14 Best & Fun Things To Do In Paterson (New Jersey)

Paterson is known for its amazing structures, beautiful shopping, colorful art, and many things available outdoors. 

There are so many amazing things to do in Paterson. It is no wonder travelers come from all over the country to enjoy time with their family and friends here. 

If you are thinking of what to do in Paterson, look no further! We will recommend the right places to visit here! 

This beautiful city is entirely around a natural spring. Thereby providing amazing natural sights to visitors. 

Museums, wildlife preserves, churches, parks, and glassy lakes are just a few of the ways you can enjoy the outdoors when in Peterson.

These beautiful facets are particular, with landmarks, exciting museums, famed restaurants, shopping aplenty, and tons of live entertainment. What a city full of unique places! 

Take a look at some of the beautiful sights and attractions you might explore during your visit to Paterson.

Things To Do In Paterson

1. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Do you love nature?

If you love nature, you should plan to come to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. You can arrive at any hour, even during a vacation to see the lovely falls and the beautiful things this place offers.

Interestingly, this wonderful place has been in existence and protected through the years. This preservation has been so impressive because this location is right in the middle of Paterson.

Visitors can come to this tourist region with their kids to have close contact with nature and pure air.

We are positive that coming here will change your mind about the great things Paterson has to offer. Wow! What exciting find in Paterson! The falls are beautiful; everything here is great! 

Aside from these great falls being beautiful, it’s pretty rare to find waterfalls that are aggressively in a city. 

Besides, the owner and staff in this incredible location are friendly. Not only that, they are professional when relating with visitors.

Indeed, they are the best you would ever wish to interact with. Not only are the staff friendly, but the ambiance of this remarkable place is also enticing and pleasing.

You will be glad you visit this place!

Aside from the historical relevance of this place, it is also an event center. What a place so many things are possible! Several events are held here and lots of festivals.

If you are in this part of Paterson, this place has a lot to offer you!

Address: 72 McBride Ave, Paterson, NJ 07501, United States.

2. Lambert Castle

Lambert Castle is also known as “The Castle” by several people in this region. It is a late Victorian-era mansion.

Also, it’s the mansion of a former silk magnate known as Catholina Lambert.

This great place is equally in the castle where Catholina Lambert displays many things. These include many of his prized European and American paintings. 

Moreso, it is essential to state that this site represents several rare examples of residential architecture in America.

Today, this place is unique and photo-friendly with lots of interesting historical content.

If you are in Paterson and like vintage decor and architecture, we recommend you come here. It would be so exciting and worth the visit!

Even at that, this beautiful historic place provides visitors with access to hiking trails that lead up to Garrett Mountain and its observation tower.

If you do not plan to come to Paterson, this alone is a great reason to change your mind. There are so many fun things to enjoy here!

Would you instead prefer reading this existing description or visiting this site that represents one of several rare examples of castellated residential architecture in Paterson?

The decision is yours! We are sure you would want to have a perfect idea of this beautiful place!!

Address: Valley Rd, Paterson, NJ 07503, United States.

3. Paterson Museum

Do you want to see Indian artifacts in America?

A visit to Paterson Museum will give you the opportunity to see Indian artifacts in the United States.

Not only is this place an area to get Indian artifacts, but there are also crafts and other displays in the form of artifacts covering the indigenous people, who were the original settlers of the area.

Besides, it has recorded about Alexander Hamilton, the locomotive and textile industries that flourished in the 1800s. What a place to get natural history! 

Summarily, this beautiful location gives a great overall history of the community and its contributions to society and especially America’s development in the manufacturing and financial world. 

Also, there are rare gems, such as displaying early 20th century pharmaceuticals. Likewise, a section of a steel beam from one of the World Trade Center and a tribute to Costello, one of Paterson’s famous native sons.

A visit to this place in Paterson will be worth the stop! There is an excellent natural history that will educate you here! 

There are also parking spaces for visitors while here in Paterson. Wonderfully, it is not as rowdy as in other museums.

The staff at Paterson Museum are friendly and helpful. Despite there being no charge for admission, that does not stop them from being friendly to visitors!

Several shops are also available inside this place where visitors can get delicious foods to eat and shops to get snacks of their interest.

This place has all the historical documentation of the Silk Industry and the display of native son Lou Costello. 

Are you planning to travel to Paterson? Remember to add this museum to your itinerary!

Address: 2 Market St, Paterson, NJ 07501, United States.

4. St Joseph’s RC Church

Are you willing to discover the beautiful experiences of Christian love and hospitality?

St Joseph’s RC Church will demonstrate the wonderful experience of Christian love and hospitality! It is such a church that is being controlled by friendly people and a caring priest.

If you are a Christian and want to learn more about Christianity while in Paterson, we recommend making this place the top place you visit.

It is a place where you will feel the presence of Christ differently. Indeed, this place will give ‘new heart ‘ to you!.

Not only that, this is a place where you can pray to Christ Jesus.

Several visitors and people who recognize the power of Christ do come to this place for prayer. Some even prefer to do so jointly, while others may pray separately. 

Interestingly, several rooms here have suitable seats and a great kitchen. The pastor is also friendly and accommodating.

What about their excellent Sunday services? It is always fun and cool! Although people are usually much, nonetheless, it is not always crowded, such a place is worth visiting!

Are you Christian planning to come to Paterson and not sure where to visit? Come to St Joseph’s RC Church.

Even though you might not be a Christian, coming to see the beautiful interiors itself is a worthwhile voyage! 

Address: 399 Market St, Paterson, NJ 07501, United States.

Are you planning to explore other parts of New Jersey? Why not check out some of the things to do in Atlantic City,things to do in Woodbridge ,things to do in Lakewood and things to do in Jersey City?

5. Upper Raceway Park

Are you looking for a place to relax and get some fresh air?

If what you are looking for is not far from a place to relax and enjoy the best of nature, come to Upper raceway.

This fantastic park in Paterson is north of Grand Street and south of Paterson falls.

It is precisely at the old Great Falls historic District with Paterson falls, the Garret Mountain Reservation and upper Raceway Park.

This wonderful place is a nice slice of solitude in Paterson’s historic falls district.

Even at that, the secluded green park is excellent for a walk and escaping the urban center, though it isn’t that large.

The path winds along a dry canal for a quarter-mile and then turns and runs uphill into the woods.

It’s a nice place to relax and get some fresh air and nature.

This tiny but fantastic place is just a place to go if you want to stay happy and forget your problems.

The beautiful atmosphere will allow you to forget all your worries and concerns about life.

Yeah, they equally have a modern pool! Amazing, right? Definitely! The collection is an excellent place to spend time with family and friends if you don’t have an interest in nature or wish to add more delicacies to the enjoyment.

If you are in Paterson or planning to be in Paterson soonest, visiting Upper Raceway Park is highly essential.

It is a small but wonderful place to share with family and friends.

Incredibly, everything here is free! The admission fee is absolutely free!

Address: 70 Spruce St, Paterson, NJ 07501, United States.

6. Allied Textile Printers

Do you love Industrial History?

Allied Textile Printers is a manufacturing place in Paterson that all lovers of industrial history should visit.

Although, this beautiful place is one of the oldest building stock within Paterson’s district, as they were constructed in 1836.

What an ancient site in the heart of Paterson to learn a lot about Industrial History! You will not have the opportunity to understand that somewhere else if not at Allied Textile Printers in Paterson!

Besides, this incredible old place has an extensive library of prints. Visitors can also choose to observe the patterns.

Images can also get customized plaits at the lowest price ever! Or, visitors can send their design, and they will print it out for them!

Even if a visitor has any concept and needs help to create such a custom print, the art department in this beautiful location will surely help to make such a vision come to life.

Indeed, if it is about printing, you are not wrong if you plan your exploration of this fantastic place in Paterson!

Moreover, they can quickly provide print fabric from one yard to thousands of yards in just a day! Everything is great here!

What a place you should come to in Paterson! Aside from acquiring knowledge about this Industrial History, you will equally have adequate knowledge of the printing industry itself. 

Even at that, with little permission, you can be sure to come up with your industry of a similar purpose. Come to Paterson! Come to this printing house, you will learn unlike ever before!

Address: 95 E 20th St, Paterson, NJ 07513, United States.

7. William Paterson University

William Paterson University is yet another exciting place that accommodates visitors in Paterson.

The university hosts several conferences, performances, concerts, exhibits, lectures, athletic events, and more throughout the year, which are open to visitors all over the world!.

Despite the fact that this place is a strategic location, you can be sure of your safety and property if you are here.

Aside from that, you need no admission fee to gain entrance to enjoy the best out of this place. Once you can be able to identify yourself, you are in! What a great site you can visit if you don’t have money!

Whether you prefer jazz, comedic plays, or talks from world-renowned thinkers, you will find a little bit of everything available here.

Also, students and the entire staff management are well-behaved and will do anything to avoid discrimination whatsoever.

What about the beautifully built restaurants across this location? It is top-notch! You will find whatever you might be looking for!

Above all, there are enough parking spaces available for all visitors to enjoy at no charge whatsoever. You don’t have to pay for anything while at this fantastic university. Everything is free!

Do you plan to come to Paterson this coming summer? Why not add this place to your itinerary? This will do you more good than you would ever imagine!

Address: William Paterson University / United States.

8. Fabian 8 Cinema

Are you looking for a cinema while in Paterson?

If all you crave while in Paterson is to watch a lovely Cinema, Fabian 8 Cinema is the number one place you should visit.

Even if your trip ends up being a little rainy and you can’t quite make it to all the outdoor features Paterson offers, take a trip to the Fabian 8 Cinema to catch one of the latest movies in one of their premier theaters.

Besides, this place is quiet, and the atmosphere is excellent; even the crew is very polite. Nothing will make you uncomfortable here! 

The theater’s seats are equally impressive, and you wouldn’t have to worry about any bad seats!

Moreover, this beautiful theater in Paterson is clean, and the audience kept a safe distance from the theatre.

This is one of the few theaters where covid-19 policies are still strictly complied with. 

It is never crowded or chaotic! It is such a comfortable setting with great movie selections.

What about their snacks? Their popcorn and other snack are yummy! You will be amazed at the quality and quantity of snacks you would be offered, considering the low admission fee you will pay.

Above all, there is free indoor parking with plenty of visible security.

Do not pass this place up anytime you are in Paterson!

Address: 301 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07505, United States.

9. Bonfire Mofongo House and Lounge

Are you looking for a place to have a great time? 

If you are concerned about how your time is spent and not just getting a great dinner, head to Bonfire Mofongo House.

In this house, they have various Caribbean cuisine intermingled with a fusion of other flavors from everywhere, from Africa to East India to China.

Their most popular ingredients include plantains, cassava, coconut, and fish. The specialty is, of course, the mofongo, a dish hearkening back to the West African Fufu.

This amazing place is highly recommended to any lover of African foods; you will feel at homecoming to satisfy your cravings here!

Alongside the delicious food, visitors will equally find varieties of great cocktails, like the Caribbean Devil and the Tropical Breeze.

Wow! this is a fantastic place with absolutely everything as far as food is concerned! Step inside, and you won’t even know you are still in New Jersey!

Interestingly, this restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating. Even at that, staff and all attendants in this fantastic place are excellent; they derive joy in their works! Indeed, you will get a first-class treatment coming to this Paterson beautifully built restaurant. 

Are you in Paterson or planning to come in the nearest future?

We highly recommend you come here if you want delicious dishes, most especially of African origin.

Address: 999 Market St, Paterson, NJ 07513, United States.

10. Hinchliffe Stadium

Hinchliffe Stadium is a historic stadium that was built in 1932.

Today, this ancient museum has a picturesque little spot over the Great Falls.

Besides, it is one of the very few surviving stadiums that hosted Negro league baseball during the Jim Crow years.

Interestingly, this Paterson Museum is currently a National Historic Landmark and is being restored, making it yet another place in Paterson where you can get a taste of abandoned Americana. 

If you are doing historical research about an ancient museum in Paterson, this place should be your first contact!

Even if you are not into historical research, you can still come here for the lovely ice cream served at the entrance! Something is available to every visitor!

You can quickly come here if you are in Paterson; in just 60 minutes, you are out of this ancient house.

Address: Paterson, NJ 07522, United States.

See also the list of things to do in Cape May and things to do in Princeton!

11. Paterson Free Public Library

This is another beautiful place not only to visit for fun in Paterson but also to visit if you want to broaden your horizon!

Paterson Public Library was initially known as Danforth Memorial Library, and it was built in 1905.

Initially, this Library was designed by architect Henry Bacon, who also designed the Lincoln Memorial. Incredible right? Or you don’t even know who Henry Bacon is? Oh! You will get to know that here!

Incredibly, this public library is now on the National Register of Historic Places in Paterson. Additionally, the library is home to American and European art from the 1800s. This was bequeathed to the library by several vital philanthropists.

Despite the historical documentation available in this library, there are also a lot of educational books available to every reader at no cost.

Apparently, from its name, everything is free here, including goodies, snacks, or other incentives that would be served to your kids and family.

Why not try coming here if you are in Paterson? A visit should convince you!

Address: 250 Broadway, Paterson, NJ 07501, United States.

12. Paterson City Hall

Another architectural landmark in Paterson is the City Hall. This opened in 1896. Now, it is part of the National Register of Historic Places. 

This fantastic library is, however, modeled after the French Hotel de Ville in Lyon, which just so happens to be the capital of the European silk industry.

Curious about catching the parallels the designers are trying to make? Then you should come and check three statues honoring influential men who have a significant impact on the city.

Besides, in Paterson, several cultural and local events are always done here.

Although this area is always busy, there are enough security men whose duties are to ensure the safety of visitors.

Are you willing to spend your next holiday in Paterson alone or with friends? Remember to add Paterson City Hall to your itinerary!

Address: 155 Market St #101, Paterson, NJ 07505, United States.

13. Al-Basha Take Out

Are you of Arab Origin and want an Arabic restaurant while in Paterson?

A visit to Al-Basha Takes Out will suffice! Paterson has a huge Arabic population, which is guessed to be somewhat similar in size to that of Dearborn, Michigan.

Al-Basha Restaurant is also known as Al-Basha Take Out. It is a result of the influential population in the city.

Hence, it has been called “one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in the western hemisphere.

Not just the foods, even the decorations feature actual Arabic artwork and lamps! Interestingly, these recipes have been there from generation to generation.

One great thing about The Al-Basha Take Out is that it gives visitors a tiny sampling of all the foods they could get while in any Arabian country.

Impliedly, you don’t need to be at home to feel at home! Paterson is for everyone! Everything for everybody!

Catering services are also excellent! As a visitor, all you have to do is to tell them how many people and they do the rest for a reasonable price.

If your guests are interested in middle eastern food, try Al-Bah Restaurant in Paterson; they will serve you well! 

Are you planning to visit Paterson from any of the Arabian countries? Are you already in Paterson? Come and explore the fantastic things in Al-Basha and the authentic Mediterranean cooking style.

This will leave you to witness a large variety of selections, leaving you extremely happy with a high chance of returning. 

Address: 1076 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503, United States.

14 Griselda

Do you want Peruvian food while in Paterson?

If you are in Paterson or plan to come to Paterson, you can get the best of Peruvian food right here at Griselda.

This fantastic restaurant is one of the best Southern American restaurants you could ever find in Paterson.

In addition, its main reason for establishment is to provide Peruvians the ability to get any of their local dishes even while they are away from Peru. What a great restaurant that will make you feel at home!

Besides, this family-run restaurant sees plenty of tourists along with their locals, and you should be sure to find tons of awesome Peruvian favorites. Is it the alfajores, paella, and, of course, pisco sour? They are all available here!

However, credit cards are not acceptable here. Thus, we recommend you grab some cash from an ATM first. Even if all you crave is fresh fish while in Paterson, come here! They sell fresh fish at a cheaper price ever!

Everything you will get here will be considerably superb. The sweetness of their seasonal vegetables is equally top-notch!

Kindly include this in your itinerary once you are set for a vacation to Paterson. You will not regret doing so!

Address: 81 Market St, Paterson, NJ 07505, United States.

 

Final Remarks

Are you wondering what to do in Paterson? Above are some of the significant places of interest in the city.

There are many, many more, so don’t feel limited by the suggestions here.

Your vacation can be scheduled just the way you like it! Meanwhile, our list of places above will help you in no small measure!

Happy Travels.