Downtown venue for theater, music, visual arts and community programming.
Things to Do · History · Parks · Dining · Shopping · Transportation
Hackensack Visiting & Lodging
Hackensack is Bergen County’s county seat and one of its most important urban centers, combining government, healthcare, courts, a redeveloping Main Street downtown, large apartment districts, regional shopping and strong rail and bus transportation.
This guide focuses on realistic local stops and nearby lodging rather than inventing tourist attractions or hotels that are not actually present.
Things to see & do
Civic green associated with Revolutionary-era history and the historic First Reformed Church area.
274 Main Street · major BCCLS library with extensive programs, learning resources and community space.
Restaurants, shops, services, public art, events and continuing redevelopment make downtown a visitor destination.
Regional shopping and dining destination on Hackensack Avenue.
City recreation center with courts, programs, community rooms and year-round activities.
Bergen County courts and government offices reinforce Hackensack’s role as the county seat.
Historic Hackensack
Hackensack’s history reaches back to Lenape settlement and early Dutch activity. The Green became a Revolutionary-era landmark, the city grew as Bergen County’s governmental center, and the municipality adopted its present Hackensack name and city charter in 1921.
Visitor etiquette: many historic homes, lakefronts and residential landmarks are private property. Enjoy public spaces and streets without entering private grounds.
Where to stay
NJTGO lists the practical lodging geography without implying that nearby hotels are located inside Hackensack.
Full-service and business hotels just east of Hackensack provide convenient access to downtown and the medical center.
Multiple hotel choices lie south of Hackensack near Route 17 and I-80.
Hotels north and west of the city provide access to Route 4, shopping and Bergen County business districts.
The city is a major destination but conventional full-service hotel inventory is more concentrated in nearby communities.
Before booking: verify the exact address, parking, cancellation rules, accessibility, taxes and transportation directly with the lodging provider.
Transportation & parking
Two Pascack Valley Line stations, the Hackensack Bus Terminal, I-80, Route 4 and local bus service give visitors several ways to reach the city. Downtown parking systems and regulations should be checked before events.
Parking rules, street restrictions and event arrangements can change. Read posted signs and use current municipal/NJ Transit information.
A simple Hackensack day trip
Walk The Green, historic downtown and Main Street, including Johnson Public Library when open.
Choose among Cuban, Colombian, Mediterranean, Thai and other downtown restaurants.
Visit HACPAC or shop at Riverside; allow time for county-seat architecture, downtown events or recreation programming.
Plan with current resources
City of HackensackOfficial events, recreation, parking and visitor-relevant municipal information.Hackensack Public LibraryPrograms, local resources and community information.Food & Drink GuideCurrent factual restaurant directory and dietary-option guidance.Business & Shopping GuideShopping areas, local services and factual business listings.
Promote a Hackensack business or organization on NJTGO
Enhanced visitor-service placement is available for appropriate lodging, attractions, event providers and local businesses serving Hackensack visitors.
Advertising & Enhanced ListingsHackensack visitor, recreation, library, transit and lodging-area information was reviewed in September 2026. Hours, events, parking and transportation can change; verify time-sensitive information directly.