Is Jersey City Worth Visiting During Your NYC Holiday?

So, you’ve booked your dream trip to New York City. You’re reading up on ultimate guides to NYC prior to the trip. You’re ready to soak in the skyline, eat your weight in bagels, and get lost in the buzz of the city that never sleeps.

But what about a little adventure outside the Big Apple?

IMAGE: PEXELS

Seriously, why not consider that? no, not suburbs; rather, why not the little city next door? a lot of people skip jersey city, but it’s just across the hudson river and is often overlooked—but should it be?

Well, there’s really no reason for it; for example, for all you Soprano fans out there, a good chunk of the show took place in Jersey City.

So, if you’re wondering whether it’s worth stepping out of Manhattan’s shadow (probably literally, too, due to the skyscrapers), well, the short answer is: yes, it is. So, with all of that said, here’s why Jersey City might just be the hidden gem your holiday itinerary needs.

Jersey City – It’s Practically Next Door

Okay, so for starters, the beauty of Jersey City is how ridiculously easy it is to get there. For example, you can hop on the PATH train or take a quick bus ride, and you’ll find yourself on the other side of the Hudson in no time.

Really, it doesn’t take that long. For example, if you’re on your final day in NYC, you’ve checked out of your hotel and are just now waiting until you can head to the airport. Well, you could go to Jersey City for a little bit.

You can even drop off your bags at Port Authority luggage storage (there are no official luggage lockers, but there are businesses that will hold your luggage for a small fee) while you go to the other city on the river and see a new state.

Again, it doesn’t take long, and you don’t actually need a full day, just ideally a few free hours (because traffic in NYC is a lot rougher than it is in the UK, even during rush hour in London).

Views That’ll Stop You In Your Tracks

Sure, Manhattan’s skyline is iconic. But do you know where you get the best views of it? Well, it’s actually not in Manhattan (seriously, it’s not). Actually, Jersey City’s waterfront offers jaw-dropping panoramas that you’ve probably seen photos of before (if you Google “Jersey City,” you’re going to most likely find Manhanttan waterfront views).

In fact, Liberty State Park is a top spot for this (where most pictures are taken). Plus, you’ve got sweeping views of the skyline, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, all without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds you’d find at Battery Park.

It’s peaceful, and yeah, it’s obviously picturesque too.

Street Art That’ll Blow Your Mind

It’s not known to tourists, only locals, but Jersey City is home to an impressive street art scene that rivals anything you’ll find in Brooklyn or Manhattan.

For example, you can just walk through the city’s streets, and you’ll stumble upon massive murals and intricate graffiti created by local and international artists. Again, for locals, this is pretty huge.

The Food Scene Is No Joke

When you think of NYC, you’re thinking about the diverse food options, right? Well, you’re not going to believe this, but Jersey City has a food scene that quietly competes with the best of NYC, especially when it comes to Italian.

It’s the same for NYC, where you’re mostly going to find a bunch of local mom-and-pop spots where you might just stumble upon the best meal of your trip. Even if you’re here for a couple of hours, getting a snack is definitely worth it.

A Chill Change Of Pace

Even if you’re from a major city like London, for example, the vibes and energy there are just not the same as they are in NYC, right? There’s this non-stop energy for the city that never sleeps, and it can be too chaotic, right?

Well, Jersey City, on the other hand, offers a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. It’s just a lot more quiet, so nice to the point that you could just stroll along the waterfront, relax in one of the parks, or even wander the streets.

But overall, it’s got just enough of that big-city vibe to keep things interesting, but with a lot less stress and a lot more space. Plus, it’s not as loud, either.

Your Wallet Will Thank You

NYC is many things, but cheap isn’t one of them. Even for some Londoners, the prices in NYC can be eye-watering, but it’s noticeably cheaper in Jersey, especially when it comes to food.