Newark Travel Guide (Essex County/Gateway/New Jersey/Mid-Atlantic/United States of America/North America)

Introduction to Newark

Newark is located in Essex County, in Gateway, in New Jersey, in Mid-Atlantic, in the United States of America, in North America. It is the largest city in New Jersey, and it has a rich cultural and historical background. Newark houses a lot of beautiful parks, restaurants, and museums.

List of Places to Visit in Newark

If you are visiting Newark, here are the top places to visit in the city:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Newark Museum of Art: The museum has over 80 galleries of art, a planetarium, and a sculpture garden.
Newark Public Library: This library has one of the largest collections of U.S. Government documents in the state of New Jersey.
Military Park: This historic site is the central square of Newark and is surrounded by many cultural institutions.

Natural Attractions of Newark: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Branch Brook Park: This park houses cherry blossom trees and has a beautiful cherry blossom festival every year.
Riverfront Park: This park has a beautiful view of the Hudson River.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Newark

If you’re looking for adventure in Newark, some of the best hiking and biking routes include:

Weequahic Park: This park is eight miles of dedicated bike lanes through a picturesque, 311-acre park.
Branch Brook Park: This park is a wonderful location for a bike ride with scenic views of a beautiful lake.

Best Things to Do in Newark: Activities and Tours

When in Newark, here are the top activities and tours to consider:

Newark Museum: Guided tours of the different exhibitions in the museum
Newark Symphony Hall: This hall offers a variety of concerts, shows, and events throughout the year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Newark

Here is a seven-day itinerary to make the most of your Newark trip.

Day	Activities
Day 1	Visit the Newark Museum later in the afternoon, then take a walk to Branch Brook Park in the evening.
Day 2	Explore Military Park in the morning, then visit the Newark Public Library and Newark Symphony Hall in the afternoon.
Day 3	Start your day with a bike ride in Weequahic Park, followed by lunch at Bob’s Barbecue. In the evening, visit the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
Day 4	Visit the Prudential Center for a concert or sports event.
Day 5	Take a scenic drive to Riverfront Park and explore the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.
Day 6	Visit the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Newark Museum of Art in the morning, then grab some pizza at Mercato Tomato Pie for lunch.
Day 7	Enjoy a day out at South Mountain Reservation, then visit the Ironbound neighborhood for dinner.

Food and Drink Scene of Newark

Newark has a diverse Food and Drink scene with something for everyone. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Portuguese-style seafood stew at Seabra’s Marisqueira
Tomato pie from Queen Margherita Pizza
Pastrami sandwich from Hobby’s Delicatessen

Local Beverages

Newark Cider: A dry cider made with New Jersey apples by Ironbound Hard Cider
Carton Brewing’s Boat Strong Ale: A strong-bodied beer perfect for sipping at a local brewery in the city.

Where to Stay in Newark: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some of the top hotels, hostels and guesthouses to consider when visiting Newark:

Hotel Indigo Newark Downtown: A stylish boutique hotel located downtown.
Best Western Plus Robert Treat Hotel: A 3.5-star hotel that is close to Newark Museum and Prudential Center.
Union Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection: A chic boutique hotel located near the Newark Liberty International Airport.

What to Buy in Newark: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home from Newark:

Artwork: Visit the Newark Museum of Art gift shop for pieces from local artists.
Newark Memorabilia: Visit the Newark Public Library gift shop to find Newark-themed t-shirts, mugs, and more.
Portuguese Wine: Ironbound Hard Cider offers wine made by local wineries in Portugal.

Local Culture and Customs of Newark

Newark is a culturally diverse city, and its locals are proud of their traditions. The city also celebrates many festivals throughout the year, including the Cherry Blossom Festival in Branch Brook Park and the Celebrate Portugal Festival in the Ironbound District. As a visitor, respect the culture and customs of the residents and enjoy your stay in Newark.

Best Time to Visit Newark

The best time to visit Newark is during the months of March through June, during the springtime, when the Cherry Blossom Festival is happening. The late summer months of August and September are also recommended as the temperature cools down, and the city is less busy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Newark

Do:

Visit the Newark Museum and learn about the city’s history.
Explore the Ironbound neighborhood and indulge in some Portuguese food.

Don’t:

Do not walk alone at night in some areas as they can be dangerous.
Do not speed or ignore traffic signs when driving around Newark.

Safety and Health

Safety in Newark

As with any large city, safety concerns may arise, but Newark is generally safe during the day. It is advisable to avoid some areas after dark or to travel with a companion. The city is also equipped with emergency services to provide assistance if required.

Health in Newark

Newark has several hospitals and medical facilities available to visitors. It is recommended for visitors to purchase travel insurance and to check if their current health insurance covers medical expenses in a foreign country.

Getting to Newark: Transportation Options and Logistics

Newark is accessible by various modes of transportation, including:

Airports Near Newark

Newark Liberty International Airport
LaGuardia Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport

Bus Stations Near Newark

Greyhound Bus Station
New Jersey Transit Bus
Peter Pan Bus Lines

Other Options

Amtrak train service to Newark Penn Station
NJ Transit train service to other parts of New Jersey and New York City.

How to Get Around in Newark

The easiest way to navigate Newark is by car or public transportation. NJ Transit buses and trains serve the city, and taxi services are also available. Biking and walking are alternative modes of transportation for tourists who prefer sightseeing while getting around.

Where to Go Next from Newark: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore the area, some nearby destinations and excursions include:

Take a day trip to New York City and visit the famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty or Empire State Building.
Visit the Princeton University campus and explore the town’s historic district.

Conclusion

Newark, New Jersey, is a destination full of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its diverse attractions and friendly locals, it is a must-visit location for tourists. Whether you’re looking to go on a hiking expedition or explore the city’s museums and cultural institutions, Newark has something for everyone. We hope this tour guide will help you make the most of your trip to Newark!