Major city · United States
Ridgewood
Spend a half‑day in Ridgewood, then head to NYC; NJ Transit to Hoboken ~45 min (check), then transfer to NYC.
Ridgewood is a small New Jersey village 20 mi (32 km) from Manhattan. Its downtown, parks and train station are walkable, making a half‑day enough before continuing to New York City.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat, occasional thunderstorms)
- Airports
- Newark Liberty (EWR) · LaGuardia (LGA)
- Nights
- 0
About Ridgewood
Ridgewood is a New Jersey village of 25,000 people (2019) that functions largely as a suburban bedroom community for New York City. It lies roughly 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Midtown Manhattan. The guide also covers the neighboring community of Ho-Ho-Kus. The NJ Transit railroad tracks split the village into East Ridgewood and West Ridgewood, and the train station sits in the middle of downtown. East Downtown is the larger and busier side, while West Downtown has a smaller-town feel with luxury stores. Most of what a visitor would want to see and do is concentrated downtown, and walking suits that central area, though a car is needed to reach the rest of the village.
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
See
What is worth your time in Ridgewood.
- Van Neste Square — It forms the center of East Ridgewood and of the village, with a park, monuments, statues, benches and green space suited to a picnic.
- Van Neste Park — This large park sits at the middle of Van Neste Square and serves as a gathering spot, with monuments, statues and benches.
- Wilsey Square — It is the center of West Ridgewood and is ringed by shops and eateries.
- Railroad Square — This park area surrounds both sides of the Ridgewood Train Station, with eateries and cafes on its eastern side.
- Bergen County Public Park (Ridgewood) — One of the largest sections of the county park system, it has a large pond, a dog park, walking trails, a playground, parking and restrooms, east of downtown near Paramus and Ridgewood High School.
Do
- Shop around downtown Ridgewood.
- Walk the wooded paths of the Ridgewood arm of Bergen County Public Park.
- Cross to West Ridgewood on foot through the pedestrian-only underpass beneath the train tracks.
Eat and drink
Specialities of this place.
- Pizzaiolo by Brothers — A family-run pizzeria and Italian restaurant on Godwin Avenue serving brick-oven pies and traditional Sicilian-influenced dishes since 1970.
- The Office — A large sports bar and restaurant with food, drinks and reasonable prices; service is slow on Friday and Saturday nights.
- The Country Pancake House — A family-run pancake house serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from a large menu at good prices, busy on weekend mornings and Sunday late morning and early afternoon.
- Lenny's Pizzeria — A pizzeria restaurant listed among the budget dining options.
Customs
- The railroad tracks divide the village into East Ridgewood and West Ridgewood.
- East Downtown is the larger, busier side; West Downtown has a small-town feel, though most of its stores sell luxury goods.
- Old Ridgewood, the oldest part of the village, has narrow streets, some long unpaved, and original stone-paved gutters.
Emergency numbers for Ridgewood911 ▾
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ridgewood, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe; typical suburban caution—watch traffic, keep an eye on parked car valuables, and use well‑lit streets at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / fire / ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckEWR Newark Liberty International Airport (Nearest major airport (check distance)).
- Getting aroundcheckNJ Transit trains (Ridgewood station) to Hoboken in ~45 min (check); walk within downtown; limited NJ Transit bus service…
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EWR Newark Liberty International Airport (Nearest major airport (check distance)) · LGA LaGuardia Airport (In Queens, NY (check distance))
Map of Ridgewood
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Ridgewood
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Glen Rock · 2.7 km straight line
- Wyckoff · 5.7 km straight line
- Paramus · 6.1 km straight line
- Westwood, New Jersey · 6.9 km straight line
- Park Ridge · 8.3 km straight line
- River Vale · 8.7 km straight line
- River Edge · 8.9 km straight line
- Paterson · 8.9 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Feb
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest May (10 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ridgewood: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
8 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
NJ Transit trains (Ridgewood station) to Hoboken in ~45 min (check); walk within downtown; limited NJ Transit bus service; car needed for out‑of‑town trips, parking metered and scarce on weekends.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
New York City
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total (check)
NJ Transit train from Ridgewood to Hoboken, transfer to PATH or NJ Transit to NY Penn Station
Main attraction; easy commuter rail.
Bergen County Public Park (Ridgewood arm)
goDoor to door: ≈15 min walk (check)
Walk or short drive east of downtown near Paramus and Ridgewood High School
Wooded trails, pond, playground.
Fort Lee
cautionDoor to door: ≈30 min drive (check)
NJ-4 west, about 10 mi (check)
Check traffic on Hudson crossing.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
No hotels in village centre
Nearby options in Fair Lawn, Paramus or Hoboken (NJ Transit) for overnight stays (check availability)
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–$120 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–$200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Budget inn or hostel bed1 × 1 night × US$30 | US$30 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × US$70 | US$70 |
| Trip total≈ US$100 per person per day, bed included | US$100 |
2026 estimate
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | $2–4 |
| Slice of pizza | $3–5 |
| NJ Transit train ticket (Ridgewood‑Hoboken)check | $9 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- NJ Transit ticket to Hoboken $9 (check price) and 45 min travel time (check).
- Limited local bus routes; plan car trips if venturing beyond downtown.
- Weekend parking meters often full; carry change.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Fire / Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
RidgewoodRidgewood
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / Fire / Ambulance911
Embassy
US citizens have consular services at the New York City embassy; nearby New Jersey offices handle routine matters.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ridgewood ↔ Hoboken (NJ Transit): about $9 one‑way, 45 min (check)
- Taxi within Ridgewood: check
Say or show
- Excuse me — Excuse me / Sorry (Excuse me)
- Thank you — Thank you (Thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (How much is it?)
- Where is the train station? — Where is the train station? (Where is the train station?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ridgewood. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat, occasional thunderstorms) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add hotel listings in nearby Fair Lawn and Paramus.
- Include bike‑share info for downtown loops.
Sources
Ask about Ridgewood
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