Newark is a historic city in northern New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from New York City and part of the wider New York metropolitan area. Its location makes it a practical starting point for exploring the region, while the city itself has a long industrial and cultural history. Downtown Newark is home to historic architecture, theaters, restaurants, and a growing arts scene.

The city has several distinctive cultural attractions, including the Newark Museum of Art, which combines American art, decorative arts, and collections from around the world. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center hosts concerts, theater, and other major performances throughout the year. Branch Brook Park is particularly notable in spring, when its large collection of cherry trees comes into bloom. Newark also has a diverse culinary scene influenced by Portuguese, Brazilian, Spanish, and other international communities. From Newark, travelers can easily reach Manhattan, Jersey City, the Jersey Shore, and other destinations across the Northeast.