Newark (downtown) - what to do for 2 hours?
 

We're going to a sporting event in Newark tomorrow afternoon, and our transportation will get us there about 2 hours early.

What does one do in Newark for 2 hours on a Sunday afternoon?

Any good bookstores within walking distance of the Prudential Center, or ice cream parlors? Decent shopping, interesting historical sites?

Even clean park benches? :D

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You might get lucky, and the park benches will be clean... Otherwise you're first priority will be to avoid be shot or assaulted.

I'm kidding, but only a little...

No. Go out to lunch at one of Ironbound's Spanish or Portugese restaurants. You won't be disappointed.

The Ironbound section of Newark is on the other side of the railroad tracks.

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"The Ironbound section of Newark is on the other side of the railroad tracks."

And exactly which side is the "other" one? :D

I've had some very good meals at Forno's in the Ironbound section.

I realize this is too late for the OP, but if anyone else has the same question, I'd recommend a visit to the Newark Museum. I've been there a few times (on purpose!) and it is a pretty darn good museum. Not too small, not too big, good permanent and temporary exhibits.

3 p.m. on a sunny Sunday, Market St. in Newark, NJ: first time in my life I've wished I had a permit to carry concealed.

We didn't get mugged, but that probably only because the cops were out in force today for some reason. That neighborhood - starting 2 blocks from Penn Station, and going for the next 10 blocks, is urban blight close to the worst. At McDonald's you have to ask the armed guard to unlock the restroom for you. :eek:

guv1976, I think Analise may have meant the other side of the tracks from the sports arena, which is where we were headed.

In the end, we changed our travel plans, only had 1 hour in Newark, and took a stroll down Market in search of cold drinks, ending up at McD's, which offered iced cold soda, air conditioning and an armed guard.

Worst of all, it was a lousy basketball game - the Liberty walked all over the Shock, who are currently the worst women's pro team I've ever seen.

The opposite side of the tracks from entrance that faces the Hilton. I didn't mean to sound vague nor was I making a sociological judgment. :D It is on the NYC side of the tracks. Does that help? :p Follow Ferry St.

Nice to read that McD has an armed guard. :D

Wouldn't have helped you.... the crims all have assault weapons anyway. ;)



Next time you're looking for an adventurous day out, maybe you can try Camden, NJ? :cool:




Probably a good idea... spend as little time as possible in Downtown (or surrounding) Newark. I work nights as a paramedic in Jersey City, NJ, and the "hood" there doesn't hold a candle to Newark -- and we can get upwards of 4-5 shootings a night. I cringe every time I get sent across the river.

No, but seriously, there are some really nice parts of Newark, including the Ironbound, a great medical school, and performance/sporting spaces. However, you really have to have your wits about you and be observant of your surroundings.

Next time I hope the BBall is better! :D

We live in Philly, and have crossed the river a few times, getting lost on our way to the Aquarium and points further east. Camden seems mild compared to Newark, but neither one is where I'd choose to live. :p

So do I, so do I. Saw 2 of my favorite players match up against each other, and they were good, but the teams, well, sad is the word I want for how far the Shock have fallen.

I'm from Philly, but live in West Orange NJ on the weekends and can say that Newark is pretty dreadful, but you can get good food in the Ironbound section. If you have a few hours to spare and feel adventurous, you can catch the 21 bus from Penn Station and go to the Edison Museum in West Orange - about a 30 minute bus ride.

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Take cover?

Saw the Edison Labs National Historic Site last winter - those were way cool.:)

The ironbound area seems pretty close to UMDNJ. Is it a safe walk, or is a cab advisable, should I have some time to go for some food?

Take a taxi.

I like the Iberia restaurants on Ferry Street. If you like grilled meat, the Rodizio for lunch is awesome, have a glass or pitcher of Sangria and finish it off with an espresso. Perfect.

http://www.iberiarestaurants.com/home_I/homepg.htm

2 locations practically across the street from each other. I like the bar side rather than the formal dining room for lunch.

I attended a conference at the Rutgers campus in what's left of downtown Newark. After the sesssions we could find no place to go except back to the Robert Treat Hotel, which is filled with CO crew who share rooms. As Gertrude Stein noted about Oakland, Philip Roth would say about Newark "There is no there there".

I'll be in Newark next week for a few days and my colleague requested some decent Asian food. Any Chinese, Thai, Japanese or Korean places near Newark? We'll have a car. Thanks

Be careful your rental car isn't carjacked or stolen. Your best bet are the Spanish/Portuguese/Brazilian restaurants in the Ironbound section of Newark that have gated valet parking.

ditch the car and take a train to Manhattan?

If I'm not too late, and you are willing to drive 20-30 mins from downtown Newark, this Chinese restaurant is very good and very authentic if you have the courage to stray into the "real" Chinese portion of the menu.

http://www.chengdu1.com/