Blake Walsh

25 Best Things to Do in Hoboken, NJ

  • Published 2022/10/07

Perched on the Hudson River in the Hudson County of New Jersey, Hoboken is a small city located across from Lower Manhattan.

The city is a part of the New York metropolitan area and is a central transportation hub for the tri-state region with Hoboken Terminal.

It is even known as the sixth borough of NYC by the locals and is only a short ferry or shuttle ride away from the city.

This small town has a population of over 40,000 residents.

Hoboken offers postcard-perfect stunning views of the Hudson River and skyscraping buildings of Manhattan.

The city also has a rich history and vibrant culture that can be seen in several fantastic museums, art galleries, festivals, and other unique attractions.

You will also find delectable food in the delightful eateries across the town influenced by various communities.

The city’s nightlife is also very much worth experiencing; with several unique bars and clubs, you are guaranteed to have a great time.

With breathtakingly stunning views, scrumptious food, waterfront bars, and all the other fantastic attractions, Hoboken will win over your heart.

Here are the 25 best things to do and the best places to see in the charming city of Hoboken.

Wander around Hoboken Riverside Park

Scenic View of Hoboken Riverside Park in Hoboken, New Jersey)

Elena_Suvorova /shutterstock.com

You need to be at a specific distance and perspective point to appreciate Manhattan’s enormous skyline.

The best panoramic views can be seen at this park, thanks to its ideal location and remoteness from the city.

Lower and midtown Manhattan, the two locations with the most skyscrapers, will be visible to you from the park.

Add the Hudson River to the mix, and you’ve got the most stunning scenery.

You can use the PATH rail or the NY Waterway ferry from NYC to get to the park.

Compared to the subway, the PATH rail is less expensive and costs the same amount.

The grounds of Hoboken Riverside Park in Hoboken, New Jersey)

Elena_Suvorova /shutterstock.com

Make sure your Metrocard has stored value before using it to board a train.

Both the boat and subway stations are within a few blocks of the park, making it easy to access.

See the Exceptional Contemporary Art at Barsky Gallery

Located on Harrison Street, Barsky Gallery is the contemporary art destination of Hoboken.

It showcases the mix of the art of local new and emerging artists and already established and renowned artists from all over the world.

The gallery was opened in 2011, and it aims to bring a new, informal, and fresh approach towards collecting and showcasing fine contemporary art.

There are several displays and exhibitions showcasing the art pieces of diverse roots and techniques.

You can even buy stunning art pieces for yourself and support the artists.

The gallery is also a popular venue for private events; the elegant space of the gallery is perfect for hosting intimate events with an immaculate ambiance surrounded by surreal artwork.

Visit the Barsky Gallery to witness the remarkable and thought-provoking contemporary art and local art scene of Hoboken.

Walk across the City

Daytime view of Hoboken park

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Walking is one of the best ways to explore any city.

You can see and experience all the nooks and crannies of a city yourself while exploring it on foot.

Small cities are especially very great for exploring on foot as you can traverse the entire city.

Hoboken is a tiny city with a total area of only 2 square miles and only 1.25 miles of land, which makes it a perfect city to explore on foot.

Hoboken waterfront view

Samuel Borges Photography / shutterstock.com

You can see the magnificent architecture along your way to the unique shops, lovely cafes, elegant restaurants, and more.

You can also witness the extraordinary views of Manhattan across the stunning Hudson River.

Do not forget to walk across the town on the old-world cobblestones and explore when you visit Hoboken.

Buildings along Hoboken downtown

James Andrews1 / shutterstock.com

Learn Local History at Hoboken Historical Museum

Founded in 1986, Hoboken Historical Museum is a waterfront museum and landmark in Hoboken.

The museum is a treasure trove of the history and culture of Hoboken and is located in one of the oldest buildings of the town, The Shipyard.

The museum aims to preserve the city’s history and educate the visitors about it.

It showcases the olden days of the town through artifacts, documents, photographs, exhibitions, displays, lectures, educational programs, film screenings, and much more.

There is a special Frank Sinatra exhibit in the museum as well, honoring the said singer who was a native of the city.

You can take a guided tour of the museum to learn more about the museum and the city.

The admission fee is $5, and the museum is open daily except for Monday.

Make sure to visit the Hoboken Historical Museum and learn about the town’s history.

Buy Some Cakes at Carlo’s Bakery

Exterior of Carlo's Bakery

Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock.com

You might already know Carlo’s Bakery from the TLC show-Cake Boss.

After being featured on the show, the bakery became a household name all over the world.

The bakery has also been featured in magazines for its superb wedding cakes that are no less than art.

The bakery is a famous tourist attraction and is always crowded, so if you visit it one day, make sure to go there early.

The bakery also offers classes teaching the art of cake decorating.

You can attend the course to become a master decorator and know all the secrets of the Cake Boss himself Buddy Valastro.

Make sure to try the famed cannolis, among other delectable sweet treats.

Enjoy the Stunning Views of NYC Skyline from Pier A Park

Night scene at Pier A Park

CK Foto / Shutterstock.com

Located on the waterfront, Pier A Park offers breathtaking views of the NYC skyline and Manhattan, nestled across the Hudson River.

The park is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic or sunbathe while enjoying the fantastic views.

There is a water fountain in the park as well.

The park is very neat and clean, with a lovely promenade and grassy areas.

You can take a stroll in the shade of the tree-lined paths.

There are several drinking and eating spots near the park where you can go after visiting the park.

Make sure to pay a visit to Pier A Park and relish the extraordinary views of Manhattan and the NYC skyline.

Watch the Sunset from Castle Point Lookout

Being such a small city, Hoboken does not fail to impress the visitors with its remarkable beauty and stunning landmarks.

This tiny 1-mile city even has a university, Steven’s Institute of Technology.

The university is located at the highest point of the city and offers some of the most bewitching views of the city and the Manhattan situated across the Hudson River.

The Castle Point Lookout is located in the Steven’s Institute of Technology, and it sits at the height of 100 feet.

The vantage point’s central point of focus is a Revolutionary war era cannon.

It is a perfect place to witness the sunset or sunrise from the stunning skyline of New York.

Walk at Hoboken Waterfront Walkway

The waters of Hoboken Waterfront Walkway

zazdravnaya / Shutterstock.com

Located on the western shore of New Jersey’s Hudson River, Hoboken Waterfront Walkway is a stunningly picturesque pathway or walkway that offers out-of-the-world views.

The walkway is pedestrian heaven and provides free access to the visitors 24/7.

The tree-lined pathway is perfect for taking a stroll while appreciating the splendid views of the lovely water, the charming city, and the impressive skyscrapers of Manhattan.

View of the sunset from Hoboken Waterfront

Megan Barlog / shutterstock.com

A visit or two to the Hoboken Waterfront Walkway is a must when you come to Hoboken.

Make sure to catch a sunset or sunrise from here.

Attend the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival

Hoboken Arts and Music Festival is an annual festival hosted by the city of Hoboken that celebrates the town’s spirit with live music, vendors, photographers, local businesses, local eateries, local artists, and much more.

The festival is held on the South end of the city at Washington Street.

You can eat delicious food from various cuisines such as Indian, Mexican, Greek, Cajun, French, and much more.

You can buy jewelry, candles, pottery, home decor, teas, jams, and many more quirky handmade products by local artists.

More than 300 crafters and artists display their work at the festival.

The festival is usually held in May.

Make sure to attend the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival when you visit the city.

Stay at Hoboken’s W Hotel

Exterior of Hoboken W Hotel

Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock.com

Located on River Street, Hoboken’s W Hotel is a luxury hotel with contemporary rooms to stay in.

The hotel overlooks the stunning skyline of Manhattan and provides terrific views of the Hudson River.

It also offers numerous amenities such as flat-screen TVs, electric vehicle charging station, car hire, fitness centre, gym, restaurant, and so on, to make your stay as comfortable and worthwhile as possible.

It is also pet-friendly, so you can stay here and explore the city with your pet.

Stay at Hoboken’s W Hotel to enjoy luxurious accommodation with impressive views and services.

Buy Local, Wholesome Produce at Hoboken Farmers’ Market

Hoboken hosts two farmer’s markets every year, one in summer and other in the fall.

It is a favorite among locals and tourists, and it is held at the corner of 13th Street and Hudson.

It is the best place to sample the freshest local produce.

You can buy the freshest tomatoes while they still have the smell of the vines on which they grew.

Aside from the fruits and vegetables, the market also has plenty of vendors selling other delicious local items, such as fresh loaves of bread, pickles, fresh mozzarella, preserves, jams, and more.

The Farmer’s Market is open from 2 pm to 7 pm every Thursday from June to October.

You can spend your afternoon just strolling around the Hoboken Farmer’s Market and buying and eating the freshest and most delicious local produce and food.

Admire the Architectural Beauty of Edwin A. Stevens Hall

Front View of Edwin A. Stevens Hall in Hoboken, New Jersey

Jim.henderson, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hoboken, New Jersey’s Edwin A. Stevens Hall is a charming Victorian Gothic structure.

Richard Upjohn designed the structure erected in 1870 following his plan.

The Stevens Institute of Technology’s main building was named in honor of Edwin Augustus Stevens.

Exterior of Edwin A. Stevens Hall in Hoboken, New Jersey

Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The building’s major uses were a classroom, a laboratory, and an auditorium when it first welcomed its first group of 21 students.

This structure houses the DeBaun Auditorium, one of the oldest in the world.

In 1903, it was converted into a theater recognized for its architectural beauty, intimacy, and acoustical purity.

Catch the Italian Festival

Hoboken has a rich Italian heritage and influence, and the city very much celebrates it and hosts an annual Italian festival.

The festival consists of fireworks, live music, amusement rides, and lots of mouth-watering Italian food.

The festival is held every year in September.

Make sure to attend the festival to see and experience the Italian heritage of Hoboken.

Check Out the Monroe Center for the Arts

The heart of the creativity of Hoboken, Monroe Center for the Arts is a focal point of the culture and art of the city.

The center has an area of 180,000 square feet, and it contains galleries, artist studios, exhibitions, retail space, and much more.

The center focuses on supporting local and small artists as well as businesses.

Visit the Monroe Center for the Arts when you visit the delightful city of Hoboken.

Check Out the Firemen’s Monument

View of Firemen's Monument in Hoboken, New Jersey

Jim.henderson, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Caspar Buberl, an American sculptor, constructed the Firemen’s Monument in 1891.

The monument is a granite pedestal standing 20 feet in Church Square Park’s west end, near Garden Street and 5th Street.

It has pike poles, a ladder, and fire hose symbols.

The 8-foot-tall monument depicts a mustached fireman in uniform.

He is depicted carrying a little infant in a nightgown in the left arm and a lamp in the right.

View of Firemen's Monument in Hoboken, New Jersey

Theornamentalist, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Taste Delicious Food at Blue Eyes Restaurant

Located on Sinatra Drive, Blue Eyes Restaurant is a charming waterfront restaurant that serves flavorsome Italian food.

The restaurant also honors the most famous native of Hoboken, Frank Sinatra, and is named after the singer’s beautiful blue eyes.

It offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options to cater to everyone’s needs.

The restaurant has its own wood-fired oven that produces amazing pizzas, baked pasta, calzones, and much more.

Apart from the wholesome food, the restaurant offers stunning views of the water and the beautiful skyline of New York and Manhattan.

Make sure to try the pizzas and the cannolis when you visit this lovely eatery.

Try Fiore’s Deli’s Mouth-Watering Sandwiches

Hoboken has plenty of Italian delis that serve deli sandwiches, but Fiore’s Deli is the best in town.

Fiore’s Deli serves delectable sandwiches made with house-made mozzarella cheese.

The Deli is very famous among locals and tourists because of the delicious sandwiches it serves.

The staff is amiable and attentive and will help you choose your perfect sandwich.

The most famous sandwiches served by the Deli are fresh mozzarella and garlic roasted pepper sandwich and the roast beef sandwich, make sure to try these when you visit this fantastic Deli.

Visit the Sybil’s Cave

Sybil's Cave in Hoboken, New Jersey

Jim.henderson, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1832, the Stevens Family built Sybil’s Cave on their property, which featured a natural spring as a “folly.”

During the mid-19th century, the cave was a popular leisure location just a short walk from the city center.

The cave was next to a restaurant that served outdoor food and drink.

In the early twentieth century, the cave was exposed to the public on a limited basis as part of Stevens Institute’s ownership of the former Stevens family estate.

The structure has become decrepit by the late twentieth century.

Enjoy Bar Hopping

Hoboken has more than 120 places where you can get a drink, and the city even holds the title of “most bars per capita in America.”

It is the perfect place to enjoy bar hopping and grab drinks from different locations.

The city has something for everyone to enjoy: pubs, bistros, bars, and rooftop bars, among others.

Do not forget to check out the bar scene in the town with your buddies when you visit Hoboken.

Tour the Hoboken Fire Department Museum

Hoboken Fire Department Museum

Erin Cadigan / shutterstock.com

Volunteers operate the Hoboken Fire Department Museum, founded by Bill Bergin from the city’s fire department.

It is open to the public on weekends from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Investigate the exhibits of old firefighting gear, photos, and newspaper clippings to learn about the big and minor blazes that have tested Hoboken’s firefighters throughout the years.

It was used as a fire station and a meeting place for the “Association of Exempt Firemen” in the 1880s.

It’s now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Be Amazed at the Old-World Charm of Hoboken/NJ Transit Terminal

Exterior of the Hoboken/NJ Transit Terminal

cdrin / Shutterstock.com

After launching in 1907, the Hoboken/NJ Transit Terminal became a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts design.

It has retained much of its old-world elegance.

Multiple feet of water entered the terminals on October 29, 2012, during Hurricane Sandy, severely damaging the station.

Interior of the Hoboken/NJ Transit Terminal

Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock.com

To this day, rainstorms and coastal flooding have been the two leading causes of flooding in Hoboken.

The Hoboken Ferry Terminal may seem like it’s constantly undergoing renovations, but there’s still much to see.

Get a taste of what it was like to wait for a train in the early 20th century by visiting the vintage waiting room.

Terminal of Hoboken/NJ Transit Terminal

David Pimborough / Shutterstock.com

Hop in New York Harbor Jet Ski Tours

Want to find somewhere new and exciting in Hoboken?

New York Harbor Jetski Tours offers the chance to hop in a brand-new jetski at 67 mph speed.

There’s no need to be nervous about the water on a jet ski because you’ll receive comprehensive instructions before you hit the open water.

The tour guide joins you on the watercraft to make sure you have a great time and don’t get hurt.

It’s a great chance to capture some incredible imagery and make some unforgettable clips on tour, too.

You may choose from a wide variety of trips, including private tours, tours for small groups, and tours of the city, all aboard a jet ski from New York Harbor Jetski Tours.

Go Paddleboarding with Resilience Paddle Sport

If you’re looking for some exciting things to do in Hoboken, Resilience Paddle Sports will help you get in shape.

Resilience Paddle Sports was established at Pier 13 in Hoboken in 2013.

It offers paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and other similar water sports activities.

You can go to the park to participate in such activities for pure enjoyment or to learn more about them and improve your physical condition.

It also offers fitness and yoga lessons.

Spending time there is a terrific way to celebrate with loved ones.

Hone Your Artistic Skills at Field Colony

Field Colony, another prominent art space in Hoboken, is among the city’s finest.

Those who like the arts and want to improve their capacity for original thought will find a welcoming community in Field Colony.

Modern artwork and art and cinema seminars are available at this gallery’s spacious workspace.

Aaron Boucher’s paintings and other artworks, such as his works on glass and steel, may also be shown at the gallery.

In addition, Field Colony provides ample and open space for entertainment and event hosting, with a total area of around 1,000 square feet and eleven-foot ceilings.

This building has a lobby, a lounge, and a conference room.

Nonetheless, Field Colony is a fantastic location to enroll in art programs for you and your children.

There is no better place to hone your artistic skills since you can access excellent instructors and a stimulating learning environment.

Join Cooking Lessons at Hudson Table Hoboken

You may find a cooking lesson at Hudson Table suitable for everybody, from culinary novices to seasoned chefs.

As Hoboken’s first culinary school, Hudson Table offers a contemporary take on rustic cuisine in a sleek and comfortable setting.

World dumplings, the Italian table, Christmas brunch, and Spanish tapas are just a few of the weekly class topics available to students of various skill levels.

The culinary studio area caters to team buildings, private parties, and social events in addition to weekday cooking lessons.

Chefs on staff at Hudson Table are well-regarded professionals who will help you through the menu at your own pace and provide advice and recommendations as you go.

The kitchens offer all the tools you need to cook like a pro without the hassle of an authentic restaurant, including Shun knives, Wolf ranges, and All-Clad cookware.

Celebrate the success of the dishes you’ve made with wine!

Final Thoughts

Hoboken is a small city with stunning views, impressive art, vibrant culture, and so much more.

What are you waiting for?

Visit Hoboken, and do not forget to tell us your favorite thing from the list and make sure to do and see all these things when you visit this great city.

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