10 Must-Visit Landmarks in Jersey City, NJ
Jersey City Blends Waterfront Views, History, and Big-City Energy
Jersey City sits on the Hudson River waterfront, directly across from Lower Manhattan and steps from the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It is one of the most diverse cities in the country, with a booming downtown, historic neighborhoods, and some of the best skyline views anywhere. This guide covers 10 high-traffic landmarks in Jersey City, along with practical tips for visiting each one.
In this guide:
Journal Square
Journal Square is the transit and cultural center of Jersey City, built around one of the busiest PATH stations in the city. It blends daily commuter energy with global food, historic theaters, and a skyline of new towers.
Visiting Tips:
- Take PATH to skip Jersey City parking
- Explore Newark Avenue and India Square for food
- Weekday rush hours bring the biggest crowds
Highlights:
- A major PATH transit hub for Jersey City
- The restored Loew’s Jersey Theatre on the plaza
- India Square, known for South Asian food and shops
Loew's Jersey Theatre
The Loew’s Jersey Theatre is a restored 1929 movie palace on Journal Square, one of the original “Wonder Theatres” built in the New York area. Today it hosts concerts, classic films, and live shows as a nonprofit venue.
Visiting Tips:
- Check the calendar for film nights and concerts
- Arrive early to take in the ornate interior
- Reach it easily by PATH to Journal Square
Highlights:
- A grand 1929 movie palace
- One of the original “Wonder Theatres”
- Concerts, films, and live performances
Newport Centre
Newport Centre is a large three-level shopping mall on the Jersey City waterfront, with anchor stores, dining, and a cineplex. It sits at the center of the fast-growing Newport neighborhood.
Visiting Tips:
- Use the Newport PATH or light rail stops
- Set aside time for both shopping and dining
- Weekends bring the heaviest foot traffic
Highlights:
- Three levels of shops and restaurants
- An on-site movie theater
- Waterfront location with skyline views nearby
Historic Downtown Jersey City
Historic Downtown Jersey City, centered on Grove Street, is the city’s dining and nightlife core. It is filled with brownstones, independent restaurants, and green space loved by locals.
Visiting Tips:
- Start at the Grove Street PATH plaza
- Visit the farmers market in warmer months
- Come hungry for the many restaurants
Highlights:
- A walkable core of restaurants and cafes
- Historic brownstones and tree-lined blocks
- Van Vorst Park and Hamilton Park nearby
Exchange Place
Exchange Place is the heart of Jersey City’s waterfront financial district, often called “Wall Street West.” Its riverfront walkway offers some of the closest Manhattan skyline views anywhere.
Visiting Tips:
- Take the PATH straight to Exchange Place
- Walk the waterfront promenade for photos
- Visit on a weekday to see the district in motion
Highlights:
- Jersey City’s “Wall Street West” business district
- A riverfront walkway with skyline views
- Easy PATH and ferry access
Colgate Clock
The Colgate Clock is a giant octagonal clock on the Jersey City waterfront, built in 1924 and once among the largest clocks in the world. It marks the former Colgate-Palmolive factory site.
Visiting Tips:
- Visit at dusk when the clock lights up
- Pair it with a stroll from Exchange Place
- Frame a photo with the skyline behind it
Highlights:
- One of the largest clocks in the world when built
- A century-old Jersey City waterfront icon
- A skyline backdrop across the Hudson
Liberty Science Center
Liberty Science Center is the largest science center in the New York metro area, set inside Liberty State Park. It features interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater, and one of the largest planetariums in the Western Hemisphere.
Visiting Tips:
- Buy tickets online to skip the entry line
- Check planetarium and IMAX showtimes on arrival
- Plan a full afternoon for the twelve galleries
Highlights:
- One of the largest planetariums in the hemisphere
- Twelve interactive galleries across four floors
- An IMAX theater and live demonstrations
Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial
Empty Sky is New Jersey’s official September 11 memorial, in Liberty State Park directly across from the World Trade Center site. Two steel walls carry the names of the 749 New Jersey residents lost that day.
Visiting Tips:
- Visit at sunrise for the clearest Manhattan view
- Approach quietly, since it is a place of reflection
- Combine it with a Liberty State Park walk
Highlights:
- New Jersey’s official 9/11 memorial
- Two walls aligned toward Ground Zero
- Names of the 749 New Jersey victims
Central Railroad of NJ Terminal
The Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal is a historic 1889 rail and ferry station in Liberty State Park. For millions of Ellis Island immigrants, this Jersey City terminal was the gateway to the rest of America.
Visiting Tips:
- Walk over from the Statue and Ellis Island ferry dock
- Look for the restored train sheds and ferry slips
- Read the exhibits on immigration and rail history
Highlights:
- A restored 1889 rail and ferry terminal
- The onward gateway for Ellis Island immigrants
- Romanesque design along the waterfront
Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park is a 1,200 acre waterfront park in Jersey City with open lawns, harbor paths, and standout Manhattan skyline views. It is the launch point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Visiting Tips:
- Come for sunrise or sunset for the best photos
- Walk the Liberty Walk along the water
- Buy Statue and Ellis Island ferry tickets ahead
Highlights:
- Direct Hudson River views of Lower Manhattan
- Ferry access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- Home to the Science Center, terminal, and memorial
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