Whether you just moved to Hoboken or you’re a longtime veteran here, you know there are some expert tips and tricks to living in the Mile Square. If you’re new to Hoboken, it’s important to learn the ins and outs of the area to navigate the city like a true local. Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered. We’re sharing the best insider hints to living {and eating + exploring} in Hoboken. Keep reading to discover an insider’s guide to navigating Hoboken.
Cutting through parks is the quickest way to walk anywhere.
One of the most efficient ways to walk to the PATH station if you’re headed there from midtown or uptown is through Stevens Park. Some other great routes include going through church Square Park between 4th and 5th on Park Avenue, and cutting through Columbus Square Park between 9th and 10th Street to get to Hoboken High School or ShopRite.
Sign up for the Local Nixle alerts to make sure you’re aware of emergencies.
Click here to sign up to get all the updates on any emergency situations, or text your zip code to 888777.
Ditch your car and take advantage of the free HOP bus.
The Mile Square is known as one of the most walkable cities in the U.S. There are countless transportation opportunities that don’t involve a personal vehicle — so ditch your car and use the HOP, which recently became free of charge for everyone. It runs from 9:00AM-5:00PM Monday through Friday.
See More: 10 Easy Upgrades to Make Your Hoboken Rental Feel Like Home
Bow Tie Cinemas offers $7 movie tickets on Tuesdays.
If you’re sick of overpriced movie theaters or are looking for a new Tuesday activity, head over to Bow Tie Cinemas on 14th and Adams Street. This opportunity is available all day and you can even get $5 popcorn.
Beware of Temporary No Parking signs.
Hoboken newbies: DO NOT park where you can see the above sign taped to the outside of neighboring buildings. The parking authority will most definitely tow your car and you’ll have to venture to Bayonne or farther. And ALWAYS check street cleaning signs.
Hit up 10th and Willow for $12 all-you-can-eat wings on Mondays.
The wings are to-die-for at this locale and the atmosphere is casual, but still Instagram-worthy. Make sure to indulge in this weekday special, complete with half-priced draft beer.
Two of the best happy hours in the city are at Coco Havana and The Brass Rail.
Don’t underestimate these two amazing bar and restaurant go-tos. Coco Havana’s happy hour special includes all half-priced apps and half-priced drinks Monday through Friday with some added features depending on the day. The Brass Rail is another lively bar with specials starting at 7:00PM like $5 Martini Monday, $5 margaritas on Tequila Tuesday, and $5 Mojitos on Thursday, just to name a few. Of course, that’s literally the tip of the one-mile-square iceberg of happy hours, as the most bars and restaurants per capita
Call in your food order at Fiore’s for pickup.
Many of us crave mutz at all hours of the day and some of our favorite delis have the longest lines ever at prime meal times. Call ahead at Fiore’s deli and ditch the wait for your hangry needs.
The best spot to find parking on busy nights is above 10th Street and behind Clinton Street.
If you’re having a late night and can’t move your car, or are expecting visitors well into the evening, you can guarantee a parking spot for both you and them uptown near the Northwest Pop Up Park above 10th Street and behind Clinton Street. It may be far, but at least you won’t be circling the city for hours.
Read More: Hoboken Street Parking Explained {Literally Send This to Everyone Who Wants to Visit You}
Download books to your Kindle for FREE at the Hoboken Library.
If you’re an avid reader, but you’ve gone digital, the Hoboken Library will let you download books that they offer to your Kindle. A library card here is totally worth it and is free with your Hoboken ID — just apply online or in person at 500 Park Avenue.
Show your Hoboken ID at Carlos Bakery to skip the line.
Carlo’s Bakery is famous for Cake Boss, of course, and fun fact: if you show the cashier your Hoboken driver’s license, you can skip the long lines {especially during tourist season}. Enjoy a treat and avoid potential crowds with this tip.
Get a SmartLink card or a MetroCard depending on where you’re going.
Many Hoboken residents head to NYC for work every day and take the PATH train downtown. A mistake that some commuters make is getting a monthly MetroCard for $121.00 instead of a SmartLink card for $89.00. Note: SmartLink is for PATH only, whereas MetroCard is if you need to take subways throughout NYC as well.
Grocery shop at Trader Joe’s on Tuesdays — and beat the crowds.
Word of advice — DO NOT grocery shop at Trader Joe’s {or anywhere really} on Sunday — or even Monday — if you can help it. Tuesday is the store’s restock day, so you’re better off going then to make sure you can pick up that cauliflower gnocchi and Mandarin orange chicken before it’s gone.
Dine at Pilsener Haus + Biergarten for 50% off on Tuesdays.
This Austro-Hungarian bar and restaurant is extremely popular, especially during the warmer months. It has yummy and fun weekday specials, including 50% off almost the entire menu on Tuesdays, trivia nights on Wednesdays, and live bands every Friday night.
Discover Hudson County’s past at the Hoboken Historical Museum.
One of the best spots to take parents or friends visiting from out-of-town is the Hoboken Historical Museum. It’s the ideal gallery for everything Frank Sinatra and need-to-know authentic info.
TBH, these 15 are just the start to a laundry list. There are so many other things that you need to know and places to go and enjoy when moving here, but this is a good start. What would you add?
Let us know in the comments!
