Just because you’re not in Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games doesn’t mean you can’t partake in French culture on the off moments you aren’t glued to your screen supporting Team USA. Whether craving a Croque Madame, feel like perusing an art gallery, or want to get out on the Hudson River (a la the athletes on the River Seine), there’s a lot one can do in Hoboken + Jersey City to feel inspired by the spirit of Paris. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of Parisian-inspired local activities to partake in this week to really soak in the spirit of this year’s Olympics.
Go to a Cafe For a Croissant, Crepe, + a Cafe Au Lait
^ Cafe Madeline in Jersey City
If there’s one thing that the French are known for worldwide (aside from the Eiffel Tower, of course), it’s their cafes. Maybe more specifically, the croissant. for those looking to get a taste of Paris in Hoboken and Jersey City, an impressive croissant isn’t hard to find. If a crepe, quiche, or croque monsieur/madame is more your craving, Crepe Guru, Cafe Madeline and Cafe Esme in Jersey City or La Bouche Cafe and Cafe Tati in Hoboken are all delectable options. Thankfully, most residents of Hoboken and Jersey City have a Choc O Pain within walking distance, where award-winning French pastries can be found.
^ Choc O Pain in Hoboken + Jersey City
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Go For a Stroll Around the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Similarly to Paris, both Hoboken and Jersey City skylines and views feature at least one equally iconic statue, among other notable buildings and installations. Those looking to emulate an afternoon strolling around the Eiffel Tower in Jersey City could go for a walk through Liberty State Park for a nearly perfect view of the Statue of Liberty, a gift to the United States from the French commemorating their alliance during the American Revolution. Walk the Newport Waterfront and see Water’s Soul created by internationally famous artist Jaume Plensa or step out onto the Exchange Place boardwalk to see the Of Many Minds Art Installation or the iconic Colgate Clock. In Hoboken, stroll Pier A park for scenic NYC views and a close-up with the city’s beloved Lackawanna Tower at the train station terminal.
^ Liberty State Park in Jersey City
Plan a Parisian-Inspired Picnic
^ Madame in Jersey City
A blanket, bread, cheese, wine and, perhaps, macarons, make for a perfectly Parisian picnic menu. Whether you plan to park your picnic at Pier A in Hoboken or Hamilton Park in Jersey City, Choc O Pain is the first place to stop for an authentic baguette, although CoolVines carries them at all of their locations, as well. CoolVines, along with Madame Wine Shop, Riverview Wine + Spirits, Sparrow Wine, and Wine Dad’s also have sections specifically for French wine in their shops. If you need a bit of inspiration before you hit the store, follow Jersey City resident and French wine expert Katie Melchior @frenchwinetutor on Instagram. Once you’ve selected your starch and what you plan to sip, run straight to Van Hook Cheese Shop in Jersey City and ask their expert on-hand to create a perfect Parisian cheese and charcuterie pairing for you. If you’ve planned ahead, you’ve grabbed extra pastries from your cafe visit earlier, or you’ve visited Macs by Marla at the Van Vorst Park Farmers Market (Saturdays) or the Riverview Farmers Market (the first and third Sundays of the month).
Get Out on the River Seine
^ The Honorable William Wall
Some Hudson County residents will draw inspiration from the 2024 opening ceremonies and get on the water. Hoboken and Jersey City are home to many different waterways and water sports. If you’re simply looking to use the Hudson River to get around, cruise the NY Waterway, but if you’re looking for a scenic tour or view, then State Cruises, Sappho Sailing Hudson Cat, or the Honorable William Wall may be better options. Although the River Seine isn’t known for adventure, the Hudson River does provide a wider variety of more active activities such as free kayaking at the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse, paddle boarding with Resilience Paddle Sports, jet skiing with New York Harbor Jet Ski or Sea the City, “cycling” with NYC Cycleboats, or paddleboard kayaking with Urban Paddle.
Indulge in Escargot + French Wine
^ Bistro La Source in Jersey City
As premier growers of grapes and connoisseurs of luxury butter, the French know a thing or two about creating divine experiences at the dinner table. Some of the world’s most renowned wine varieties are grown in France (see: Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah), while some of the world’s most luxurious dishes (see: escargot, Coq Au Vin) also call the region home. In Jersey City, visit Madame JC or Bistro La Source for an authentic taste of French culture. Satis Bistro is also a great contender for a European-inspired dining experience. In Hoboken, Barbes, La Boheme, and The Little Grocery will transport diners straight to the streets of Paris.
^ Satis Bistro in Jersey City
Explore a Museum or Art Gallery
^ Hoboken Historical Museum
Paris is known for many museums, but three specifically: Musée d’Orsay, Louvre Museum, and The Centre Pompidou. Jersey City was set to see the opening of its very own outlet location of The Centre Pompidou in 2024, but Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop recently announced that the art destination will not open until at least early 2026. While New Jersey residents will have to wait longer for this Parisian museum to open its doors in Jersey City, a visit to the Liberty Science Center, Museum of Jersey City History, Hoboken Historical Museum, or Hoboken Fire Department Museum is a fine way to tap into an educational activity frequently featured on a Parisian itinerary. If art is more your style versus history, you’re in luck in Hoboken and Jersey City. Both cities are full of artists, residencies, and galleries for exploring, including Roig Collection, Mana Contemporary, and Deep Space JC, to name a few.
See More: How to Have a European-Style Summer in Montclair
See a Show
^ Cafe Corretto in Jersey City
It wouldn’t be unusual to see Moulin Rouge or an opera on a weekend itinerary in Paris, even though it may feel like a treat in your own backyard. Hoboken and Jersey City have built an impressive entertainment scene over the years. For visual and performing arts, check out Art House Productions’ upcoming schedule. For performing arts, look into Mile Square Theatre’s upcoming shows. For comedy, Cafe Corretto (associated with Roman Nose) in downtown Jersey City or Dorrian’s in Newport, Jersey City are the perfect option for a good laugh. For concerts and events, White Eagle Hall is your best bet.
Hudson Restaurant Week 2025: See the 43 Restaurants Participating
A popular event that allows locals to try out some of Hudson County's best restaurants is back for 2025. This year's Hudson Restaurant Week kicked off on Monday, January 27th, and will run through Friday, February 7th. A total of 43 restaurants are participating, and are located around Hoboken, Jersey City, Bayonne, Edgewater, Guttenberg, Harrison, North Bergen, Union City, and Weehawken. Read on for more details about Hudson Restaurant Week 2025.
What is Hudson Restaurant Week?
Hudson Restaurant Week is an annual event that has been providing Hudson County locals with the chance to indulge in a variety of prix-fixe menus from local restaurants since 2005. The restaurant are broken up into various categories, including BYOB, vegetarian, and gluten-free, as well as spots that have parking or skyline views. This year's event kicked off on Monday, January 27th, and will continue through Friday, February 7th. More details can be found on the website.
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What Restaurants Are Participating This Year?
There are 43 restaurants participating in this year's Hudson Restaurant Week from Hoboken, Jersey City, Bayonne, Edgewater, Guttenberg, Harrison, North Bergen, Union City, and Weehawken — all of which are serving up different prix-fixe menus throughout the event.
The list of participating restaurants is as follows:
Hoboken
- Anthony David's
- Barbès
- Belo Bar + Kitchen
- Bin 14
- La Bohème
- Brass Rail
- Byrd
- Court Street Restaurant
- East LA
- Fat Taco
- Halifax
- Leo's Grandevous
- The Lola
- Madison Bar + Grill
- Metropolis
- Sushi Lounge
- Terrace by Alessio's
- UH Hoboken
- Wicked Wolf Tavern
Jersey City
- Barge Inn
- Bistro La Source
- Chickie's
- Fire + Oak
- Hamilton Inn
- Hamilton Pork
- Hudson + Co
- Hudson Hall
- Kitchen Step
- Laico's
- Liberty Prime Steakhouse
- Porta
- Rumba Cubana
- South House
Bayonne
- La Branche Cafe + Bistro
Edgewater
- HAVEN Riverfront Restaurant
Guttenberg
- Rumba Cubana
Harrison
- Mambo Cuban Restaurant
North Bergen
- Rumba Cubana
Union City
- Maracaibo
Weehawken
More information about what each restaurant is providing can be found on the Hudson Restaurant Week website here.
See More: Inside Chashni Cafe, Montclair’s Newest Eatery with Pakistani Roots
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