8 Things to Do in Hoboken, New Jersey
You may or may not be familiar with Hoboken, New Jersey. If you’re from the East Coast, you probably know it as the small (only two square miles!) city across the Hudson River from Manhattan. Or, if you’re from the Midwest United States like me, you might know it as the city where Cake Boss takes place.
I lived in Hoboken for a year in my early twenties and learned it’s more than just its proximity to Manhattan or its famous bakery. It’s a tight-knit community rich in history, fun things to do, and wonderful people. I loved my time in Hoboken and always refer to it as “the perfect city.” To see why, read below for my 8 favorite things to do in Hoboken, New Jersey!
1. Explore the Shops on Washington Street
Washington Street is Hoboken’s main street, extending the entire length of the city. It’s filled with shops, restaurants, businesses, and apartments. I love grabbing a coffee and walking up and down the street, people-watching, and window shopping. These local businesses always have a great selection to check out:
Little City Books (Book Shop — on First Street)
2. Admire the Waterfront Views
Hoboken offers one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. Its waterfront parks are a perfect way to relax and enjoy the views. My favorite spot to admire the views is at Pier A Park — there’s a large grassy field where people come to hang out, play sports, or relax.
Views of the Manhattan Skyline from Pier A Park in Hoboken, New Jersey
3. Indulge in Incredible Food at Local Restaurants
Being so close to one of the world's culinary capitals, it only makes sense that Hoboken has some incredible food. You can find cuisine of all kinds in this small town, but Italian food is the most popular. Hoboken’s Italian heritage is strong, as is its presence in the food scene. I’ve listed some local favorites below:
Square Pie from Tenth Street Pizza in Hoboken, New Jersey
4. Have Coffee at a Local Cafe
If anything is most telling that many Hobokenites are former New Yorkers, it’s the number of good coffee shops. Whether you take yours black or with all the fixings, there’s something to suit your taste in Hoboken. Some of my favorites are below:
5. Ride Bikes Along the Pier
Riding bikes along the pier is a great way to enjoy Hoboken’s waterfront views while getting some exercise. Citi Bikes are available all around town, making it easy to start and stop at plenty of different locations.
If you’d like a longer ride, continue on the pier up to Weehawken. It’s a gorgeous area. If you’re a history fan, check out the famous site of the Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton Duel.
6. Relax at Church Square Park
Church Square Park is located centrally in Hoboken. It's a great communal area in the city with a playground, dog park, benches, and grass for people to relax. I love grabbing a coffee and a good book and snagging a bench.
Church Square Park in Hoboken, New Jersey
7. Grab Drinks at a Neighborhood Bar
Although the nightlife scene is smaller than in neighboring New York, Hoboken has enough bars to make any weekend fun.
The bars in Downtown Hoboken, close to the waterfront and the PATH station, have a younger party vibe. These bars are usually filled with college students and young professionals. The bars towards West and Uptown Hoboken tend to have a more relaxed atmosphere.
I’ve listed some of my favorites below:
An Espresso Martini at Grimaldi's in Hoboken, New Jersey
8. Enjoy Local Festivals
The tight-knit community vibe in Hoboken is most evident at the local festivals throughout the year. One of my favorites is St. Ann’s Italian Festival, which takes place every summer. The festival is a celebration featuring tons of Italian food, live music, a beer garden, and more.
You should also check out the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival. Vendors line Washington Street, selling food, drinks, and other goods. It’s a great way to support local artists and small businesses and to get a sense of the community.
Arancini at St. Ann's Festival in Hoboken, New Jersey
