Visit Princeton

Plan Your Visit to Princeton

Princeton offers a variety of activities for visitors of every age and interest. It’s a great place to see a show, meet a friend for coffee, wander through a park, relax at a spa, savor an elegant meal or grab a quick bite. Plan your visit around a special event, visit a museum, take a class, get lost in history or immersed in nature — there are new places to see and things to discover all over town.

People from around the world come to Princeton to visit the university, with its pristine grounds, historical significance, stunning architecture, majestic performance halls and places of worship. You could easily spend a whole day just wandering around the Princeton University campus and its surrounding neighborhoods, but there is so much more to do. 

Here are just some of the many historical, cultural and recreational attractions Princeton has to offer:

Hamilton Jewelers - Princeton NJ - Nassau Street

Access to Princeton

Princeton is conveniently located halfway between New York City and Philadelphia, and can be easily reached by public transportation or by car. 

By Train: Both Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT trains stop at nearby Princeton Junction. You will need to switch to a local shuttle train called the “Dinky” to get right to the Princeton University campus/Princeton Arts District.

By Bus: Four bus companies serve the Princeton area: Greyhound, N.J. Transit Bus, Coach USA and Megabus.

By Car: Princeton is easily accessible from several main highways and interstates, including the NJ Turnpike, I-95, US Route 1, and Route 206.

Parking: Most streets in Princeton have metered parking. There are also several parking garages in downtown Princeton. Click here to find a map and detailed parking information.

By Airplane: The closest international airport is Newark Liberty International at 39 miles away, followed by Philadelphia International Airport at 52 miles away. Two local airports serve the Princeton Mercer region: Trenton-Mercer Regional Airport in nearby Ewing, NJ, and the Princeton Airport on Route 206.

When to Visit Princeton

We think that any time is a good time to visit Princeton, but if you’re looking for the most pleasant weather, consider May or September. If you are looking for the most picturesque time of year to visit Princeton, keep in mind that the cherry blossoms bloom in late March to early April. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, summer is the ideal time to bike, kayak and canoe in Princeton. If fall foliage is your thing, you can catch the brightest colors mid- to late October. Love the holidays? Palmer Square looks like a scene from a storybook each December, complete with public ice skating and festive decorations.

Where to Stay in Princeton

With its many restaurants and attractions, Princeton is a popular destination for a weekend getaway. Whether you are staying a night, a week, or even longer, you will find two charming hotels in the center of town. 

For more than 260 years, the historic Nassau Inn in Palmer Square has been welcoming visitors from around the world. The hotel is known for its blend of historical charm and stylish, contemporary amenities as well as the Yankee Doodle Tap Room Restaurant.

The Peacock Inn, located in the heart of downtown Princeton, is a luxury boutique hotel featuring an upscale fine-dining restaurant. Built in the 1700s, the Colonial-style mansion was moved to its current location at 20 Bayard Lane in 1875. Today the Peacock Inn is part of the Ascend Hotel Collection.

Where to Eat in Princeton

Princeton is a dining destination with diverse restaurants and eateries ranging from quick and casual to masterful and unforgettable.  From familiar favorites like Hoagie Haven and PJ’s Pancake House, to the inventive and eclectic hot spots like Element and Meeting House, there is something to satisfy every taste and budget. Explore Princeton’s many restaurants, pubs and eateries today.

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Shopping in Princeton

Make a day of shopping in Princeton, or just pop into one of the many shops and boutiques when you are out and about in town. Stroll down Nassau Street, window-shop in Palmer Square, explore the Princeton Shopping Center, or wander up and down Witherspoon Street.

Princeton Attractions

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