Overview
Hoboken (HOH-boh-kən) is a small city on the Hudson River in northeastern New Jersey. Once known only as the birthplace of baseball and crooner Frank Sinatra and the site of Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken has become a party town, rich in bars and clubs, and a bedroom community for young, mostly twenty-something professionals who work across the river in New York City
7 sights · 1 things to do · 9 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Hoboken
Elysian Fields
Site of the first baseball game. In 1984, 100 years after the original ballpark closed, the Hoboken Industry and Business Association (HIBA) placed a plaque for the field's significance
Erie-Lackawanna Terminal
One of the busiest train stations in New Jersey, the Hoboken Terminal was built in 1907 and is owned by New Jersey Transit. The terminal was named after the now defunct Erie-Lackawanna Company, which had trains departing…
Sybil's Cave
Hidden cave along the Hoboken waterfront that was discovered in the 1830s and closed in 1880. You're not allowed to go inside the cave because it's gated
Point of Embarkation
Before Pier A Park existed, Hoboken's terminal was twice its size and was a dock for ships for cargo and it was also the dock for ships that sent soldiers to Normandy, Somme and several other battle locations for World W…
Hoboken Historical Museum
Learn about the history of Hoboken from Dutch colonization to now.
American Expeditionary Forces Memorial Boulder
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby New York City)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TEB Teterboro Airport, Teterboro — 7 mi away. Directions
- EWR Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark — 8 mi away (major hub). Directions
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the closest of metro New York three major airports. To get to downtown Hoboken take any New Jersey Transit train headed for New York to Secaucus Junction and change there to a train headed for Hoboken Terminal. During rush hour, some trains run directly to Hoboken from Newark Airport Station.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $12 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Frank Sinatra's Birthplace, American Expeditionary Forces Memorial Boulder, Point of Embarkation
- Lunch Carlo's Bakery
- Afternoon Pier A Park, Erie-Lackawanna Terminal
- Dinner La Isla Restaurant Downtown
- Evening Wilton House
Day 2
- Morning Elysian Fields, Hoboken Historical Museum
- Lunch Vito's Italian Deli
- Afternoon Sybil's Cave
- Dinner Benny Tudino's Pizzeria
- Evening La Isla
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the closest of metro New York three major airports. To get to downtown Hoboken take any New Jersey Transit train headed for New York to Secaucus Junction and change there to a train headed for Hoboken Terminal. During rush hour, some trains run directly to Hoboken from Newark Airport Station.
By car
- From New Jersey: Take Route 3 East (Garden State Parkway exit 153, Turnpike exit 16E) to Route 495 East and exit on the "Last exit in New Jersey", then turn right at the bottom of the hill. Or take the NJ Turnpike to exits 14-14C and stay on I-78, then make a left at the traffic light. The same traffic light can also be reached from the Pulaski Skyway from Newark. Another option is taking the Paterson Plank Road from Route 3 where you would have to take this road all the way to the end. If you choose to take the Paterson Plank Road, you need to keep in mind that when you're on Route 3, the exit to take will be labeled as 'North Bergen'
- From New York: Tune into 1010 WINS or WCBS 880 both on the AM (radio) dial to see whether the wait to get into New Jersey is shorter at the Lincoln Tunnel or the Holland Tunnel. If you're in Midtown or the wait is much shorter at the Lincoln Tunnel, take that. Keep right, and follow the signs for Hoboken. If you're downtown or the wait is much shorter at the Holland Tunnel, take that. When you get out of the tunnel, make the first right turn. You will soon find yourself in downtown Hoboken.
By rail
The terminus station, the Lackawanna Terminal, is a major transportation hub for regional and commuter rail, mostly operated by New Jersey Transit. Connections with Amtrak can be made in Pennsylvania Station in Newark or New York Pennsylvania Station.
Train lines serving Hoboken:
- Main Line
- Bergen County Line
- Pascack Valley Line
- Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch of the Morris and Essex Lines
- Montclair-Boonton Line
PATH train
From New Jersey, go to Journal Square, or Grove Street and pick up a 33rd St. New York-bound PATH train and transfer to a Hoboken-bound PATH train at Newport. From Newark's Pennsylvania Station, and Harrison take a World Trade Center bound train to Exchange place and transfer to a Hoboken bound train. Newport and Exchange Place have trains bound for Hoboken.
From Manhattan in New York City, pick up a Hoboken-bound PATH train at 33rd & 6th Ave., 23rd & 6th Ave., 14th & 6th Ave., 9th & 6th Ave., Christopher St. & Hudson St., or the World Trade Center station.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail
Hoboken Terminal is the terminus for two of the three Hudson-Bergen Light Rail services. The Hoboken Terminal-Tonnelle Avenue service to North Bergen and the 22nd Street-Hoboken Terminal service to Bayonne (including Bayonne Flyer service) both operate from the south end of the terminal concourse. The West Side Avenue-Tonnelle Avenue service bypasses Hoboken Terminal, requiring passengers from stations on the West Side Branch to transfer at stations between Pavonia-Newport and Liberty State Park. Hoboken also offers two more light-rail stops; 2nd Street and 9th Street. These stations are meant for those who want to access the western parts of the city or for those who want an easy way from Union City to Hoboken
By ferry
Hoboken has two ferry terminals, Hoboken Terminal (see By rail-section) and Hoboken 14th Street. New York Waterway runs ferries to and from World Financial Center Pier 11 and Manhattan Midtown.
By bus
From NJ: NJ Transit Buses serve Hoboken Terminal
- 22 to North Bergen via Bergenline Avenue
- 23 to North Bergen (limited service)
- 64 to Lakewood (limited service)
- 68 to Old Bridge (limited service)
- 85 to Secaucus - Harmon Meadow - Mill Creek
- 87 to Jersey City (Gates Avenue) via Journal Square
- 89 to North Bergen via Park Avenue
- 126 to Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan via Lincoln Tunnel
Get around
Walk! It is incredibly hard to find parking in Hoboken. Some places to find parking are Sinatra Drive by the Hudson River, or any street named after a president (besides Washington). The city-run parking garages on Hudson Street and elsewhere are also a good option if you're worried about getting booted. The parking garages generally range from $3-5 an hour and prices jump up if you leave the car overnight. Some of the parking garages are also either for Hoboken residents or available in monthly payments only so, read the signs and ask people at the parking garages to double check.
Besides walking, the Citibike system allows users to ride bikes and between bike stations in Hoboken. It is integrated into New York City and Jersey City's Citibike system, so bikes, accounts, passes, and keys can be used interchangeably. The Frank Sinatra Park and the Hudson River Walkway are examples of nice places to bike. It is important to mention that the previous bike share system that existed in Hoboken, Hudson Bike Share, is no longer in operation as of 2020 and there are no longer docks present anywhere in Hudson County outside of Hoboken or Jersey City.
If you must park, read the signs on the street. Make sure that you are allowed to park where you're leaving your car. Most streets have one side reserved for Hoboken Residents, that are marked clearly with a green background and white letters. These are Resident Only parking sides and you must have a resident permit to park there. Street cleaning restrictions are in effect as well as a time limit of 4 hours for non-residents - after that, you should move your car.
Finding a parking spot is so hard in Hoboken that they sell parking spaces for up to $40,000.
There are 4 free bus routes (The Hop) on weekdays. One of the lines is reserved exclusively for seniors (62 years and older) and disabled people (Senior Hop).
See
With a great assortment of prewar buildings, Hoboken is a great place to wander on foot.
- The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway offers a great view of New York City (day or night).
- The parks on 4th & park and 11th & Hudson both were used as locations and can be easily recognized from the film even in their modern state. “I coulda’ been a contender....“
- Join in holiday celebrations in Hoboken. The city is full of people and celebrations when the holidays come around. New Years and 4th of July are two of the biggest holidays pulling in enormous crowds. The crowds gather for the numerous bars in Hoboken and to watch the beautiful fireworks show over the water. The fireworks are set off in the city but spectacular views of the fireworks can be seen from Hoboken, especially Pier A (mentioned above). Another huge holiday celebrated in Hoboken is St. Patrick's Day. Every year they hold a city parade where masses of people gather and wandering down main roads to stop at all the bars.
See Elysian Fields
Site of the first baseball game. In 1984, 100 years after the original ballpark closed, the Hoboken Industry and Business Association (HIBA) placed a plaque for the field's significance
See Frank Sinatra's Birthplace (From Here to Eternity)
Marked by a bronze plaque in the sidewalk. The wooden building where he was born was damaged in a fire and demolished in 1967.
See Erie-Lackawanna Terminal (Hoboken Terminal)
One of the busiest train stations in New Jersey, the Hoboken Terminal was built in 1907 and is owned by New Jersey Transit. The terminal was named after the now defunct Erie-Lackawanna Company, which had trains departing from this station that went as far as Illinois, and ferries across the Hudson River to New York City. The terminal (which has been used as a filming place for many music videos, movies and TV shows) was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Today, it is one of only two historic intermodal stations on the Hudson Waterfront that still stand, and the only one to still be in use as a train station. Now, the trains that depart from this terminal go to many notable places in the area including Montclair State University, Newark's Penn Station, and, most significantly, New York City.
See Sybil's Cave
Hidden cave along the Hoboken waterfront that was discovered in the 1830s and closed in 1880. You're not allowed to go inside the cave because it's gated
See Point of Embarkation
Before Pier A Park existed, Hoboken's terminal was twice its size and was a dock for ships for cargo and it was also the dock for ships that sent soldiers to Normandy, Somme and several other battle locations for World War I. The Point of Embarkation is a stone that was placed on the original location of the docks in 1975 while the docks were still there. The docks were transformed into Pier A Park in 1999.
Do
- Walk down Washington Street, there are many shops and restaurants here.
- Stop in Tunes and buy some music, a nice little music shop.
- Walk/jog/rollerblade along the Hudson River. The running path extends north to Weehawken (nicer, greener), and south through Jersey City to Liberty State Park (with short inland section). In summer/fall, water is available from water fountains.
- If you ride skateboards or rollerblades, there is a small skatepark along the Hudson River (with spectacular Manhattan views) about 1 mile north of the PATH station.
- Indoor climb at Gravity Vault (Clinton St and 14th).
Do Pier A Park
Offers great views of New York City. On a clear day the incredible panorama visible from the end of the pier stretches between the George Washington and Verrazano Narrows Bridges. In the summer months around 5-6PM, one can often see huge cruise ships sailing by on their way out to sea en route to Bermuda and Canada. If you are an early riser (or up very late) the views of sunrise silhouetting the city from Pier A is unforgettable. It is also the perfect place to view the “Tribute in Light” (if they continue to do it) remembering the anniversary of September 11. Hoboken lost more of its residents in September 11th than any city other than New York. A memorial grove and flame shaped memorial is set up on Pier A to remember their sacrifice. There are various parks spanning the waterfront from Pier A, all the way up to 15th Street. Maxwell Park is the newest addition on Sinatra Drive.
Buy
Shop Washington St
Eat
Eat La Isla Restaurant Downtown
Cuban restaurant feaured in Guy Fieri's Diner's, Drive Ins and Dives. Great food, and it's BYOB, so your favorite bottle of wine for dinner.
Eat Benny Tudino's Pizzeria
Known as the "Home of the largest slice". Zagat rated for best pizza in NJ. The slices here are not only large but also feature that thick-style NY pizza. Benny Tudio's also has classic Italian dishes as well.
Eat Fiore's Deli
This old-school Italian deli is most recognized for their homemade Mozzarella cheese. Their other popular item is only sold on Thursdays - roast beef on "mutz". Fiore's takes orders as well and is willing to ship their deli products anywhere- call +1-888-513-6699 to place orders.
Eat Carlo's Bakery
Carlo's has become very popular and famous due to the show Cake Boss on TLC. The bakery focuses on specialties such as wedding and birthday cakes, but is busy almost every morning with crowds lining up for their freshly made pastries and cookies. Prices vary greatly so you will have to stop by the bakery.
Eat Vito's Italian Deli
Family-owned Italian deli which makes sandwiches to order. Vito's is also known for its homemade Mozzarella cheese.
Eat Leo's Grandevous
Hoboken's oldest restaurant, serving the area for more than 80 years. Leo's is known for being one of the restaurants Frank Sinatra frequently visited in Hoboken and his seat is always on display.
Drink
Hoboken has occasionally been called "Bartown" which is a well deserved nickname since it has more liquor licenses per capita than any other town in New Jersey. There is a huge range of lounges and bars in a very compact area. Many Hoboken restaurants do not have liquor licenses, so they allow you to BYO wine and beer with no corkage fee. This can save you a considerable sum since a good bottle of wine can be purchased at nearby bottle shops for less than $10!
There are dozens of bars within a few minutes walk of the PATH station catering to every taste in boozing. Gay, straight, cover bands, pick up, meat market, stuffy, seedy, trendy, you name it. Happy hours at many Hoboken establishments are a good deal. So if you want to get a buzz on the cheap, show up before 7PM or 8PM.
Drink Wilton House
If you are looking for old school Hoboken, guys in hard hats, Aerosmith on the jukebox, and cheap draft beer, Wilton House is a good place to start.
Sleep
Incredibly, Hoboken has just one major hotel, and it is expensive (starting at $209 per night). Of course if you are hammered from a night of hitting the pubs, sleep on the train! Otherwise, head back to Route 3 by the Lincoln Tunnel approach for an assortment of fleabag motor inns, or go into the riverfront area of Jersey City just south of Hoboken for higher class accommodations like the Hyatt, Courtyard, etc.
Go next
Take the PATH (subway), Bus #126 or the Lincoln or Holland Tunnels (car) to New York City.
NJ Railways has numerous lines departing from Hoboken Terminal to places all over NJ and connecting to Newark Station, where you can connect to Amtrak and Newark Airport.
Nearby
Union City
City / town · 19 listings · 2 mi away
Weehawken
City / town · 10 listings · 2 mi away
New York City
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Jersey City
City / town · 71 listings · 3 mi away
Secaucus
City / town · 10 listings · 3 mi away
Manhattan
City / town · 6 listings · 4 mi away
Queens
City / town · 3 listings · 6 mi away
Harrison
City / town · 8 listings · 7 mi away
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