Move Over Manhattan! It’s Time To Discover New York’s Vibrant ‘Sixth Borough’
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Ever been to New York City? If you have, you already know it’s the ultimate concrete jungle.
Rising from the subway steps, you immediately feel the iconic buzz of the ‘city that never sleeps’.
You probably also know NYC is home to 5 official boroughs, each with its own unique appeal.
That being said, Manhattan and Brooklyn tend to top tourists’ wishlists unless you just have to scarf down a hot dog from Nathan’s Famous on Coney Island.
What you may not know is there’s one city outside of the gargantuan cityscape deemed New York’s ‘sixth borough’.
It’s not uncommon to visit neighboring New Jersey on a New York City trip.
Heck, I don’t feel I’m stretching the truth when I say that Newark Liberty International Airport’s (EWR) sole purpose is to be the Big Apple’s third airport.
But nearby Jersey City is on the rise as a main stay. According to National Geographic, there’s no better time to visit than this summer.
Hop Across The Hudson: Explore NYC’s Trendy Hidden Gem
Say you’re going to the “sixth borough”, you might get a side eye. Say you’re going to “JC”, then everyone knows you mean Jersey City.
Just a quick metro ride away, JC is like any other borough as far as convenience.
Take these 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 stealing the shine away from the allure of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even the raw edginess of the Bronx as a newfound melting pot of cultures.
This city across the Hudson River is no longer just a cheat code for cheaper rent; it’s a full-fledged destination in its own right.
The New York skyline is among the most recognizable in the world. While you won’t be able to snap photos from the metro’s tunnel through the dark waters of the Hudson, there are perhaps no better views of the wide sought-after cityscape than Jersey City.
No judgement here, but tourists often want to stay in the heartbeat of the city, but since JC is so close to the action, there are often much better deal.
Personally, I love visiting NYC, and I have taken advantage of this cheat code too, sleeping and rising in JC and spending my days exploring Manhattan’s famous Central Park, Chinatown, and bar-hopping through Chelsea.
But things have changed since I last visited. Jersey City is undoubtedly on the rise a new hub for arts, festivals, and trendy food scene.
A Melting Pot Of Cultures Creates A Booming Arts Scene
Is there any place more cultural in the U.S. than New York City? Doubtful.
Tracing back to the significance of historic Ellis Island, as time went on, more and more ethnic groups have called this region home and trickled into Jersey City.
When I visited 6 years ago, I was blown away how diverse this unsuspecting city was. As someone who loves to try international foods and experience new cultures, typically I’d simply visit Manhattan’s Chinatown or Little Italy, or carefully test the waters of the gritty Bronx streets.
Jersey City, however, checked off all the boxes, and I was floored by the action-packed Journal Square, which seemed like I was sucked into a black hole transporting me straight into India.
More specifically, India Square, which supposedly contains the highest concentration of Indian restaurants in the Western Hemisphere.
Of course, it helped that I just happened to stumble upon Navratri, a 9-night fall festival free to the public.
This is just a sample size of how cultural this city has become, and as a result, a thriving arts scene is born.
Peruse local galleries and museums, take advantage of captivating street art and installations, or go on a walking tour to make sure no stone is unturned.
A Summertime Smorgasbord: Food & Festival Fun
Circling back, Nat Geo wrote out 6 reasons why summertime is the best season to give JC a shot.
What it all boils down to is this often-overlooked city is buzzing with fun events and trendy new restaurants.
Sometimes both all at once, like the La Festa Italiania taking place August 8 – 11.
Of course, with such a blend of cultures and backgrounds here, everyone is welcome here. That’s why JC’s version of Pride held August 24 is best served 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 will find it. The biggest surprise might be a barbecue restaurant, typically a southern staple.
Top-rated Hamilton Park puts some south in your mouth with savory dishes like Pork Belly Burnt Ends and Baby Back Ribs.
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