5 Things To Do in Journal Square for An Unforgettable Experience

When the PATH train roared out of the Hudson River Tunnel, the glass curtain wall forest suddenly rose before one's eyes - this is Journal Square, a vertical maze cast with steel tracks and the dream of immigration. This place was once the lead type workshop of The Jersey Journal and has now transformed into the most futuristic experimental field in the New York metropolitan area. Here are 5 things to do when visiting Journal Square to help you decode the soul of this three-dimensional city and have profound and wonderful experiences and memories.

Check in at Journal Square PATH Transportation Center

As an important hub connecting Jersey City and New York, the Journal Square PATH station is not only convenient for commuting, but also has its own transportation aesthetics. It only takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach Manhattan by PATH. It can also be connected to the light rail and the NJ Transit bus system. Such a short commuting time and apartment rents that are much cheaper compared to those in New York City have attracted many people working in New York City to live in apartments such as Journal Squared 3 and Journal Square Urby near the Journal Square PATH transportation center. Outside the station hall, a statue of Jackie Robinson can also be seen, as well as Kennedy Boulevard commemorating JFK's speech. If you come to Journal Square, be sure to visit the Journal Square PATH transportation center to experience the rush hour commuting atmosphere, feel the pulse of the community at the station hall square, and take photos as souvenirs.

Savor Multicultural Cuisine

The food ecosystem of Journal Square is rich and diverse, presenting a blend of flavors from South Asia, the Caribbean and the United States. India Square is concentrated on Newark Avenue and houses over 50 Indian restaurants and dessert shops, such as Rasoi and Mithaas. The Freetown Road Project offers rich-flavored Caribbean cuisine and is very popular in the community. Journal Square also offers other options, for example, the Honduran eatery Rinconcito Copaneco, the Italian Carvao BBQ, the popular coffee shop Crema, etc. If you come to Journal Square for the first time to taste the delicious food, you can arrange a three-part food tour of "Indian desserts + coffee + Caribbean cuisine". Also, you can choose to join the Beyond the Plate food group and explore family-run restaurants.

Nightlife Hotspots: Bar & Theater Activities

Local pubs such as Cellar 335, Hudson Hall Beer Garden and McGinley Square Pub near Journal Square offer craft beers and music parties. The unique local alcohol flavor and colorful lights allow you to deeply experience and immerse yourself in the passionate and lively nightlife atmosphere. In addition, if you are lucky, you can also catch the occasional live performances and cultural festivals outside the theater or at PATH Square, which are also very lively. Nearby, the very popular White Eagle Hall hosts music, comedy and themed parties. Although it's not in the center, you can reach it quickly via PATH. If you want to deeply experience a more authentic social atmosphere, you can choose to go to a small bar, where you will have more opportunities to make new friends.

Ride Along The Street Graffiti Road

Journal Square and its surrounding areas such as India Square and McGinley Square are important galleries of street art in Jersey City. There are more than 200 large-scale murals, reflecting the multiculturalism and the spirit of urban regeneration of the city. Photos by internationally renowned graffiti artists such as Shepard Fairey and Pixel Pancho, creating themes such as cross-cultural symbiosis, historical memory, and community identity. It is recommended to freely explore the creations on the walls on both sides of Newark Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard via Citi Bike or on foot. And it's best to come here during the morning when the sunlight is softer, as the light and shadow at this time are most suitable for taking photos. At the same time, many paintings are accompanied by QR codes for guided Tours, providing visitors with interpretations of the community stories behind them and the perspectives of the artists.

Visit The Century-Old Landmark: Loew's Jersey Theatre

Loew's Jersey Theatre is one of the most dazzling historical buildings in Journal Square. Created by the renowned architectural firm Rapp & Rapp between 1927 and 1929, it presents a magnificent Italian Revival style and luxurious Baroque decorations. With over 3,000 seats, it was once the largest "Wonder Theatre" in New Jersey. The magnificent three-tiered dome, emerald columns, hanging glass lamps and luxurious wall decorations of the lobby still amaze people to this day. After 2010, a conservation campaign was initiated by Friends of the Loew's to rejuvenate it. Currently, a restoration project with a total scale of up to 130 million US dollars is underway, aiming to restore its former glory by 2026 and become an art center integrating films, live performances, community events and wedding hosting. However, you can book a behind-the-scenes tour to experience how restoration protects century-old structures and historical details.

Conclusion

The Journal Square is not only a transportation hub but also a window for culture and urban renewal. Whether you are a tourist, a resident or a professional in the workplace, the above five must-do experiences will allow you to fully experience the depth and multi-faceted aspects of Journal Square and even the entire Jersey City. Next time you visit, why not check in item by item, remember this area, the historical echoes and contemporary rhythm of this city.