While Newark's airport is a primary hub for visitors traveling to or through the New York City region, Newark is an appealing travel destination on its own. Explore the city, which was established in the 1600s and maintains numerous historic attractions. Hotels in the downtown area and outlying suburbs are close to major cultural activities ranging from top museums to neighborhoods with cuisine and culture of varying ethnicities. Decide where to stay to be in the best spot for a great vacation combining culture, history, outdoor activities, and delicious food.
Where to stay
in Newark
Great Neighborhoods for Culture
Hotels in Downtown Newark are in the heart of the action, where NHL hockey, performing arts, museums, the symphony, and special events provide endless entertainment options. The Newark Museum features an impressive Tibetan art collection. Inspiring religious structures here include the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, one of the largest churches in the United States. Accommodations in Harrison, just east of the Passaic River, are also near these downtown sites and very close to a venue for major league soccer. Stay near the Ironbound district to experience a small neighborhood filled with Portuguese culture and cuisine. To the west, Gateways to Newark {Portraits} features some of the nation's longest outdoor murals.
Downtown Newark
Noted for its live music and theaters, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Newark. Top attractions like Prudential Center and New Jersey Performing Arts Center are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Military Park Station or Washington Street Station to see more of the city.
Harrison
Harrison is popular for its abundant dining options, and you can check out Red Bull Arena, a top attraction in the neighborhood.
Where to Stay for Outdoor Activities
Newark's choices for outdoor activities extend from the center of the city to numerous outlying suburbs. Stay in Downtown Newark in the spring to see cherry blossoms bloom on thousands of trees in Branch Brook Park near the large Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Book a hotel in Irvington to explore the Judith L. Shipley Urban Environmental Center for relaxing in a lovely green space and joining environmental education classes. West Orange is a great place to stay for golf. Enjoy views of New York City from Eagle Rock Reservation and visit Turtle Back Zoo at South Mountain Reservation. Hotels in the Elizabeth neighborhood are near golf and horseback riding, while Linden is great for booking helicopter sightseeing rides over New York City.
Downtown Newark
Noted for its live music and theaters, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Newark. Top attractions like Prudential Center and New Jersey Performing Arts Center are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Military Park Station or Washington Street Station to see more of the city.
West Orange
West Orange is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Eagle Rock Reservation and Turtle Back Zoo while in the area.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like The Mills at Jersey Gardens and Warinanco Park.
Irvington
Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Irvington. You might consider a stop by Montgomery Park while you're exploring the neighborhood.
Linden
Linden is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Warinanco Park and Wilson Park while you're in town.
Best Areas to Stay for History
Settled in the 1600s, Newark has a lot of interesting history. Stay in the Downtown Newark neighborhood to learn about the past via exhibits in the Museum of the Old First Ward and New Jersey Historical Society. The Jewish Museum and Portuguese development in the Ironbound district highlight some of the city's diverse ethnic development. Hotels in Montclair are near the Montclair History Center, where homes from the 1700s and 1800s preserve the past. Book a hotel in Union to tour the living museum of the Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University, built in 1772. Stay northeast of Newark near Paramus to tour 18th-century homes of the River Edge neighborhood. West Orange is the place to stay to explore the Thomas Edison Home.
Downtown Newark
Noted for its live music and theaters, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Newark. Top attractions like Prudential Center and New Jersey Performing Arts Center are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Military Park Station or Washington Street Station to see more of the city.
Montclair
You'll enjoy the gardens and live music in Montclair. You might want to make time for a stop at Montclair Art Museum or Wellmont Theatre.
West Orange
West Orange is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Eagle Rock Reservation and Turtle Back Zoo while in the area.
Union
You'll enjoy the shopping and golf courses in Union. You might want to make time for a stop at Liberty Hall Museum or Alumni Stadium.
