Bask in the glory of the Manhattan skyline while reveling in the many charms to be found on this side of the Hudson River. Jersey City sits under the watchful gaze of Lady Liberty, and Hoboken is suffused with the spirit of its most famous son, Frank Sinatra. These bustling cities boast wonderful strolls, sophisticated restaurants, scrappy sandwich institutions, and exciting live music and nightlife.
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WHAT TO DO
Water’s Soul Sculpture by Jaume Plensa in Jersey City. Photo: Shutterstock/yuriyt
In Jersey City, book a restorative yoga/sound-bath class at Sound of Om. Stroll the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, where you’ll encounter the iconic Water’s Soul sculpture in the city’s Newport section. Visit Liberty State Park for a picnic, people-watching, or a jaunt over to Ellis Island, part of which is actually in New Jersey. When planning your weekend, be sure to check out the live-music lineup at the historic White Eagle Hall venue.
In Hoboken, pop into the Hoboken Historical Museum to browse the exhibits and grab a map for a Frank Sinatra walking tour (also available online). It begins at his birthplace on Monroe Street and winds through his old haunts (such as Lepore’s, where he adored the chocolate-covered apricots). Consider lunch at Blue Eyes in Sinatra Park, which has a lovely view of the skyline.
WHERE TO EAT
Wood-fired pizza, dotted with burrata, at Razza in Jersey City. Photo: Courtesy of Razza/Evan Sung
In Jersey City, Light Horse Tavern, Mathews and sam a.m. are solid brunch spots. The trendy-but-friendly Frankie, for weekend brunch as well as dinner, cocktails and natural wines, is Australian inspired, but also serves one of the best burgers in the state. Razza, known to be a fave of mega-producer Jack Antonoff, churns out delectable wood-fired pizzas. French bistro Madame is a must-try for the sultry ambience as much as the menu, which features deviled eggs and caviar, French onion mac and cheese, steak pommes and crepe brûlée.
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In Hoboken, if you’re an early riser and want to do as the locals do, consider waiting patiently in the line that forms an hour or two before the Hive coffee shop opens at 8 am, for the chance to snag one of its prized cinnamon rolls.
Prefer to sleep in? Fuel up with O’Bagel’s Bee Sting sandwich: scrambled egg, bacon and cheddar nestled atop scallion cream cheese and drizzled with hot honey. When weather permits, both options can be blissfully enjoyed on a bench at the waterfront.
The city’s old-school Italian delis and restaurants are imperative; try Fiore’s, Leo’s Grandevous, Luca Brasi’s or Vito’s & Son. Antique Bar and Bakery (whose historic bakery moved to Jersey City) is a cozy, brick-walled spot popular for brunch and Italian dinner; make a reservation.
WHERE TO STAY
Halifax, the restaurant at Hoboken’s W Hotel. Photo: Courtesy of Halifax
Book a room at Hoboken’s skyline-facing, four-star W Hotel. You don’t have to leave the premises to try Halifax, named one of New Jersey Monthly’s 40 best restaurants in 2024. Chef Seadon Shouse dotes on every detail of his freshly sourced, seafood-forward menu—whether he’s smoking fish, dry-aging steaks or whipping up his own sea salt. Take advantage of the hotel’s 1,500-square-foot gym with a view, or unwind at its Woodhouse Spa with a massage or facial.
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