New Brunswick Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, activities, and cultural highlights of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Plan your trip with our week-long itinerary and learn more about the city's food, accommodation, and transportation options.


Introduction to New Brunswick

New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a charming city that offers visitors a mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventures. Located in Middlesex County, New Brunswick is part of the Gateway region in the Mid-Atlantic of the United States. With its proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia, New Brunswick makes for a great destination for both weekend getaways and longer vacations.

List of Places to Visit in New Brunswick

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

New Brunswick is home to several museums and historical landmarks that showcase the city’s rich history and culture. Here are some of the must-visit cultural attractions:

Natural Attractions of New Brunswick: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, New Brunswick won’t disappoint. Here are some of the top natural attractions in the city:

  • Rutgers Gardens - a 180-acre botanical garden that showcases diverse collections of plants from around the world.

  • Boyd Park - a riverside park that offers stunning views of the Raritan River and the city skyline.

  • Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park - a 70-mile-long park that traverses several towns in Middlesex and Mercer Counties. Visitors can bike, hike, or kayak along the canal and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

  • The D&R Canal Trail - a 34-mile-long multi-use path that runs along the Delaware and Raritan Canal and connects several towns, including New Brunswick.

Hiking/Biking Routes of New Brunswick

If you want to explore New Brunswick by foot or bike, the city has several trails and routes that you can take. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • The Rutgers Ecological Preserve Trail - a 360-acre nature reserve that offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, ranging from easy strolls to rugged terrain.

  • The D&R Canal Trail - a scenic path that runs along the Delaware and Raritan Canal and offers flat terrain that is perfect for biking or walking.

  • The Raritan River Greenway Trail - a 3.7-mile-long path that runs along the Raritan River and offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in New Brunswick: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, biking, and exploring the city’s cultural attractions, there are plenty of other things to do in New Brunswick. Here are some of the best activities and tours:

Week-Long Itinerary for New Brunswick

If you’re planning a week-long trip to New Brunswick, here’s a sample itinerary that you can follow:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Zimmerli Art Museum, Rutgers Gardens, and Boyd Park
Day 2 Take a guided tour of the Thomas Edison Center, explore the Rutgers University campus, and have lunch at Old Man Rafferty’s
Day 3 Hike the Rutgers Ecological Preserve Trail, have dinner at Destination Dogs, and catch a show at the State Theatre
Day 4 Take the Hub City Food Tour, visit the Rutgers University Geology Museum, and catch a Rutgers football game
Day 5 Bike the D&R Canal Trail, explore the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, and have dinner at Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe
Day 6 Visit the Buccleuch Mansion, walk the Raritan River Greenway Trail, and have lunch at Hansel ‘n Griddle
Day 7 Relax at the Roosevelt Park Family Ice Skating Rink, visit The Stress Factory Comedy Club, and have dinner at Blackthorn Restaurant and Irish Pub

Food and Drink Scene of New Brunswick

Must-Try Dishes

New Brunswick’s food scene is diverse and offers plenty of options for both casual and fine dining. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

  • Fat Sandwiches - a Rutgers University staple, fat sandwiches are a New Brunswick icon that consists of a hoagie roll filled with a medley of sandwiches ingredients such as burgers, chicken fingers, and mozzarella sticks.

  • Taylor ham and egg sandwich - a breakfast sandwich that features Taylor ham, egg, and cheese on a bagel or a roll.

  • Zaatar Chicken Pita - a Middle-Eastern-inspired sandwich that consists of grilled chicken, tahini, mixed greens, and zaatar spices, all wrapped in a pita.

Local Beverages

Apart from its food scene, New Brunswick also has its share of local breweries and bars. Here are some of the top local beverages to try:

  • Rutgers Scarlet Knight Ale - a beer brewed by the Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe that pays homage to the Rutgers University mascot.

  • Jersey Peach Tea - a non-alcoholic peach flavored tea that is brewed by the Old Man Rafferty’s restaurant.

  • The Scarlet Letter Cocktail - a signature drink of The Frog and the Peach, a popular fine dining restaurant in New Brunswick. The cocktail is made with Apple Brandy, Cynar, orange bitters, and a splash of lemon juice.

Where to Stay in New Brunswick: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

New Brunswick offers a variety of options for accommodation, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the top places to stay in the city:

What to Buy in New Brunswick: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring back home from New Brunswick, here are some of the best options:

  • Rutgers University gear - you can find a range of Rutgers University t-shirts, caps, and other fan gear at the campus bookstore or at Scarlet Fever, a local store that specializes in Rutgers merchandise.

  • Breakfast Foods - Taylor ham, bagels, and homemade apple cider are some of the breakfast foods that you can buy at local farmers’ markets and delis.

  • Middlesex County freeholder’s cookbook - a cookbook that showcases the diverse cuisine of Middlesex County, New Jersey. It is available for purchase at the website of the County Clerk’s Office.

Local Culture and Customs of New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a diverse and multicultural city, where residents come from all over the world. Visitors to New Brunswick should expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere and should take the time to explore the city’s many cultural offerings, from art galleries and museums to festivals and street fairs.

Best Time to Visit New Brunswick

The best time to visit New Brunswick is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are less heavy. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of New Brunswick

Do:

  • Do take the time to explore the city’s outdoor spaces, from the canal paths to the botanical gardens.

  • Do try the local food, including the famous fat sandwiches.

  • Do visit the Rutgers University campus and attend a sports event or explore the art museums.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.

  • Don’t overlook the city’s cultural offerings, from small museums to live music venues.

  • Don’t forget to tip at least 15-20% at restaurants and bars.

Safety and Health

Safety in New Brunswick

New Brunswick is considered a safe city for visitors. However, as with any urban area, visitors should be cautious and aware of their surroundings, especially when traveling alone at night.

Health in New Brunswick

Visitors to New Brunswick should take the usual health precautions, such as washing their hands frequently and staying up to date on their vaccinations. The city has several hospitals and medical centers, including the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and the Saint Peter’s University Hospital.

Getting to New Brunswick: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near New Brunswick

The closest airport to New Brunswick is the Newark Liberty International Airport, which is located approximately 20 miles away.

Bus Stations Near New Brunswick

New Brunswick is served by several bus companies, including Greyhound and NJ Transit, which stop at the New Brunswick train station.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach New Brunswick by train, with Amtrak and NJ Transit trains serving the city regularly. The city also has a downtown taxi service.

How to Get Around in New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a walkable city, and many of the top attractions are within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also take advantage of the city’s bus system, which operates several routes throughout the city.

Where to Go Next from New Brunswick: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of New Jersey, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Princeton - a charming university town that features museums, art galleries, and historic colonial architecture.

  • Six Flags Great Adventure - a popular amusement park that is located approximately an hour’s drive from New Brunswick.

  • Atlantic City - the iconic beach resort town that is home to casinos, boardwalks, and a variety of entertainment venues.

Conclusion

New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a city that offers visitors a mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventures. From the museums and historic landmarks to the biking trails and scenic views, there’s something for everyone in this charming city. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your trip to New Brunswick and discover all that this great city has to offer.

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