Princeton, New Jersey: A Visitors Guide
Princeton, home of the prestigious Ivy League University, offers much more than the typical “College Town.”
It has a picturesque, vibrant downtown, with upscale shops, restaurants, businesses, theatres, and places of historical interest.
Located midway between Philadelphia and New York, Princeton draws visitors from both cities, and throughout New Jersey, who come to Princeton for its charm, educational facilities, historical interest, and entertainment.
Princeton has a rich historical heritage. In 1777, George Washington led the American patriots against General Cornwallis's British forces in the Battle of Princeton. Later in 1783, the Continental Congress met in the university's Nassau Hall, convening here when news came that the peace treaty between Britain and America had been signed.
This town is especially attractive in the summer and the autumn months, when its tree-lined streets, many of them over 100 years old, manicured lawns, flowers, walks, hedges, and mansions are all in harmony with nature.
America's best minds have been visiting and meeting here for over 200 years, from the first sessions of the Continental Congress to Albert Einstein to today's high-tech conventions.
The flourishing region continues to be the choice of people who want to experience American history in a picturesque and charming setting with easy access to high-end education and high-tech corporate facilities.
For visitors, there are a large variety of good restaurants and more than 5,000 guest rooms with amenities that appeal to families, historians, and business travelers..
Princeton Attractions and Things to Do
Palmer Square
located in the heart of the downtown center, and the focal point for downtown activity, it features a charming collection of shops, restaurants, offices, and residences surrounding the Town Green and the historic Nassau Inn.
Built in 1937, Palmer Square was designed with colonial-style buildings of brick, stone, wood, and stucco that complement the architecture of the University.
Princeton University
Chartered in 1746, it is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the U.S. and is one of the eight Ivy League universities. The campus has a unique charm with many stone, turrets and Gothic arches. They are wide variety of broad lawns with studying students, leaves and flora.
Feel free to walk the grounds, or you can sign up to take a guided tour.
Website
Drumthwacket
The official residence of the Governor of New Jersey and was built in 1835. Constructed on land that witnessed the 1777 Princeton battle for American independence.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its one of the most elegant of our nation's executive residences, Drumthwacket's history tells the stories of three unique families who made immense contributions to New Jersey and the United States of America. Drumthwacket is open for tours.
Website
Morven Museum & Garden
Morven's history is America's history. A National Historic Landmark, Morven is situated on five pristine acres in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey.
As home to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and five New Jersey governors, Morven has played a role in the history of New Jersey and the nation for more than 200 years. The beautiful historic gardens surrounding the Morven Museum mansion from the 18th and 19th centuries include a Colonial Revival Garden and their changing Demonstration Garden.
Their docent-led tours are approximately 45 minutes in length and present an overview of the home's rich history on the first floor.
Website
McCarter Theatre
Recognized as one of this country’s leading regional theaters, it is the only organization in this country that is both a professional producing theater and a major presenter of the performing arts.
Information/Tickets
Princeton Battlefield State Park
On January 3, 1777, the American troops under General George Washington surprised and defeated a force of British Regulars. Coming at the end of "The Ten Crucial Days" which saw the well-known night crossing of the Delaware River and two battles in Trenton, the Battle of Princeton gave Washington his first victory against the British Regulars on the field. The battle extended over a mile away to the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University). The house contains period furniture and Revolutionary War exhibits.
Website
Herrontown Woods, (Botanical Art Garden (Barden) & Veblen House
With over 200 acres, it is open to the public every day at no cost. It contains a pine forest, over 30 species of trees, shrubs, and flowers, and walking trails, and features many educational and fun events.
Website
Princeton University Art Museum @ The Bainbridge House
Art@Bainbridge is a Gallery Project of the Princeton University Art Museum, housed in the carefully restored colonial-era Bainbridge House at 158 Nassau Street in downtown Princeton.
Built in 1766, the Bainbridge House still stands tall as one of the historic treasures of the Princeton area. Job Stockton, the builder and original owner of the house, was one of the first settlers in Princeton. The house was later leased to Dr. Absalom Bainbridge whose son Commodore William Bainbridge fought in the War of 1812.
Admission is free.
Website
Places to Stay in Princeton
Nassau Inn
An historic inn with "old school charm"located in the heart of Princeton on Palmer Square, it offers a blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort, downtown Princeton's only full-service hotel. Dine at the legendary Yankee Doodle Tap Room, at with a fireplace or out on the bustling patio overlooking Palmer Square. There is an on-site fitness center, and a business center.
Reviews/booking
The Peacock Inn
Located within walking distance from the University,
this Eighteenth century mansion with a storied history of famed guests including Albert Einstein and F. Scott Fitzgerald has been recently renovated and is now a modern, boutique hotel offering a sophisticated and stylish ambiance. There on-site restaurant that is one of the area's most elegant and exceptional dining experiences.
Reviews/booking
Hyatt Regency
Located just outside the downtown area, one of the most luxurious hotels in Princeton. near the Princeton Junction Train Station. The hotel has a glass-enclosed heated pool, StayFit™ Gym, & more. Enjoy the on-site Catch A Rising Star Comedy Club, and cocktails and dinner at Laurea restaurant.
Reviews/booking
Hilton Garden Inn
located in Lawrenceville near downtown Princeton, with easy access to Rider University and Princeton University. Business travelers will appreciate the proximity to Princeton Corporate Park, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and the Carnegie Corporate Center. Breakfast is served daily with dinner available weekdays at on-site restaurant and bar. Relax by the outdoor fire pit.
Reviews/booking
Sonesta ES Suites
Features a fully equipped kitchen in every suite, free daily breakfast, on-site laundry facilities, free wireless high-speed internet, an outdoor pool , fitness center (with treadmills, stationary bicycles, and more), outdoor sport court, with complimentary use of equipment, barbecue and picnic facilities, and shuttle service within a 5-mile radius of hotel.
Reviews/booking
Double Tree
Located outside of town offering good value. Take the complimentary shuttle to downtown Princeton, Princeton University, and all other attractions within a five-mile radius of the hotel.
Reviews/booking
Hampton Inn
Located on US Highway 1 South, near the Ridge Road intersection. The Hampton Inn Princeton hotel is close to the heart of downtown Princeton, Princeton University, Rider University, numerous corporate parks and major corporate headquarters.
Reviews/booking
Holiday Inn
Location near popular attractions, such as family-friendly Grounds for Sculpture, Market Fair Mall, the Quakerbridge Mall and the Forrestal Village. The hotel is also 2 miles away from Princeton Medical Center and 11 miles to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton and Capital Health Regional Medical Center.
Reviews/booking
Marriott Courtyard
Located outside of town, an older style hotel with an updated reception area. Includes heated indoor swimming pool, and a fitness room.
Reviews/booking
