Things to Do in Princeton, NJ: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Princeton, New Jersey, is a charming college town halfway between New York and Philadelphia. The Gothic campus of Princeton University, its free art museum, Nassau Street and Palmer Square, Revolutionary War sites and the memory of Albert Einstein make it a perfect weekend escape or a day trip from either city.
This guide covers the best things to do in Princeton, NJ, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Princeton, NJ
Princeton University
Gothic campus and Nassau Hall.
Princeton University Art Museum
Free world-class collection.
Palmer Square
Shops and cafés.
Nassau Street
Main street.
Princeton Battlefield
1777 battle site.
Lake Carnegie
Rowing and trails.
McCarter Theatre
Tony-winning theater.
Morven Museum
Historic house and garden.
Princeton, NJ in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Campus
Take a walking tour of Princeton University, starting at Nassau Hall, which briefly served as the US Capitol in 1783, then the Princeton University Chapel and Blair Arch. Lunch on Nassau Street. In the afternoon, the Princeton University Art Museum and dinner at Palmer Square.
2Day 2 · History and nature
Visit the Princeton Battlefield State Park, where Washington won in 1777, and the Morven Museum and Garden, home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Lunch downtown. In the afternoon, walk or kayak along Lake Carnegie and the Delaware and Raritan Canal towpath.
3Day 3 · Einstein and culture
See Albert Einstein's former home on Mercer Street from outside and the Institute for Advanced Study woods. Lunch at a café. In the evening, a show at the McCarter Theatre Center.
Princeton, NJ in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Grounds For Sculpture
Day at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton with over 300 contemporary works in gardens. Lunch at Rat's restaurant. Return in the afternoon. The park is especially beautiful in spring and fall, with peacocks roaming the grounds.
5Day 5 · New Hope and Lambertville
Drive to New Hope, Pennsylvania, and Lambertville across the Delaware for antiques, galleries and riverside dining. Lunch by the river. Return to Princeton for dinner. New Hope is about 30 minutes away and also offers mule-drawn canal boat rides in season.
Princeton, NJ in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Philadelphia or New York
Day trip by train to Philadelphia for the Liberty Bell or to New York City for Manhattan highlights. Lunch in the city. Return in the evening. Trains run frequently from Princeton Junction, so no car is needed.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Morning coffee on Palmer Square, a last campus walk past the eating clubs on Prospect Avenue and a farewell dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant in town. Pick up a souvenir from the university store on Nassau Street.
What to do in Princeton, NJ on a weekend
Things to do in Princeton, NJ on a weekend? Saturday: campus and art museum. Sunday: Battlefield and Lake Carnegie.
Reunions in late May and fall foliage in October.
What to do in Princeton, NJ in the evening
In the evening, McCarter Theatre and Palmer Square.
Ice cream on Nassau Street.
Princeton, NJ for couples
For couples, campus walks, Lake Carnegie and a show at McCarter.
Princeton, NJ with kids
With kids, the art museum, Battlefield, canal towpath and Terhune Orchards.
What to eat in Princeton, NJ
Pork roll
New Jersey classic.
Ice cream
Local creameries.
Pizza
NJ style.
Farm-to-table
Local produce.
Bagels
Breakfast.
Where to stay in Princeton, NJ: best areas
Palmer Square
Downtown.
Campus area
Walkable.
Route 1
Cheaper.
Lambertville
Riverside.
What to do in Princeton, NJ when it rains
Things to do in Princeton, NJ when it rains? Art museum, Morven, McCarter and bookstores.
How much does a trip to Princeton, NJ cost?
Expect $180–350 per night.
Practical tips for Princeton, NJ
Best time to visit
April–June and September–October.
Getting around
Walk downtown; NJ Transit via the Dinky.
Our practical tips
- Free art museum.
- Campus tour.
- Train to NYC.
- Fall foliage.
- Book Reunions early.
- Terhune Orchards.
Mistakes to avoid
- Graduation week without hotel.
- Parking downtown.
- Rush hour on Route 1.
- Missing the art museum.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Princeton, NJ?
Campus, art museum and Battlefield.
Things to do with kids?
Orchards and canal.
Is the art museum free?
Yes.
How far is NYC?
About an hour by train.