Though it is often overlooked in favor of its bigger, flashier neighbor, New York City, New Jersey’s Hoboken is a thoroughly enjoyable urban destination with quality restaurants, buzzing bars and waterfront parks as well as a handful of cultural attractions. Appreciate superb views of downtown Manhattan from the waterfront, sample the local dining scene and browse bookshops, galleries and music stores.
Get acquainted with all things Hoboken at the Hoboken Historical Museum. An ever-changing roster of exhibits covers everything from local artists to famous Hoboken-born figures. Pick up maps here showing the city’s historic landmarks. View beautiful architecture in the first-floor waiting room at Hoboken Terminal, a gorgeous space featuring a vaulted ceiling and a 2,000-square-foot (186-square-meter) stained-glass skylight.
Among the most famous Hoboken natives is Frank Sinatra. Sinatra Drive, which runs along the waterfront, is named after the great singer and swinger. Follow the waterfront walkway to Pier A Park and Pier C Park. Relax among sunbathing locals and admire the panoramic views across the Hudson River to Manhattan. For a more active day, continue to Pier 13 to rent kayaks, Jet Skis or stand-up paddleboards.
Explore Hoboken’s galleries. The Proto Gallery and the Barsky Gallery exhibit contemporary works from both emerging and well-established artists.
Try some of Hoboken’s well-known restaurants. Purchase pastries at Carlo’s Bakery, an establishment made famous by the reality TV series Cake Boss. Many restaurants and bars near the waterfront offer tables with river views. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the nightlife is at its liveliest as bars and clubs fill with fun-seeking revelers. If you love music, catch a show at Maxwell’s Tavern, a famous alternative venue that has hosted bands including Nirvana and REM.
As its nickname “Mile Square City” indicates, Hoboken is rather small, measuring just a single square mile (2.6 square kilometers). Navigate the area easily on foot. Take the PATH train to get to or from Manhattan.
