Newark is part of a world-famous metropolitan region that includes New York City. However, the cherished parks and multifaceted neighbourhoods give Newark its own personality, evident in the city’s thriving art, music and culinary scenes.

Things to do

As one of the oldest communities in America, the downtown area holds the cultural heart of Newark. Don’t miss a dance performance or jazz concert at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, where you can also see comedy shows and improvisational theatre. You can view revered Tibetan art collections and thousands of Sino-Tibetan artefacts at the Newark Museum.

Walk through Branch Brook Park, famous for more than 4,000 cherry trees that blossom in the spring, then head next door to the colossal Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Listen to soothing chamber music at this Gothic Revivalism treasure while wandering beneath ornate 71-metre-tall towers. Watch the sunset and twinkling city lights at Riverfront Park, populated with street performers in the warmer months.

The culinary scene in Newark springs from multi-ethnic communities with Italian, Creole, Irish, Jewish and African-American roots. Sample Portuguese, Argentine and Brazilian fare in the Ironbound District, also known as “Mini-Spain” for its spicy chorizo street food. Stroll the streets south of the Passaic River for a deep-dive into a fascinating array of international art, food and music.

You can get a Major League Soccer fix at Red Bull Arena or cheer for the NHL New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. On non-game days, the centre rocks as a concert venue for mainstream musical acts.

Getting around

Public transportation in Newark includes bus, light rail and subway systems covering all districts. Newark Liberty International Airport, 15 minutes away, can be reached by rental cars, taxis, shuttles and transit trains.