Footloose and Fancy Free: Best Attractions in Jersey City

Frank Sinatra lived here. So did Snooki. Queen Latifah's production company was headquartered in a historical firehouse nearby. Gritty, no-frills, and diverse, Jersey City has changed a lot over the years, and it's now earning a reputation as an emerging waterfront destination and far more than just the gateway to Lady Liberty.

If you're in town and have free time to fill, then get your walking shoes on and discover fine cuisine, historic landmarks, and other must-see attractions.

Pay Homage to the Historic Trilogy.

Jersey City's most famous destination, Liberty State Park, is home to the Historic Trilogy — the Victorian-era Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, where you'll find the National Immigration Museum. It's at Liberty State Park where you'll catch ferries to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, just a short ride away.

Lounge in Liberty State Park.

Besides the Historic Trilogy, there is plenty more to see within Liberty State Park's 1,212 acres, making it a great place to spend a few free hours. Start at the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, which consists of twin reflective walls of stainless steel that usher visitors toward the iconic Manhattan skyline, pointing to where the Twin Towers once stood. The memorial leads to Liberty Walk, a 2-mile promenade where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Hudson River. The Liberty Science Center, an interactive science museum, offers fun, educational experiences for both adults and kids.

Explore Architectural Gems.

Jersey City's recent waterfront transformation has resulted in an eclectic, evolving skyline. Now resembling downtown Manhattan, it includes the Goldman Sachs Tower at 30 Hudson Street, the tallest skyscraper in the state. A few hundred feet away looms the famous Colgate Clock at 50 feet in diameter – a Jersey City fixture since the 1920s.

Going further back in time, you can also see some of the best-preserved Victorian mansions in the U.S. located in the Heights, a working-class district turned trendy neighborhood on the north side. Downtown, the Van Vorst Park area looks like an old-time town square with its formal landscaping and ornate brick and brownstone Victorian row houses dating from the late 1800s. It's a serene spot to rejuvenate while sitting in the park's gazebo or meandering along the winding walking paths.

Discover Jersey City's Artsy Side.

Artists and art lovers flock to the Powerhouse Arts District (PAD), an 11-block — and growing — neighborhood. An inspiring mix of old and new, it’s home to a rare collection of some of the country's largest factories and warehouses dating from the post-Civil War era to the Great Depression. The neighborhood is also seeing a major resurgence with luxury condo developments and the arrival of several art galleries that double as bars and restaurants, small gourmet eateries as well as many independent retail shops.

The MANA Contemporary Art Center is home to a vibrant community of artists, collectors, and performers. It also houses the independently run Richard Meier Model Museum — a must for architecture buffs — and collections from the International Center of Photography.

You can also admire the 90-plus murals adorning many of the walls of Jersey City. Don't miss downtown's gigantic "Jersey City Wave" by artist Shepard Fairey. Summer visitors can join the Groove on Grove, a free event happening every Wednesday at the Grove Street Plaza featuring outdoor music by local bands.

Savor the City's Cuisine

If you find yourself just off the Grove Street PATH station, then head to Newark Avenue, downtown's vibrant pedestrian mall where you can dine casually indoors or outdoors and watch the parade of people until the sun sets and it turns into nightclub row. There, you'll find authentic Filipino restaurants, such as the famous Philippine Bread House. For fine waterside dining with sweeping views of Manhattan, you can't miss the glittering night-time vista from the terrace at Liberty House Restaurant or Maritime Parc's view of Liberty Landing Marina.

What Jersey City attractions should we add to our list? Tell us about your discoveries on Twitter.