Paterson

Paterson is New Jersey's third-largest city with approximately 155,000 inhabitants, located about 12 miles from Manhattan. The city is home to the Great Falls of the Passaic River, which are very extensive and second only to Niagara Falls in volume of water in waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Paterson was the nation's first planned industrial city, established in 1791, and the 77-foot falls provided power for the many industries that made Paterson an industrial leader. The city was nicknamed the "Silk City" for its dominant role in silk production during the mid-1800s.

Paterson is an ethnically diverse city housing large Hispanic, Arab, Italian-American, African American, and Bengali communities. South Paterson is home to one of the nation's largest Arab communities, earning the nickname "Little Ramallah." Despite economic challenges since the 1960s, the city retains significant cultural richness and ongoing revitalization efforts. The Great Falls are now part of a national historical park, and the surrounding area is being revitalized.

The climate follows typical Mid-Atlantic patterns, with warm summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is spring through fall, when the Great Falls park and outdoor areas are most enjoyable. The city is compact — just 8 square miles — and walkable within its distinct neighborhoods.

By Plane

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), about 15 miles south, is the nearest major airport. LaGuardia (LGA) and JFK airports in Queens are about 20 miles east. Rental cars or NJ Transit connections from either airport are the most practical options.

By Train

NJ Transit's Main Line has a stop in Paterson, providing service to Hoboken Terminal and connections to New York City. The train station is on Market Street in the downtown area.

By Car / Road

Paterson is easily accessible via Route 80 and Route 4 in New Jersey. From New York City, the drive takes about 30 minutes. From Newark, about 15 minutes. NJ Transit buses and jitneys provide connections from Port Authority and George Washington Bridge terminals.

Walking is practical within Paterson's compact 8 square miles. NJ Transit buses provide frequent service throughout the city and to surrounding communities. Routes 161, 190, and 171 connect Paterson to New York City; Route 72 serves Newark. Dollar bus vans run express service to Clifton, Passaic, Union City, and Times Square via Main Street and Broadway. Having a car can be convenient, though parking in some areas is difficult.

• The Great Falls, 72 McBride Ave — Open 24 hours. The tallest waterfall in New Jersey and second largest by volume east of the Mississippi. Part of a state park with walking paths, vendors, and picnic areas. Free admission, free parking. ☏ +1 973 523-0370.

• Lambert Castle, 3 Valley Road — Home of a prominent silk merchant, built as a fanciful castle in 1892. Now a museum and library with tower views. (Closed for renovation as of September 2023.)

• Paterson Museum — Located near the Great Falls, showcasing local history and industrial heritage.

• American Labor Museum (Botto House), 83 Norwood St, Haledon — ☏ +1 973-595-7953. Labor history and immigrant heritage.

• City Hall — Distinctive building with prominent tower, an architectural landmark from Paterson's golden age.

• Great Falls exploration — Walk the park paths to see different views of the falls and experience their immensity.

• Cultural walking tours — Explore Paterson's diverse neighborhoods, from the Ironbound-style South Paterson to the historic EastSide Park.

• Farmers market — Paterson Farmers Market, one of the largest in New Jersey, in the Lakeview area on Railroad Ave.

• Nightlife — Numerous clubs catering to hip hop and Latino communities. Stick to legitimate clubs in Downtown Paterson.

Paterson's diverse population creates an extraordinary dining scene spanning multiple cuisines.

• Le Fe Restaurant — Popular Dominican restaurant in the Sandy Hill neighborhood.
• Various Peruvian restaurants on Market Street — "Little Lima" subsection offers ceviche and chifa (Chinese-Peruvian food).
• South Paterson restaurants — Falafel, gyros, pitas, and other Arab cuisine along Main Street.
• People's Park area — Colombian, Peruvian, Dominican, and Italian restaurants along 21st Avenue.
• Italian restaurants on Cianci Street — Historic Little Italy subsection.

There are not many hotels in Paterson. It is better to visit by day or stay at a motel near Paterson.

• Budget: Motels along Route 46 and Route 3 offer rates from $60–$90/night.
• Mid-range: Holiday Inn, 450 Chambers Bridge Rd, Clifton (adjacent to Paterson) — ~$100–$150/night.

Paterson offers many discount clothing stores and bargain shopping. The City Center Mall (opened 2008) in the downtown area provides retail options. South Paterson's Main Street features shops and retail stores serving the Arab and Hispanic communities.

• New York City (12 miles east, ~30 min via NJ Transit) — Manhattan's world-class attractions.
• Newark (10 miles south, ~20 min) — Ironbound dining, Newark Museum, and Branch Brook Park.
• Morristown (15 miles west, ~25 min) — Revolutionary War history and charming downtown.
• Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park — Free admission. Walk the falls and explore the industrial heritage.
• Garfield (5 miles south, ~10 min) — Diverse dining along Main Street.
• Totowa (3 miles west, ~5 min) — Shopping and dining along Route 46.