Major city · United States
PatersonPaterson, New Jersey
Give Paterson half a day for the Great Falls, then leave: 12 miles from Manhattan, thin on hotels, and most crime sits in specific wards.
Paterson is New Jersey's third-largest city and the first planned industrial city in the United States, built in 1791 around a 77-foot waterfall that once powered silk mills. The Great Falls and its historic district are the reason to come; the rest of the city is a working, diverse place with strong Peruvian, Arab, Dominican and Italian food streets. Most visitors see it as a half-day stop from New York or a base-free day trip, because hotels are scarce and the safer visitor zones are small.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, ice on paths), Jul–Aug (humid)
- Airports
- EWR · JFK · LGA
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Paterson911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- NJ Poison Control800-222-1222
- NJ Transit customer service973-275-5555
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Paterson, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyPaterson has a rough reputation but the visitor zones — Downtown, the Falls District, Eastside Park and the Manor Section — are calm in daylight.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 800-222-1222 NJ Poison Control · 973-275-5555 NJ Transit customer service
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportEWR Newark Liberty International (About 30–40 min by car via I-80/I-280; NJ Transit rail plus bus or taxi for the last leg.).
- Getting aroundThe city is only about 21 km² (8 sq mi) but holds over 145,000 people, so buses are frequent and a car helps for the edges.The city is only about 8 sq mi (21 km²) but holds over 145,000 people, so buses are frequent and a car helps for the edges.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–5
- Street or quick mealFalafel or gyro sandwich, South Paterson$6–12
- BeerBeer at a bar$5–9
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshareSurge pricing at peak times.$12–20
- Metro or bus rideNJ Transit local bus ride$2–4
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$150
- Mid-range bedChain-hotel double room (Wayne or Totowa), a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedChain-hotel double room (Wayne or Totowa), a night, per roomUS$260
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$55 · Mid US$95 · High US$180
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EWR Newark Liberty International (About 30–40 min by car via I-80/I-280; NJ Transit rail plus bus or taxi for the last leg.) · JFK John F. Kennedy International (About 1–1.5 h by car; longer in rush hour.) · LGA LaGuardia (About 45–75 min by car.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Feb
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C) low), wettest Apr (11 rain days), driest Sep (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Paterson: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
10 rd
Feb
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
9 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
10 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
11 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The city is only about 8 sq mi (21 km²) but holds over 145,000 people, so buses are frequent and a car helps for the edges. NJ Transit Main Line stops at Paterson station on Market St (toward Hoboken or Suffern, NY). NJ Transit buses 161, 190 and 171 run to New York City; route 72 goes to Newark Penn Station; local routes 74, 702–704, 707, 712, 722, 744, 746 and 748 cover the city. Dollar vans run along Main St and Broadway toward Clifton, Passaic, Union City and Upper Manhattan. Parking near the falls can be scarce — allow extra time.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Wayne, New Jersey
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min
NJ Transit bus or about 15 min by car via Route 80
Malls, chain hotels and Willowbrook; useful as a bed base rather than a sight.
Passaic, New Jersey
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
NJ Transit Main Line train or local bus south
Next city down the line; easy add-on if you are riding the Main Line.
Clifton, New Jersey
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
NJ Transit bus or about 10–15 min by car
Borders South Paterson; good for a meal stop on Main Street.
Door to door: About 1–1.5 h
NJ Transit bus 161/190/171 from Paterson, or Main Line train to Hoboken plus PATH
19 km (12 miles) from Manhattan; the reason most people day-trip Paterson rather than sleep here.12 miles (19 km) from Manhattan; the reason most people day-trip Paterson rather than sleep here.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown Paterson
Train station on Market St and the bus station on Broadway; commercial core with City Hall and Little Lima. Few visitor hotels — check availability before committing.
Great Falls District
Closest to the falls and the Paterson Museum, just west of downtown near I-80. Daytime area; little lodging.
Eastside Park and Manor Section
Quiet, tree-lined streets with the city's historic mansions; the calmest residential feel for a walk.
Wayne or Totowa (outside the city)
Chain hotels and motels 10–20 min by car; the practical base if you want a normal hotel bed.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $40–70 excl. bed
- Mid
- $70–120 excl. bed
- High
- $120+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain-hotel double room (Wayne or Totowa)1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$95 | US$190 |
| NJ Transit bus from Port Authority, both ways2 × US$16 | US$32 |
| Main Line train Paterson to Hoboken, one way2 × US$6 | US$12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$41 |
| Trip total≈ US$228 per person per day, bed included | US$455 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax and tips excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–5 |
| Falafel or gyro sandwich, South Paterson | $6–12 |
| Ceviche or chifa plate, Market Street | $12–22 |
| Beer at a bar | $5–9 |
| 5 km taxi or rideshareSurge pricing at peak times. | $12–20 |
| NJ Transit local bus ride | $2–4 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Most crime is concentrated in Wrigley Park (4th Ward), the North Side and parts of Riverside, Totowa Section and Sandy Hill; avoid drug corners there, especially after dark.
- Downtown, Eastside Park, the Manor Section and the Falls District see little crime, but keep normal city caution and call 911 if threatened.
- Some nightclubs operate illegally; stick to established venues in Downtown Paterson.
- Lambert Castle and its grounds have been closed for renovation — check before going.
- Prices in the US are shown before sales tax; tip 18–22% at sit-down restaurants.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- NJ Poison Control
- 800-222-1222
- NJ Transit customer service
- 973-275-5555
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
PatersonPaterson, New Jersey
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- NJ Poison Control800-222-1222
- NJ Transit customer service973-275-5555
Embassy
No embassies in Paterson; consulates and embassies are in New York City and Washington, DC. Check your country's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- NJ Transit bus, Port Authority to Paterson: about $8 one way, 45–70 min
- Main Line train, Paterson to Hoboken: about $6 one way
- Taxi or rideshare, Paterson to EWR: $45–70
Say or show
- Excuse me — Excuse me (ik-SKYOOZ mee)
- Thank you — Thank you (THANK yoo)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (how much iz it)
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card? (kan eye pay by kard)
- Where is the train station? — Where is the train station? (wair iz thuh trayn STAY-shun)
- I need help — I need help (eye need help)
English is the working language; Spanish and Arabic are widely spoken in the neighborhoods.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Paterson. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, ice on paths), Jul–Aug (humid) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for EWR and JFK: last NJ Transit departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Great Falls and the museum, Downtown and Little Lima, South Paterson (Little Ramallah), Eastside Park.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Great Falls park, Paterson Museum, Lambert Castle, American Labor Museum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ward-level safety fixtures so gates A–D can go green.