Often called the tough neighbor of New York, Newark is a city with its own singularity and charm. It encompasses a major international airport which is one of the busiest airports serving the city and its surrounding metropolitan areas. Newark offers several attractions, such as significant architectural landmarks, many large parks, renowned museums with extensive collections, theaters, art galleries and performing art centers. Among others, some of the city's major cultural and sports venues include the Prudential Center, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Bears & Eagles Riverfront Baseball Stadium. The city is also easily accessible to many other major cities via road. You can easily reach Manhattan from Newark, which is located just 8 miles away.
By Hudconja (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsFirst Day Newark City Expedition!
Breakfast at 8:00 AM
Start your day with a delicious Italian or American breakfast at Annabella’s Kitchen (144 Washington St). Guests love their omelet and fries. Another good breakfast joint is Legends Cafe & Grill (561 Broad St). The friendly staff and great food will really cheer you up and make your day.
Explore the State's Largest Museum - Newark Museum at 9:00 AM
First up in your Newark diary is Newark Museum, the largest museum in New Jersey. This place harbors an extensive collections of decorative arts, American art, contemporary art, ancient world arts and arts from various regions, including Africa, Asia and the Americas. You can participate in public tour or group tour to get a good insight of the place. Also they offer amazing youth, adult and family programs to participate and learn many remarkable things. After marveling the art displays, make sure to swing by the museum shops that offer varied choices of gifts, souvenirs, jewelries, apparels, books and many more.
Address: 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ
Phone: 973.596.6550
Website:
www.newarkmuseum.org
Multi-Purpose Indoor Arena - Prudential Center at 10:30 AM
Visitors love a tour of this multi-purpose indoor arena - Prudential center. It is located in the central business district of the city and is the home of the NCAA men's basketball team (Seton Hall Pirates) and NHL's New Jersey Devils. Locals and sports fans fondly called it "The Rock", based on the Prudential Financial's corporate logo - the Rock of Gibraltar. It holds a 700,000 square feet field, where all major sports events kick off - Ice hockey, indoor soccer, basketball, lacrosse and concerts. For upcoming events, schedules and more, visit their website.
Address: 25 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ 07102, US
Website:
www.prucenter.com
Majestic and Sacred - Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Hearts at 12:00 PM
Next up is a visit to one of Newark's architectural and sacred landmarks - The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. This majestic monument of faith is designed in French Gothic Revival Style. Visitors claimed that the exterior as well as the interior designs are so beautiful and intricate that offer a jaw dropping experience. The other highlight is music at the Cathedral. It hosts concerts all year round that welcome everyone. The biggest draw is the largest pipe organ which holds 154 stops playable from 2 consoles. Come visit this venue and feel the difference.
Address: 89 Ridge St, Newark, NJ 07104
Phone: (973) 484-4600
Website:
www.cathedralbasilica.org
Take a Lunch Break at 1:30 PM
It's time for lunch and you can stop by Burger Walla (47 Halsey St) for yummy burgers, sweet potato, fries and lassi. Or enjoy Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Kosher cuisine at The Green Chicpea (59 Halsey St). Mi Gente Cafe at 7 Central Avenue serves good Cuban and Caribbean meals.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center at 3:00 PM
After lunch take your adventure to one of the country's largest performing arts centers - The New Jersey Performing Arts Center. NJPAC attracts millions of visitors since it opened and is home to New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (Grammy Award winner). Even if you don't have time to sit down for a show, it is definitely worth a visit. NJPAC has an onsite restaurant - NICO Kitchen & Bar which offers exquisite Italian lunch and dinner menu. You can also avails its fun and informative guided tour. Mondays are closed. For events and more information, Click Here.
Address: 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102, US
Website:
www.njpac.orgHours: Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00 PM
Outdoor Fun Time - Verona Park at 5:00 PM
Time to explore the city's another point of interest - Verona
Park. This is a serene place to partake some outdoor activities like
hiking, biking, paddle boating and play golfs or tennis. This 54.32-acre
park is adorned with a beautiful lake surrounded by Lakeside and
Bloomfield Avenues. Take your fishing rod and venture into a exciting
fishing expedition. You will also adore the park's stunning boathouse
that hosts several cultural, historic and social events. Take your feet
for a stroll around and explore its environmental center, Riker Hill Art
Park and Kip's Castle Park.
Address: Bloomfield Avenue and Lakeside Ave, Verona, NJ 07044, US
Phone: 1 973-735-6228
Website:
www.essexcountyparks.org/parks/verona-parkHours: Opens from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Shopping Spree at NewPark Mall at 7:00 PM
For a great shopping time along with lots of entertainment, visit NewPark Mall. With a plenty of shopping options, it is home to more than 150 specialty stores including Forever 21, Coach, Victoria’s Secret, Zumiez, The Body Shop, Hollister and more. After the shopping you can replenish your energy in one of the mall's fine dining restaurants or food court.
Address: 2086 NewPark Mall, Newark, CA 94560
Phone: (510) 794-5523
Website:
www.newparkmall.com
Dinner at 9:00 PM
When you're done taking care of your shopping list at NewPark Mall, it's time to treate yourself with a delicious meal. The mall pffers several dining options. From Charley's Philly Steaks to Hi Seoul Korean Cafe to Crepe Bar - there are lots of eateries to indulge in.
QXT's Night Club at 11:00 PM
This is a haven for music lovers. Just give your favorite playlist and they will entertain you all night. QXT hosts many theme nights. With great drink offers and music flavors like deathrock, industrial, goth, new wave, 80s and 90s - QXT's has everything to cheer you up. The club welcomes guests from 10 pm to 3am.
Address: 248 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-643-3996
Website:
www.qxtsnightclub.com
Day 1 Newark Tour Map Guide
Find out Newark's seasonal festivals and events!
Second Day Expedition of Newark City!
Breakfast at 8:00 AM
The mouthwatering smell of delicious food from Caffe Espresso Italia (310 Adams St) is simply hard to resist. They dish out amazing homemade Italian breakfast & brunch fare. Some yummy items suggested by people who have been there include chicken cutlet, spicy sausage egg and cheese and fresh Italian bread sandwich.
House of Home - John Ballantine House at 9:00 AM
Your first stop of the day is John Ballantine House - a compact, symmetrical house in a Dutch Renaissance style. The house was the home of John Holme Ballantine and Jeannette Boyd of the celebrated beer-brewing family in Newark. There are so many details in the house that will catch your attention. From the exterior salmon-colored Roman bricks with windows and limestone quoins to the interior decors of embossed panels, exquisite furnishings and upholstery. 'House of Home' represent the two floor of the house that encompasses 2 hallways, 8 period rooms and 6 thematic galleries. If you happen to be arround holiday season, the eye popping traditional Victorian style decorations of the house will delight you.
Address: 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102-3176
Historic Park - Military Park at 10:30 AM
Next head to Downtown Newark and stop at Military Park. This is a beautiful 6 acre historic park which is roughly triangular in shape, nestled between Rector Street, Park Place and Broad Street. This is the city's primary gathering space and highly active venue with loads of activities. The park offers several exciting things to do and see, including fitness activities (Zumba, Tai Chi Kung, Yoga, Capoeira etc.), entertainment in the form of after work music, line dancing piano music and for kids, there is an story time and imagination playground. Stop by here and feel the relaxing vibe.
Address: 51 Park Place, Newark, NJ 07102
Website: www.militarypark.com
New Jersey Historical Society at 12:00 PM
After exploring the Military Park, head to the New Jersey Historical Society Museum. Here you can explore interactive exhibitions, lectures, partake in walking tours, research local history and they also offer several family and adult programs you can enjoy. The museum houses the physical records of the state's past and present. Museum is opened to public on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from noon to 5 pm. For more details visit their website.
Address: 52 Park Pl., Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-596-8500
Website: www.jerseyhistory.org
What's for Lunch Today? Meal at 1:30 PM
Before your next stop at Newark Library, feed yourself. Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria at 205 S Main Street is famous for pizzas and other Italian delights. Their quality food will surely cheer you up. For a traditional American cuisine, stop by Parker’s Grille (206 S Main St). This is a homely venue that serves delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad, Asian Tuna salad, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Philly Steak and lots more.
Newark Public Library at 2:30 PM
Find some time to relax with a good book at Newark Public Library. This is not just a place full of books but it serves as a primary gathering place for the community. You can utilize this time at the library to gain some information, ideas and access to internet. The huge building houses an extensive collection of books on various topics. Find a comfortable corner and spend a peaceful afternoon.
Address: 121 High Street, Newark, NY 14513
Phone: (315) 331.4370
Website: www.newarklibrary.org
Newark Symphony Hall at 4:00 PM
Spend your evening in the state's most historic arts and entertainment hub - Newark Symphony Hall. In all its long and rich cultural history, the venue is New Jersey’s largest and oldest center that host arts, education and entertainment programs. As you step inside you will be awes struck with its Greek and Egyptian designs, highlighting its sculpted marble designs with gold-leaf ornamentation
Cherryblossomland - Branch Brook Park at 6:00 PM
Head towards North Ward and find peace at Branch Brook park. Stroll around the 360 acres green space which is is the city's largest public park. Arriving here you will see the park beautifully decked up with cherry blossom trees. With over 4,300 trees in more than 14 different varieties, Branch Brook Park is noted for the massive collection of cherry blossom trees in the country - thus termed as Cherryblossomland.
Address: Park Avenue and Lake St, Newark, NJ 07104
Website: http://www.essexcountyparks.org/parks/branch-brook-park
Explore Downtown at 7:30 PM
When you're in Newark, you ought to meander around downtown which is the Central Business District of the city. It is the city's largest such district and also the cultural, retail and business district. This is the site of Newark's original Puritan settlement and you can explore the once busiest intersection in the nation, Four Corners - intersection of Broad and Market Streets. From architecture tohistory to arts - there is heaps of fantastic things to explore in downtown.
Address: 15 Clinton St, Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-733-9333
Website: www.downtownnewark.com
Dinner at Downtown at 8:30 PM
Right around the corner from the Prudential Center, there is this amazing Italian eatery, Mercato Tomato Pie (212 Market St) that serves superp food. The items in their menu are varied, including delicious pizzas, Seasonal Greens Salad, pies, pastas and Piadas. Barbeque lovers cannot miss this one of the Newark's famous eatery at 224 Market Street - Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. The forked tender BBQ coupled with delicious sauce is simply exquisite and you would want to come back again for more.
One18 Lounge - Dance and drinks at 10:00 PM
One18 Lounge will be the perfect place to wrap up your Newark trip. With the DJ spinning great numbers, usually hip hop music, it will draw you to the dance floor and loose all inhibitions. You can enjoy really good drinks, including huge selections of vodka and champagne. Stop by anytime between 10pm and 3am (Friday to Saturday).
Address: 118 Stockton Street, Newark, NJ 07105
Phone: 973-344-2457
Website: www.one18lounge.com
Explore best nightlife venues in Newark!
Day 2 Newark Trip Map Guide
