Jersey City, NJ Road Trips

Jersey City is the second-largest city in New Jersey, trailing Newark in population, but far surpassing Trenton, the state capital. It is on a peninsula that includes Hoboken to the north and Bayonne to the south, and is bounded by the Hudson River and Manhattan to the east and the Hackensack River to the west. An interesting geographic feature of the city is that within its borders are the only two cases in the country where a U.S. state has exclaves that are both geographically and politically surrounded by another state: the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, both exclaves of New York in New Jersey. As a result of a 1997 federal court decision, most of Ellis Island is now within Jersey City, with New York retaining a small landlocked portion that encompasses most of the immigration building. Jersey City shares much of its history, geography, and culture with New York City, much moreso than other parts of New Jersey. Like New York City, it was settled by the Dutch in the 1600s, and this is still evidenced today by the prevalence of Dutch place names in both cities, and the use of the Dutch tricolors in their very similar flags. As in Brooklyn, rows of brownstones and other rowhouses started being built throughout Jersey City with the arrival of the steam ferry in the 1820s and continued throughout the 19th century. Ellis Island was a large source of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe and Ireland that shaped the culture of both Jersey City and New York City from the 1880s until the 1920s.

1 Hudson and Manhattan Railroad Powerhouse, Washington Boulevard. The Powerhouse is a Romanesque revival industrial masterpiece built between 1906 and 1908. The Powerhouse was designed by architect John Oakman, an alumnus of the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. The Powerhouse allowed the operation of the first trans-Hudson subway, the direct predecessor of today's PATH. It ceased operation as a power generating station in 1929. After years of neglect, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 after it was nominated by the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, an all volunteer not-for-profit organization. The city has designated the Powerhouse a developer, the Cordish company, which has renovated a similar power plant in Baltimore's Harbor. 2 Jersey City City Hall, 280 Grove St. (ride the PATH to Grove Street station, then walk south on the street of the same name). Completed in 1896, this imposing granite and marble municipal structure was designed by Lewis Broome, who also designed the Trenton Statehouse. A bronze memorial monument by Philip Martiny stands in the small plaza in front of the City Hall entrance. The memorial bears the inscription: "Erected by the People of Hudson County to Commemorate the Valor of the Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines of the Civil War." The statue is of the Goddess of Victory in a seated pose. Although she has lain aside her shield, her hand rests in readiness upon her sword, though she offers the olive branch of peace. (updated Nov 2018) 3 Justice William Brennan Courthouse (Hudson County Courthouse), 583 Newark Ave.

Walk along the Hudson Waterfront. Take in the breathtaking views. From most points along the waterfront, you can see (on a clear day) from the Verrazano Narrows Bridge all the way up the Hudson River to Midtown Manhattan. Just south of the Exchange Place PATH station is a waterfront pier which extends some 250 m into the Hudson River. From the pier, one will often see locals fishing, tourists taking pictures of the Manhattan skyline, and even people playing chess at one of the tables on the pier. This is one of the most popular locations to photograph the Island of Manhattan, as it is directly across from downtown and the World Trade Center. 1 Ferry to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, 1 Audrey Zapp Dr, toll-free: +1-877-523-9849. Although most people visiting these sites take the ferries from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, you can also catch the Statue Cruises ferries bound for Liberty Island and Ellis Island from Liberty State Park. The landing is directly in front of the old Central Railroad of New Jersey terminal building. (updated Nov 2018) 2 RPM Raceway, 99 Caven Point Rd (take exit 14b from the NJ Turnpike, make a left at the stop sign, then make a right at the first traffic light), ☏ +1 201-333-7223. Formerly the Pole Position Raceway, RPM is an indoor go-kart race track where you can race others at 45 mph (72 km/h). (updated Jan 2021)

One of the great things about Jersey City is the diversity of its restaurant options. From wonderfully affordable Indian and Cuban restaurants to uber-trendy hotspots to elegant dining options offering stunning views of Manhattan with dinner, Jersey City has a little something for everyone. The city is also developing its own street food culture, which is somewhat similar to New York's. Vendors are typically around Exchange Place and near other recreational areas throughout the city. 1 Wonder Bagels, 517 Jersey Ave (From Grove St Path, walk on Columbus Dr away from the skyscrapers), ☏ +1 201-433-0575, [email protected]. 5AM–3PM. Fresh bagels through the morning with a wide variety of cream cheeses and sandwiches available. As a bonus for vegans, multiple types of non-dairy/tofu cream cheese is available. On Saturday and Sunday morning, the line can easily be out the door. (updated Jun 2021) 2 El Sason de Las Americas, 305 Grove St, ☏ +1 201 451 8515. Daily 5:30AM-8:30PM. Don't bother trying to speak English as, for the most, everyone speaks Spanish only. Pointing at what you want works, and the only word you really need to know anyway is pernil, Spanish for pork. Super cheap and super good. They are located downtown at the intersection of Grove and Wayne Sts (a block from the Grove St PATH station). 3 Ahri's Kitchen, 227 Seventh Street, ☏ +1 201-963 6056. M-F 11:30AM-3PM & 5-10PM, Sa Su 11AM-9:30PM. Korean food. 4 Dosa Hut, 777 Newark Avenue, ☏ +1 201-420-6660. M-F 9:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 9AM-10PM.

1 Barcade, 163 Newark Avenue, ☏ +1 201-332-4555. Su-Th noon-2AM, F Sa noon-3AM. An expansion of the popular Brooklyn destination. Besides serving a daily rotating menu of about two dozen reasonably priced ($5-6) microbrews, the bar also sports more than 30 classic arcade systems at 25¢ per play. 21+ only 2 Lucky 7, 322 Second Street, ☏ +1 201-418-8585. Very popular local watering hole. New York Magazine wrote of this place: "Some nights they have a D.J.; some nights it’s big hair and Bon Jovi." 3 Zeppelin Hall Biergarten and Restaurant, 88 Liberty View Drive (Take the Light Rail to Jersey Ave and walk a few blocks), ☏ +1 201-721-8888. W-F 4PM-2AM, Sa Su noon-1AM. This hall in the new Liberty Harbor development is a huge biergarten with seating for up to 800 people. One of Jersey City's most popular hang-out spots, with 144 taps and $10 liters of beer. Family-friendly. 4 The Honorable William Wall (Willy Wall), New York Bay (the restaurant offers a water taxi from the pier at the foot of Warren St and Marin Blvd), ☏ +1 646-787-6726, [email protected]. Tu-F 5:45–9:30PM, Sa 12:15–4:30PM, 5:15-9PM. (updated Dec 2020) 5 Batello, 502 Washington Blvd, ☏ +1 201 798 1798. (updated Jan 2021) 6 Vu, 2 Exchange Place (take the PATH train to Exchange Place, it's inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel). Daily 5:30AM-10PM. (updated Jan 2021)

Many budget-minded New York City tourists decide to stay in moderately-priced Jersey City hotels because of its proximity to Manhattan. Hotels along or near the waterfront are quite safe and very well-appointed. Avoid the strip of motels along US 1-9 (Tonnelle Avenue) north of Journal Square. The area is industrial, unsafe, and is a haven for prostitution and other illicit activities. 1 Holland Hotel, Holland Tunnel Plaza East, ☏ +1 201-963-6200. This non-descript motel, directly in front of the Holland Tunnel, is a popular option for budget-minded travellers. It's clean, safe, reasonably priced, and only a short walk from the Pavonia/Newport PATH station. 2 Ramada Limited Jersey City, 65 Tonnelle Avenue, ☏ +1 201-432-6100, toll-free: +1 866 523-3959. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Short walk to Journal Square, offers transportation to Newark Airport. (updated Jan 2021) 3 Sonesta Simply Suites, 21 Second Street, ☏ +1 201-659-2500. 4 Courtyard Jersey City Newport, 540 Washington Boulevard (take New Jersey Turnpike North towards New York City; take Exit 14C towards the Holland Tunnel; after paying the toll at 14C continue toward the Holland Tunnel; turn right on Jersey Avenue (first light); immediately bear left toward the Newport Centre Mall and continue to Washington Boulevard (first stop light) and turn right; hotel is on the left), ☏ +1 201-626-6600, fax: +1 201-626-6601. By the Newport Centre Mall and one block from the waterfront. 5 Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District, 159 Morgan St, ☏ +1 201-241-4664. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon.

Jersey City is about a 10-minute ride from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR IATA), which is a major hub for United Airlines, and is one of the three airports serving the New York metropolitan area. A taxi to Jersey City from EWR will set you back about $40. If you don't have a lot of bags, consider taking the train from the airport. Catch AirTrain from your terminal to the Newark Airport train station. Take a New York-bound New Jersey Transit train one stop to Newark Penn Station, then cross the platform to catch the PATH to Jersey City. On weekdays, you can take the North Jersey Coast Line to Hoboken where you can transfer to the PATH train. The AirTrain/NJ Transit train is $8.25; PATH is $2.75. The ride takes about 45 minutes. The two other airports in the region are LaGuardia Airport (LGA IATA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK IATA), both in the borough of Queens in New York City. A cab from LGA or JFK to Jersey City will cost about $100. From JFK airport it is also possible to take either the A or E subway trains from Howard Beach or Jamaica respectively and transfer at World Trade Center to the PATH. Amtrak serves Newark Penn Station. You will have to transfer to PATH to reach Jersey City. NJ Transit serves Newark Penn Station and Hoboken. You will have to transfer to PATH to reach Jersey City. PATH serves four stations in Jersey City: Exchange Place, Grove Street, Journal Square and Newport.

The best way to navigate Jersey City is on foot and via public transit. Apple Maps and Google Maps can be used to plan a journey, including full navigation and real time updates. Download the official PATH and NJ Transit apps for routes, schedules and updates. TAPP is the contactless fare payment system for the PATH subway lines. The system allows passengers to pay by "tapping" one of the following to a reader: A contactless credit, debit or prepaid card, including American Express, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, UnionPay or Visa. A smart device equipped with Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. A TAPP card (TAPP cards do not work on the NJ Transit network). FARE-PAY is the contactless fare payment system for the NJ Transit tram and bus lines. The system allows passengers to pay by "tapping" one of the following to a reader: A contactless credit, debit or prepaid card, including American Express, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, UnionPay or Visa. A smart device equipped with Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. A FARE-PAY card (FARE-PAY cards do not work on the PATH network). The PATH network covers four stations in Jersey City: Exchange Place, Grove Street, Journal Square and Newport. Services travel between Jersey City and New York City. Connections to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail network can be made at the Exchange Place, Hoboken and Newport stations. Connections to the Journal Square Transportation Center and a variety of bus routes can be made at the Journal Square station. The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail network runs largely north/south through the city.

Jersey City is very safe for a major city, and its crime rate is comparable to that of New York City. However, it pays to exercise precautions. Outside of Journal Square, Historic Downtown, and the Newark Avenue pedestrian plaza, many streets are virtually deserted after midnight, making those walking alone easy targets. If you must walk alone, stick to well-lit, major streets and don't flash your valuables. Try to avoid the southern section of the city, bordering Bayonne, particularly the neighborhood of Greenville. In particular, Martin Luther King Drive and Ocean Avenue should be avoided. This is the most crime-ridden portion of the city and it is a primarily low-income area, which is close to Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, and other areas that would be of interest to tourists. Making a wrong turn near these destinations can lead visitors traveling by car into unsavory neighborhoods. The light rail stations south of Jersey Avenue are within the southern areas of the city, and exercising caution is heavily suggested after dark. Do not leave any valuables in your car.