From Art to Astronomy—6 Reasons to Visit Jersey City This Summer

Set across from New York on the banks of the Hudson River, Jersey City is gaining a reputation as an artistic hub. With a wide range of exciting events and openings this year, there’s never been a better time to visit. Just a 10-minute metro ride from Greenwich Village, historic Jersey City is emerging from the shadow of Manhattan’s iconic skyline. Affectionately known as ‘JC’ by locals, it’s one of the most diverse cities in the US, with a thriving calendar of events encompassing music, cuisine, and LGBTQ+ celebrations.

Jersey City’s pedestrianized streets are home to a growing collection of art galleries and innovative museums, easily explored on dedicated walking routes and open-house events. The city has also recently renovated the Hudson River waterfront, offering expansive views of Manhattan from new parks, restaurants, and hotels. Here are six experiences not to miss this year.

1. Explore Outdoor Art

Jersey City is rich with public and street art created by local, national, and international artists. Along the Hudson River waterfront sits Water’s Soul, a 60-foot-high sculpture by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. The Jersey City Mural Arts Program has adorned approximately 200 walls with colorful murals, many reflecting the city’s transformation from a gritty manufacturing center to an art hub. An interactive map on their website makes planning a walking tour easy.

2. Listen to Live Music in Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park (LSP) is a green oasis hugging the Hudson on the southern end of the city. Throughout the year, visitors enjoy exceptional views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty and visit the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. In the warmer months, the park hosts live concerts and film screenings. Past performances have featured artists like Jack Johnson, Selena Gomez, and Radiohead.

3. Discover Cutting-Edge Science

The Liberty Science Center in Liberty State Park boasts the fourth-largest planetarium in the world. Spanning 300,000 square feet, the center includes hands-on exhibits and attractions like the 35-foot-tall Infinity Climber. The permanent exhibit, Skyscraper!, explores the science behind these towering structures.

4. Head to Jersey City’s Home of Creativity

Mana Contemporary, a one-million-square-foot arts center, is housed in a former manufacturing building from the 1920s. Opened in its current form in 2011, it features artists’ studios, galleries, and archives. Current exhibitions include Infância, which examines childhood wonder and curiosity.

5. Prepare for Parties and Parades

Jersey City comes alive with parades and festivals as the weather warms. On July 4, visitors can enjoy a fireworks display along the Hudson River. From August 8 to 11, La Festa Italiana celebrates Italian American heritage with food, song, and dance. On August 24, the city’s annual Pride event features a pub crawl, parade, concerts, and dancing.

6. Visit the Most Creative Kitchens

Jersey City’s culinary scene rivals New York’s. Razza, a Neapolitan pizzeria, and Bread & Salt, known for Roman-style pizza, are must-visit spots. Hamilton Pork offers top-notch US barbecue, while India Square boasts the highest concentration of Indian restaurants in the Western Hemisphere. The city also features Filipino restaurants, Egyptian seafood spots, beer gardens, and Caribbean cuisine.