New Brunswick is a charming city and the county seat of Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States.
The city had a population of 55,708 people in 2021. New Brunswick is renowned for being the abode of the main campus of Rutgers University, New Jersey’s State University, and the Johnson & Johnson ( a pharmaceutical corporation) worldwide headquarters.
There are quite some fun things to do in New Brunswick, this city offers its residents and tourists There are several unique attractions to be explored here.
It features a good number of parks, restaurants, bars, museums, resorts, schools, theaters, natural sites, and more. These attractions include State Theatre, Christ Church Episcopal, the Frog and The Peach, Stress Factory Comedy Club, Christopher’s Restaurant & Bar, Mason Gross Performing Arts Center, and more.
Check out the best things to do in New Brunswick, NJ.
Things to Do in New Brunswick, NJ
1. Rutgers University
Rutgers University
Don’t be surprised to find a university on this list, as it is an integral part of the city. Rutgers University is a New Jersey University featuring three local campuses in Camden, New Brunswick, and Newark.
The campus in New Brunswick is the University’s oldest, consisting of many smaller campuses such as Douglass, Busch, college avenue, Livingston, and cook.
Rutgers University consists of nineteen graduate, undergraduate, and professional schools, such as the school of arts and sciences, the Mason Gross School of the Arts, the School of Engineering, Rutgers Business School, the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, and more.
Address: New Brunswick, NJ, United States
2. Boyd Park
Boyd Park
Boyd Park, an award-winning outdoor attraction in New Brunswick, is one of the numerous Riverside parks in the city.
Boyd Park is a favorite place for many locals and visitors in the city, including the young and old, with a collection of family-friendly amenities.
The Park offers gorgeous vistas of the Raritan River and the skyline of New Brunswick. There are essential historical structures, including canals, swing bridges, and towpaths which have existed for decades.
There is a wealth of green grounds with well-paved trails, an amphitheater, which is a spot for live events, and picnic benches for nice get-togethers and dates.
Boyd Park’s outdoor theater is a place every local love due to the countless festivals and performances. Boyd Park is one of the best places to visit in New Brunswick, NJ.
Address: New Brunswick, NJ 08904, United States
3. Kirkpatrick Chapel
Kirkpatrick Chapel
For the Christian fellows traveling, don’t fail to include a visit to Kirkpatrick Chapel in your list of top things to do in New Brunswick, NJ.
Kirkpatrick Chapel is located on the beautiful Rutgers–New Brunswick University’s old queens campus.
The Kirkpatrick Chapel, also known as the Sophia Astley Kirkpatrick Memorial Chapel, is the major Chapel of the University.
The Chapel is one of the oldest structures in the University. It was erected in 1872 and designed by Architect Henry Hardenbergh.
The Kirkpatrick Chapel was built in a Victorian Revival style and named after the wife of Littleton Kirkpatrick, a local attorney and politician, Sophia Astley Kirkpatrick.
You will spot the gorgeous stained glass windows in the Chapel. The Kirkpatrick Chapel is open to students and people of all faiths.
Address: 81 Somerset St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
4. Christ Episcopal Church
Christ Episcopal Church
Christ Episcopal Church holds Sunday services encouraging the entire public to join. The Church offers unique services for Easter, Christmas, and other festivals, including the famed Jazz Vespers.
On Maundy Thursday, the Church also organizes foot-washing, while significant liturgical actions are taken during the holy week.
Toddlers and Infants are offered nursery care under the prayer ministry during sermons, Adult Formation courses, Christian education courses, chamber choir music schemes, community outreach programs, and women’s spirit sessions.
Address: 5 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
5. State Theatre
State Theatre, a non-profit theater, was constructed in 1921. Thomas W. Lamb, an architect, designed it.
Exploring a theatre like State Theatre is one of the best things to do in New Brunswick, NJ. State Theater is one of the state’s oldest theaters.
State Theatre is a standard venue that can accommodate up to 1,850 persons. It is the meeting point of the state’s arts community, showcasing a diverse selection of entertainment, including music concerts, International orchestras, drama, family events, and more.
The Theater also offers a wide variety of educational programs such as the milk & cookies series, exploring the arts by scientists, and more.
State Theatre has been operated by different owners and underwent a lot of renovations to be the magnificent structure it is today.
Address: 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
6. Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
If you want to enjoy some delicious meals, visit the outstanding Catherine Lombardi Restaurant in New Brunswick.
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant is a high-standard Italian restaurant with classic dining rooms coupled with two fireplaces.
There is an energetic bar serving homemade fares in a relaxed and calm setting, affirming itself as an award-winning restaurant.
This family-owned and operated eatery combines Italian flavors and seasonings to create delicious meals.
Catherine Lombardi Restaurant offers meals like Mascarpone Cheesecake, Filet Mignon, Swordfish Puttanesca, Veal Parmigiana with Macaroni, Clam Chowder, Pappardelle, spaghetti, etc.
The full-time cocktail bar offers a wide range of libations such as Christmas cricket, snowball old-fashioned, elfing around, christmapolitan, hot buttered rum, and more.
Address: 3 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
7. Heldrich Spa
Whenever you feel like relaxing and loosening up, head towards Heldrich Spa, one of the best in New Brunswick.
Heldrich Spa is known for offering the best therapeutic massages in the region, which are the best ways to relieve tension and stress.
The spa offers Blemished Skin Facial, Gentleman’s Facial, Paprika Herbal Treatment, Slimming Body Wrap, AHA Fruit Pulp Treatment, Skin Care, Firming Body Wrap, and more.
Heldrich Spa, housed in the Heldrich Hotel, is dedicated to providing the highest quality massages, which are highly beneficial to the receivers.
Heldrich Spa also offers Hydrating Body Wrap, Body Treatments, Silky Body Polish, Detoxifying Body Wrap, Skin Refreshers, Mature Anti-aging Facials, and many more.
These services are offered by only certified therapists who know their stuff and are dedicated to providing the best services.
Address: 10 Livingston Ave 3rd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
8. Barça City Café & Bar
To have a perfect list of what to do in New Brunswick, include a visit to Barça City Café & Bar. It is one of the most outstanding places in the city.
Barça City Café & Bar offers an eclectic mix of Spanish Tapas wines and dishes, including seasonally handcrafted sangrias.
The cafeteria offers a comfortable and simple interior nicely designed with the perfect decor; it considers itself a home of spice and love.
It is a restaurant during the day but a lively bar at night, providing an accurate balance of tasty drinks, sumptuous food, and excitement.
Barça City Café & Bar offers visitors meals like Flaming Chorizo and Empanadas, Plato Espanol Tapas, Papas Fritas Tapas, Ceviche De Camarones Tapas, Ensalada Italiana, Mozzarella Mini Sandwiches, Turkey Burger Mini Sandwiches, and more.
The bar offers drinks like valencia, kill at midnight, cappuccino, cafe Mexicano, Paloma, London mule, cafe de mar, elder bunch, le Reina, and more.
Address: 47 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
9. Rutgers Gardens
Rutgers Gardens, a wonderful place to start your vacation in New Brunswick, brings you closer to nature, offering a soothing and peaceful environment.
Rutgers Gardens is an amazing outdoor destination and a component of the Rutgers University system. It is one of the few establishments that specialize greatly in land and nature; it serves as the University’s botanical garden.
The garden spreads for one hundred and eighty acres beside the Raritan River. Rutgers Gardens offers a variety of plant species looked after by biologists, horticulturists, and ecologists under the management of the University.
Rutgers Gardens features colorful flower beds, bamboo groves, bushes close to streams, and woodlands packed with local American trees.
The facility offers educational and engaging programs where visitors can commune with plants under the supervision of the caretakers. Rutgers Gardens is one of the best places to visit in New Brunswick, NJ, especially if you’re a nature enthusiast.
Address: Rutgers St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
10. The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center
Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center
If you’re still searching for a nice place to lodge or host your special event, search no more because you just found it.
The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center is one of the perfect attractions that offer you fine dining, entertainment, and lodging.
The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center, located in Central New Jersey, offers accommodation with a blend of culture, art, and history.
The resort provides a comfortable and gorgeous setting for family weekends, vacations, meetings, and other special events.
The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center features a restaurant known as Christopher’s, offering several dining options.
The resort can comfortably cater for any event, including large events for up to four hundred persons or gathering for five.
Address: 10 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
11. Rutgers Geology Museum
Rutgers Geology Museum
Rutgers University features several significant structures, especially museums, and Rutgers Geology Museum is among them.
If you’re an aspiring or professional geologist, visit Rutgers Geology Museum in New Brunswick. The Rutgers Geology Museum, previously known as the Geological Hall, is housed in an elegantly restored building on Rutgers University’s Queens Campus.
Rutgers Geology Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed by a well-known architect, Henry Janeway.
The Museum was erected in 1872, housing the geological museum of the University and numerous administrative offices.
It was established by George Hammell, Rutgers professor and state geologist, as the United States’ oldest geology museum.
Rutgers Geology Museum extensively focuses on New Jersey’s natural history ranging from paleontology, anthropology, and geology.
Address: 85 Somerset St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
12. Mason Gross Performing Arts Center
Mason Gross Performing Arts Center is a one-of-a-kind art facility that is different from every other one in the city.
It is a definition of a sophisticated performing arts center and a component of the Rutgers University System. There are special spaces or rooms for each area of focus or practice.
Mason Gross Performing Arts Center offers practices for visual arts, music, dance, and theater performances.
Visitors are allowed to come into the facility and watch some of the performances, which showcase the talents and skills it fosters.
This state-of-the-art facility consists of two huge performance areas: the Arthur Laurent Theater-252 and the Elizabeth Ross Johnson theater-463.
Mason Gross Performing Arts Center has large public galleries and well-stocked studios for designing, painting, performance art, drawing, video and film production, computer art, and more.
Address: 85 George St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
13. AMC New Brunswick 18
AMC New Brunswick 18 is a premier movie cinema in New Brunswick, which is a favorite place for movie fans.
The theaters are professionally designed to the perfect standard providing a clear view from every point where a viewer is seated and customized engineering.
It assures you of a captivating movie experience through the 3D images on the display, fantastic sound system, and reclining chairs.
AMC New Brunswick 18 also offers online booking, which ensures that you wouldn’t have to stand in a queue when you arrive.
There is a concession stand that offers deliciously made popcorn, chilled soft drinks, and other flavorful snacks.
The theatre is always clean and adequately maintained, with passionate staff who are dedicated to what they do.
Address: 17 US-1, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
14. Zimmerli Art Museum
Zimmerli Art Museum
If you’re a history fanatic, Zimmerli Art Museum is one place you would absolutely love to spend the entire day.
So, add a visit to Zimmerli Art Museum to your list of top things to do in New Brunswick, NJ. It is found in the Voorhees Mall.
The Zimmerli Art Museum is a massive attraction housing a collection of more than sixty thousand artworks, which includes French Prints from the 19th century, American works dating back to the 20th century, and more.
The Museum is a venue for several free public programs, including lectures, artist talks, dance, guided tours, receptions, symposia, and theatrical performances.
There is a wide variety of research opportunities and educational programs for students and the rest of the community.
Zimmerli Art Museum is housed in a 70,000 square feet facility featuring rooms and halls filled with art from various countries like Russia, France, Japan, and Greece.
Address: 71 Hamilton St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
15. Monument Square Park
Monument Square Park
Monument Square Park, a little plot of land which adopts a triangular shape, has been home to a monument since 1894. The monument commemorates the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their lives during the American Civil War.
Monument Square Park is nestled in the middle of the theater district of New Brunswick, serving as a limelight for the city center, nicely surrounded by several restaurants, theaters, and Heldrich Hotel.
The Park is a venue for holiday tree lighting in New Brunswick, the Jazz Festival of Central Jersey, and fireworks for new year’s eve.
For a larger part of the year, the Park serves as a perfect oasis where visitors and locals can take a break, have a coffee, listen to music, and meet friends.
Monument Square Park features a signpost that gives distances and directions to the city’s international sister cities, such as Hungary, Tsuruoka, Debrecen, Fukui, and so on.
Address: 2 Livingston Ave, c, NJ 08901, United States
Planning to explore New Jersey? Get the best of attractions and activities in Wildwood, Edison, and Montclair for a fun vacation.
16. Buccleuch Park
Buccleuch Park, an amazing outdoor attraction in New Brunswick, beautifully lies beside the Raritan River.
Buccleuch Park is a property of about seventy-eight acres of land with various exciting natural resources for you to explore.
The Park consists of large colorful grounds with wooded areas, scenic trails, and shady points where one can relax.
Buccleuch Park is the perfect destination to take if you ever want to hang out with your family and friends.
Buccleuch Park features gorgeous playgrounds and rock gardens that children and adults can enjoy.
There are soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, volleyball & cricket fields, a tennis court, softball, a picnic pavilion, and a gazebo. Exploring this attraction is one of the fun things to do in New Brunswick, NJ.
Address: 321 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
17. Olde Queen’s Tavern
Olde Queen’s Tavern has become a permanent landmark in the community as it has been in business since 1933, solely serving its people.
It is among the best places where you can meet up with some friends and family, hang out, chat and laugh over some bottles of drinks.
Olde Queen’s Tavern offers happy hour from Sunday to Wednesday from 4 pm to 8 pm. While visiting on Friday, Saturday, Tuesday, or Thursday night, make sure you come with your dancing shoes so you can party the night away.
So if you’re in the mood for celebration or want to create special memories with your loved ones, head towards Olde Queen’s Tavern. It is open from 2 pm to 2 am from Monday to Thursday and 11:30 am to 2 am from Friday to Sunday.
Address: 108 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
18. George Street Playhouse
George Street Playhouse was established in 1974. It has become a nationally acknowledged theater featuring off and on Broadway theater performances by professional and up-rising artists.
The Playhouse is located in the downtown region of New Brunswick as a performing arts center which is operated by Kelly Ryman, managing director, and Artistic Director David Saint.
It has presented several award-winning shows, such as curvy widow, the spitfire grill, and Toxic Avenger.
George Street Playhouse operates a theatre of touring education demonstrating shows concerning youth problems like nutrition, bully, and tolerance.
The Playhouse also offers a collection of educational programs for emerging artists with a strong commitment to new works.
Address: 9 Livingston Avenue at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
19. Crossroads Theatre Company
As you may have noticed, New Brunswick is a hub for art performances through the numerous fun centers.
Crossroads Theatre Company is another award-winning facility that has been in existence for nearly half a century.
It has served as a venue for numerous eye-catching and unforgettable performances. Crossroads Theatre Company host shows that focus on the African American way of life and culture.
These shows are performed by well-known playwrights and actors while the playwrights talk about the favorite and disliked stories by audiences.
Crossroads Theatre Company earned the Tony award in 1999 in the United States for Outstanding Regional Theatre, making it the first African American theatre to earn it.
You need to check their calendar to see the shows planned and the dates; you might be lucky to catch an amazing dance recital.
Address: 11 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
20. Stress Factory Comedy Club
After a long day of stressing at work and home, spend your night at Stress Factory Comedy Club; this is one of the fun things to do in New Brunswick, NJ.
Stress Factory Comedy Club is a place where you can laugh away your worries and forget your stress.
Although their name suggests otherwise, they don’t produce stress here but make it go away. It is a reputable location in the entire state which attracts nightlife fans.
It is also known for hosting professional and experienced comedians, including fast-rising artists who would later become known in the industry.
Stress Factory Comedy Club offers live skits, presentations, stand-up performances, and more that will crack your ribs up.
It offers an extensive collection of refreshing drinks and American staples that complement the entire experience.
Address: 90 Church St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
21. The Frog and The Peach
The Frog and The Peach
Wondering what to do in New Brunswick, NJ? Dine at The Frog and the Peach, an award-winning restaurant in New Brunswick. The Frog and The Peach serves creative seasonal farm-to-table dishes.
The Frog and The Peach is a gourmet restaurant housed in an ancient industrial structure that formerly featured large printing equipment for making local paper.
The restaurant has a record of offering guests the most memorable dining experiences in a gorgeous dining space.
The structure features a unique and modern decor that illustrates the industrial quality of the building, with a nice garden room perfect for romantic dates.
The Frog and The Peach offer a seasonal menu comprising innovative dishes prepared using only the freshest ingredients.
It also serves a wide variety of drinks, including classic cocktails, imported spirits, and vintages. The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday for dinner only.
Address: 29 Dennis St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
22. New Brunswick City Market, Inc.
New Brunswick City Market, Inc. was founded in 1987 to govern one of the first New Jersey Special Improvement District.
It is a privately funded non-profit organization to promote the major business district in the community.
New Brunswick City Market, Inc. promotes New Brunswick as an incredible place to visit, live or work to positively affect the economic evolution, draw new investors, and so on.
The organization endorses the best places to dine, enjoy great entertainment, learn new things, have fun, and more.
Address: 109 Church St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
23. Christopher’s Restaurant & Bar
Crab Cake Sandwich
Christopher’s Restaurant & Bar, located in Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center in New Brunswick, is a unique restaurant serving mouthwatering meals.
Christopher’s Restaurant & Bar is elegantly designed with unique decors and supplements to provide a relaxed setting.
The Bar is different from other bars in New Brunswick, offering an impressive selection of beverages and specialty cocktails.
The exciting ambiance of the restaurant attracts many locals and visitors from different parts of the city, providing a place where they can sit, relax and dine.
Christopher’s Restaurant & Bar offers Honey Hoisin Glazed Grilled Salmon, Crispy Calamari Salad, Crab Cake Sandwich, Chicken Wings, Christophers Organic Beef Burger, and more.
Address: 10 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
Have more time in New Jersey, do not miss exploring the top attractions and things to do in Cherry Hill, things to do in Seaside Heights, and things to do in Long Branch.
Plan Your Trip to New Brunswick
New Brunswick is among the most beautiful cities in New Jersey, offering tourists numerous outdoor opportunities.
The city is home to several exciting attractions, which is the primary reason visitors from different parts of the world come to this destination. So come and join in the fun!