A Guide to New York City and New Jersey For The Big Game

Image source: Flickr - Payton Chung

So you’re in town for The Big Game; you know, the important football game that will be held in February? It’s the first outdoor, cold-weather game and the first to take place in the region (as well as the first game to be hosted by two states). The 2014 match-up is sure to be memorable, but what do you do with your down time? Whether you fly into New York or New Jersey to root for your favorite team, take in sights on both sides of the Hudson, either before kickoff or after the last touchdown.

In New York City:

When it comes to the City, there’s almost too much to list. Visiting the usual suspects—Times Square, Union Square Greenmarket, MoMa, The Met, et al.—goes without saying. If you’ve never visited New York before, those are solid suggestions to hit up. You won’t be disappointed. If you want an experience that’s just a little different, though, here are two suggestions offering a different side of NYC.

At the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, located at Manhattan’s Pier 86, visitors can explore interactive exhibits and examine original artifacts. Highlights include the recently reopened Space Shuttle Pavilion, which houses the NASA Enterprise, and the namesake aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, which fought in World War II and survived five kamikaze attacks and one torpedo strike.

Located on 28-acres abutting the Hudson River in Manhattan, Chelsea Piers is a sports and entertainment center offering a slew of activities. It’s a one-stop shop for physical fitness, with drop-in programs, a driving range, rock-climbing wall and ice-skating.

In New Jersey:

Though it’s only a 20 minute-$2.50 PATH ride from Manhattan’s west side, Hoboken may as well be a world away for most New Yorkers. Since you’re in town for the Big Game anyway, take the time to check out this extremely walkable city, which clocks in at a little more than one square mile. For Instagram-perfect views of Manhattan, explore the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, especially at night if you want to see the Big Apple sparkle. Walk in the footsteps of Hoboken’s favorite native son, Frank Sinatra, with a tour map from Hoboken Historical Museum. For some hustle and bustle, visit historic Washington Street, the city’s trendy shopping and restaurant corridor. 

Also worth visiting is Jersey City, accessible via PATH train. For some culture, stop by the Curious Matter gallery, a contemporary art space which hosts individual and group exhibitions. A visit to Liberty State Park results in panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. For a dose of history, visit Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ), where visitors can learn about the terminal’s past relationship with Lady Liberty and the immigrants who passed through on their way to start new lives in the US. The family-friendly Liberty Science Center also calls Liberty State Park home. Dozens of interactive exhibits and rotating attractions make this center a must-visit if under-stimulated tykes are in tow.

Even if you aren’t visiting for The Big Game, these sights are great to visit any time of year!

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.