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Ever been to New York City? If you’ve done that, you already know this is the ultimate concrete jungle.
When you stand up from the steps of the subway, you immediately feel the iconic hustle and bustle of the ‘city that never sleeps’.
You probably also know that NYC is home to five official boroughs, each with its own unique appeal.
That being said, Manhattan and Brooklyn are at the top of tourists’ wish lists, unless you just need to eat a hot dog from Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island.
What you may not know is that beyond the gigantic cityscape, there is one city that is considered New York’s “sixth borough.”
It’s not uncommon to visit neighboring New Jersey on a trip to New York City.
Oh well, I don’t feel like I’m overstating the truth when I say that the sole purpose of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is to be the Big Apple’s third largest airport.
But close Jersey City is emerging as a primary residence. According to National Geographicthere’s no better time to visit than this summer.
Hop the Hudson: Discover NYC’s trendy hidden gem
Suppose you go to the “sixth district”, you might get side-eye. Say you’re going to “JC” and everyone will know you mean Jersey City.
JC is just a short subway ride away and is just like any other neighborhood in terms of convenience.
Take this 3 PATH trains from Manhattan:
- Newark World Trade Center
- Journal Square – 33rd Street
- Hoboken World Trade Center
More and more events are taking place here, taking the shine off the allure of Manhattan, Brooklyn and even the raw edginess of the Bronx as a new melting pot of cultures.
This city across the Hudson River is no longer just a cheat code for cheaper rent; it is a destination in its own right.
New York’s skyline is one of the most recognizable in the world. Although you can’t take photos from the subway tunnel through the dark waters of the Hudson, there are perhaps no better views of the sweeping, sought-after cityscape than Jersey City.
No judgment here, but tourists often want to stay in the heart of the city, but because JC is so close to the action, there are often much better deals.
Personally, I love visiting NYC, and I’ve taken advantage of this cheat code too, sleeping and waking up in JC and spending my days exploring Manhattan’s famous Central Park, Chinatown, and pub crawling Chelsea.
But things have changed since my last visit. Jersey City is undoubtedly emerging as a new hub for the arts, festivals and trendy food scene.
A melting pot of cultures creates a thriving art scene
Is there a place more cultural in the US than New York City? Doubtful.
Harking back to the significance of historic Ellis Island, over time more and more ethnic groups have called this region home and filtered into Jersey City.
When I visited six years ago, I was amazed at how diverse this unsuspecting city was. As someone who loves trying international cuisine and experiencing new cultures, I would normally just visit Manhattan’s Chinatown or Little Italy, or cautiously test the waters of the sandy streets of the Bronx.
However, Jersey City checked all the boxes and I was floored the action-packed Journal Squarewhich was like being sucked into a black hole and taking me straight to India.
More specifically, India Square, which is believed to contain the highest concentration of Indian restaurants in the Western Hemisphere.
Of course it helped that I stumbled upon it by chance Navratria 9 night autumn festival free to the public.
This is just one example of how cultural this city has become, and as a result, a thriving arts scene has been born.
Visit local galleries and museums, take advantage of captivating street art and installations, or go on a walking route to ensure that no stone is left unturned.
A summer smorgasbord: food and festival fun
Looking back, Nat Geo wrote down six reasons why summer is the best season to give JC a try.
What it all boils down to is that this often overlooked city is buzzing with fun events and trendy new restaurants.
Sometimes both at the same time, like the La Festa Italiana takes place from August 8 to 11.
Of course everyone is welcome here because of the mix of cultures and backgrounds. That’s why JC’s version of Pride, held on August 24, is best suited for those who want to avoid the overwhelming crowds of Manhattan’s own parade.
When it comes to restaurants, like NYC, you name it and you’ll find it. Perhaps the biggest surprise is a barbecue restaurant, a typical Southern staple.
Highly rated Hamilton Park brings something southern to your mouth with savory dishes such as Pork Belly Burnt Ends and Baby Back Ribs.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
