Things to do in Jersey City
Manhattan’s next-door neighbor
Jersey City is a place that straddles two worlds. The second-largest city in New Jersey after Newark, it is also part of the New York City metropolitan area, and its waterfront views look right onto the heights of Manhattan’s skyline. Technically, Jersey City’s biggest claims to fame are the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, both of which fall within its jurisdiction. As the most diverse city in the United States, its dynamic neighborhoods, multicultural restaurants, Powerhouse Arts District, and Liberty Science Center also number among its charms.
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Liberty State Park
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When to visit
Spring is an excellent time to visit Jersey City. The full summer crowds won’t yet have descended on the ever-popular Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, while the weather will reward travelers strolling the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. Autumn is also another good time to visit, thanks to popular annual events like the Annual Cultural Diversity Festival and the McGinley Square Live Music Series.
Getting around
The closest airport to Jersey City is Newark Liberty International Airport. The Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) transit system serves four different stations in Jersey City (Newport, Exchange Place, Grove Street, and Journal Square) and two in Manhattan (World Trade Center and 33 Street). Transit trains and buses can also be used to navigate the city. Ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island can be caught at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
Traveler tips
New York City might be known for its pizza, but as the New York Times’ restaurant critic Pete Wells controversially claimed, the area’s best pizza is actually found in Jersey City, at a restaurant called Razza. Try the classic margherita as well as in-house specialties, and make the call for yourself.