Jay’s guidebook

Jay
Jay’s guidebook

Sightseeing

A short walk from the bus terminal "Port Authority" in Manhattan, where the bus on our corner arrives in approximately 25 minutes on average, to one of the most famous places in the world.
2037 locals recommend
Times Square
2037 locals recommend
A short walk from the bus terminal "Port Authority" in Manhattan, where the bus on our corner arrives in approximately 25 minutes on average, to one of the most famous places in the world.
Almost due East from the apartment and just a couple of miles away. You'll see it from the bus on the way into Manhattan. So many movies make it a must to go up to the top.
1787 locals recommend
Empire State Building
20 W 34th St
1787 locals recommend
Almost due East from the apartment and just a couple of miles away. You'll see it from the bus on the way into Manhattan. So many movies make it a must to go up to the top.
Some of the best views of Manhattan and just a 5 minute walk from the apartment if you want to stay in town and enjoy the view. Farmers' market here on Sunday mornings, Spring to Autumn.
57 locals recommend
Riverview-Fisk Park
498 Palisade Ave
57 locals recommend
Some of the best views of Manhattan and just a 5 minute walk from the apartment if you want to stay in town and enjoy the view. Farmers' market here on Sunday mornings, Spring to Autumn.
The whole city, because how can I list everything in the Big Apple. You are so close to "the greatest city in the world' . It "never sleeps," but you can do so peacefully back in Jersey City Heights.
437 locals recommend
New York City Hall
437 locals recommend
The whole city, because how can I list everything in the Big Apple. You are so close to "the greatest city in the world' . It "never sleeps," but you can do so peacefully back in Jersey City Heights.
The biggest and most famous museum on these shores. Not one to miss, and just next to Central Park for a combined day's touring.
2653 locals recommend
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave
2653 locals recommend
The biggest and most famous museum on these shores. Not one to miss, and just next to Central Park for a combined day's touring.
To get a sense of Manhattan as an island, these tours are a great option. Tip 1: Take lunch with you and enjoy the most famous views of all while you eat. Tip 2: When looking for a seat go straight to the top deck in good weather.
107 locals recommend
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
12th Avenue
107 locals recommend
To get a sense of Manhattan as an island, these tours are a great option. Tip 1: Take lunch with you and enjoy the most famous views of all while you eat. Tip 2: When looking for a seat go straight to the top deck in good weather.
Greenwich village has so much cultural history and Washington Square is bang in the middle of it with buskers and entertainers, chess playing, and general colorful New York arty types. Tip: On Macdougal St just next to it are some great take out places to grab food to eat in the park, the most legendary of which is "Mamoun's Falafels" -- delicious, vegan and under $5!
946 locals recommend
Washington Square Park
Washington Square
946 locals recommend
Greenwich village has so much cultural history and Washington Square is bang in the middle of it with buskers and entertainers, chess playing, and general colorful New York arty types. Tip: On Macdougal St just next to it are some great take out places to grab food to eat in the park, the most legendary of which is "Mamoun's Falafels" -- delicious, vegan and under $5!
The Whitney Museum compared with other NYC galleries has the best building architecturally with stunning views, so you get two for the price of one :) . Tip 1: On Friday nights it is free from 7pm, but get there earlier for the line. Tip 2: It is located in the trendy Meatpacking District, close to Chelsea Market and the High Line, so easily combined with them.
885 locals recommend
Salmagundi Museum of American Art
885 locals recommend
The Whitney Museum compared with other NYC galleries has the best building architecturally with stunning views, so you get two for the price of one :) . Tip 1: On Friday nights it is free from 7pm, but get there earlier for the line. Tip 2: It is located in the trendy Meatpacking District, close to Chelsea Market and the High Line, so easily combined with them.
Amazing escape from Manhattan, right in the heart of Manhattan –– How? A disused overhead railway line has been repurposed as a walkway park. Its southernmost entry on West 14th St is very close to the Whitney Museum if you want to combine them.
119 locals recommend
The High Line
119 locals recommend
Amazing escape from Manhattan, right in the heart of Manhattan –– How? A disused overhead railway line has been repurposed as a walkway park. Its southernmost entry on West 14th St is very close to the Whitney Museum if you want to combine them.
Ever seen "On the Waterfront" with Marlon Brando? It was set in neighboring Hoboken, which has transformed since then but still boasts incredible views of Manhattan from the waterfront. You can walk there from the apartment via the Congress St Light Rail elevators (we are above Hoboken and to the west, so we won't get flooded like them!). Tip: Hoboken has those Lime electric scooters you can ride for a couple of dollars each time, as a fast way to get around, and also a PATH station, which is great for downtown locations like Greenwich Village and the Financial District. That is why most residents are bankers :)
34 locals recommend
Hudson River Waterfront Walkway
Sinatra Drive
34 locals recommend
Ever seen "On the Waterfront" with Marlon Brando? It was set in neighboring Hoboken, which has transformed since then but still boasts incredible views of Manhattan from the waterfront. You can walk there from the apartment via the Congress St Light Rail elevators (we are above Hoboken and to the west, so we won't get flooded like them!). Tip: Hoboken has those Lime electric scooters you can ride for a couple of dollars each time, as a fast way to get around, and also a PATH station, which is great for downtown locations like Greenwich Village and the Financial District. That is why most residents are bankers :)
"You can get nothing for free in New York except the Staten Island Ferry" as the saying goes. Well, this free thing actually has some value. Some of the best views of downtown Manhattan, financial district, and best of all the Statue of Liberty. Tip: When you get to Staten Island, head straight back on the next free ferry back, as there is not much there.
254 locals recommend
Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island Ferry
254 locals recommend
"You can get nothing for free in New York except the Staten Island Ferry" as the saying goes. Well, this free thing actually has some value. Some of the best views of downtown Manhattan, financial district, and best of all the Statue of Liberty. Tip: When you get to Staten Island, head straight back on the next free ferry back, as there is not much there.
Williamsburg has become famous worldwide as a Hipster neighborhood, but Bushwick is where the hipster artists live and work. There are even tours of the street art, not to mention galleries and interesting stores.
223 locals recommend
Bushwick
223 locals recommend
Williamsburg has become famous worldwide as a Hipster neighborhood, but Bushwick is where the hipster artists live and work. There are even tours of the street art, not to mention galleries and interesting stores.
The most famous monument in NYC that’s so iconic. Tip: There are special boat trips that take you to the island for a stop over, but you also can go past it for free on the Staten Island ferry.
1303 locals recommend
Statue of Liberty Museum Shop
1 Liberty Island - Ellis Island
1303 locals recommend
The most famous monument in NYC that’s so iconic. Tip: There are special boat trips that take you to the island for a stop over, but you also can go past it for free on the Staten Island ferry.

Food scene

Authentic French Bakery just a 10 minute walk away
30 locals recommend
Choc O Pain Jersey City Heights
330-332 Palisade Ave
30 locals recommend
Authentic French Bakery just a 10 minute walk away
Excellent South American bakery for breakfast and lunch, just 10 minutes walk away
92 locals recommend
Dulce de Leche Bakery
376 Central Ave
92 locals recommend
Excellent South American bakery for breakfast and lunch, just 10 minutes walk away
Classy restaurant just 5 minutes away, and you can bring your own drinks.
63 locals recommend
Corto
507 Palisade Ave
63 locals recommend
Classy restaurant just 5 minutes away, and you can bring your own drinks.
Even New Yorkers are jealous it is located here, just 5 minutes walk from the apartment, Look: https://ny.eater.com/2019/6/25/18744270/bread-salt-rick-easton-open-jersey-city-heights-nj
16 locals recommend
Bread & Salt
435 Palisade Ave
16 locals recommend
Even New Yorkers are jealous it is located here, just 5 minutes walk from the apartment, Look: https://ny.eater.com/2019/6/25/18744270/bread-salt-rick-easton-open-jersey-city-heights-nj
Restaurant with the best views of Manhattan, and the food is also actually very good. For a special treat and to watch couples getting engaged on bended knee... :)
104 locals recommend
Chart House
1700 Harbor Blvd
104 locals recommend
Restaurant with the best views of Manhattan, and the food is also actually very good. For a special treat and to watch couples getting engaged on bended knee... :)
This is open only April to October because it is essentially a beer garden on the Hudson river. You won't find a bar with a greater view of Manhattan than this. A 20 minute walk from the apartment. Tip: before the entrance there are various food trucks. The food is usually good, especially Pizza Vita (got to try one), and you can take this food into the beer garden to eat there.
71 locals recommend
Pier 13 Hoboken
1301 Sinatra Dr N
71 locals recommend
This is open only April to October because it is essentially a beer garden on the Hudson river. You won't find a bar with a greater view of Manhattan than this. A 20 minute walk from the apartment. Tip: before the entrance there are various food trucks. The food is usually good, especially Pizza Vita (got to try one), and you can take this food into the beer garden to eat there.
Billed once as "the hippest place in the world", nowadays it can be disappointingly establishment as hipsters and artists move to new places, such as Jersey City Heights, right here! However, Williamsburg still has a great night scene for restaurants and bars.
997 locals recommend
Williamsburg
997 locals recommend
Billed once as "the hippest place in the world", nowadays it can be disappointingly establishment as hipsters and artists move to new places, such as Jersey City Heights, right here! However, Williamsburg still has a great night scene for restaurants and bars.
Their chicken and waffles are legendary in these parts. Brunch place 5 minutes walk away :)
14 locals recommend
Griot Cafe
398 Central Ave
14 locals recommend
Their chicken and waffles are legendary in these parts. Brunch place 5 minutes walk away :)
Local take out 5 minutes walk away selling exotic meats, such as kangaroo burger or alligator sausage. Tip: their fries and regular grass fed beef burgers are excellent themselves, but yak takes some beating. Also have veggie burgers.
13 locals recommend
Dark Side of the Moo
52 Bowers St
13 locals recommend
Local take out 5 minutes walk away selling exotic meats, such as kangaroo burger or alligator sausage. Tip: their fries and regular grass fed beef burgers are excellent themselves, but yak takes some beating. Also have veggie burgers.
Trendy cafe and brunch place just around the corner on Congress St, 3 minutes walk away.
29 locals recommend
The Cliff
38 Congress St
29 locals recommend
Trendy cafe and brunch place just around the corner on Congress St, 3 minutes walk away.
Colorful local hipster favorite for both brunch and night time with live music and bar, just 2 blocks away from the apartment, 3 minutes walk away.
75 locals recommend
Fox & Crow
594 Palisade Ave
75 locals recommend
Colorful local hipster favorite for both brunch and night time with live music and bar, just 2 blocks away from the apartment, 3 minutes walk away.
Local bar on the corner of our block. Their burgers are legendary and they are open long hours, but have amazing soundproofing, so you will only notice it when you see it, right next to the #119 bus stop.
33 locals recommend
Corkscrew Bar
61 Congress St
33 locals recommend
Local bar on the corner of our block. Their burgers are legendary and they are open long hours, but have amazing soundproofing, so you will only notice it when you see it, right next to the #119 bus stop.
Trendy cafe just a couple of blocks away from the apartment with lots of seats
14 locals recommend
Froth On Franklin
85 Franklin St
14 locals recommend
Trendy cafe just a couple of blocks away from the apartment with lots of seats

Shopping

Okay, why shop while on vacation? So many guest have come back with bags of shopping so it is obviously a thing to do when visiting here. If you want to get this out of the way quickly, the nearest mall to the apartment is this one and it is easily reached via the Light Rail at Congress St Station. Take a train heading to "West Side Avenue" or "Liberty State Park" and get off at the second stop "Pavonia/Newport" then follow the signs or crowds. There is a Macy's in this mall.
384 locals recommend
Newport Centre
30 Mall Dr W
384 locals recommend
Okay, why shop while on vacation? So many guest have come back with bags of shopping so it is obviously a thing to do when visiting here. If you want to get this out of the way quickly, the nearest mall to the apartment is this one and it is easily reached via the Light Rail at Congress St Station. Take a train heading to "West Side Avenue" or "Liberty State Park" and get off at the second stop "Pavonia/Newport" then follow the signs or crowds. There is a Macy's in this mall.
For trendy designer boutiques, this is the neighborhood to visit. Tip 1: The High Line and the Whitney Museum are nearby if you want to combine them. Tip 2: Chelsea Market and Gansevoort Market on West 14th St have an interesting range of fast food.
276 locals recommend
Meatpacking District
276 locals recommend
For trendy designer boutiques, this is the neighborhood to visit. Tip 1: The High Line and the Whitney Museum are nearby if you want to combine them. Tip 2: Chelsea Market and Gansevoort Market on West 14th St have an interesting range of fast food.
Large supermarket open long hours with good prices, just a 10 minute walk away via the Congress St elevators.
65 locals recommend
ShopRite of Hoboken
900 Madison St
65 locals recommend
Large supermarket open long hours with good prices, just a 10 minute walk away via the Congress St elevators.
Supermarket with cult following, renowned for healthy, organic options. Walkable, about 20 minutes away by foot. Also validates parking at the lot next to it.
420 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
715 River Rd
420 locals recommend
Supermarket with cult following, renowned for healthy, organic options. Walkable, about 20 minutes away by foot. Also validates parking at the lot next to it.

Traveler advice

Getting around

Getting to Manhattan by bus

The 119 bus goes from our corner with Congress St (Corkscrew Bar) to the Port Authority terminal in Manhattan on 42nd St, and comes back to Congress St. See the timetable. It does not operate on Sundays. The 123 bus takes a slightly longer route to the Port Authority Terminal, but it runs daily and is more frequent on Saturdays than the #119. You can catch it at the South East corner of Congress and Palisade, just 2 blocks from the apartment. You can buy tickets using the NJTransit app, which I would recommend, because otherwise you need the exact change going to Manhattan ($4.50).
Getting around

Getting to Manhattan by PATH

You can get to Manhattan across the Hudson River by PATH train. the nearest station is Hoboken, which is 30 minutes walk away, or 10 minutes by bus (#85 or #87) or Light Rail (from Congress St Station to Hoboken Station). The PATH runs 24 hours whereas buses stop around 2am, and taxi cabs outside can bring you home in about 5 minutes for around $12 in the early hours.
Getting around

Citi-Bike Shared bicycle system

If you like to go by bike, the system in Manhattan, "Citi-bike" , is the same as the one in Jersey City, so you can use the bikes here and in Manhattan if you have a pass for the duration of your stay at no extra cost. Tip: Hoboken has a different system, so if you want to ride to a PATH station, ride to Journal Square (same distance) instead and leave the bike at the Citi-bike stand there.
Getting around

Getting to Manhattan by boat

This is a short but special experience if you ride in the ferry on the Hudson towards Manhattan in fine weather, even though it only takes just 5 minutes. The nearest boat across the Hudson is from Hoboken at Pier 14 (14th St). It costs more than the bus or train, currently $9 one way, but there is a free bus on the other side that takes you to Central Park and other midtown destinations in case that is where you want to go anyway. Check the timetables out and look further at NYWaterway.com
Getting around

Parking in Jersey City

To park in Jersey City you will need to get a visitor’s pass for each day from the Parking Authority at 394 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307, which is about a 5 minute walk from the apartment and is open Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm. It currently costs $5 per day. You will need to show your AirBnB booking in order to qualify to get it. After getting a visitor’s pass, it’s not over! Now you need to follow the parking rules, which means avoiding No Parking zones, driveways, water hydrants etc, and also not parking in a street during its street cleaning hours, which are clearly marked.
Getting around

Airport Advice

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the nearest airport and the most convenient. An Uber/Lyft ride is around $20 as I write, and there is a way of doing it by public transport for around$12 per person if you are a solo traveler and don't have heavy bags. For JFK, the airport cabs are very expensive. Call Uber/Lyft if you have heavy bags. If not, take the Airport train to Jamaica Station, then an E Train to 42nd St. Follow the signs to Port Authority upstairs in the same building and look for the next #119 or #123 bus. Get off at Congress and Webster and walk to the apartment.