Jersey City sits on the western bank of the Hudson River, directly across from Manhattan, in the state of New Jersey. For visitors, its appeal lies in its position: the skyline of lower Manhattan rises across the water, and much of the city is arranged around views of it.
What the city offers
- Liberty State Park, a waterfront park where you can walk along the river and take in the views of the harbor and the Manhattan skyline.
- Liberty Science Center, a museum that sits close to Ellis Island, making it a natural pairing for a day on the water.
- Waterfront promenades, which give the city a lively, open feel, especially in the evening.
- Diverse food, with restaurants representing cuisines from many parts of the world, reflecting the city's multicultural character.
- Artsy neighborhoods, where you can wander at a slower pace between cafés, shops and street-level creativity.
Planning a visit
Jersey City works well as a day trip from New York or as a stop in its own right. Many visitors combine a walk through Liberty State Park with a visit to the science center, then spend the evening along the waterfront or in one of the neighborhoods, choosing a restaurant from the wide range on offer.
Known in some circles as Wall Street West, the city has a strong financial presence alongside its residential and cultural life, so the streets near the water can feel busy on weekdays. A relaxed visit is easiest to enjoy with a little time set aside for simply looking across the river at the skyline.
