Things to Do in Union City, NJ: 9 Local Favorites

Union City packs a lot into one square mile on top of the Palisades. In this corner of Hudson County, NJ you can shop a busy commercial strip, catch a show in a theater that opened in 1931, walk a reservoir with Manhattan views and swim laps indoors all year. Our team pulled every detail below from the city, the county or the venue itself.

Here are 9 local favorites for anyone looking for things to do in Union City, NJ.

1. Shop Bergenline Avenue

Bergenline Avenue is Union City’s main commercial district, running from 49th Street down to 32nd Street, and the city describes it as bustling seven days a week. Expect independent shops and restaurants serving Cuban, Ecuadorian, Peruvian, Turkish and Italian food. Bergenline is part of the city’s state designated Urban Enterprise Zone, which lets participating merchants charge a reduced sales tax.

• Where: Bergenline Avenue, 32nd to 49th Street
• More info: City of Union City business districts

2. Browse Summit Avenue

Union City’s second main shopping district runs along Summit Avenue from 8th Street to 15th Street. It is also part of the Urban Enterprise Zone and is a good stop if you are visiting the southern end of town or Washington Park.

• Where: Summit Avenue, 8th to 15th Street
• More info: City of Union City business districts

3. Celia Cruz Park

Named for the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz Park sits right on Bergenline Avenue at 32nd Street, where the shopping district begins. The city uses the plaza for free community events such as art and music festivals, so it is worth watching the city calendar.

• Where: 32nd Street and Bergenline Avenue
• More info: City of Union City

4. See a Show at the Park Theatre

The historic Park Theatre has showcased local talent, emerging artists and international performers since 1931. Volunteers and donors restored the building as an arts venue, and it presents plays and musicals along with an art gallery that is open by appointment.

• Where: 560 32nd Street, Union City
• Contact: 201-430-5067
• More info: Park Theatre on Visit Hudson

5. William V. Musto Cultural Center

This city cultural center houses a Museum of Art, a Museum of History, an art gallery and a concert hall under one roof. The art museum’s permanent collection includes well known area artists and works by Enid Bell, while the history museum traces Union City from its township days to its founding as a city in 1925.

• Where: 420 15th Street, Union City
• Phone: 201-271-2279
• More info: Musto Cultural Center on Visit Hudson

6. Washington Park

Shared by Union City and Jersey City, this Hudson County park has been a gathering spot since the county finalized the land in 1917. Today it has shady walkways, four lighted ball fields, 10 tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, a summer spray pool and 3.8 miles of trails for walking, jogging and biking.

• Where: Washington Park, on the Union City and Jersey City line
• More info: Hudson County Parks

7. Walk the Reservoir

The Weehawken and Union City Reservoir Park wraps a walking path and benches around a 14 acre reservoir on top of the Palisades, with views of the New York City skyline. It is one of the best morning walks in North Hudson.

• Where: 2100 to 2198 Palisade Avenue
• More info: Weehawken Township and Visit Hudson

8. Swim Indoors at Bruce D. Walter Recreation Center

Union City runs an indoor pool at the Bruce D. Walter Recreation Center with adult and senior lap swim, family swim, water aerobics and lessons. The fall schedule runs through November 20, 2026. Swimmers enter through the recreation center’s schoolyard main entrance, adults need a Hudson County photo ID, and children 11 and under must be supervised by a parent.

• Where: 507 West Street, Union City
• Phone: 201-392-3696
• More info: Union City indoor pool schedule (PDF)

9. Free Programs at the Union City Public Library

The main library on 43rd Street is closed for construction, but the branch on Summit Avenue is open, and the library’s calendar is full of free programs like bilingual storytime, pajama storytime, drop in arts and crafts, teen game nights and music and movement for little ones.

• Where: Branch Library, 1800 Summit Avenue, Union City
• Phone: 201-866-7503
• More info: Union City Public Library

Keep Exploring Hudson County

Looking for more outdoor time? Our guide to Hudson County waterfront spots and parks covers more of the best green space nearby. For dated events, check things to do in Hudson County this weekend, and if your family is still planning for Halloween, see our Hudson County Halloween events guide. Want to learn something new nearby? Our list of studios and classes in West New York and Guttenberg covers dance, martial arts, fitness, art and music.

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