Jersey City’s oldest historic district and brownstone-lined neighborhood, Paulus Hook, is a true hidden gem nestled along the waterfront. It’s rich in history, with eateries, cafes, and photo-ops galore. It’s fair to say this small neighborhood packs a punch in terms of places to explore. We know that it’s important to HG readers to have wallet-friendly fun, so that’s why we created a budget-friendly itinerary to help readers make the most of all that Jersey City has to offer. Read on to learn how to have a $50 day in the Paulus Hook section of Jersey City.
The challenge: Eat at least 2 meals and enjoy at least 1 activity for $50 or less in Jersey City (tip + tax will be extra). We spent the day on foot to avoid transportation costs.
Breakfast + Activity 1: $17
A long day of walking ahead calls for a filling, protein-packed breakfast. The first stop of the day was Semicolon Cafe located at 77 Hudson Street. Besides the unique menu items here, the ambiance at Semicolon is top-notch, plus there is a plant store upstairs that serves as its own activity. After browsing the lush, lofted plant section, it was time to order some breakfast. We opted for an oat cappuccino for $5 and the Chicken Sandwich (yes, a chicken breakfast sandwich!) for $11, and it was worth every penny. The sandwiches at Semicolon are made with fluffy brioche bread baked in-house every day, truly a 10/10.
Read More: How to Have a $50 Day in Jersey City Heights
Activity 2: Free
Next, it was time for a little coffee stroll by taking a quick three-minute walk to the waterfront. With a to-go cappuccino in hand and a camera loaded with fresh film, an adventure along the waterfront to snap photos was a great relaxing morning activity to view art, people watch, and see the city sparkling as commuters bustled about. It’s easy to hang out here for hours.
Activity 3: Paulus Hook Park
After a photo session on the waterfront, it was time to keep exploring. Walk eight minutes to Paulus Hook Park to wander and read about some local history. Chances are you’ve been to Liberty State Park (Paulus Hook’s other major park), but Paulus Hook Park is a local treasure. It’s small but loaded with unique features from Revolutionary War monuments and plaques to greenery and benches, you’ll certainly learn something new here. Paulus Hook Park is considered one of four “pocket parks” in Jersey City and is located at the intersection of Grand Street and Washington Street.
Activity 4: $10
Just across from Paulus Hook Park (less than a one-minute walk) is the MORA Museum of International Art located at 80 Grand Street. This hidden museum is nestled into a historic brownstone in the heart of Paulus Hook. The MORA Museum of International Art is free for members or a $10 suggested donation upon entry. Currently on view is Woman: Balancing Our World.
Late Lunch: $21
Around 3PM, it was time for a late lunch at Sam A.M. just before it closed. This cozy neighborhood cafe has an out-of-this-world seasonal menu updated with only the finest, freshest ingredients. In the spirit of great sandwiches around town, we had to take the recommendation of our waiter and get the chicken salad sandwich for $16 (which ended up functioning as dinner too, thanks to the generous portions) and a Blushing Palmer (which is an unsweetened iced tea topped with fresh berry limeade) for $5; making the grand total for the day $48, $2 under budget!
See More: How to Have a $50 Day in Bloomfield
HG Note: And we have to say, Paulus Hook has some of the greatest restaurants in Jersey City that didn’t make it into our budget for a $50 day so here are some honorable mentions: Buddy’s JC, Satis Bistro, Honshu, 87 Sussex, Dream Vista, Light Horse Tavern, and Lobster Garage.
Things to Do in Hoboken + JC Instead of Scrolling TikTok (If It Gets Banned)
While the country patiently awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on whether to ban TikTok on January 19th, we Hoboken + Jersey City residents will have plenty to do to replace all of that scroll time and unplug. Here at The Hoboken Girl, we’re thinking positively and embracing the pending change to use this as a time to reconnect with ourselves, our hobbies, our passions, and even our community — something the world could use a little more of right now. Keep reading for an extensive list of what to do with all your time in Hoboken and Jersey City if TikTok gets banned.
For Self-Care Gurus
Book a spa service (like a facial or massage) at Woodhouse Spa, Salvation Wellness, Alivio Wellness, Gaia’s Cavern, Skin by EC, Studio 17, or SoJo Spa.
Try a sensory deprivation float tank experience or Scalar Lightwave Therapy at Om. Life Wellness.
Try cryotherapy, compression therapy, LED light therapy, and more at Zen Om Studio.
Listen to a guided meditation or inspiring podcast while getting a mani-pedi at one of your favorite local salons.
Visit Chrissy The Crystal Indigo for healing work, an aura reading, or a tarot reading. Plus shop around for amazing metaphysical items.
Get an IV Drip for an extra boost at Hoboken Drip Lounge.
Try acupuncture for an overall wellness boost.
Visit a local dispensary for a little extra relaxation.
Read More: 10 Hoboken + Jersey City Creators You Can Shop From Online
For Foodies
Take a cooking class at Hudson Table.
Explore dozens of mocktail creations at local eateries.
Get your handmade chocolate fix at Lepore’s or Lee Sims.
Go on a self-guided hot chocolate tour.
Make your own sushi at Saku.
Visit Van Hook for a gourmet grilled cheese or decadent, customized charcuterie board.
Take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and go on a self-guided coffee tour. (Yes, we have a spot for each stop!)
For Creatives
Work with your hands by taking a pottery class at Blue Skies, Clay Studio, or Betty’s Ceramics Club.
Design your own colorful creation at Tipsy Tie Dye.
Learn the art of shoemaking and design your very own pair of shoes at Hoboken Shoedio.
Tap into your inner fashion designer and sew your own clothes at Galastella Studio.
Craft a designer-quality handbag Youssoufiani.
Try a paint and sip or woodworking class from our local activities guide.
Visit Dirty Hippie Studio to stock up on affordable art supplies and shop creations from local artists.
For Readers
Shop around a local bookstore like WORD, Symposia, or Little City Books to find some new reads.
Visit one of Hoboken + Jersey City’s public library branches and grab a library card. (Check out the New Jersey Room at the Priscilla Gardner Library in Jersey City + the Library of Things at the Hoboken Library Main Branch.)
Participate in the Completely Booked Book Swap on January 30th.
Cozy up in a local coffee shop with your next read.
Join a local book club.
For Fitness Lovers
Unwind with a yoga or meditation class.
Let it all out and go axe-throwing with friends.
Mix things up with a unique workout class. (Think rowing, dancing, kickboxing, and more.)
Sign up and begin training for the next Jersey City Marathon happening on April 13th, 2025.
For Fashionistas
Shop small at one of Hoboken + Jersey City’s many boutiques.
Go on a self-guided vintage/thrift shopping tour.
Grab a fresh magazine like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and more at Davis Stationery. (You can even use it for vision boarding when you’re done!)
Check out new stores that joined the neighborhood.
For Lovers of the Arts
Attend a show at White Eagle Hall.
Grab a ticket for an upcoming show at Jersey City Theater Center or Mile Square Theatre.
Visit the Liberty Science Center, Hoboken Museum, or MORA Art Museum.
Catch a movie at your local movie theater.
Do a self-guided art crawl to admire the many murals of Hoboken + Jersey City.
Visit a local art gallery.
For Adventurers
Take a Top Rope Belay Certification class at The Gravity Vault.
Go on a self-guided walking tour of Hoboken. (Bonus: try our Frank Sinatra walking tour).
Go on a self-guided tour of one of Jersey City’s many neighborhoods such as Jersey City Heights, Paulus Hook, or Journal Square.
Walk along the waterfront and take photos of your findings.
Take the ferry to NYC for a waterfront adventure.
See More: What’s Filming in Montclair + Essex County? An Ongoing List of Movies + TV Shows
For Social Butterflies
Check our events guides for hundreds (yes, hundreds) of things to do every week.
Invite visitors to town and show them around to remind yourself of all the reasons to love Hoboken + Jersey City.
Join a co-working space to mix up your day-to-day or hone in on a creative project.
Get involved in local volunteer opportunities.
Seek out local networking opportunities.
Join Hive Athletic or Volo Sports for some group sports fun.
Post in our Hoboken + Jersey City Insiders FB Group for local meetups.
