Looking for the best things to do in Jersey City? Just across the Hudson from Manhattan, Jersey City pairs some of the best NYC skyline views anywhere with a booming food-and-arts scene. Locals point to the waterfront at Exchange Place and Newport, Liberty State Park (with ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island), the murals and restaurants of downtown and the Grove Street area, and Journal Square. Here’s how JC residents actually spend their time.
Things to do in Jersey City, by area
The Waterfront (Exchange Place & Newport)
The J. Owen Grundy pier and the waterfront walkway deliver postcard Manhattan skyline views — some of the best in the metro — plus riverside dining.
Liberty State Park
Green space, the Liberty Science Center, skyline and Statue of Liberty views, and ferries to Ellis Island and the Statue.
Downtown & Grove Street
Jersey City’s dining-and-nightlife heart — murals, breweries, and one of the most diverse restaurant scenes around, plus a lively farmers market.
Journal Square & The Heights
The restored Loew’s Jersey Theatre, global eats, and hilltop views from the Heights.
Things to do in Jersey City at night
Downtown and the Grove Street area lead for bars, breweries and dining, with rooftop and waterfront spots framing the Manhattan skyline after dark. The PATH puts NYC nightlife minutes away too.
Free things to do in Jersey City
- The waterfront walkway and skyline views
- Liberty State Park
- The downtown murals
- Views from the Heights
Things to do in Jersey City for couples & families
Couples love a sunset skyline walk and a downtown dinner; families head to Liberty State Park and the Liberty Science Center. Both are an easy PATH ride from Manhattan’s attractions.
What Jersey City locals actually recommend
Which downtown restaurants are worth it, the best skyline-view spots, what’s happening this weekend — that comes from people who live here. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ Jersey City community, real JC neighbors answer “what should I actually do this weekend?” Join your Jersey City neighbors free →
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Jersey City?
Take in the Manhattan skyline from the waterfront at Exchange Place, visit Liberty State Park and the Liberty Science Center, explore downtown’s murals and diverse restaurants around Grove Street, and catch a show at the restored Loew’s Jersey Theatre in Journal Square.
What is there to do in Jersey City at night?
Downtown and the Grove Street area lead for bars, breweries and dining, with waterfront and rooftop spots framing the skyline. Manhattan’s nightlife is also a short PATH ride away.
What are free things to do in Jersey City?
The waterfront walkway and skyline views, Liberty State Park, and the downtown murals are all free.
Is Jersey City a good place to visit near NYC?
Yes — it offers the best Manhattan skyline views in the region, a strong food scene, and Liberty State Park, all minutes from NYC by PATH train.