exploring this thriving district, sampling the fare at Elbow Room and Green Chicpea, and browsing nonprofit galleries like Aljira and City Without Walls.
Don’t Miss the Ironbound
This gritty urban district, the city’s most densely populated, is home to Newark’s hip nightlife and entertainment, as well as a vibrant shopping and business area. The district’s Portuguese, Iberian, and Brazilian heritage is keenly displayed in its rich ethnic restaurants and boutiques. If you’re in Newark looking for night-time fun, you’ll find it in the bars, lounges, and clubs of the Ironbound. Don’t miss the delectable treats on historic Ferry Street’s “Restaurant Row.”
In the past, Newark was considered more of an airport city than a destination in its own right, but that impression is changing fast. The city has an active sports fan base; catch the Stanley Cup-winning Devils at the Prudential Center for an adrenalin-boosting adventure. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) hosts world-class concerts, theatre, and dance troupes, and the Lincoln Park Music Festival brings the best in jazz, hip hop, and blues to downtown Newark. There’s plenty to love about this historic city.
Have you visited Newark recently? Share your favorite tips and adventures in the comments below.
Sheila Westin is a freelance travel writer and food blogger who writes about the charms, cuisine, and culture of the places she visits. When she’s not on the road, Sheila enjoys exploring the excellent restaurants and jazz clubs of her native Washington, DC. Sheila is a writer for the #HipmunkCityLove project.
