Seven-Day New York and New Jersey Football Itinerary

A seven-day New York and New Jersey football itinerary works best when the matchday is planned first and the sightseeing is built around it.

New York City offers major attractions, international food, dedicated soccer bars and excellent nightlife. New Jersey provides access to MetLife Stadium, local football pubs, waterfront neighbourhoods and several useful matchday bases.

The main detail to remember is that MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey—not in New York City. Travelling between Manhattan, Hoboken, Jersey City and the Meadowlands can take longer on a major matchday than it appears on a map.

This itinerary is designed for supporters attending a match at MetLife Stadium, but it can also work for visitors watching World Cup matches, Premier League games, Champions League fixtures or other football events in the region.

For wider tournament planning, read The Complete 2026 FIFA World Cup Travel Guide: Everything Fans Need to Know.

Seven-Day New York and New Jersey Itinerary at a Glance

Your actual matchday may fall on a different day. Move the Day 4 plan to the date of your ticket and use the other days as flexible sightseeing modules.

Before You Book: Choose Your Base

Where you stay will affect how easily you can reach soccer bars, sightseeing areas and MetLife Stadium.

Manhattan

Manhattan is usually the best choice for first-time visitors who want:

• Major New York attractions
• Restaurants and nightlife
• Easy access to dedicated soccer bars
• Midtown and Chelsea sightseeing
• A wider choice of hotels

Useful areas include Midtown, Penn Station, Chelsea and Hudson Yards.

The disadvantage is the matchday journey to East Rutherford. You may need to travel through Penn Station and Secaucus Junction before reaching Meadowlands Station.

Jersey City

Jersey City offers a balance between Manhattan access and staying on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River.

Exchange Place and Newport are useful areas for:

• Waterfront hotels
• Restaurants
• Manhattan skyline views
• PATH and ferry connections
• Longer stays

Jersey City is not a direct stadium base, so you still need to plan the route to MetLife Stadium.

Hoboken

Hoboken is a good choice for visitors who want:

• Football pubs
• Restaurants and cafés
• Waterfront views
• A walkable neighbourhood
• Evening nightlife

The hotel market is smaller than Manhattan or Jersey City, so book early around major matches.

East Rutherford and the Meadowlands

The Meadowlands area is best for visitors whose main purpose is attending an event at MetLife Stadium.

It can reduce the physical distance to the stadium, but it is less convenient for sightseeing and has fewer late-night options than Manhattan, Hoboken or Jersey City.

Newark

Newark can be useful for visitors arriving through Newark Liberty International Airport or travelling onwards to Philadelphia.

The Ironbound district also offers Portuguese, Spanish and Brazilian restaurants. Remember that Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station are different stations in different cities.

For a more detailed comparison, read the New York and New Jersey World Cup Hotel Guide.

Day 1: Arrive and Settle Into Your Base

The first day should be flexible. International flights, immigration, luggage collection and hotel check-in can all take longer than expected.

If You Are Staying in Manhattan

After checking in, choose an easy first evening:

• Times Square
• Hudson Yards
• The High Line
• Rockefeller Center
• A restaurant near the hotel

Avoid planning a late trip to New Jersey on your arrival day.

If You Are Staying in Jersey City

A simple first evening could include:

• Exchange Place waterfront
• Newport
• Manhattan skyline views
• A local restaurant

Jersey City is especially convenient for visitors who want a quieter base while remaining close to Manhattan.

If You Are Staying in Hoboken

Spend the evening around:

• Hoboken Waterfront
• Pier A Park
• Washington Street
• Local restaurants and pubs

Mulligan’s Pub is located at 159 First Street, but it is better to confirm the football schedule before planning your first night around a match.

If You Are Staying Near the Meadowlands

You can visit American Dream at 1 American Dream Way in East Rutherford, subject to opening hours and your arrival time.

Do not make the first evening too ambitious. The main goal is to recover from the journey and be ready for the following days.

Day 2: Midtown Manhattan and New York Football Culture

Day 2 is a good time to explore Midtown and experience one of New York City’s dedicated soccer bars.

Morning in Midtown

Start with some of New York’s most recognisable sights:

• Central Park
• Rockefeller Center
• Fifth Avenue
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• The Empire State Building

You can also walk around Herald Square and Madison Square Garden before choosing a nearby lunch.

Afternoon Football Stops

If you want to remain close to the Midtown and Penn Station area, consider:

• Football Factory at Legends at 6 West 33rd Street
• Jack Demsey’s at 36 West 33rd Street
• Smithfield Hall at 138 West 25th Street

Football Factory at Legends is known for international football and supporter groups. Jack Demsey’s offers multiple screens, food and drinks. Smithfield Hall provides a more dedicated football-pub atmosphere in Chelsea.

For a full comparison, read Best Soccer Bars in New York City and Sports Bars Near MetLife Stadium.

Evening Plan

If you are watching a match, check:

• Whether the venue is showing the specific fixture
• Whether sound will be available
• Whether reservations are required
• Whether a cover charge applies
• Whether the kitchen remains open

If you have a MetLife Stadium match the following day, avoid staying out too late.

Day 3: Chelsea, Hudson Yards and Greenwich Village

Day 3 combines sightseeing, food and another opportunity to watch football in New York City.

Morning: The High Line and Hudson Yards

Begin at the High Line and walk north or south depending on your plans.

Continue towards:

• Hudson Yards
• The Vessel area
• Chelsea Market
• The galleries and shops around Chelsea

Hudson Yards is also useful for visitors who want to remain on the western side of Manhattan before travelling through Penn Station.

Lunch in Chelsea

Los Tacos No. 1 is located inside Chelsea Market at 75 Ninth Avenue. It is a good quick-service option, but Chelsea Market can be crowded, so allow time for queues and seating.

Mercado Little Spain is located at 10 Hudson Yards. It offers Spanish food from several counters, restaurants and bars, making it useful for groups with different preferences.

For more detailed food planning, read the New York and New Jersey World Cup Food Guide: Where to Eat Near MetLife Stadium.

Afternoon: Greenwich Village

After lunch, continue towards:

• Washington Square Park
• Greenwich Village
• West Village
• SoHo

If you want to watch football later, possible options include:

• The Red Lion at 151 Bleecker Street
• Amity Hall Downtown at 80 West 3rd Street

The Red Lion is known for Premier League and Champions League viewing, while Amity Hall is a broader sports bar that regularly promotes football and major tournament events.

Greenwich Village offers more nightlife and local atmosphere, but Midtown is generally more practical if you need to travel to MetLife Stadium afterwards.

Day 4: MetLife Stadium Matchday

Move this section to the actual date of your match if necessary.

MetLife Stadium is located at 1 MetLife Stadium Drive in East Rutherford, New Jersey. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA uses the tournament name New York New Jersey Stadium.

Morning Preparation

Before leaving your hotel:

• Check your match ticket
• Charge your phone
• Save your hotel address
• Check the stadium bag policy
• Check the weather
• Confirm the transport route
• Decide where you will eat
• Prepare a backup plan

Do not assume a normal city travel time will apply on a major matchday.

Public Transport from New York

When train service is operating, the main route is:

Penn Station New York → Secaucus Junction → Meadowlands Station

NJ TRANSIT provides special Meadowlands service for selected major events. The current NJ TRANSIT information also lists Coach USA Route 351 from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to the stadium for relevant events.

Event-specific information can change, so check the official NJ TRANSIT Meadowlands information and the MetLife Stadium public transportation page before travelling.

Allow time for:

• Getting to Penn Station
• Queues before boarding
• The transfer at Secaucus Junction
• Walking from Meadowlands Station
• Security and ticket checks
• Post-match queues

Food Before the Match

The most practical options depend on your route.

American Dream

[American Dream’s Review]

American Dream is located at 1 American Dream Way in East Rutherford.

It offers several restaurants, including Yard House, Jarana New Jersey, House of ‘Que, Carpaccio and Around the Clock Diner.

It is useful for families and groups, but do not automatically assume that walking from American Dream to MetLife Stadium will be simple. Event-day pedestrian routes and security controls can change.

Redd’s Restaurant and Biergarten

[Redd’s Review]

Redd’s is located at 317 Washington Avenue in Carlstadt, less than a mile from the stadium.

Its official event service advertises parking and shuttle arrangements for selected major events. Parking, shuttle prices and pickup details depend on the specific event.

A regular restaurant reservation does not automatically include stadium transportation.

During the Match

Carry only what is allowed under the current stadium policy. Large bags and prohibited items can delay entry or force you to return to your hotel or vehicle.

After the Match

Decide your return route before entering the stadium.

You may be returning to:

• Manhattan
• Jersey City
• Hoboken
• Newark
• East Rutherford
• Carlstadt

Do not assume that a late-night restaurant or rideshare will be immediately available after the final whistle.

For a complete stadium plan, read the MetLife Stadium Football Travel Guide: Transport, Hotels and Matchday Tips.

Day 5: Hoboken and Jersey City

Day 5 focuses on the New Jersey side of the region.

Morning in Hoboken

Start with:

• Hoboken Waterfront
• Pier A Park
• Washington Street
• Local cafés
• The view across the Hudson River

Hoboken is compact and easy to explore on foot compared with the wider Meadowlands area.

Football at Mulligan’s Pub

Mulligan’s Pub is located at 159 First Street in Hoboken.

It is one of the strongest football-pub options in New Jersey and regularly shows European football, NFL games and international fixtures. The pub also serves wings, burgers, Irish breakfast and other casual food.

Mulligan’s is a good choice if:

• You are staying in Hoboken
• You want a traditional football-pub atmosphere
• You are watching an earlier match
• You have enough time before travelling elsewhere

It is not a direct walk to MetLife Stadium. If you have another stadium match later in the day, leave early.

Afternoon in Jersey City

Continue to Jersey City and explore:

• Exchange Place
• Newport
• Jersey City Waterfront
• Liberty State Park

The waterfront is especially good for skyline views and a slower afternoon after a busy matchday.

For food, Taqueria Downtown’s Grove Street location is at 236 Grove Street. The restaurant offers tacos, tamales, tortas, flautas and enchiladas.

Jersey City is a good place to experience New Jersey neighbourhood life, but it is not automatically the easiest place to reach MetLife Stadium from.

Day 6: Choose a Flexible Football Day

Day 6 should remain flexible because supporters may have a second match, a supporter event or another city they want to visit.

Option A: Attend a Second Match

If you have another ticket, use this day for:

• A second MetLife Stadium event
• A Philadelphia match
• A local MLS fixture
• A supporter-group event
• A scheduled football viewing party

Do not combine a second match with a long sightseeing trip unless the transport route is straightforward.

Option B: Visit Newark and the Ironbound

Newark is useful for visitors interested in food, rail connections and a different New Jersey experience.

The Ironbound district is known for Portuguese, Spanish and Brazilian restaurants.

Possible dining locations include:

• Fornos of Spain at 47 Ferry Street
• Adega Grill at 130 Ferry Street

Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station are different stations, so check your route carefully before travelling.

This option works particularly well for visitors staying near Newark Airport or travelling onwards to Philadelphia.

Option C: Spend Another Day in Manhattan

If you prefer a slower trip, use Day 6 for:

• Lower Manhattan
• The 9/11 Memorial area
• The Statue of Liberty area
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Chinatown
• Little Italy
• Greenwich Village

You can also return to a soccer bar for another scheduled fixture, but try to combine the viewing with a neighbourhood visit rather than spending the entire day indoors.

Option D: Take a Philadelphia Day Trip

Philadelphia can work as an optional extension from New York or New Jersey.

Consider:

• Independence Hall
• Old City
• Reading Terminal Market
• Rittenhouse Square
• Philadelphia Museum of Art

A Philadelphia day trip should not be combined with a same-day MetLife Stadium match. The itinerary becomes too dependent on transport timing.

Day 7: Final Morning and Departure

Keep the final day simple.

If You Are Flying from Newark

Visitors staying in Newark, Jersey City or the Meadowlands may find Newark Liberty International Airport the most practical option.

If You Are Flying from JFK or LaGuardia

Visitors staying in Manhattan should allow time for:

• Hotel checkout
• Airport transfer
• Traffic
• Security
• International check-in

Use the morning for:

• Breakfast
• A short local walk
• Souvenir shopping
• Collecting luggage

Avoid planning a long-distance excursion or another match on departure day.

How to Adapt the Itinerary to Kickoff Time

Early Kickoffs

For an early match:

• Eat near your hotel
• Confirm public transport before breakfast
• Avoid late-night football viewing the evening before
• Leave extra time for the stadium journey
• Use stadium concessions only as a backup

Afternoon Kickoffs

Afternoon matches offer the most flexibility.

You can:

• Have breakfast in Manhattan
• Visit Chelsea or Hudson Yards
• Eat an early lunch
• Travel to East Rutherford with a time buffer

Evening Kickoffs

For an evening match:

• Keep the daytime sightseeing relaxed
• Eat before starting the final stadium journey
• Avoid a major detour to Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn
• Confirm your post-match food plan in advance

Seven-Day Football Trip Checklist

Before travelling, confirm:

1. The exact match date and kickoff time.
2. The physical location of the stadium.
3. Your hotel and airport transfer.
4. Your preferred soccer bar and backup venue.
5. Whether the bar shows the match with sound.
6. Whether reservations or cover charges apply.
7. The latest MetLife Stadium entry and bag rules.
8. The matchday train or shuttle service.
9. Where you will eat before the match.
10. Your post-match transport plan.
11. Your backup plan for bad weather or delays.
12. Whether your accommodation booking can be changed.

Common Mistakes

Assuming MetLife Stadium Is in New York City

The stadium is in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Treating it like a Manhattan venue can create serious matchday timing problems.

Changing Hotels Too Often

Moving between Manhattan, Hoboken and the Meadowlands may reduce some travel on paper but can create extra check-ins and luggage problems.

Watching a Full Match Before Going to MetLife Stadium

If the earlier match finishes shortly before your stadium kickoff, you may not have enough time for the full journey.

Relying on Normal Public Transport Timetables

Large events may use special train services, changed bus routes and controlled access.

Planning Only Around the Menu

The cheapest meal is not always the best matchday choice. Consider queues, transport, parking and the time required to reach the stadium.

Ignoring the Day After the Match

Late matches can make the next morning difficult. Keep at least one slower day in the itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is seven days enough for a New York and New Jersey football trip?

Yes. Seven days is enough for Manhattan sightseeing, one MetLife Stadium match, several football viewing experiences and time in Hoboken or Jersey City.

Should I stay in Manhattan or New Jersey?

Manhattan is better for sightseeing, nightlife and access to soccer bars. Jersey City, Hoboken and the Meadowlands may be more practical for visitors focused on the stadium.

Can I reach MetLife Stadium without renting a car?

Yes. When rail service is operating, supporters can travel through Penn Station and Secaucus Junction to Meadowlands Station. Check the event-specific service before travelling.

Is Hoboken close to MetLife Stadium?

Hoboken is in New Jersey but is not directly beside the stadium. It requires a separate trip to East Rutherford and should not be treated as a walkable stadium base.

Can I visit New York and Philadelphia in seven days?

Yes, but Philadelphia should be treated as an optional day trip or separate section of the itinerary. Do not combine it with a tight MetLife Stadium matchday.

Where should I eat before a MetLife Stadium match?

American Dream and Redd’s are practical New Jersey options. Visitors staying in Manhattan may prefer Midtown, Chelsea, Hudson Yards or Penn Station before travelling to the stadium.

Where can I watch soccer during the trip?

Football Factory at Legends, Smithfield Hall, Jack Demsey’s, The Red Lion, Amity Hall, Banter and Mulligan’s Pub are useful options, depending on location and the fixture schedule.

Should the MetLife Stadium match always be Day 4?

No. Day 4 is only a sample position. Move the matchday plan to the actual date of your ticket and use the remaining days as flexible sightseeing days.

Final Recommendation

A successful seven-day New York and New Jersey football itinerary should combine:

1. New York City sightseeing
2. Dedicated soccer-bar experiences
3. A realistic MetLife Stadium matchday
4. Food and neighbourhoods in New Jersey
5. Enough time for transport and recovery

For first-time visitors, staying in Manhattan for most of the trip is usually the simplest option. Jersey City and Hoboken are better for supporters who want a New Jersey base, local restaurants and a more neighbourhood-focused experience.

Keep the matchday flexible, check event-specific transport and avoid filling every hour of the itinerary.

The best itinerary is not the one with the most activities. It is the one that gives you enough time to enjoy the football, the city and the journey between them.