Often referred to as, ‘The Mile Square City’, Hoboken is one of the most stunning cities in New Jersey. It’s situated on the banks of river Hudson, in Hudson County, New Jersey, US. Due to its strategic location, the small city boasts postcard-perfect views from its waterside walkways day and night.
The city is small in size (only 5.2 square kilometers) but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in its rich history. Originally an island, the early inhabitants of the city, the Lenni Lenape Indians, called it ‘Hobocan Hackingh’ which means ‘land of the tobacco pipe’.
Hoboken is the birthplace of baseball and the stellar singer Frank Sinatra, and it’s widely reputed for its nightlife with a cluster of bars and clubs. The immense vibrancy and energy of this city offer a variety of things to do and places to explore.
THINGS TO DO
Walk Along the Sinatra Drive
Hoboken sits snugly alongside New York City; thus, it is a great place to catch a spectacular view of the city that never sleeps, right from the riverside Sinatra Drive. You can opt for an evening or morning walk, go jogging or cycling on Sinatra Drive. You will love the contrast of ancient brownstone buildings on one side and glimmering cityscapes on the other. The beauty of this place literally propels you to visit Hoboken again and again. You will get a clear view of the Empire State Building as well as the Freedom Tower. The Pier A Park or Pier 13 Park situated on the Sinatra Street, and it’s surrounded by the Hudson River from three sides. The park overlooks the Manhattan skyline. which is a very exquisite sight to behold at sunset. It has a lush green lawn and a gazebo. You can go for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, sunbathing or fishing and be one with nature.
Kayaking on the Hudson River
Hoboken boasts a wide range of water activities right on the Hudson River. You can go kayaking with your partner and friends even if you have no experience. Pier 13 Park conducts kayaking programs for participants with no prior experience, right after you’re tested on whether you can handle the paddle. It is a guaranteed source of fun for water sport enthusiasts, bystanders and anyone who is just looking for some entertainment. Paddleboarding and water skiing are also exciting sports to enjoy on the Hudson River.
Hoboken Arts and Music Festival
Owing to its 19th-century charisma, Hoboken harbors a new wave of artists and musicians. This festival held on Washington Street is an occasion for the local artists and musicians to showcase their talents. It is free of cost and provides a host of activities for the tourists. It entails food stalls, live music performances, and a separate kids’ zone. Many famous artists like Nancy Sinatra, John Eddie, Ian Hunter, Leon Russel, and others have since performed in the annual festival.
PLACES TO SEE
The Hoboken Historical Museum
Founded in 1986, this museum consists of local art and history exhibits. It reflects the colorful historic culture and architecture of the city in a creative and aesthetic manner and delineates its evolution. The city embraces its history very dearly and hence, the museum is a must visit. The cynosure of all eyes is the Frank Sinatra exhibit titled “The Most Famous Son of Hoboken”. It comprehensively unfolds the life history of the famous singer. The museum also showcases a detailed account of the birth of baseball. It also presents the transition of the city due to the two world wars. This vast cornucopia of history is open to visitors 6 days a week.
Hoboken Waterfront Walkway
The people of Hoboken are very fond of their waterfronts. Waterfront Walkway situated on the western shore of Hudson River. It starts from Bayonne and goes all the way to the George Washington Bridge. You can go running, jogging, swimming, and kayaking. The Walkway also links many green spaces which you can go to. As mentioned earlier, it’s better to commute on foot than taking a cab or car since every place is within a foot’s reach. Long promenades along the walkway are pleasing to the mind, soul, and body.
Castle Point
Castle Point is the topmost point of the city and provides an amazing view of New York City. It is located on the campus of Stevens Institute of Technology. You can get an irresistible view of the Hoboken and Manhattan skyline from here.
WHERE TO EAT
Global eateries, bistros and bars cluster in Hoboken, you will find a variety of eating joints sprawled across the famous Washington Avenue. Sidewalk cafes are new attractions in the city.
Blue Eyes Restaurant
The Blue Eye restaurant features a Frank Sinatra theme and it’s lightly infused, serving sumptuous skyline views with lip-smacking Italian food. It has a calm and chilling ambiance due to its location right across the riverfront.
Carlo’s Bakery
This bakery has gained a lot of attention through the television show Cake Boss. It is known for its delicious desserts and pastries. It sets a benchmark for quality and excellence.
Fiore’s Deli
This famous Italian backstreets deli was founded in 1913 and it’s well-known for its roasted beef and Mutz hero, a sandwich filled with gravy which is only available on Thursdays and Saturdays.
PLACES TO EXPLORE
The igloos at Pilsener Haus
Exploring the igloos is a memorable experience during the winter season. This place offers a wide range of beers and wines and you can enjoy it all as you sit in the beautifully decorated igloos.
Maxwell’s Tavern
Maxwell’s is known as ‘the live music capital of Hoboken’. It is a great place for music enthusiasts to get lost in deep music and explore themselves from within. Recognized musicians perform here always and they enthralled the audience.
Bars and Nightclubs
If you visit to Hoboken and don’t experience the nightlife, you are definitely going to miss a whole lot. Seriously, just go out there and have fun shimmying to the rhythm of strong beats. Enjoy with your friends, get slightly drunk and take a break for a while.
The city of Hoboken has a lot to offer everyone. It’s home to a variety of exciting activities that should be on anyone’s bucket list. With an ingenious spirit, pulsating nightlife and stunning attractions to explore, this amazing city surely knows how to delight.
Looking for where to stay in Hoboken? Take inspiration from our collection of apartments in urban neighborhoods in Hoboken for one-of-a-kind vacations.
