PAC ’em in: The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (1 Center St, 973-642-8989, njpac.org) is the standard-bearer for the city’s arts revival. An eclectic mix of concerts and touring theater companies keep the joint jumpin’. Just down the street, radio station WBGO (88.3 FM) keeps the spirit of jazz alive.
Pumping Iron: The city’s Ironbound District is a multicultural swirl of commerce, food, and drink. Sagres Bar & Grill (44 Prospect St, 973-589-4070) is a corner tavern named for the Portuguese beer that perfectly complements the spicy dishes. Mompou Tapas, Wine Bar, and Lounge (77 Ferry St, 973-578-8114, mompoutapas.com) needs the long handle to cover its dinner-to-dancing mission. Don’t ignore neighborhood icon Iberia Peninsula either (63-69 Ferry St, 973-344-5611).
Awesome site: The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart (89 Ridge St, 973-484-4600) is just one of the city’s architectural and cultural gems.
Seeing the light: The cathedral and many other spectacular pieces of Newark’s architecture can be spied from the city’s new light-rail system. The $207 million public-transportation investment provides a speedy shuttle to NJPAC, Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium (home to minor-league baseball’s Newark Bears), as well as a connection to the home of the New Jersey Devils.
Edify: The Newark Museum (49 Washington St, 973-596-6550, newarkmuseum.org) is a city treasure. From the Dreyfuss Planetarium to kids’ programs and a great rotation of eclectic exhibits, regular visits are a must. Shopper alert: Unique holiday gifts abound here.
Branch Brook Park: D.C. can’t hold a candle to the cherry blossoms here in spring. For the rest of the year, this 341-acre Olmstead-designed wonder provides a green oasis among the bricks, perfect for playing, relaxing, or people-watching.
Mix it up: 27 Mix (27 Halsey St, 973-648-0643, 27mix.com) is a great spot for food, drinks, and conversation. The exposed brick, open kitchen, garden dining area, interesting crowd, and great food contribute to the humming energy. This joint is so hot that its owners are expanding into the adjacent building.
Everyone needs a Hobby: Hobby’s Deli (32 Branford Pl, 973-623-0410, hobbysdeli.com); this old-school staple for corned beef, pastrami, and other delicacies inspires you to come in hungry and come back often. Eat in or take out.