Jersey City
City

Jersey City

Manhattan's affordable neighbor with stunning skyline views

Jersey City gets overlooked, and honestly, that's part of its charm. You're literally minutes from Manhattan but paying half the price for everything. The views of the NYC skyline from Liberty State Park? Better than anything you'll get from the city itself. Plus, you've got authentic dim sum in Journal Square, craft breweries in the Heights, and waterfront parks that make you forget you're in New Jersey. The PATH train connects you to Manhattan in 15 minutes, but you might find yourself wanting to stay put.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Jersey City. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

Newport puts you right on the Hudson River with luxury high-rises and easy Manhattan access. But the prices reflect that convenience. Downtown Jersey City around Grove Street offers the sweet spot — walkable restaurants, the PATH train, and reasonable hotel rates around $150-200 per night. Journal Square surprises people. It's grittier but authentic, with the city's best Filipino and Indian food. Hotels here run $80-120 nightly. The Heights gives you residential vibes and incredible views from the Palisades, though you'll need to factor in getting downtown. Avoid staying near the Holland Tunnel entrance unless you enjoy constant traffic noise.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Stay in Journal Square and take the PATH train downtown — saves $50-100 per night on hotels
  • 2.Buy groceries at ShopRite or Whole Foods instead of Manhattan corner stores — half the price
  • 3.Happy hour at waterfront restaurants (4-6pm) offers the same views for less money
  • 4.PATH train day passes cost $5.50 for unlimited rides — better than individual tickets
  • 5.BYOB restaurants in the Heights let you drink wine without restaurant markup
  • 6.Free outdoor movies and concerts at Liberty State Park during summer months

Travel Tips

  • •Download the PATH train app for real-time schedules — delays happen
  • •Waterfront areas get windy — bring a jacket even on warm days
  • •Grove Street PATH station has more frequent trains than other stops
  • •Many restaurants are cash-only, especially in Journal Square
  • •Liberty State Park closes at sunset — plan your skyline photos accordingly
  • •Street parking downtown is metered until 8pm Monday-Saturday

Frequently Asked Questions

The PATH train takes 15-20 minutes from downtown Jersey City to Manhattan. Grove Street and Newport stations have the most frequent service to NYC.

Explore Jersey City

Things to Do in Jersey CityWhen to Visit Jersey City3 Days in Jersey City7 Days in Jersey City

Ready to explore Jersey City?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.