Exchange Place Plaza - Image 1
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Exchange Place Plaza

4.6
·491k reviews·Jersey City, United States

A vibrant hub with breathtaking Manhattan skyline views, connecting Jersey City to NYC via PATH train and ferries.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer commuters, more relaxed atmosphere.

CrowdLow
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Exchange Place Plaza - Image 1

Exchange Place Plaza

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer commuters, more relaxed atmosphere.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant hub with breathtaking Manhattan skyline views, connecting Jersey City to NYC via PATH train and ferries.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The waterfront views of Manhattan from Exchange Place Plaza are simply spectacular!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Skyline

The waterfront offers unparalleled Manhattan views, especially at sunset. Don't miss it! :camerawithflash:

🚇 Utilize Public Transit

The PATH train is your best bet for easy access to Manhattan. Avoid driving into the city. :train2:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Waterfront Views

Waterfront Views

Along the Hudson River promenade

Stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Perfect for photos!

Tower One

Tower One

Adjacent to the plaza

An iconic skyscraper offering a glimpse into Jersey City's modern business landscape. Admire its architecture.

PATH Train Station

PATH Train Station

Central to the plaza

A vital transportation hub connecting Jersey City to Manhattan. Experience the city's pulse here.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Exchange Place Plaza

Exchange Place Plaza is a key transit hub and business district. Be aware of rush hour crowds, especially during weekday mornings and evenings, as commuters utilize the PATH train and ferry services. Planning your visit outside these peak times can enhance your experience.

Safety and Accessibility

While generally safe, like any urban area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. The plaza is well-connected by public transport, making it accessible for visitors without a car. Parking is available but can be costly.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer commuters, more relaxed atmosphere.
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Enjoy views without the rush.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings (post-rush hour)
Why
City lights begin to twinkle.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Pro tip: Looking for a bathroom by Exchange Place? Try the Paulus Hook ferry terminal.

📸 Capture the Skyline

The waterfront offers unparalleled Manhattan views, especially at sunset. Don't miss it! :camerawithflash:

🚇 Utilize Public Transit

The PATH train is your best bet for easy access to Manhattan. Avoid driving into the city. :train2:

reddit.com

A few safety questions about your city

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Take a leisurely walk along the Hudson River for fresh air and iconic photo ops. :athletic_shoe:

🅿️ Parking Considerations

Parking is available but can be expensive. Consider public transport if possible. :parking:

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Skyline

The waterfront offers unparalleled Manhattan views, especially at sunset. Don't miss it! :camerawithflash:

🚇 Utilize Public Transit

The PATH train is your best bet for easy access to Manhattan. Avoid driving into the city. :train2:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Take a leisurely walk along the Hudson River for fresh air and iconic photo ops. :athletic_shoe:

🅿️ Parking Considerations

Parking is available but can be expensive. Consider public transport if possible. :parking:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Exchange Place Plaza for its stunning, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, making it a prime spot for photography and leisurely walks along the waterfront. Its excellent connectivity via the PATH train and ferries is also a major plus for easy access to New York City. Some find parking to be expensive and the area can feel very business-oriented during weekdays.

What People Like

Spectacular skyline views
Convenient transit hub
Waterfront promenade

What People Dislike

Expensive parking
Weekday business feel

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is to take the PATH train from World Trade Center or 33rd Street stations to the Exchange Place station. The ride is quick and drops you right in the plaza. Ferries are also an option from Pier 11/Wall Street.

Yes, there is paid parking available, including at 10 Exchange Place. However, it can be quite expensive, especially during business hours. Many visitors opt for public transportation to save money and avoid traffic.

You can drive to Exchange Place Plaza, but be prepared for potential traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours. Parking facilities are available, but they come with a fee.

The primary public transport is the PATH train (Journal Square-33rd Street line and World Trade Center-Newark line). NJ Transit ferries also operate from the adjacent terminal, connecting to Manhattan.

Exchange Place Plaza is generally considered safe, especially during the day and early evening, as it's a busy business district. As with any urban area, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, particularly late at night.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Exchange Place Plaza itself is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. You can freely walk around and enjoy the waterfront views.

As a public plaza and transit hub, Exchange Place Plaza is accessible 24/7. However, individual businesses and the PATH train have their own operating schedules.

The waterfront promenade at Exchange Place Plaza is free to access. It's a public area designed for recreation and enjoying the views.

PATH train tickets can be purchased at the station vending machines using cash or credit/debit cards. You can also use a contactless payment method like OMNY or a MetroCard.

Tower One is primarily an office building. Public access is generally limited to the ground floor or specific events. There is no general admission fee to enter the building itself.

🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, walk along the Hudson River promenade, and use it as a transit point to explore both Jersey City and Manhattan. It's a great spot for photography.

Absolutely! The waterfront promenade offers iconic views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, especially during sunrise and sunset. Tower One also provides an impressive architectural backdrop.

Yes, the waterfront promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll. It's well-maintained and offers beautiful views, making it a pleasant place to relax and take in the scenery.

During weekdays, it's a bustling business district with commuters. On weekends and evenings, it's more relaxed, offering a great spot to enjoy the city lights and waterfront.

While specific amenities can vary, you'll typically find public seating along the promenade. Restrooms might be available within the PATH station or nearby businesses, though not always directly advertised.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the area surrounding Exchange Place Plaza has a growing number of restaurants, cafes, and bars catering to the business crowd and residents. You can find options ranging from quick bites to sit-down dining.

While the plaza is primarily a transit and business hub, you'll find some cafes and eateries within the office buildings or directly adjacent to the plaza, offering convenient options for a quick meal or coffee.

You can find some more affordable options like delis and casual cafes, especially if you venture a few blocks away from the immediate waterfront. Packing your own snacks is also a good strategy.

Yes, several coffee shops and cafes are located within the office buildings and along the streets surrounding the plaza, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon break.

The dining scene is diverse, offering American, Italian, Asian, and various international cuisines. You'll find options to suit most tastes and preferences.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Exchange Place Plaza offers a pleasant outing for families, primarily due to its open waterfront promenade. Kids can enjoy the space to run around and take in the impressive views of the city and the Statue of Liberty. It's a great spot for a picnic lunch with a view, and the ferries passing by can be quite entertaining for younger children.

While there aren't dedicated playgrounds directly within the plaza, the open space and the novelty of the PATH train and ferries can make it an engaging experience. Consider visiting on a weekend morning when it's less crowded. Bringing snacks and drinks is recommended, as dining options might be more geared towards business professionals during the week.

🚶 Budget Travelers

Exchange Place Plaza is a fantastic destination for budget travelers, as the main attraction – the waterfront views – is completely free. You can spend hours enjoying the scenery without spending a dime. Utilizing the PATH train for transportation into Manhattan is significantly cheaper than driving and parking, or even some other public transit options.

To keep costs down, pack your own food and drinks for a picnic lunch on the promenade. While there are dining options nearby, they can be pricey. Focus on the free activities like walking the promenade and taking photos, and use the efficient public transport to explore further afield.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Experiencing the Waterfront Views

The Exchange Place Plaza waterfront is arguably its most significant draw. Offering unobstructed, breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, it's a photographer's paradise and a serene escape from the urban bustle. The promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light paints the city in spectacular hues. Many visitors find this to be the highlight of their visit to Jersey City.

During the day, you can see the ferries crisscrossing the Hudson River, adding a dynamic element to the scenery. As night falls, the plaza transforms into a glittering spectacle with the illuminated Manhattan skyline. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax, enjoy the fresh air, and capture memorable photos. The proximity to the PATH train makes it incredibly easy to access these views without needing to travel into Manhattan itself.

For the best experience, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' before sunset or shortly after sunrise. The tower one & exchange plaza area provides a modern architectural contrast to the historic landmarks across the water. Remember to check the weather, as clear skies will offer the most dramatic vistas.

Navigating Public Transportation

Exchange Place Plaza is a major transit nexus, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the region. The PATH train is the primary mode of transport, with the Exchange Place station serving as a key stop on the Journal Square-33rd Street and World Trade Center-Newark lines. This provides direct and rapid access to Lower Manhattan (World Trade Center) and Midtown Manhattan (33rd Street), as well as other parts of Jersey City.

Beyond the PATH, the NY Waterway ferry terminal at Exchange Place offers scenic and efficient commutes to Manhattan's Pier 11/Wall Street and Midtown. This is a fantastic option for those who enjoy water travel and want to see the skyline from a different perspective. For those arriving by car, parking is available, but as noted in Reddit discussions, it can be costly, reinforcing the recommendation to utilize public transit whenever possible.

Understanding the PATH train schedules and ferry routes beforehand can save time and enhance your travel experience. Apps like Citymapper or Google Maps are invaluable for real-time transit information. The seamless integration of these transport options makes Exchange Place Plaza an ideal starting point for any New Jersey or New York City adventure.

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