Sometimes, the most fun memories can be made by playing tourist right at home. The airports are a mess, and the cost of living is sky-high, so here are some low-stakes ways to enjoy Hoboken + Jersey City, in a totally new way. While many will flock to the shore or the city for vacation, there is plenty to do here in the Hudson County. We’ve compiled a list of places to stay, eat, and have fun right here in Hoboken and Jersey City, all you have to do is choose your adventure.

Located just north of Hoboken, this hotel has an indoor pool and a full on-site restaurant for breakfast, lunch, + dinner. Reviews highlight the convenience of this location, while also noting that the rooms, while clean, are somewhat outdated.

Overlooking the Hudson River, this chic hotel houses two restaurants, + reviews highlight the customer service, and convenient location. Amenities include a gym with Peloton bikes, and two restaurants.

This Hoboken Airbnb has a pool, shared gym, BBQ grills, and a garden view. 

This guest favorite has amenities galore, including a rooftop with firepits and views of the skyline, a pool, and a private shuttle to the PATH.

Hidden Grounds | Multiple Locations

Wake up and grab some caffeine from Hidden Grounds before heading to Sinatra Drive for a morning stroll. Hidden Grounds founders Anand Patel and Spoorthi Kumar were inspired by their Indian childhood memories of masala chai. Coffee is sourced from different countries, and the tea is mainly sourced from India.

La Isla | 104 Washington Street, Hoboken

After walking up an appetite, head to brunch at La Isla. La Isla serves up a vibrant and authentic Cuban menu, and the Caribbean-inspired stuffed French toast was good enough to beat Bobby Flay on his Food Network show.

The Alps | 351 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City

Head to The Alps for some cocktails or mocktails. Voted best Espresso Martini and Best Wine Bar in Jersey City by our HG readers, this spot has natural wines, beer, and a full cocktail menu.

Corto | 507 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City

Make reservations at Corto, a popular spot for Italian cuisine that has gained local and national attention since its opening. Corto is BYOB, so plan to stop by Riverview Wine + Spirits on the way.

Dulce De Leche | 376 Central Avenue, Jersey City

After dinner head over to Dulce De Leche (be mindful that the spot closes at 8PM). the carrot cake is a must-try.

Boomerang Bites | 152 Newark Street, Hoboken

Start the day by visiting Boomerang Bites. Boomerang Bites is a local Hoboken bakery that specializes in Australian treats.

Beyond the Plate Food Tours | Jersey City

Schedule a VIP Guided Culinary Tour with Beyond the Plate Food Tours. These tours provide exclusive access to some of the best restaurants in the area, with a local expert by your side.

Zeppelin Hall Beer Garden | 88 Liberty View Drive, Jersey City

Swing by Zeppelin Hall Beer Garden for a pint or a pretzel.

Scram | 61 Erie Street, Jersey City

Scram in Jersey City has become a popular breakfast place for locals, who know it’s a spot that’s worth the wait.  There will likely be a line and limited seating, so plan to take your order to-go for a picnic in Hamilton Park.

Riverview Farmer’s Market | Riverview-Fisk Park, Jersey City

Head to the Heights and stroll through the Riverview Farmer’s Market at Riverview-Fisk Park in Jersey City.

Bread + Salt | 435 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City

Stop at Bread + Salt for an afternoon snack. Get a Bomboloni (for now or later) + a caffè leccese, which is an iced espresso with sweet almond milk.

Karma Kafe | 505 Washington Street, Hoboken

Karma Kafe, one of Hoboken’s oldest Indian restaurants, serves a menu featuring options like crab cakes, veggie tikis, salads, soups, tandoori bread, and more. HG Pro Tip: Order any one of the tandoori dishes.

Pinwheel Garden | 318 Communipaw Avenue, Jersey City

Pinwheel Garden is a neighborhood favorite is a family-owned establishment, dedicated to serving remixed Asian-American food, all handmade from scratch. Seating is limited, so plan ahead. For a small space, it packs a big punch.

Razza | 275 Grove Street, Jersey City

Razza is a local restaurant that has been recognized as a top spot not only nationally, but internationally as well. 

Torico | 20 Erie Street, Jersey City

White Mana Diner | 470 Tonnelle Avenue, Jersey City

Head over to Torico for some ice cream, or if savory is the vibe, head to White Mana Diner, a spot dating back to the 1939 World’s Fair. There are a plethora of spots for late-night food in Hoboken + Jersey City.

Wurstbar | 516 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City

Wurstbar was voted best fries in Jersey City in 2022, and continues to remain a crowd pleaser. If sausages, poutine, beer, + cider are your thing, this place is worth a stop. Tip: A vegan frank can be substituted for all sausage and dog options.

Grab a picnic breakfast and go for a stroll along Sinatra Drive or take the self-guided Frank Sinatra walking tour around Hoboken. Rent kayaks and paddle down the Hudson River.

Metropolis | 96 River Street, Hoboken

Visit the Metropolis Rooftop for lunch and the vibes.

Bin 14 | 1314 Washington Street, Hoboken

dullboy | 364 Grove Street, Jersey City

Terrace by Alessio’s | 1201 Madison Street, Hoboken

Dinner on the patio at Bin 14, Dullboy (catch a movie night if they have it), or Terrace by Alessio’s.

Torico | 20 Erie Street, Jersey City

Kikilu Gelato | 900 Garden Street

Stroll over to Torico in Jersey City for some after ice cream or Kikilu in Hoboken for gelato.

Start the day with an outdoor fitness class at Fitness in the Park or The Turf at Project Sculpt.

Maxwell Alley | 12 Coles Street, Jersey City

Antique at 112 | 112 Willow Avenue, Hoboken

Recharge with brunch on the patio at Maxwell Alley in Jersey City or Antique 112 in Hoboken. Rent a jet-ski or a cycleboat with friends.

Liberty House | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City

Battello | 502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City

Grab drinks and dinner at Liberty House or Battello in Jersey City, and soak in the iconic views of the skyline.

Try a drop-in class or game with Volo Sports or Hive Athletic. Stroll through a farmers’ market.

Pier 13 | 1301 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken

Enjoy an afternoon at Pier 13, sipping and snacking through golden hour.

Augustino’s | 1104 Washington Street, Hoboken

Leo’s Grandevous | 200 Grand Street, Hoboken

Seven Valleys | 936 Washington Street, Hoboken

Locals can have dinner in the garden at Seven Valleys, try some Italian eats at Augustino’s (if you can get a res), or learn about Mile Square history while visiting Leo’s, one of Hoboken’s oldest restaurants, founded in 1939.

If the weather doesn’t permit outdoor adventures, Hoboken + Jersey City have plenty of indoor adventures, including an indoor golf simulator at Hudson Golf, rock climbing at The Gravity Vault, bowling at Play! Hoboken, and more.

Sleep in, no alarms on this staycation.

YogaRenew | 12 Hudson Place, Hoboken

Head to YogaRenew for a slow flow yoga class.

Shaka Kitchen | 110 Washington Street + 720 Monroe Street, Hoboken

Acai Ya Later | 203 Washington Street, Hoboken

Grab a smoothie and stroll along Sinatra Drive or enjoy some sun on the pier. 

Sea the City | 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City

Float in a hot tub on the Hudson River.

Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street, Hoboken

Enjoy a cooking class + meal at Hudson Table.

Morelia Gourmet Paletas | 932 Washington Street, Hoboken

Photo Credit: Morelia Gourmet Paletas

Head to Morelia Paletas for dessert. Paletas are a creamy, fruity, or filled Mexican frozen dessert that have us drooling.

SoJo Spa | 660 River Road, Edgewater

Head to Sojo Spa for a day of pampering.

Liberty State Park | 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City

Grab some takeout and head to Liberty State Park to read or play a game and enjoy a picnic in the grass. Don’t forget to pack dessert. HG’s recs include cannolis from Carlo’s Bakery, located at 95 Washington Street; chocolate chip cookies from Baking Mama, located at 88 Hudson Street; or pudding from Baonanas Banana Pudding Cafe, located at 181 Monticello Avenue.

Day 3:

Book a morning body treatment: Hoboken + Jersey City are filled with several must-try self-care spots, including acupuncture, massages, saunas, and baths.

om.life | 18 Park Avenue, Jersey City

Photo Credit: James Stewart Photography

Float stress away in a salt bath at om.life.

Erin Kumpf Acupunture + Herbs | 7 Hutton Street, Jersey City

Acuworx | 190 Christopher Colombus Boulevard, Jersey City

Try an acupuncture treatment at Erin Kumpf Acupuncture + Hebs, or Acuworx.

Get a Facial | Multiple Locations

Get a facial at Face Foundrie, located at 14 Edgewater Towne Center in Edgewater, Hello Skin Medspa, located at 129 Washington Street in Hoboken, Honey Medspa, located at 640 Park Avenue in Hoboken, and many more.

Thrifting | Multiple Locations

Thrift + shop your way through town. Hoboken + Jersey City are home to several vintage + thrift stores including Olijon’s Thrift Store, Thrifted by J&D, Hoboken Thrift Shop, Revival Vintage Boutique, Another Man’s Treasure, + more.

Mana Contemporary Art Museum | 888 Newark Avenue, Jersey City

Stroll through the Mana Contemporary Art Museum.

Rooftop at Exchange Place | First Street #1, Jersey City

Have dinner and drinks at the Rooftop at Exchange Place.

See More: Where to Go Hiking in the Montclair Area

Whether the goal is to save some money or simply avoid the chaos at Newark Airport, Hoboken + Jersey City are great destinations for a staycation. With so many restaurants and activities, locals will have a plethora of places to choose from when deciding where to go while playing tourist for the weekend. Happy staycationing!