Things To Do
in Ridgewood
Ridgewood is a charming village located in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. It is known for its picturesque tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and upscale shops and restaurants. The community has a strong sense of civic pride and a highly rated school system.
Residents enjoy a suburban lifestyle with easy access to New York City and a variety of cultural and recreational activities.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a walk at Vets Field Park, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature. Bring along a coffee and relax by the pond.
Visit the Ridgewood Farmers Market to discover local produce and homemade goods. Enjoy lunch from one of the food stalls while savoring the community vibe.
Head to Memorial Park for some evening sports activities or watching a game. As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll along the walking paths.
Begin at the Ridgewood Historical Society for a quick overview of the area’s rich history. Take some time to wander and admire the historic architecture nearby.
Visit the local library to check out exhibitions or read about local history. Introduce yourself to the community center’s art displays.
Attend a local theater performance or watch a movie at the historic Ridgewood Theater. Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant with a cozy ambiance.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Attractive suburban community with tree-lined streets and well-maintained parks.
- High-quality public schools and strong emphasis on education.
- Proximity to New York City, offering easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a suburban lifestyle.
- Strong sense of community with various local events and activities.
- Low crime rate and safe environment for families.
- Higher cost of living compared to neighboring areas.
- Limited public transportation options, making a car necessary for commuting.
- Fewer entertainment and dining options compared to larger cities.
- Property taxes can be relatively high due to local funding of schools and services.
- Potentially less diversity in demographics compared to larger urban centers.
Best Activities in Ridgewood
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore scenic trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Take a leisurely bike ride along this picturesque path through Ridgewood.
Relax and have a picnic in the serene surroundings of Graydon Park.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ridgewood with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ridgewood
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers beautiful views of the Saddle River and various photo opportunities with its picturesque bridges and greenery
Provides a scenic backdrop with its serene lake, surrounding trees, and well-maintained park grounds for capturing appealing photographs
Features a lovely pond, well-maintained garden areas, and mature trees, providing great views and photo opportunities in a natural setting
Food in Ridgewood
Ridgewood Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic New Jersey breakfast staple, consisting of Taylor ham (also known as pork roll), egg, and cheese served on a roll. You can find delicious versions of this iconic sandwich at local diners like White Manna or Ray's Luncheonette.
Must-Try!
Ridgewood boasts several pizza spots that offer mouthwatering slices. Try the thin-crust pizza at Brooklyn's Coal-Burning Brick-Oven Pizzeria for a delectable experience.
Explore the Polish influence in Ridgewood with a serving of pierogies. Visit The Village Green Restaurant, known for its authentic Polish cuisine, to savor this delightful dish.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ridgewood better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Ridgewood Farmers' Market offers an array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local treats. It's an ideal place to sample homemade jams, pickles, and more.
Experience a variety of gourmet street food at Ridgewood's Food Truck Fridays. This weekly event showcases an assortment of cuisines from tacos and BBQ to specialty desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ridgewood, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when queuing or engaging in conversations.
Using polite language and manners when interacting with others is highly valued in Ridgewood. Saying 'please' and 'thank you' is considered important.
Ridgewood is a diverse community, and it is important to respect people from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. Being open-minded and accepting of diversity is key.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ridgewood with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ridgewood
Ensure a smooth experience
In Ridgewood, United States, tipping is a common practice in service industries such as restaurants, bars, and hair salons. It is customary to tip between 15-20% of the total bill for good service.
Payment in Ridgewood, United States, is commonly done using credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Mobile payment apps such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely accepted. Many businesses also accept contactless payment methods.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Ridgewood.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming cherry blossoms and vibrant foliage
Warm and pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor activities and festivals
Beautiful autumn colors and cool, crisp air
Cold temperatures with occasional snowfall, ideal for winter sports and holiday celebrations
Ridgewood at Night
Hiking in Ridgewood
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic park with trails that follow the Saddle River, featuring paved paths ideal for hiking and biking, as well as natural areas for a more rugged experience.
A 568-acre county park that offers various hiking trails, stunning views of the New York City skyline, and opportunities for wildlife observation.
This vast nature reserve features diverse terrain with miles of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes through woods and along lakes.
A short, tranquil trail that follows Hohokus Brook, offering a peaceful hiking experience close to home with opportunities to enjoy nature.
Located in the Allendale Wildlife Sanctuary, this trail offers a tranquil experience with forest scenery, wildlife viewing, and an escape into nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Ridgewood through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Ridgewood by plane.
Located in Queens, New York, JFK is one of the major international airports serving the New York City area.
Also located in Queens, New York, LaGuardia primarily handles domestic flights but also offers some international services.
Located in Newark, New Jersey, EWR is a major hub for international flights and is close to New York City.
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PHL serves as a major airport for international flights and is about 90 miles from Ridgewood.
Located in White Plains, New York, HPN offers some international flights and is approximately 33 miles from Ridgewood.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Ridgewood, primarily of European descent.
Significant population primarily consisting of individuals with Asian heritage, including South Asian and East Asian.
Includes individuals from various Spanish-speaking countries.
A smaller demographic group in the area with a rich cultural heritage.
This includes various smaller racial and ethnic groups not categorized above.
The Soul of Ridgewood
Discover the essence of Ridgewood through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely played team sport that is popular among youth and adults, featuring local leagues and community programs.
A fast-paced sport that has gained significant popularity in Ridgewood, with many schools offering teams and leagues.
A common sport in schools and recreational leagues, enjoyed by both children and adults across the community.
Popular due to local swimming pools and teams, with many residents engaged in swimming for fitness and competition.
A traditional American sport that is played at various levels in Ridgewood, with Little League teams and adult leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ridgewood.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Ridgewood cater to vegetarians and vegans, offering an assortment of plant-based dishes. Options range from vegan sushi at The Office Tavern Grill to veggie burgers and falafel at Bareburger.
Individuals seeking gluten-free options can easily find accommodating menus at various eateries in Ridgewood. From gluten-free pizzas at Trattoria La Sorrentina to custom salad bowls at Samba Bowls, there are plentiful options to explore.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Ridgewood with these cultural adventures.
