Where to Stay in Jersey City – A Guide to This City in New Jersey
Jersey City is the second-largest city in New Jersey and is located in Hudson County.
Located opposite the Hudson River and New York Bay, this city is nicknamed Wall Street West, being one of the largest banking and finance centers in the United States.
The best time to travel to Jersey City and do outdoor activities is during the summer, although spring and fall are also good alternatives.
Jersey City has the charm of a big city, as well as many historical sites to visit and malls for shopping.
Multicultural restaurants and vibrant nightclubs and bars are also attractions that invite you to visit Jersey City.
Jersey City is so close to the Big Apple that it is considered to be part of the New York metropolitan area and, because it does not have city taxes, it is much cheaper than Manhattan, making it a good place to stay to visit New York.
This port city connects with other parts of the world through Newark Liberty International Airport, less than a 20-minute drive, and LaGuardia Airport, located in northern Queens.
Fortunately, Jersey City has an extensive public transport network that includes the PATH (light rail) station, buses, taxis, and bicycle lanes. It also has plenty of parking spaces and pedestrian-friendly streets.
As for the best areas to stay in Jersey City, Downtown stands out for its hotels of all kinds, its promenade and shops (See accommodation in Downtown Jersey City).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The Best Areas to Stay in Jersey City
1. Our Favorite Area: Downtown Jersey City
Downtown Jersey City is the best area to stay in Jersey City due to its central location and hotels of different categories.
Also, this area has many shops and restaurants along Newark Avenue and Grove Street.
Fantastic views of the Hudson River and parks like Hamilton Park and Van Vorst Park, where the Shakespeare Festival takes place every summer, are other attractions of Downtown Jersey City.
On the other hand, the main advantage of staying in this area is its proximity to New York, but with much cheaper accommodation than in Manhattan.
To get from Downtown Jersey City to New York, you can choose between car or light rail, with the Newark World Trade Center line from Grove Street and Exchange Place stations.
The NY Waterway, a kind of floating public transport, also allows you to go from Downtown Jersey City to New York, just like the ferry that can be taken at the Paulus Hook terminal.
This is the best area to stay in Jersey City for both tourists and business travelers.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Best area for business travelers
- Connected with New York by public transport
2. Near Journal Square Station
Staying near Journal Square Station is a good option for its connections to New York via buses and subway.
Near Journal Square Station is one of Jersey City’s most eye-catching attractions, Loew’s Jersey Theater, where you can enjoy classic movies, live performances, and events.
Just 11 minutes from Journal Square Station are two of Jersey City’s main avenues, John F. Kennedy Blvd and Newark Avenue, full of shops and restaurants of all kinds.
This is a recommended area to stay in Jersey City for those who are passing through the city or want to be as close to New York as possible.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Great public transport connections
- Loew’s Jersey Theatre
- Cheap hotels to stay in Jersey City
3. Newport
Newport is a district that mixes tall skyscrapers, shops, and offices, located on the Hudson River coast, in front of Manhattan and New York, making it one of the best areas to stay in Jersey City.
The Newport district is well-known for buildings like the Newport Center Mall, which consists of 130 duty-free stores, movie theaters, and restaurants.
Newport has a huge boardwalk that offers great panoramic views, spaces for walking, running, and cycling.
The main advantage of staying in Newport is its elegant and cheap accommodation, with incredible views of the Hudson River.
Another benefit of the area is that it houses the Newport train station, through which you can get to New York in less than 20 minutes by taking the PATH line.
In turn, Newport is served by the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and several New Jersey Transit bus lines.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Good area for shopping
- Great views
- Connected by public transport
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Newport has always been my family’s personal favorite district for shopping and sightseeing. Great to see it on your list, definitely a must go when you’re in Jersey City.
Just wanted to add that Newport has some of the best restaurants in Jersey City as well for those keen on visiting.