Hidden gems in Newark: Art, architecture, and riverfront discoveries
Venture beyond the travel hubs to uncover the vibrant cultural core of New Jersey's largest city.
Edited by Taylor Cahan | November 7, 2025
Newark is a city full of surprises, with vibrant neighborhoods and creative energy everywhere you turn. The lively Ironbound district, tranquil Branch Brook Park, and historic downtown offer a blend of art, architecture, and riverfront escapes. Each hidden gem is conveniently located near welcoming places to stay, making your Newark adventure both comfortable and memorable.
Downtown arts and archives: Ballantine House and Newark Museum of Art
Step into Newark’s creative heart with a stroll through the downtown arts district. Start at the Ballantine House, a Gilded Age mansion built in 1885 for a celebrated Newark beer‑brewing family, that’s now part of The Newark Museum of Art’s historic holdings. Inside, period rooms and exhibitions connect Newark’s industrial past to its present-day creative spirit. The museum offers a dynamic mix of contemporary art, science, and local history, making it a must-see for culture lovers. Just a few blocks away, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) anchors the city’s vibrant arts scene with world-class performances, including comedy shows, concerts, and performances by the New Jersey Symphony. For easy access to galleries, theaters, and the city’s best events, stay steps from Newark Penn Station at DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station. Enjoy comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and direct transit connections, including a complimentary shuttle service to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) every 30 minutes from 5 am to 1 am.
Ironbound heritage: Markets, bakeries, and community plazas
Also within walking distance of DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station, Newark’s Ironbound district is a hub of immigrant history and culinary tradition. Known locally as “Down Neck” for its location by a bend of the Passaic River, Centered on Ferry Street, the neighborhood buzzes with markets, bakeries, and vibrant community plazas. Begin your self-guided walking tour at Peter Francisco Park, a small square honoring a Portuguese-American hero of the Revolutionary War and the city's Luso-American heritage. Wander through bustling streets filled with the aroma of fresh bread and pastries, and discover local restaurants and shops that reflect the area’s Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian roots.
Branch Brook Park and Forest Hill: Cherry blossoms and historic strolls
Each spring, Branch Brook Park transforms into a sea of pink and white as more than 5,300 cherry blossom trees bloom across the 360-acre park (1.46 square kilometer) — the largest and more varied collection in the United States. Peak bloom season typically arrives in mid-April, drawing visitors for a variety of community events, as well as gentle walks beneath flowering branches and picnics along the water. Adjacent to the park, the quiet Forest Hill historic district invites you to explore grand pre-war mansions and tree-lined streets, with a self-guided architecture tour that reveals the neighborhood’s storied past. For river views and easy access to both Branch Brook Park and Forest Hill, Hampton Inn & Suites Newark-Harrison-Riverwalk offers spacious rooms, free hot breakfast, and a welcoming atmosphere for every traveler.
Newark Riverfront Park: Orange walkway and golden-hour strolls
Hampton Inn & Suites Newark-Harrison-Riverwalk also provides direct access to riverfront revival along the Passaic, where the bright orange walkway offers a unique setting for sunset walks and community events. Small parks and landscaped promenades invite locals and visitors to unwind by the water, with frequent gatherings that celebrate the city’s spirit. Whether you’re joining a festival or simply enjoying the changing colors at golden hour, the riverfront is a refreshing escape from the city’s bustle.
Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.
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