Discover Union City: Culture, Parks and Cuban Cuisine
Accommodation in Union City
Union City sits on the ridge of the lower Palisades. The city has several different sides, from green spaces with trails and a park overlooking the New York City skyline to a range of cultural venues, from a theater to a museum. Cuban restaurants and a bakery round out the picture.
Culture and History
The Union City Performing Arts Center is a 960-seat theater that opened in 2009. The former Saint Michael's Monastery Church, now Hudson Presbyterian Church, had its cornerstone laid in 1869 and was completed in 1875. The former and current names, along with the construction dates, offer two specific points of reference for placing the city's cultural history in time.
The William V. Musto Cultural Center houses an art museum, a history museum, an art gallery and a concert hall. The art museum's permanent exhibition includes works by well-known regional artists as well as works by historical artist Enid Bell. Specific presentations may change. The history museum covers Union City from its early years as a township and the city's founding in 1925 through to the present day. Art exhibitions are held in the art gallery; its program may also change.
The Celia Cruz Park is another historical landmark: it was dedicated in 2004 in honor of entertainer Celia Cruz. Latin American stars have been honored with a star on Union City's Walk of Fame in the park. The name of a specific cultural venue thus connects to the memory of an entertainer and the recognition of other artists.
Parks, Trails and Views
Weehawken and Union City Reservoir Park is home to a 14-acre reservoir on the Palisades. The reservoir offers views of the New York City skyline. The park is a good place for a morning jog or a walk. The reservoir, the views and these two activities make it a clearly defined destination for spending time outdoors.
Washington Park offers something different. It is shared by Union City and Jersey City and features winding, shaded paths. You can jog or cycle on 3.8 miles of trails. Unlike Reservoir Park, where the reservoir and skyline views are the defining features, Washington Park puts the trails and the choice between jogging and cycling front and center.
Juan Pablo Duarte Park has a large splash pad and playgrounds. This sets it apart from the trails at Washington Park and the natural features of Reservoir Park: here, water and play areas take center stage.
Cuban Cuisine and Local Businesses
El Artesano is a family-owned Cuban restaurant in downtown Union City. It serves traditional dishes such as Ropa Vieja, Lechón Asado and Picadillo, as well as homemade desserts. El Unico de Elena is also a restaurant in Union City; its Cuban dishes include Pan con mantequilla, Café con leche, Lechón Asado, Rabo Encendido and Cuban sandwiches. Lechón Asado is on the menu at both restaurants, while the other dishes offer different options. Restaurant details and menus may change; check the latest information before visiting.
La Gran Vía Bakery has served the Union City community since 1981 and has Cuban roots. The bakery offers freshly baked pastries. Together with the restaurants, it adds specific places to visit for Cuban cuisine and baked goods to the city’s cultural and park highlights.
Discover more destinations: Jersey City, Secaucus, Harrison, Hoboken, North Bergen, Bayonne, Weehawken.
Return to the regional travel overview: Hudson.
