Things to do in Newark

During the Industrial Age, Newark was a thriving economic engine, but today it is a destination that blends culture with the outdoor life and shopping with fine dining. It is the cultural centre of New Jersey and a good base for visiting New York, just 14 kilometres away. Newark is divided into several neighbourhoods each with its own distinctive character.

While Downtown Newark is mainly commercial and residential it is also home to the New Jersey Performing Arts Centre and Newark Museum. Central Ward has history while East Ward or Ironbound has strong Portuguese and Brazilian influences. It is the place to go for dining out and fashion shopping. North Ward is home to a park full of cherry blossoms as well as the Basilica and Newark's busy port, a vital transport link, is in South Ward. Finally, West Ward has Ivy Hill Park with its recreational activities. The town is quite compact so wherever you choose to stay, you'll find plenty of Newark things to do right on your doorstep.

Newark Museum

The award-winning Newark Museum is home to the largest collection of Tibetan art in the Western hemisphere and features a Buddhist altar consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama. There are also exhibits of Asian and American art as well as a planetarium and exhibits teaching youngsters about waste and energy production.

Military Park

The designer of Military Park, Frederick Law Olmstead, also designed New York's Central Park. Military Park was a training ground for Civil War and War of Independence troops while slightly more recently it is where Thomas Edison's electric light was first used to light up a public space.

Taking pride of place is a huge Wars of America memorial designed by Gutzon Borglum who was responsible for Mount Rushmore.

Branch Brook Park

Branch Brook Park is both a local and national treasure as it has the largest collection of cherry trees in America. Also designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, this large urban park has over 4,300 trees. Visit in April for the Cherry Blossom Festival when the pink and white blooms rival those of Tokyo!

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Construction started on the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in 1896. Designed to look like Reims Cathedral, the finished building overshadows Westminster Abbey in London and Notre Dame in Paris for size. Outside are Anglo-style flying buttresses and French medieval spires while inside are magnificent stained glass windows and chandeliers. Visit simply to admire it or listen to one of the regular concerts of chamber music held here.

Eating in Ironbound (East Ward)

This district is recognised around the world as a foodie destination. It is home to over 170 restaurants with a focus on Portuguese, Spanish and Brazilian cuisine and should be on your list of the most delicious Newark things to do. From tapas bars and cafes to award-winning restaurants, food is available from breakfast through to late at night. After the sun has set Ironbound really comes alive with dancing and music that continues through the night. Particularly recommended are paellas from southern Spain, empanadas from Portugal and steaks from Madrid via Brazil.

Riverfront Park

Enjoy views of the Passaic River as you follow the meandering orange paths of Riverfront Park. Join an outdoor yoga class, watch an alfresco movie after sunset, lounge on public sunbeds, take a boat trip or rent a kayak for watery fun. There are urban art installations to admire all year round and street entertainers and festivals to enjoy in the summer months.

Catch a hockey game

No visit to the Garden State is complete without catching the New Jersey Devils play ice hockey at the Prudential Center. The Devils team manages to stay at or near the top of the NHL table adding a frenzied excitement to every game. This excitement reaches fever pitch when the New York Rangers cross the Hudson to challenge them.

Thomas Edison National Historic Park

Newark played an important role in the development of electricity and this is celebrated at the Thomas Edison National Historic Park. Located just a few minutes from the city centre, it was here in the late 19th century that Edison first tested audio recording equipment, light bulbs, batteries and even cameras. Today, his instruments are set up as they would have been back then.

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