//
Most populous city in New Jersey, United States
Photo: Fody, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Newark is New Jersey's largest city and second largest in Metro New York. Although one of the great historic cities of the Northeast and the most culture-rich city in the state, Newark is often overlooked in favor of Goliath-like Manhattan and towns along the Hudson River, such as Jersey City and Hoboken. While no longer the industrial powerhouse it once was, Newark remains one of America's major shipping, rail, and air hubs. Public transportation is abundant, making it easy to get to, from, and around the city.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a French Gothic-styled cathedral, the fourth largest in North America boasting upwards of 200 stained glass windows and 14 giant bells cast in Italy. The cathedral hosts a number of symphony orchestras and other concerts, in addition to serving as the mother church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark. It is north of downtown Newark, across from Branch Brook Park, and accessible by light rail.
The museum complex incorporates 80 galleries of art and science, a mini zoo, planetarium, cafe, auditorium, sculpture garden, a schoolhouse from the 1780s and the Ballantine House, the restored 1885 mansion that is a National Historic Landmark.
Described by the New York Times as "a feisty alternative art space in Newark, often shows artwork that has a razor-sharp social and political edge."
CWOW
Contemporary art gallery.
Contemporary art gallery.
Large three-wall outdoor mural completed in 2025 by Newark artist Unicorn151 with collaborators Torch Fuego and Knod The Artist. It celebrates global football culture and the multicultural Ironbound neighborhood and is one of Newark’s most photographed public artworks. Free to visit and easily viewed from the sidewalk.
A vibrant mural created in 2024 by Newark artist Unicorn151 with Suliman Onque. Bright colors and puzzle-inspired imagery highlight neurodiversity, family and community healing. The mural is free to visit and visible from the sidewalk in a quiet residential area.
Branch Brook Park contains 360 acres of open meadowland and small patches of woodland on gently rolling terrain. More than 4,100 cherry trees that blossom during April are greater both in variety and number than the famed trees in Washington, D.C. The park is 1.7 miles from downtown, and accessible by light rail. Includes spectacular views of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
A park downtown that began as a militia training green in the 1600s. Wars of America monument is an imposing work of Mount Rushmore artist Gutzon Borglum. In the summer on Thursdays, the park hosts Common Greens, a farmers market.
A very big park with a golf course and large lake. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers.
It hosts the NHL's New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University basketball, New Jersey Ironmen MISL (indoor soccer), and concerts.
Friday night and Sunday brunch jazz series
Home to hockey team New Jersey Devils and hosts other college and professional teams, including the Seton Hall Pirates and the NJIT Highlanders.
classic diner at great prices
Plain and designer burgers, etc.
Bar menu.
Amazing Latin food.
This restaurant is one of the best Portuguese restaurants in the ironbound district of Newark. They give large portions and it has some of the best Sangria in the neighborhood. Delicious fish.
in the Ironbound
Courteous, clean, and very convenient
An at-your-own-risk bargain in up-and-coming historic district.
Harrison PATH station across river from Downtown. Owned by Marriott.
The hotel is in the nearby town of Harrison but serves as a hotel for the city of Newark.
Gateway Center, within walking distance to many local attractions and connected by skywalk to the train station downtown with easy connections to Manhattan and airport.
Renovated, runs free guest shuttles both to Newark Penn Station as well as to Newark Airport. Rooms at back have views of Manhattan while those at front have views of Military Park and Broad Street. NJPAC is across the street.
boutique hotel, newest in Newark near NJPAC, Military Park.
By plane
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is about 5 mi (8 km) south of downtown. It is a major hub for United Airlines, and is served by numerous other domestic and international carriers.
By train
Newark Broad Street Station is served by New Jersey Transit's Montclair-Boonton Line, Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch with trains to suburbs to the west and Hoboken Terminal, Secaucus Junction,…
By car
Route 21 (McCarter Hwy) runs north-south along the railroad tracks a few blocks east of downtown.
By bus
Newark Penn Station is also the city's bus terminal and is served by NJ Transit local and regional buses, Greyhound and others., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Boston.
The Newark Light Rail runs two lines that originate at Penn Station. The City Subway Line (shown in blue on maps) has service to University Heights, Branch Brook Park and Grove Street (in adjacent Bloomfield).
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Newark · International · EWR
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Newark and United States.
Nature & adventureHow to use the America the Beautiful pass, navigate timed-entry reservations and win hiking permits across America's top national parks.
7 min read
Travel tipsHow to master the NYC subway with OMNY contactless pay, dodge airport transfer traps and explore iconic Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods.
7 min read
ItinerariesHow to plan the classic California Highway 1 road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, navigating Big Sur closures, coastal stops and vehicle tips.
6 min read
Travel tipsSplitting a city stay between two hotels can cut costs, save hours of travel and buy you a night of luxury. Here is how to do it well.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.