Hoboken

Since its late 18th century beginnings, Hoboken’s always been a contender — fighting for a reputation beyond its square-mile city stature. Though results haven’t always been good, Hoboken has finally come into its own, settling into a role as the West Hudson’s mini-metropolis — a picturesque space isolated by the river east and the Palisade cliffs west, filled by impressive brownstones, boutiques, and restaurants, and “brimming” with fascinating history (Hoboken’s former Maxwell House rooftop sign hangs in the historical museum). Washington Street is the city’s hub, a wide, bustling 14-block-long thoroughfare known for its shops, Irish bars, ...

Since its late 18th century beginnings, Hoboken’s always been a contender — fighting for a reputation beyond its square-mile city stature. Though results haven’t always been good, Hoboken has finally come into its own, settling into a role as the West Hudson’s mini-metropolis — a picturesque space isolated by the river east and the Palisade cliffs west, filled by impressive brownstones, boutiques, and restaurants, and “brimming” with fascinating history (Hoboken’s former Maxwell House rooftop sign hangs in the historical museum). Washington Street is the city’s hub, a wide, bustling 14-block-long thoroughfare known for its shops, Irish bars, and seasonal sidewalk seating — a must during summer months. The corrupted port city portrayed in 1954’s On the Waterfront has since seen its coastline overtaken by condos and townhouses, but moving west from the water, gentrification fizzles and streets become more industrial. Walking is easy and especially fun when using the historical museum’s self-guided maps, including one of Frank Sinatra-centric sites — the city’s golden boy. Don’t miss the chance to dine Italian, a Hoboken specialty.

About the Expert

Laura Kiniry is the author of Moon Handbooks New Jersey.