Downtown Newark - Newark, NJ

The Central Business District houses the site of the original 1666 Puritan settlement of Newark. Lead by Robert Treat, the first settlers debarked near where the New Jersey Performing Arts Center stands.

Newark's rich history and arts and cultural scene can be found around almost every corner in this neighborhood. Learn about this history at The New Jersey Historical Society, a non-profit state-wide historical museum and library. Browse the state's largest museum, The Newark Museum, for an impressive collection of world renowned contemporary and ancient art.

Explore Downtown Newark's burgeoning art scene with an array of galleries, including Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art on Broad Street. Be sure to visit NJPAC, one of the largest performing arts centers in the country, and Newark Symphony Hall for live concerts and opera.

From pizzerias and local pubs to fine dining, the culinary options of Newark's Central Business District provides something for every taste. Savor the unique ethnic fare of Brazilian, Portuguese and Spanish restaurants, sip rich coffee or espresso, indulge in Southern-style BBQ or grab a quick bite before a live performance at NJPAC.

For burgers with a twist, head straight to Burger Walla on Halsey Street. Bring your appetite for the lamb burger, which is infused with mint chutney, or opt for the lighter veggie burger with masala spices. Don't leave without trying one of the restaurant's flavored lassi drinks or sweet parathas.

On Halsey Street, you can find The Harvest Table. Locals enjoy this casual eatery for its' fresh, healthy menu and refreshing, nutrient-packed smoothies. Create your own smoothie, salad or sandwich with any ingredients you like, or choose from one of its numerous menu options. Start your day with homemade granola, a flaky croissant or hot breakfast sandwiches. Sip fresh smoothies, such as Purple Haze, a blended concoction of peaches, blueberries, yogurt, honey and milk. Fill up on a healthy lunch on your work break or before a day of shopping. The Harvest Table's menu includes favorites such as the High Thai'd salad, made with shrimp, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, grilled pineapple and Asian sesame-ginger dressing and the Classico panini, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers and basil pesto sandwiched between grilled multi-grain flatbread.

Head to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que for authentic wood-fired barbecue, mouth-watering Southern side dishes and award-winning sauces. Named the country's number one BBQ restaurant by Good Morning America, the restaurant has been featured on Food Network and Travel Channel's Man v. Food. Housed in a historic building on Market Street, diners sample savory BBQ and craft beers while listening to live music. Start with its signature fried green tomatoes before indulging in dry-rubbed pork ribs, tender hand-pulled pork shoulder, jerk chicken or slow-smoked brisket. The delectable side dishes, not to be forgotten, include gravy-smothered mashed potatoes, creamy macaroni and cheese, Southern-style greens and a hearty gumbo.

Let Don Pepe Restaurant transport you to Spain for a night with a traditional menu that features fresh seafood, steaks and fruity sangria. The charming Old World atmosphere of exposed brick, classic Spanish paintings and white tablecloth seating provides a fine-dining experience in the heart of Newark's Downtown. Share tapas such as garlic shrimp, stuffed scallops, Spanish cheeses and chorizo. Choose between entrees such as stuffed lobster, paella, shrimp in salsa verde and aged prime steaks. Save room for Port wine-poached pears or homemade caramel-topped flan for dessert, and sip after-dinner cordials or Don Pepe Coffee, Kahlua and brandy-spiked espresso beneath a generous pile of whipped cream.

Nightlife options prove plentiful in Downtown Newark. Catch a show or sports game, dance the night away, visit a hookah bar or have a drink with friends at one of the many bars and pubs. Head to the historic Irish pub McGovern's Tavern, a local favorite that has been serving Newark for over 75 years. Share a Guinness while admiring the old-time ambiance, listening to live music or partaking in weekly events such as trivia nights. Go to Martini 494 on Broad Street for a romantic date night or happy hour in an upscale lounge environment. Sip craft beer, wine or an impressive array of specialty martinis and cocktails. The menu includes everything from classic dirty martinis to dessert martinis, such as the Tiramisu or Key Lime Pie.

Getting in or out of Downtown Newark is convenient and easy. Those commuting by car enjoy access to five major highway routes. Public transportation includes the major transportation hub Newark Penn Station and access to NJ Transit, PATH, Greyhound, Light Rail and Amtrak. A PATH train takes riders from Newark to New York City in 25 minutes, and the Newark Liberty International Airport, which lies just under 6 miles from Downtown Newark, ushers travelers throughout the world.

Parking in the neighborhood can be very difficult, but a host of public garages and lots make it easier. Residents can easily go car-free and take advantage of the excellent public transportation system, taxis, Uber or biking. Newark maintains several bike lanes for safety and convenience, including a main lane on University Avenue, which runs between Raymond Boulevard to Central Avenue. Travelling by foot proves to be another great option to explore and get around this extremely walkable neighborhood.

Spend a day exploring the historic parks of Downtown Newark, Washington Park and Military Park. Washington Park, founded in 1666, supports Newark's rich past and neighbors several important landmarks, including The Newark Museum and The Newark Public Library, built in 1903. The park also borders the historic Ballantine House, built in 1885, and North Reformed Church, constructed in 1857. Enjoy Wednesdays at Washington Park, an annual summer event that hosts an open-air market and all-day activities. Buy homemade goods, fresh produce and local artwork, and listen to live music.

The six-acre Military Park, once a training ground for soldiers, became the town commons in 1869. It has since established itself as an active community center by hosting cultural events, kid-friendly activities, music and daily programs designed to provide a creative gathering space for residents. The highly active park participates in several programs, including games, fitness programs and family entertainment events. Play board games such as chess and checkers each day. Listen to live music or line dance. Whole families enjoy this park together with family yoga, children's story time, cooking demos and crafting tutorials. Fitness enthusiasts love the park's outdoor classes, including Zumba, yoga, t'ai chi and capoeira. The park's annual event, the Africa-Newark Festival, celebrates African culture.

While Newark lacks a dog park, residents take advantage of other nearby Essex County parks that provide dog runs.

A one-bedroom rental in Newark's Central Business District averages around $1,335.90. This places the cost of living slightly above the city average. A ride on public transportation costs around $2.75, and gas prices settle in at 5 percent higher than the national average. Expect to pay around $5 to $6 for a pint at a local bar.

The streets of Newark's Central Business District support a variety of shops, including trendy boutiques, bookstores, convenience stores, jewelers, furniture stores and sporting goods stores. Spend the day strolling Broad, Halsey and Market Street to discover why the neighborhood remains a principal shopping district for many Newark residents.

Luxe Boutique on Halsey Street caters to the modern, fashion-savvy woman. Find contemporary apparel, evening dresses and everyday workwear at this trendy boutique. On the contrary, men have been shopping at the family-run Unique Design Menswear for over 25 years. The high-end store sells fine Italian menswear made by renowned European designers. Shop for the latest footwear at 108 Sneaker or Foot Locker. Then, look for kid-friendly fashion at The Children's Place, and when you need fine jewelry, head over to Brick City Gold.

Residents have several options for grocery shopping, including quick convenient stores and fresh markets. Stop by Military Park's farmers market from June to October for an array of fresh produce from New Jersey farmers, fresh bread, pastries, savory snacks, nuts, spices, local handmade jewelry, and artisan crafts.