Just a 10-minute metro ride from Greenwich Village, historic Jersey City is fast emerging from the shadow of Manhattan’s iconic skyline. This is no longer a city defined by its history as the gateway to the US. Instead, 21century ‘JC’ — as the city is affectionately known by locals — is now one of the most diverse cities in the US, with a thriving calendar of events encompassing music, cuisine and LGBTQ+ celebrations.
Jersey City’s pedestrianised bar-and-restaurant-flanked streets are home to a growing collection of art galleries and innovative museums, which can be easily explored on dedicated walking routes and open-house events. The city has also recently renovated the Hudson River waterfront, allowing for expansive views of Manhattan from a number of new parks, restaurants and hotels.
Art is everywhere in Jersey City, from galleries to garage walls. The Jersey City Mural Arts Program has seen splashes of colour emerge across the city with more than 200 murals., or ‘LSP’ as it’s known to locals, is a swathe of greenery that hugs the Hudson on the southern end of the city. Visitors are drawn here throughout the year to soak up exceptional views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty and to visit the historic.
This year will see Jersey City's 23rd LGBTQ+ Pride Festival transform the city in a colourful celebration of love, diversity and spirit., a Neapolitan pizzeria in Jersey City. The headline read, ‘Is New York’s best pizza in New Jersey?’ That’s one debate that will rage for all time, but visitors to Jersey City will testify that great pizza isn’t just confined to New York.