Things To Do
in Bloomfield
Bloomfield, New Jersey is a diverse suburban township in Essex County just 10–15 miles west of Manhattan, known for its leafy residential streets, active downtown on Bloomfield Avenue, and several well-kept parks. The town blends old-fashioned neighborhood charm with easy access to urban amenities via NJ Transit rail and bus lines. Longtime Italian-American and growing Hispanic and Asian communities give Bloomfield a varied restaurant scene and neighborhood commerce.
Its location makes it a practical base for exploring northern New Jersey attractions and quick trips into NYC.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Bloomfield Historic District, where you can stroll along charming streets lined with 19th-century architecture. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling homemade pastries and artisan coffee. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Bloomfield Museum, which showcases the rich history of the area.
After lunch, take a guided walking tour that delves deeper into the historical significance of the town, visiting landmarks like the old courthouse and various historical homes. Stop by local artisan shops and galleries to discover unique crafts and artworks created by local artists. Enjoy a light snack at a nearby deli, trying some of the region's specialty sandwiches.
As the sun sets, dine at a popular local restaurant known for its farm-to-table cuisine, where seasonal ingredients take center stage. After dinner, catch a live performance at the Bloomfield Arts Theater, featuring local talent and visiting artists. Conclude your evening with a relaxing stroll through the town square, soaking in the charming ambiance.
Begin your day with a refreshing hike at the nearby Bloomfield Nature Preserve, where well-marked trails lead you through lush forests and open fields. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including deer and various bird species, as you enjoy the tranquility of nature. Pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy amidst the scenic beauty of the preserve.
After exploring the trails, head over to the Bloomfield Riverwalk, where you can continue to experience the beauty of nature along the riverbanks. Rent a kayak or canoe for an exhilarating afternoon on the water, paddling through calm stretches while taking in the surrounding scenery. Recharge with a hearty lunch at a café by the river, focusing on fresh, local ingredients.
As the day winds down, join a guided twilight nature walk to learn about the nocturnal wildlife that inhabits the area. Afterward, indulge in a cozy dinner at a rustic lodge that specializes in local game dishes and hearty comfort food. Wrap up the evening by gathering around a fire pit, sharing stories and enjoying s'mores under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚆One-way local train fare to NYC | $6-12 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $1.60-3.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to New York City with easy rail connections
- Diverse, affordable neighborhood dining and local culture
- Green spaces and nearby reservations for outdoor activities
- Rush-hour congestion on major roads and limited parking downtown
- Limited late-night entertainment within Bloomfield itself—must travel nearby for more options
- Weather extremes in winter and summer can affect plans
Places to Visit in Bloomfield
Visit one of these nice places.
Formal gardens, wide lawns, and seasonal blooms provide year-round photography backdrops—particularly nice in spring and fall.
A small lake, walking paths, and mature trees make this an intimate spot for nature and portrait photography close to downtown.
Colorful storefronts, street activity and classic suburban architecture capture the neighborhood vibe—good for street photography and candid scenes.
A short drive away, Watchung offers wooded trails, ridgelines and panoramic views that are especially dramatic at sunrise or sunset.
Nearby reservations provide skyline views of Manhattan on clear days, wooded trails, and seasonal foliage—excellent for landscape photography.
Food in Bloomfield
Bloomfield Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thin-to-medium crust pizza served by the slice or pie at local pizzerias; try a Neapolitan-leaning or classic Italian-American slice along Bloomfield Avenue.
Must-Try!
A regional breakfast favorite found at many delis and diners—served on a roll with egg and cheese; easy to find at breakfast counters and bodegas.
Reflecting the growing Hispanic community, several small restaurants and markets offer freshly made arepas, empanadas, and rotisserie chicken.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekend market offering seasonal produce, baked goods, and occasional food vendors; good for fresh local products and prepared snacks.
Small delis and street-facing counters sell coffee, pastries, sandwiches and quick bites—perfect for casual on-the-go meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are generally polite but value personal space—keep a friendly tone, say please and thank you, and avoid loud phone conversations on public transit.
Be on time for appointments and reservations; neighborhood events usually start promptly.
Many neighborhoods observe quiet hours in the late evening—keep noise down in residential areas and be mindful of parking rules.
Safety
Tipping in Bloomfield
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping is 15–20% at restaurants for sit-down service, $1–2 per drink at bars, and 10–15% for takeout or delivery (higher for large orders). Tip taxi/Uber drivers 10–15% or round up for short rides.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; most places take contactless payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Carry some cash for small purchases at markets or tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent sunny days—parks and outdoor dining come alive. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and expect seasonal outdoor events and farmers’ markets.
Crisp, comfortable weather and vibrant foliage in local parks and nearby reservations; an excellent time for hiking, photography and outdoor festivals.
Cold with occasional snow and icy conditions; plan for slower transit on snowy days, dress warmly, and check local alerts for snow removal and school closings.
Mild temperatures, blossoming trees, and re-opening of seasonal markets—ideal for strolling parks and sampling spring produce.
Bloomfield at Night
Hiking in Bloomfield
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About a 10–20 minute drive—offers wooded trails, ridgelines, historic sites and scenic overlooks; good for moderate hikes and nature walks.
A larger nature area with waterfalls, reservoir views and extensive trail systems—excellent for family hikes and fall foliage viewing.
Provides easy trails and lookout points with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline on clear days—great at sunrise or sunset.
Airports
How to reach Bloomfield by plane.
Primary airport serving the area; about 20–35 minutes by car depending on traffic and accessible via NJ Transit + AirTrain connections.
Located in Queens, NYC—approximately 40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; reachable by public transit with transfers.
Major international airport in Queens—about 45–75 minutes by car depending on traffic; best reached via transit from Manhattan or by car/taxi.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding residents of varied European heritage, including an Italian-American community with many family-owned businesses.
A growing and vibrant community contributing restaurants, markets and cultural events—Spanish is commonly heard in shops and restaurants.
An established community involved in local commerce, schools and civic life.
Smaller but growing Asian populations add to the area's culinary and cultural mix.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local schools and leagues emphasize football, soccer, baseball and basketball—community support is strong for scholastic athletics.
Residents commonly follow New York professional teams (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS), with MetLife Stadium and New York’s arenas reachable for major games and events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bloomfield.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés, pizzerias (cheese or veggie pizzas), and many delis; ethnic eateries often have vegetable-forward plates or can adapt dishes on request.
Vegan choices exist but are less ubiquitous than in larger cities—seek out cafés and select restaurants that offer plant-based sandwiches, salads, and dairy-free milk for coffee.
Gluten-free alternatives are available at some bakeries and restaurants, but always ask staff about preparation to avoid cross-contact; larger nearby towns have dedicated gluten-free bakeries.