Things to Do in Jersey City: The Local Guide That Makes You Want to Move Here
Jersey City has a way of surprising people. You arrive expecting an extension of Manhattan, but instead you find something with its own personality: more relaxed, more neighborly, and significantly easier to get a dinner reservation in. Whether you're exploring for the weekend or quietly wondering if it’s time to stop paying Manhattan rent, this guide covers the best things to do, and why so many people end up staying for good.
If you’re already thinking ahead, you can browse neighborhoods on our Jersey City Community Page, check availability through our Jersey City Home Search.
Jersey City, NJ Waterfront
1. Start at the Waterfront: Where the Skyline Does Most of the Heavy Lifting
If you want to ease into Jersey City, the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway is the gateway drug. You get sweeping skyline views and a chance to smugly say, “My view is the same as theirs, but my mortgage isn’t.”
Exchange Place, Paulus Hook, and Newport all hand you postcard-worthy angles of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the shimmering river. The waterfront is also where you’ll find families on scooters, joggers pretending they’re not out of breath, and local professionals enjoying a quick break between Zoom calls.
Why locals love it (and buyers too):
Waterfront living means PATH access, ferry access, and the kind of real-estate appreciation that makes your accountant smile.
Neighborhood buildings, Jersey City, NJ
2. Explore the Neighborhoods: Charm, Culture, and a Very Walkable Radius
Jersey City wears its neighborhoods like a patchwork quilt—each one distinct, each one offering something to brag about.
Downtown Jersey City
Think brownstones, brunch, and enough third-wave coffee shops to power a small startup. Newark Ave’s pedestrian plaza is where the city gathers—food, nightlife, music, and the occasional person walking a dog that looks like it’s in witness protection (we’ll get to pet activities soon)
.
The Heights
Perched above Hoboken with sweeping views and creative energy. Here you’ll find art murals, local makers, and some of the best hidden restaurants. It’s basically Brooklyn without the attitude—and with actual parking.
India Square
If you’re hungry, it’s over. The aroma alone will make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about food. Perfect segue: if you want a deeper dive into the restaurant scene, check out our Jersey City Eats Guide.
McGinley Square & Journal Square
Rapidly evolving, highly walkable, and ideal for anyone who likes to get in early on “the next big thing.” Also close to transit hubs—another subtle reminder to consult the Jersey City Commuter Guide before you commit.
Liberty Park, Jersey City
3. Green Spaces & Culture: The City’s More Polished Side
Liberty State Park
Picnic, bike, wander, contemplate life, whatever your style. With views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, it’s an easy favorite for locals. It’s also where many residents decide they’re ready for more space… and then start browsing listings on the Jersey City Home Search.
Powerhouse Arts District (PAD)
Also known as Work and Live District Overlay (WALDO, ) is where industrial grit meets creative energy. Reimagined warehouses, galleries, performance spaces, plus cafés where everyone looks like they’re working on a screenplay.
Orale Mexican Kitchen, Jersey City, NJ
4. Where to Eat & Drink: Yes, Jersey City Holds Its Own
The Jersey City dining scene doesn’t shout for attention—it just quietly outperforms. Whether you’re hunting for pizza that rivals Manhattan, cocktails with skyline views, or a neighborhood spot that knows your order by the second visit, you’ll find it here.
Grove Street & Newark Ave
Restaurants, bakeries, wine bars, and cafés line the pedestrian plaza. It’s lively without being chaotic—great for brunch, date nights, and “I don’t feel like cooking again” dinners.
Paulus Hook
A laid-back waterfront pocket filled with some of the city’s best restaurants and local gems. Think cozy cafés, polished date-night spots, and breezy outdoor seating just steps from the river. It’s the kind of neighborhood where one good meal turns into three because you want to try everything on the block.
Rooftop Bars
Rooftop at Exchange Place and nearby lounges offer panoramic skyline views paired with cocktails. Perfect for sunset, a celebratory night out, or impressing out-of-towners who still think they need to go into Manhattan for a great drink.
For a curated list, explore our Jersey City Eats guide and discover why locals don’t cross the river unless they absolutely have to.
Looking for a curated restaurant list? Explore Jersey City Eats for more.
Jill Biggs and Gordo
5. Things to Do in Jersey City With Your Pets
Because in Jersey City, dogs aren’t just pets, they’re family, roommates, and sometimes personality stand-ins.
Dog Parks
Hamilton Park Dog Run – lively, friendly, and full of dogs who behave better than some adults.
Van Vorst Park Dog Run – shaded, social, and perfect for smaller pups.
Liberty State Park Fields – plenty of space for zoomies.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Many local cafés keep water bowls out front and don’t flinch when your dog insists on saying hello to every human within a four-block radius.
Waterfront Walks
A scenic place to exercise your dog and contemplate whether it’s time to upgrade to a two-bedroom with outdoor space.
6. Things to Do in Jersey City With Kids
One of Jersey City’s best secrets? It’s incredibly kid-friendly, and parents are very, very grateful.
Liberty Science Center
Endless exhibits, hands-on activities, and enough stimulation to guarantee young tots to teens an early bedtime.
Berry Lane Park & Hamilton Park
According to the city, Jersey City has 17 parks, but Barry Lane and Hamilton are some of our favs - playgrounds, fields, spray fountains—kid happiness on tap.
Newport Carousel (closed during the winter)
A small but charming ride that pairs perfectly with an ice cream bribe. You can also take advantage of a huge playground with four jungle gyms, a turf field, boardwalk, outdoor ping-pong tables, and, hello, a view of Manhattan and free WiFi!
NY Waterway Ferry - Jersey City to Manhattan
7. The Commute: Because No One Wants Surprises at 7:30 AM
Jersey City is one of the easiest, most efficient commuter cities in the NYC metro area. Period.
Transit options include:
PATH (to Midtown & FiDi)
Ferry (fast + scenic)
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail
Bus lines linking JC to Hoboken, NYC, and other Hudson County hubs
If your morning routine matters (and it does) visit our Jersey City Commuter Guide for door-to-door breakdowns.
Jersey City Heights
Should You Move Here? The Case for Making Jersey City Home
Jersey City offers that rare combination of city living and relative calm. It’s urban without being exhausting, scenic without being smug, and close to Manhattan without costing Manhattan prices.
Buyers love:
Walkability
Transit access
Waterfront amenities
Incredible dining
Strong resale value
Neighborhood variety
And yes, more space for your money
FAQ for Things to Do in Jersey City
What are the best things to do in Jersey City for first-time visitors?
The best first-day experiences include walking the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, exploring Downtown Jersey City and Newark Ave, visiting Liberty State Park, and trying a few standout restaurants. These activities give you an authentic feel for the city’s neighborhoods, food scene, and skyline access.
Is Jersey City family-friendly?
Yes. Jersey City is known for excellent parks, playgrounds, family-centric neighborhoods, Liberty Science Center, and strong school options. Many families relocate from NYC for more space and a quieter pace while keeping access to Manhattan.
What are the best outdoor activities in Jersey City?
Popular outdoor activities include waterfront biking or jogging, Liberty State Park picnics, dog-friendly activities, local farmers markets, and exploring neighborhood green spaces like Hamilton Park.
What are the best places to eat in Jersey City?
Top spots include Razza, restaurants around Grove Street and Newark Ave, India Square for authentic cuisine, and multiple rooftop bars with skyline views. For a curated list, explore our Jersey City Eats guide.
Is Jersey City walkable?
Yes. Neighborhoods like Downtown, Paulus Hook, Hamilton Park, Journal Square, and the Heights offer extremely walkable layouts with cafés, parks, transit, and restaurants within short distances.
What can you do in Jersey City with pets?
You can visit dog parks, walk the waterfront, stop at pet-friendly cafés, and enjoy Liberty State Park fields. The city is very pet-forward, with many buildings offering pet amenities.
What are the best activities for kids in Jersey City?
Kids love Liberty Science Center, Hamilton Park playgrounds, Berry Lane Park, the Newport Carousel, and seasonal events around the waterfront and pedestrian plaza.
Is Jersey City a good place to live?
Yes! Jersey City is one of the most desirable cities in the NYC metro area. It offers strong housing options, excellent transit, diverse neighborhoods, top restaurants, and high livability for singles, families, and commuters.
Thinking About Making Jersey City Home?
If reading this has you thinking, “Maybe I should just live here,” you’re not wrong, and we can help with that. The Jill Biggs Group knows every block, every building, and every hidden gem that never makes it into the guidebooks.
Whenever you’re ready to turn exploring Jersey City into living in Jersey City, we’ll help you find the perfect spot to call home.
