Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Paterson is a historic city of about 160,000 people in northern New Jersey, around 20 miles from Manhattan. It was founded in 1791 by the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures, backed by Alexander Hamilton, as America's first planned industrial city, powered by the Great Falls of the Passaic River. Its mills later made it famous as Silk City.
The Great Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the eastern United States, is the centerpiece of Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, surrounded by old raceways and mill buildings. Nearby are Hinchliffe Stadium, a restored Negro Leagues ballpark, and the Paterson Museum, which displays early submarines and locomotives built in the city.
Paterson is also one of the most diverse cities in the country, known for Peruvian restaurants around Market Street and Middle Eastern bakeries in South Paterson. Above the city, Lambert Castle and Garret Mountain Reservation offer views to the Manhattan skyline.
A national park around the Great Falls of the Passaic River, which plunge about 77 feet into a narrow chasm. Overlook Park and a footbridge give close views, and the welcome center explains how the falls powered America's early industry. Entry is free; the falls are strongest in spring.
A 1930s concrete stadium beside the falls that was home to Negro Leagues teams such as the New York Black Yankees and where Paterson native Larry Doby played. Restored and reopened in 2023, it now hosts minor league baseball and community events. Check the schedule for games and tours.
A small park near the falls honoring comedian Lou Costello, born in Paterson, with a bronze statue of him holding a baseball bat, a nod to Abbott and Costello's famous Who's on First routine. It is a fun photo stop on a walk between the falls, Hinchliffe Stadium and downtown.
A city museum in the old Rogers Locomotive erecting shop, showing early submarines built by inventor John Philip Holland, locomotive history, silk industry machinery and local mineral collections. It is a short walk from the falls. Entry is low cost, and an hour or so is enough to see it all.
A stone mansion built in 1892 for silk manufacturer Catholina Lambert on the slopes of Garret Mountain, now home to the Passaic County Historical Society museum with period rooms and local history exhibits. The grounds have wide views over the city. Check opening hours before visiting.
A large county park on a basalt ridge above Paterson, with wooded trails, a lake for fishing, picnic areas and an overlook with views across the city to the Manhattan skyline. A stone observation tower stands near the edge. It is free; come on a clear day or at sunset for the best skyline views.
A large brownstone Gothic Revival church completed in the 1870s, now the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Paterson. Its twin spires dominate downtown, and inside are tall arches and stained glass windows. It is an active parish with services in several languages, so visit quietly between Masses.
Paterson has one of the largest Peruvian communities in the United States, and the streets around Market Street are lined with restaurants serving ceviche, lomo saltado, rotisserie chicken and Peruvian pastries. Many places are casual and good value. Go hungry and order to share.
A busy stretch of Main Street in South Paterson known for its Arab, Turkish and Middle Eastern shops, with bakeries selling knafeh and baklava, grocers, cafes and restaurants serving shawarma and grilled meats. It is a lively food walk, especially in the evening. Parking is easier on side streets.
Top-rated local businesses in Paterson, with real reviews on WiserMap.
No reviews yet. Been to Paterson? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Paterson? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Jag9889, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Mr. Matté (if there is an issue with this image, contact me using this image's C, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Paul Sableman from St. Louis, MO, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Jag9889, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jag9889, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Adam Moss, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: TMcKNJDover, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Paul Sableman from St. Louis, MO, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Paul Sableman from St. Louis, MO, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Tomwsulcer, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Famartin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Tomwsulcer, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Tomwsulcer, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Jag9889, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Oknazevad, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: The original uploader was KForce at English Wikipedia., Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Parkerjh, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: RomeImagesPhoto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Tomwsulcer, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Tomwsulcer, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Zeete, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Zaigoat, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ccrabb1948, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ccrabb1948, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Zeete, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Farragutful, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Roberto221, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Roberto221, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: EvanSheppard, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
