Jersey City, set across the Hudson River from Lower Manhattan, is one of the largest cities in the state of New Jersey. The city’s walking paths and parks along the waterfront are some of its biggest draws, offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and a clear panoramic view of New York City’s towering skyline. For a closer look at the Statue of Liberty, you can take a short ride from Jersey City’s port across the Hudson to Liberty Island. The port is also the access point to another iconic landmark — the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, where artifacts like lost luggage and old photographs represent the more than 12 million immigrants who’ve passed through the island.

Further inland, Jersey City’s Historic Downtown neighborhood is lined with late-Victorian brick buildings that house independent boutiques, designer dog treats, and antique furniture. Newark Avenue’s pedestrian-only block is home to artisanal eateries and unique shops as well as outdoor markets. With regular, fast trains to Manhattan, Jersey City is also a convenient and affordable home base for exploring the Big Apple.

The closest major airport to Jersey City is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), about a 20-minute drive away. You can take public transportation from the airport to Penn Station and then a connecting bus to Jersey City, which takes about an hour. Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most efficient ways to get from the airport to your Jersey City vacation rental. Once you’ve reached Jersey City, the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) train system connects the city’s neighborhoods with nearby cities like Hoboken, and offers a quick and easy option for visiting New York. The neighborhoods are pedestrian- and bike-friendly.

Summers are warm and humid and usually see the most rain of the year. In summer, street festivals are in full swing, and the city’s JC Fridays offer free open-door art exhibits in galleries, restaurants, and conference spaces across Jersey City. Fall brings cool and comfortable temperatures as well as the All About Downtown Street Fair event, which hosts more than 100 vendors, including eateries and gelato stands along with booths with handmade jewelry and crafts.

Winters are usually frigid and snowy in Jersey City. The Happy Holiday Market takes place through December, where vendors sell handmade goods. Spring is warm and pleasant during the day and can get cold at night. Groove on Grove’s outdoor free weekly concert series begins this time of year, with musical performances for all ages plus a makers’ market.

Montgomery Street

Some of Jersey City’s most popular vintage clothing stores and furniture consignment shops are on and around Montgomery Street in downtown. You can find treasures from bygone days within two blocks north and south of this shopping hub, including vinyl records and secondhand books, mixed in with high-end clothing and jewelry boutiques.

Liberty State Park

The 1,200-acre Liberty State Park’s waterfront path is best explored by bike, with the Manhattan skyline providing a stunning backdrop. Stop along the way for some of the closest views of the Statue of Liberty. The park’s Empty Sky memorial is a somber tribute to the lives lost on September 11, facing the Lower Manhattan spot where the Twin Towers once stood.

Mana Contemporary

This two-million-square-foot cultural center is housed in a former 1920s warehouse that’s been converted into a modern, bright art space. Each floor hosts exhibits, including fine art, photography, light installations, and sculptures, by a mix of legendary artists and on-the-rise local and international creatives.