Facing Manhattan from the west side of the Hudson River, Downtown Jersey City is packed with parks and historic neighbourhoods.

Downtown Jersey City is a lively district with brownstone houses and attractive green spaces. Explore historic neighbourhoods with Victorian-era residences and parks. Meander along the waterfront to admire views of the high-rises of New York’s Financial District.

Some of the district’s nicest neighbourhoods are next to the wide Hudson River. Stroll along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway and view the New York City skyline. J. Owen Grundy Park, located on a pier along the waterfront, has tables and chairs where you can sit and gaze across to Downtown Manhattan.

Further south, find Liberty State Park. This large space hosts the Liberty Science Centre, an interactive attraction with appeal for all ages, the redbrick Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal and the Empty Sky Memorial commemorating 9/11.

Head inland to the neighbourhoods of Van Vorst Park and Hamilton Park and their namesake parks. Picnic on pretty grassy lawns and admire the historic 19th-century homes along the surrounding streets.

Directly across from Downtown Jersey City sits Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Take a ferry out to the island to learn about the welcome of early immigrants to the U.S. or a sightseeing cruise for a close-up view of the huge copper sculpture, a gift from the French.

Wait until nightfall to see the Colgate Clock along the waterfront. This giant timepiece, among the largest clocks in the world, lights up in neon in the evening. The clock stands beside the Goldman Sachs Tower, which at 781 feet (238 metres), is the tallest tower in Jersey City.

Choose from widely varied food options in Jersey City. Try Filipino adobo, find a German-themed beer garden on the waterfront or gorge on pastas in cosy Italian trattorias.

Drive to Downtown Jersey City in 10 minutes from Newark Airport. The PATH train connects the city to Manhattan, Newark and Hoboken, while the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail connects Jersey City with other parts of the Garden State.