Newark

Understand

English is the main language, but the Ironbound area is home to a significant Brazilian and Portuguese population. Newark, NJ, is pronounced "Noo-wirk", as opposed to Newark, Delaware, which is pronounced "Noo-ark". Locals will often pronounce it "Nork" or "Nerk".

History The city was founded in the year 1666 by Puritans from New Haven Colony. It was named after Newark-on-Trent in England. Three centuries later, the population grew rapidly. Industry also grew constantly. The city even had its own Chinatown. However, in the 20th century, many raids took place, and much of the Chinese population went away to other areas, causing Newark's Chinatown to fade away. Things only got worse as more racial tension and riots occurred in the city. In the 1990s, the city went through tons of revitalization efforts. Today, the city has grown back into an important industrial hub, however some things such as the old Chinatown and the city's good reputation were forever lost. Despite this, the city still shines with culture and history, and also has the oldest county park in the United States, Branch Brook Park. There is also a huge Portuguese and Brazilian population in Ironbound. Although the city is usually overlooked by Manhattan and it is not the glimmering gem it used to be, the city is still worth a visit.

Districts

The city is divided into five wards, each with its own character. Downtown has retained much of early 20th century architecture and has an iconic skyline. Nearly 100,000 people commute to the central business district on workdays, making for a lively urban landscape. Since the millennium it has become more residential as former office buildings and warehouses are converted to housing. A new performing arts complex and sports/concert venue and restaurants have encouraged visitors to linger longer into the night, particularly along Halsey Street and Edison Street. The North Ward is home to Branch Brook Park, site of the nation's largest collection of cherry blossom trees, and the neo-Gothic Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Surrounding neighborhoods include architecturally interesting suburban enclaves on the east and bustling urban districts on the west. The East Ward, or the Ironbound, is home to a large Portuguese/Brazilian community, with a "restaurant row" offering a cornucopia of eating establishments for every budget. The South Ward, once the heart of the Jewish community and home to the Weequahic Park and architectural gems, has fallen on hard times, and is where much of the city's crime is concentrated. The West Ward, including Vail

Getting there

Newark has great transportation, and is very easy to get into and out of.

By plane 1 Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR IATA) 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. JFK International Airport (JFK IATA) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA IATA) are in Queens, New York, and are served by additional carriers who do not fly to EWR directly. Airport information can be obtained by calling +1-888-EWR-INFO or ☏ +1 973-961-6000. AirTrain Newark shuttles between the airport's parking facilities, three terminals, and train station, where frequent New Jersey Transit (NJT) service is a ten minute ride to downtown. NJT bus #62 and the limited stop GoBus 28 also both travel to downtown, the latter with continuing service to North Newark. Taxi service is based on a flat-fee determined by destination and paid before the trip begins.

By train

2 Newark Penn Station (Amtrak code NWK, ZRP IATA), 1 Raymond Plaza West. It is a few blocks from the heart of downtown Newark. It's a beautiful old McKim Mead & White building and worth visiting just on its own. (updated Oct 2023) Train operators: Amtrak, ☏ +1 215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245. Operates trains throughout the United States of America. (updated Dec 2020) Some of its many routes stopping in Newark include: Acela travels multiple times daily between Boston and Washington, D.C. with stops in Westwood, Providence, New Haven, Stamford, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore. This is the only route in the U.S. which resembles a high-speed rail line, with a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h), though it can only go this fast on a few short segments. Cardinal operating three trips weekly between Chicago and New York City with stops in Dyer, Rensselaer, Lafayette, Crawfordsville, Indianapolis, Connersville, Cincinnati, Ashland, Huntington, Charleston, Hinton, White Sulphur Springs, Staunton, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Alexandria, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark. Carolinian between Charlotte and New York City via Raleigh, Richmond, and Washington, D.C. Crescent between New Orleans and New York City via Birmingham, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C. Keystone multiple trips per day between Harrisburg and New York City with stops in Elizabethtown, Lancaster, Coatesville, Downingtown, Exton, Paoli, Ardmore, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark. Northeast Regional is Amtrak's busiest regional service, connecting Boston, New York City,

Getting around

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). The Broad Street Line (orange on maps) operates between Penn Station and Broad Street Station. There is an extensive network of New Jersey Transit buses, many originating at Penn Station. Taxis are also available and can be flagged.

See

1 Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge St, ☏ +1 973-484-4600. 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.

Art galleries and museums

2 The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St, ☏ +1 973-596-6550. W-Su noon-5PM. 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. Suggested admission $10 adults, $6 children/seniors/students/veterans. Planetarium an additional $5 adults, $3 children/seniors/students. 3 Aljira: A Center for Contemporary Art, 591 Broad St, ☏ +1 973-622-1600. W-F noon-6PM, Sa 11AM-4PM. 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." 4 City Without Walls (CWOW), 6 Crawford St, ☏ +1 973-622-1188. W-F noon-6PM, Sa 1-6PM. Contemporary art gallery. 5 Gallery Aferro, 73 Market St, ☏ +1 646-220-3772. Th-Sa noon-6PM. Contemporary art gallery. 6 New Jersey Historical Society, 52 Park Pl, ☏ +1 973-596-8500. Tu-Sa noon-5PM.

Public art Newark has a growing collection of large outdoor murals and community art installations that reflect the city’s cultural diversity and creative energy. Much of the newest work appears in the Ironbound and South Ward neighborhoods, where local artists have used large building facades as canvases for vibrant public art. These works can be explored on foot, often just a short distance from local restaurants, shops, and transit stops.

7 World Cup Corner Mural, 620 Market Street (at the intersection of Market Street and Somme Street in the Ironbound district). 24 hours. 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. 8 Heal The World Mural (Autism Awareness), 39-41 Abbotsford Avenue (best viewed from directly across the street at 10 Derby Street in

Do

Parks

1 Branch Brook Park, Park Ave & Lake St. 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. 2 Military Park, Broad St between Rector St and Raymond Blvd, ☏ +1 973-733-9333. 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. 3 Weequahic Park, Elizabeth Ave & Meeker Ave (if driving, take the Elizabeth Ave exit from Route 78 West). A very big park with a golf course and large lake. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers.

Performance venues

4 Prudential Center, Prudential Center, Mulberry St (across from Triangle Park and 1 block W of Penn Stn), ☏ +1 973-757-6000. It hosts the NHL's New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University basketball, New Jersey Ironmen MISL (indoor soccer), and concerts. 5 New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St, toll-free: +1 888-466-5722. 6 Newark Symphony Hall, 1020 Broad St, ☏ +1 973-643-8468.

Festivals Brazilian Festival (September), The Ironbound Cherry Blossom Festival (April) Branch Brook Park, with 4,300 trees the largest collection in the USA Geraldine Dodge Poetry Festival (October) (biennale), various venues, largest poetry event in the United States Halsey Festival (September) Halsey Street Lincoln Park Music Festival (July) Lincoln Park McDonald's GospelFest (Spring) Prudential Center, talent competition and concert, one of the biggest Gospel events in the USA Newark Black Film Festival (Summer) various venues Open Doors (October), a 4-day, city-wide studio, gallery, and museum tour Portugal Day Festival (June), The Ironbound Washington Park on Wednesdays outdoor green market and concerts June through October

Gospel and Jazz Newark has a long tradition of jazz and gospel and is home to WGBO, Metro New York's jazz station. Renowned clubs are located in its suburbs, all at short ride to nearby stations of NJT's Morris and Essex Lines which depart from Broad Street Station. Local churches which have been the breeding ground for numerous R&B singers welcome respectful guests.

7 The Priory, 233 West Market Street, ☏ +1 973-242-8012. Friday night and Sunday brunch jazz series 8 Marcus B&P, 56 H

Buy

Stroll Ferry Street in the East Ward and find numerous boutiques, bake shops and cafes. There are no real malls in Newark but there are malls near by that the buses in the city will take you to one for a relatively cheap fare. The Mills at Jersey Gardens and IKEA are nearby in Elizabeth, NJ. You can also reach the Newport Center Mall in Jersey City via PATH (Newport-Pavonia).

Eat

Newark has three "restaurant rows' downtown: Around the Prudential Center, Halsey Street, and Ferry Street in the Ironbound, the latter known for its Portuguese, Brazilian and Latino food.

Budget 1 Central Restaurant, 30 Central Ave (at Halsey), ☏ +1 973-623-8137. M-F 9AM-10PM; Sa Su 10AM-11PM. classic diner at great prices 2 Ferry Street Barbeque, 89 Ferry St, ☏ +1 973-344-7337. Daily 11AM-10PM.

Mid-range 3 Boi Na Brasa, 70 Adams St, ☏ +1 973-589-6069. 4 Brasilia Grille, 99 Monroe St, ☏ +1 973-589-8682. M-Th 11:30AM-11PM; F Sa 11:30AM-11:30PM; Su noon-10PM. 5 Verde's Bakery, 44 Ferry St, ☏ +1 973-344-1600. 6 The Yard, 55 Park Pl (Military Park by the WBGO studios), ☏ +1 973-273-0033. Lunch and dinner every day. Plain and designer burgers, etc. 7 Krugs Tavern, 118 Wilson Avenue. Bar menu. 8 Sabor Latino Restaurant, 24 Wilson Avenue (Ironbound), ☏ +1 973-274-0075. Amazing Latin food. 9 Lit21, 1034 McCarter Hwy, ☏ +1 973-622-6221. 10 Sol-Mar Marisqueira & Restaurant, 267 Ferry Street (corner of Ferry & Niagara St.), ☏ +1 973-344-3041. 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.

Splurge 11 Fornos of Spain, 47 Ferry St. 12 Spanish Tavern, 103 McWhorter St A. M-Sa 11:30AM-10PM, S noon-9PM. 13 Fernandes Steak House, 158 Fleming Ave. 14 Don Pepe, 844 McCarter Hwy, ☏ +1 973-623-4662. (updated Jul 2020)

Drink & nightlife

There is a liquor store in Penn Station. You can buy individual bottles of beer (including microbrews).

1 Blitz Sports Bar, 179 Wilson Avenue. M-W 11AM-2AM, Th-Sa 11AM-3AM, Su noon-2AM. in the Ironbound

Sleep

Downtown

Budget 1 Newark YMCA, Washington Park, ☏ +1 973-624-8900. Courteous, clean, and very convenient 2 Hotel Riveria, 169 Clinton Avenue. An at-your-own-risk bargain in up-and-coming historic district.

Mid-range 3 Comfort Suites, 1348 McCarter Hwy, ☏ +1 973-481-5200, toll-free: +1-866-434-4917, fax: +1 973-481-9399. 4 Courtyard Newark Downtown, 858 Broad St (adjacent to the Prudential Center). 5 Element Harrison Newark, 399 Somerset St (next to Harrison PATH Station). Harrison PATH station across river from Downtown. Owned by Marriott. 6 Hampton Inn & Suites, 100 Passaic Ave (take Exit 15E on the NJ Turnpike to I-280, from I-280, take the exit for CR-508 West, then, make a right at the Popeye's (Passaic Ave) and the hotel will be on the left). The hotel is in the nearby town of Harrison but serves as a hotel for the city of Newark. 7 DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station, 1048 Raymond Blvd, ☏ +1 973-622-5000. 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. 8 Robert Treat Hotel, 50 Park Place, ☏ +1 973-622-1000, fax: +1 973-622-6410. 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. 9 TRYP Hotel, 24 Park St. boutique hotel, newest in Newark near NJPAC, Military Park.

Airport While hotels serving Newark Airport can be inexpensive ($50+ booked online; $69 walk in). some require multiple transfers with hotel shuttle to airport & NJT#62 to Penn Station. Service is sporadic, so you can sometimes expect 1 to 2 hr each way. Those hotels located on Route 1 & 9 South/Frontage Road have NJT#40 bus service which travel between the airport and Downtown/Newark Penn on an hourly basis.

10 Courtyard Newark Liberty International Airport (Route 1&9 S (Frontage Road)), ☏ +1 973-643-8500, fax: +1 973-648-0662. 11 Best Western Newark Airport West, 101 International Way, ☏ +1 973-621-6200, fax: +1 973-621-6266. 12 Fairfield Inn & Suites Newark Liberty International Airport, 618 Routes 1 & 9 S, (Frontage Road), ☏ +1 973-242-2600, fax: +1 973-242-6560. 13 Holiday Inn, 160 Frontage Rd (Newark Airport), ☏ +1 973-589-1000. 14 Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott (Walking distance to terminals and conveient to all transportation), ☏ +1 973-623-0006, toll-free: +1-800-882-1037, fax: +1 973-623-7618. 15 SpringHill Suites Newark Liberty Inter

Go next

Manhattan is easily accessible. The cheapest way is via the PATH train, from Newark Penn Station to World Trade Center or with a transfer at Journal Square (Jersey City) to the line which goes to Christopher St. and along 6th Avenue to 9th, 14th, 23rd and 33rd Streets. NJ Transit from Broad Street Station and Newark Penn Station takes you directly to the New York Penn Station in about 17 min. The nearby city of Elizabeth, which offers plenty of shopping options including the Jersey Gardens shopping mall and IKEA, is only a short car ride away. The Jersey Shore, with funky Asbury Park, Victorian Ocean Grove, and fishing town Manasquan is served by the North Jersey Coast Line, and is an easy day trip. The Statue of Liberty National Monument includes Ellis Island, once America's busiest immigration station, and Liberty Island, home to the statue itself. Ferries depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, reached by taking PATH to Exchange Place and switching to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. Field Station: Dinosaurs theme park exhibition is within walking distance of Secaucus Junction, one stop from Newark Penn on NJ Transit trains. Thomas Edison National Historical Park, which preserves Thomas Edison's laboratory and residence, is 6 miles (10 km) west of downtown Newark in West Orange. St. John's Church, a Gothic Revival Roman Catholic church which houses outstanding 19th-century artworks and an historic pipe organ is located in the nearby City of Orange. Hitchhike Believe it or not, it is possible to hitchhike out of the New York Metro area. If you are trying to go long distances, your best bet is to take NJ Transit or Metro North far enough to put you well into the suburbs, preferably to a stop that puts you near (within walking distance of) a major highway such as an Interstate. From there, get to an on-ramp and put out your thumb. New Jersey Statutes 39:4-59 on hitchhiking is notoriously prohibitive, and you will be hassled by local police, so use common sense and discretion. If you're trying to go west into Pennsylvania, your best bet is to take NJ transit to Mt. Olive, which is only a 5-min walk from I-80, which generally carries a good amount of long-distance traffic going west.