Cherry blossom trees at Branch Brook Park, which has the largest collection of Japanese cherry blossom trees

Things to do in  Newark

Not just for layovers

Many visitors experience Newark, New Jersey, exclusively as a travel hub: It’s 8 short miles (13 kilometers) from Manhattan, and many NYC tourists reach the Big Apple by way of Newark’s international airport. But those who are just passing through are missing out on what makes New Jersey’s biggest city a cultural hub in its own right. From the Newark Museum of Art and New Jersey Performing Arts Center to celebrity-chef-run brunch spots, Portuguese community restaurants, and pretty public gardens, there are many things to do in Newark. Truly, it’s so much more than New York’s next-door neighbor.

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Top 2 attractions in Newark

#1
Medieval Times

Medieval Times

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Few dinner shows compare to Medieval Times. The long-running attraction combines an 11th-century feast with an exciting family-friendly performance, complete with jousting and sword fights. Perfect for travelers looking for a not-so-typical night out, Medieval Times is a mix of fairy tale and spectacle.More
#2

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester

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Dedicated to everyone’s favorite Danish building block, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Westchester is open to children 17 and younger, and their adult guardians. The center has a variety of themed rides and activities, and gives you the chance to pedal through the sky in Merlin's Apprentice; meet Lego characters in the 4K theater; and peek at pint-sized replicas of New York City landmarks in MINILAND.More
Tours & Tickets

Explore Newark by interest

Top activities in Newark

Paramus Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

Paramus Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

star-4.5
15
From
$109.00
Private Helicopter Transfer from New York Airports to Lower Manhattan

Private Helicopter Transfer from New York Airports to Lower Manhattan

From
$2,323.34
per group
Private Transfer: Newark Airport EWR to New York in Business Car
Special Offer

Private Transfer: Newark Airport EWR to New York in Business Car

star-3
2
From
$139.81
$148.73  $8.92 savings
Westchester Indoor Skydiving Admission with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

Westchester Indoor Skydiving Admission with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate

star-3.5
14
From
$109.00
Private Transfer from Newark L Airport EWR to Manhattan by SUV

Private Transfer from Newark L Airport EWR to Manhattan by SUV

star-4
4
From
$200.53
Newark International Airport (EWR) to New York - Arrival Private Transfer

Newark International Airport (EWR) to New York - Arrival Private Transfer

star-5
2
From
$149.80
Private Arrival Newark Liberty Airport EWR to Manhattan by Car

Private Arrival Newark Liberty Airport EWR to Manhattan by Car

star-4.5
2
From
$151.02
New York Airport Luxury Transfer : Newark Airport to New York City

New York Airport Luxury Transfer : Newark Airport to New York City

From
$181.34
per group
New York Helicopter Airport Transfer with Scenic Tour

New York Helicopter Airport Transfer with Scenic Tour

star-5
2
From
$6,200.00
per group
Arrival Transfer: Newark Airport EWR to New York by Luxury SUV
Special Offer

Arrival Transfer: Newark Airport EWR to New York by Luxury SUV

star-3
2
From
$149.87
$159.43  $9.56 savings
Private Transfer: Newark Airport EWR to New York by Luxury SUV
Special Offer

Private Transfer: Newark Airport EWR to New York by Luxury SUV

star-4
4
From
$149.87
$159.43  $9.56 savings
Newark International Airport (EWR) to Philadelphia - Arrival Private Transfer

Newark International Airport (EWR) to Philadelphia - Arrival Private Transfer

From
$434.43
Body Scrub Making Class

Body Scrub Making Class

From
$70.00
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester Admission Ticket

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester Admission Ticket

star-4
39
From
$32.65
Arrival Private Transfer: Newark Airport EWR to New York in Business Car
Special Offer

Arrival Private Transfer: Newark Airport EWR to New York in Business Car

From
$139.81
$148.73  $8.92 savings
Body Butter Making Class

Body Butter Making Class

From
$85.00
Wire Wrapping Gemstone Rings Class

Wire Wrapping Gemstone Rings Class

From
$85.00
Newark International Airport (EWR) to New York - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Newark International Airport (EWR) to New York - Round-Trip Private Transfer

From
$299.61
Wire Wrapping Raw Gemstones Class

Wire Wrapping Raw Gemstones Class

From
$85.00
Polymer Clay Ring Making Class

Polymer Clay Ring Making Class

From
$85.00
See all Newark tours

All about Newark

When to visit

Spring is when Newark really shines. Branch Brook Park—designed by the Olmsted brothers, whose father famously developed New York’s Central Park—is home to the country’s largest collection of cherry trees (take that, DC). Visit in April, when the Cherry Blossom Festival is in full bloom. Summer is also a good time to flit among the boutiques of Halsey Street, enjoy warm-weather Brazilian and Portuguese fare in the Ironbound district, and scope the street art at the “Newark Allery.”

Getting around

Newark Liberty International Airport is Newark’s major hub, putting the city on the map for scores of international travelers. Nearby is Newark Penn Station (not to be confused with Manhattan’s Penn Station), which is served by Amtrak, NJ Transit, and Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) train lines. The city is also served by NJ Transit buses, while taxis and ride-hailing services make it easy to get around town.

Traveler tips

Celebrity chef Marcus Samulesson is famous for his celebrated Manhattan restaurants (like Red Rooster Harlem and Aquavit), cookbooks and TV appearances, and for winning multiple James Beard Awards—and now, he’s also a Newark restaurateur. Head to his restaurant Marcus B&P, located in the city’s historic Hahne & Company building, for a gourmet brunch, dinner, or cocktail out.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EST (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
2
Tours
118
Reviews
672
EN
9e8b0f37-e1b3-406a-856f-57197ed7f961
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People Also Ask

Is Newark, NJ worth visiting?

Yes, Newark is absolutely worth visiting. The largest and most dynamic city in New Jersey, it boasts enviable public parks, lively shopping districts, diverse neighborhoods, and celebrity-chef-run restaurants. And its cultural destinations, from the Newark Museum of Art to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, regularly draw visitors from nearby Manhattan.

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What is Newark, NJ famous for?

Newark is New Jersey’s largest city (and one of the oldest cities in the country), and is famous as home of Newark Liberty International Airport—one of the three main airports that NYC travelers arrive at. It additionally boasts the largest collection of cherry trees in the country.

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What can you do with a long layover in Newark?

If you have a long layover in Newark, head into the city to visit a museum—the New Jersey Historical Society is perfect for history buffs, and the Newark Museum of Art is New Jersey’s largest art museum. Then, enjoy a Portuguese meal in the Ironbound district before returning to the airport.

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How do I get from Newark Airport to the city?

The easiest way to get from Newark Liberty International Airport to downtown Newark is to take a NJ Transit train to Newark Penn Station. Taxis and rideshare services, as well as the 62 bus, also make it easy to get from the airport to central Newark.

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What is the nicest part of Newark, NJ?

Some of the most popular parts of Newark include the Ironbound neighborhood (famous for its wealth of Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish restaurants), Downtown Newark (where many of the city’s museums and cultural attractions are found), and Forest Hill (a peaceful neighborhood located adjacent to the cherry trees of Branch Brook Park).

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Is Newark a walkable city?

Yes, Newark is quite a walkable city, particularly in the center. Downtown—home to the Newark Museum of Art and the shops and restaurants of Halsey Street—rewards strollers, while the North Ironbound district is great to walk around. Don’t forget to plan a peaceful excursion in Branch Brook Park.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Newark?
A:
The top things to do in Newark are:
Q:
What are the top activities in Newark?
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