New Hope, PA is located in Bucks County, a distant suburb of Philadelphia, and has become an increasingly popular town to both visit and live. This quaint mini city is a must-see, and with so many activities, shops, and restaurants, visitors may even want to plan a weekend road trip to experience it all. Be transported to the 1920s by taking a ride on the New Hope Railroad, or taste the worldly flavors of many food vendors in New Hope’s Ferry Market. Wind down like a local while staying in one of the town’s charming beds and breakfasts, while enjoying stunning river views. Read on for a fun-filled travel guide with all the must-dos and must-sees for a weekend or a day trip to one of Pennsylvania’s most charming towns, New Hope, PA — just a little over an hour from Hoboken + Jersey City.
Getting There
From Hudson County, locals can get to New Hope is about a one-hour 15-minute drive. It is also accessible by bus from Port Authority in New York City via the Trans-Bridge Lines. Be sure to check the website before booking, as schedules may be modified due to Covid.
Where to Stay
New Hope is great for just a day trip, but if visitors want to settle in for an overnight stay, there are plenty of charming Inns and Bed and Breakfasts located right on the Delaware River. Airbnb is also a great option to try if visitors want to feel more like a local. Each of the below inns is situated close to the heart of New Hope and sure to provide stunning views and cozy vibes.
The Mansion Inn {9 S Main Street}
For travelers visiting New Hope, Mansion Inn is an excellent choice for a stay, as well as a great spot to dine. It is well-known for its charming environment and decor, and close proximity to other great restaurants and attractions in New Hope.
Ghost Light Inn {50 S Main Street}
{Photo credit: Ghost Light Inn}
The Ghost Light Inn is a boutique hotel with 12 rooms, located in the center of town, just steps from the Delaware River. Its attention to detail and exceptional amenities is why this elegant spot is top-rated. According to its website, the unique property is the perfect blend of contemporary style and old-world charm. Enjoy a luxury experience, exceptional in-house dining at Stella by Jose Garces, or take a stroll along the water under the gas lanterns.
Carriage House of New Hope {8 E Mechanic Street}
{Photo credit: Carriage House of New Hope}
This charming three-room boutique hotel is a hybrid of a bed and breakfast and a home rental. With only three rooms, guests will feel as if they are in a private house, but with a full-time concierge. According to its website, The Carriage House’s historic charm is retained with the original stone walls and fireplace, as well as sweeping river views that will transport you back in time, but with free WiFi and Netflix.
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Fox and Hound Bed & Breakfast of New Hope {246 W Bridge Street}
{Photo credit: Fox and Hound Bed & Breakfast of New Hope}
Fox and Hound Bed and Breakfast is the perfect choice for a more romantic getaway. The B+B offers a relaxing ambiance and personal touches that make each room an oasis of comfort and sophistication, according to its website. Fox and Hound pride itself in offering so much more than an overnight stay. They offer a complete and unique experience as well. Each room has its own charm and offers either a balcony, a garden view, or a cozy fireplace.
Olivia’s Bridge Street Inn {28 W Bridge Street}
This historic Inn was built in 1817 and is nestled alongside the canal in New Hope. Each of their eight charming rooms offers a different vibe and is named after their previous historic owners.
Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn {11 Bridge Street}
This traditional hotel is located on the New Jersey side of the river, right across the bridge from New Hope. With its rave Google reviews, it and gorgeous river-view rooms, it is definitely worth the mention and the stay.
Things To Do
There are countless activities to do in Bucks County and New Hope, PA, and Main Street is a perfect place to start. This street is lined with shops and restaurants, and countless attractions that are open and following CDC guidelines.
Shopping
New Hope is a vintage lover’s dream with its plethora of eclectic clothing boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and flea markets along Main Street. BCDG Vintage is a great vintage shop located on the New Jersey side of the bridge in Lambertville, and definitely worth a visit while in the area. Other great shops to check out include Night Bird Vintage Clothing, Zelda Boutique, Cockamamies, and Savioni Designer Boutique to name a few.
New Hope Railroad
Enjoy Buck’s County in a 1920s era passenger car along the 1891 route that connected New Hope to Philadelphia. Visitors can enjoy this one-of-a-kind, safe experience through any of their excursion options. The Fall Foliage ride offers a day filled with colorful leafy views riders pass through the woods and hills of historic Bucks County. The railroad also offers a Halloween Ride for a spooky experience filled with treats. Walk-up appointments are temporarily closed, so be sure to book your excursion ahead of time online.
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Bucks County Playhouse
Although the playhouse is currently out of service amidst the pandemic, it is a must-see once the theater is up and running again. The Playhouse puts on theatrical productions of new and classic plays and musicals featuring Broadway and Hollywood artists. Currently, however, the playhouse is offering online programming to its restaurant, The Deck, so visitors can check it out there in the meantime.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Visitors can experience an exclusive, once in a lifetime flight in a hot air balloon ride for two plus the pilot. Start the experience by joining the crew in helping to assemble the balloon, then enjoy breathtaking views while flying over the gorgeous and historic Bucks County countryside.
Biking, Hiking, Kayaking + More
New Hope is a great place to visit for the outdoor enthusiast. The Delaware River Towpath goes for about 40 miles along the river and is great for a view-filled walk, run, or cycle. Encore Rides even offers guided bike tours for a unique way to experience the sites and history. In the summer, visitors can also take advantage of the many water activities on the river such as tubing, canoeing, and kayaking. For the avid hiker, Bucks County is also filled with several mountainous trails such as Ralph Stover State Park.
Places To Eat
Visitors won’t go hungry in New Hope, as there are plenty of top-rated restaurants right on the Delaware River, and listed here are just a few must-tries recommended by both locals and tourists.
New Hope Ferry Market {32 S Main Street}
The New Hope Ferry Market is a fresh food market that offers a unique collection of culinary delights and is located in the heart of New Hope, right on Main Street. Visitors can savor the enticing worldly flavors of its many food vendors, and stay to enjoy the market’s indoor and outdoor seating areas and river views.
Nektar Wine Bar {8 W Mechanic Street}
A must-try is Nektar, which is a polished wine bar offering Mediterranean-style small plates, wine, whiskey & beer, plus an airy patio. When asking locals for advice on where to eat, this one came up each time, and with good reason!
GreenHouse New Hope {90 S Main Street}
GreenHouse offers an unparalleled local experience, featuring Sunday brunch, live music, trivia night Wednesdays, and open mic Tuesdays. It’s a great place to enjoy with friends on their large open patio. GreenHouse was also an OpenTable Diners’ Choice Winner in 2019. Check them out and see for yourself!
C’est La Vie French Bakery + Cafe {20 S Main Street}
This French Bakery and Cafe is a true hidden gem along Main Street in New Hope. It is a snug bakery that serves up traditional French desserts, coffee, tea, and sweet or savory pastries and sandwiches. It’s perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast before, a quick lunch bite, or to wind down for the day with tea and a sweet pastry dessert.
The Landing Restaurant {22 N Main Street}
The Landing Restaurant is a cozy eatery with a prime riverside terrace, great for brunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks and dining on the river under the open sky during the summer season or romantic fireside dining during the cooler months.
Martine’s RiverHouse Restaurant {14 E Ferry Street}
{Photo credit: Martine’s RiverHouse Restaurant}
Another riverside spot, this charming yellow restaurant serves meat and seafood with a European flair. The restaurant prides itself on being the best view in town, rain or shine.
