This little 2-square-mile neighborhood is full of stroller gangs, mommy & me groups, yoga in the park, and *this* view of Manhattan. I’m still smitten. We spent all of our days walking from end-to-end exploring the parks, restaurants, piers, and soaking in the views. I pulled together a quick guide to Hoboken, NJ with the help of my local friends.
Do
Pier A – Take a walk along the water from Pier A all the way to Pier 13 meandering through the parks and gazing at the killer skyline view that you really just can’t get enough of.
Yoga – Check out some favorite local studios Urban Souls, Honor Yoga, and Asana Soul Practice for a yoga class! I was lucky enough to take a Thursday morning class at Pier A between the trees and was happily distracted by the view.
Path to NYC – Hoboken is full of 20-somethings, young families and professionals who commute into the city via The Path. Walk toward the water then hang a right until you hit the train station. The Path will take you under the river and downtown in less than 10 minutes! We spent the morning at Kleinfeld’s Bridal (shout out to Say Yes to the Dress a la TLC). I have yet to say yes to the dress.. or the wedding date/destination/anything, but this was a FUN experience with some stunning dresses that I’m still thinking about! Then we walked our sleeping beauty along The High Line and checked out the Hoboken skyline from across the river.
Kid-friendly activities
Movie Under the Stars – If you’re in town on a Wednesday night in the summer, check out Move Under the Stars at Pier A.
Itsy Bitsy Baby Yoga – Hosted at Riverview Park, I so wish we could’ve caught this class!
Parks at the Pier – From Pier A to Harborside Park, there are a ton of parks for your children (fur or human). A personal favorite that our architecture hearts were crushing on is this urban escape at Pier C designed by a Harvard graduate. Once you tire out your little one, watch the ferries, kayaks, and summertime sailers float across the Hudson River.
Hoboken Historical Museum – The museum holds lots of family-friendly events like art classes and story time.
Fire Department Museum – If your little one gets excited about fire trucks, put them behind the wheel (for pretend and a picture). On the third Sunday of every month, the department leads tours geared toward kiddos ages 2-6.
Castle Point Skatepark – A free skate park worth a stop-and-watch especially for little curious eyes!
Festivals – If you find yourself in the right place at the right time, you can check out the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival in September, the Italian Festival in September, or the St. Anne’s Festival in July.
Eating and drinking
Pier 13 – Truly a Hoboken gem. Perched over the Hudson river, no picnic table has a bad view. If you’re looking for the best of the best food trucks, frosè, and a fun atmosphere – look no further.
Antique Bar & Bakery – A few blocks of the main road, this locally loved spot has food that does not disappoint. The speakeasy vibes and cocktails are everything!
Northern Soul – This casual eatery was close to our Airbnb in the back corner of the city. We enjoyed a few hours in the barrel room (wine barrel inspired) snacking and sipping!
Elysian Cafe – Gosh this place.. this wine.. this food.. this ambiance… it was as close to Paris as I’ve been in 3 years. The food was delicious and we snagged a last minute reservation on our way there! I also heard they have a fabulous brunch.
Zack’s Oak Bar – This one caught my eye when we were next door for coffee so we went back for lunch. I’d go back for brunch, lunch, and dinner time and time again! I still have plans to recreate the decadent shrimp salad with butter lettuce and avocado. Simple yet divine.
10th and Willow – A yummmmm Martini bar that’s a sister restaraunt to 10th Street Pizza.
10th Street Pizza – Our local friends say it’s the best pizza in Hoboken.. and the world. Jury’s still out.
Blue Eyes – An Italian dining experience right on the water.
Belo Bar – A hidden gem for happy hour or an elevated bite. The smoked salmon pasta is not to be missed!
Olivia’s – New upscale and uptown Mediterranean eatery with a lovely atmosphere.
Grand Vin – A wine bar with homemade pasta dishes and the occasional live acoustic music… all the vibesss.
Otto Strata – BYOB local eatery serving maybbbbe the best buratta. Note this one is first come first serve.
Madison Bar & Grill – Uptown bar and restaurant that’s a hop, skip, and jump from Pier 13 if you want to branch away from the foodtrucks.
Bin 14 – Upscale wine bar uptown right next to Madison Bar & Grill so you can try your luck with a walk-in at both!
City Bistro – Good food, good drink with indoor, outdoor, and rooftop dining/bar!
La Isla – Simplistic but oh so delicious Cuban food with brunch on weekends! Go downtown for the no-frills great food and uptown for an elevated dining experience!
Insomnia Cookies – COOKIES. This is not a Hoboken exclusive shop, but on your way home from the Path, follow the smell of freshly baked cookies and indulge. Pssst… they deliver till 3 AM.
Matcha / Coffee
Hi, my name is Lesley, and I’ve fallen back in love with matcha lattes on my trip to Hoboken. I get them iced with either vanilla or lavender and oat milk. Here’s a list of locally loved coffee shops!
Mojo Coffee – This is the very spot where I rekindled my love affair with matcha. I slurped the iced lavender matcha with oat milk down in my less than 10 minute walk to the airbnb.
City of Saints – I hear it’s the best of the best! We didn’t make our way up to the Hoboken location, but please have a flat white for me!
Little Local – A hole-in-the-wall shop with a simple menu. The espresso drinks are the go-to order here!
Joey No Nuts – Walk up to the pick up window and indulge in my new signature Hoboken drink (iced lavender matcha with oat milk, please!).
Empire Coffee & Tea Co. – So many coffee beans, teas, and accessories so little time!
Bwè – This little shop has 3 locations in Hoboken. It features local businesses including Rosebud cbd drinks!
The Roost Outpost – Order the flat white. It’s Alex-approved!
Bluestone Lane – This is a go-to for us whenever we’re near one! It never disappoints.
The Hive – Simply delicious coffee, tea, and pastries. There’s also a play area for your little ones!
Hidden Grounds – Stop by one of the two Hoboken locations to give the Rose matcha (pretty, pink, and oh so delish) a try.
Shop
Brooke + Bel (60 4th Street) – Possibly, probably, definitely spent wayy to much money here, but I loved my in-store experience and just about every piece I picked up. They have an online shop, too!
Alba (716 Washington Street) – A convenient midtown boutique for trendy and staple clothes.
a x d (503 Washington Street) – This Alba’s younger, more affordable sister boutique. Everything is under $100 and trendy.
Washington General Store (509 Washington Street) – A carefully curated gift shop with a little bit of everything for anybody you’re shopping for.
Peper & Parlor (938 Washington Street) – This store holds lots of my favorite designers and is chock full of boho maxi dresses and to die for accessories.
Galatea Lingerie (1224 Washington Street) – Luxury lingerie, candles, bridal, and gifts at a range of prices.
Mint Market (303 1st Street) – A mix of on trend clothing, jewelry, accessories and vintage gems! There is also a Jersey City location where you can shop the entire drool worthy vintage collection.
Vintage on First (257 First Street) – If you’re into thrifting, this is a worthy and oh so colorful stop.
