Princeton

Princeton, home to the prestigious Princeton University, is a municipality with a population of approximately 32,000 (2017) in Mercer County, central New Jersey.

Understand
Princeton is a town filled with college students, beautiful scenery, and historical features.

The University's Nassau Hall served as the capital of the United States for a single summer in the late 18th century. Princeton counts among its former residents Albert Einstein and Thomas Mann.

By plane
Princeton has an eponymous airport located in Montgomery, less than 2 miles from Nassau Street and Princeton University. Princeton Airport serves mostly general aviation (i.e. hobby) flying, but it also sees its fair share of business charter flights. It has one runway, fuel stations, lots of aircraft tie-down space, and hangars. This makes the airport a very cost-effective solution for travelers who pilot their own airplanes. Car-rental service is located on-site.

Other nearby airports include the Somerset Airport, Central Jersey Regional Airport, and Teterboro airport. These airports, like Princeton, do not operate commercial flights, but anyone with his/her own airplane can fly in.

The larger Trenton Mercer airport offers some air-taxi options.


 * Newark Liberty International Airport is in Newark and is about 1 hour away by car.  New Jersey Transit trains stop at EWR, so it's possible to reach Princeton from EWR without a car or taxi.
 * Philadelphia International Airport is the largest airport in the Delaware Valley region and in Pennsylvania. It is about 1½ hours away by car.

By train
A small rail station in close proximity to both the University campus and the downtown district provides a shuttle service, known locally as "the Dinky," to the nearby Princeton Junction train station. At Princeton Junction, you can transfer to either Amtrak or New Jersey Transit trains. New Jersey Transit trains usually arrive and depart from the station every half-hour on weekdays, and hourly on weekends.

Princeton Junction station is about 4 miles southwest of the main university campus. It is served by the Northeast Corridor Line, the main commuter rail line running from Washington, D.C. to Boston. This line is often full during the morning and evening rush hours with commuters traveling to New York City or Philadelphia.

From New York City
From New York, be sure to purchase a NJ Transit Northeast Corridor line train ticket from Penn Station to Princeton (not Princeton Junction). As of October, 2021, it costs $16.00 for a one-way ride, including a ticket via the Princeton Shuttle. The southbound train from Penn Station will stop at Princeton Junction; disembark there and hold on to your ticket, as you'll need it to take the shuttle train ("dinky") from Princeton Junction to Princeton. The shuttle's Princeton terminus is at the south edge of campus, in close proximity to the newly (as of September 2017) erected arts center, theater, and music building. The average travel time from New York to Princeton would be 70-80 minutes, but delays, such as summer/winter construction would hamper it.

Walking from the Dinky
Reaching the center of campus from the Dinky is a bit tricky. To reach the center of campus (containing the Admissions Office, Nassau Hall, the University's oldest building, etc.), walk north from the station through a group of triangle-shaped buildings (I.M. Pei-designed Spelman College), continue north on a road past a gymnasium (on your right) and a dormitory (on your left). This road dead-ends in a loop behind another dormitory, continue walking north until you reach an immense staircase terminating at an archway; this is the Blair Arch. Walk up the stairs and continue eastward along the path. When you reach a white marble building (Clio Hall), the admissions office (West College) will be just to the north, on your left, and Nassau Hall will be further north. A stair-free, less confusing path, is to take the same path through Spelman, but walk behind the gym to a road through the center of campus (Elm Drive), which leads north to West College and Nassau Hall. Visitors may wish to visit the Frist Campus Center for a campus tour. Tours depart from the Welcome Desk on the main floor of the Campus Center (take the stairs down, not up, at the front of the building). To get to Frist from the Dinky Station, the least confusing (albeit far from the shortest) path is to take Elm Drive until one reaches an east-west path running behind a white marble building. Make a right (east) on this path, and walk until you reach a major street (Washington Road). Don't cross Washington; just turn right (south), and continue until you reach the Campus Center, which is easily recognizable by "Fristhenge", a thin brickcourse supported by pillars in front of the building. (Preferably, one would continue north on Elm Drive and ask for a map at West College.)



By bus
Coach USA (under the name Suburban) offers bus service from New York and New Brunswick to Princeton.

New Jersey Transit operates several commuter bus lines connecting Princeton with other areas. Several bus stops are located throughout Princeton Borough and Township. Buses generally leave on every half-hour between 8:30AM and 9PM weekdays, and irregularly before and after those hours. The Saturday schedule is similar, and the Sunday schedule is hourly.

By car
Two major highways, Route 206 and Route 27, pass through Princeton. U.S. Route 1 runs just east of the town while Interstate 95 and the New Jersey Turnpike are two alternative routes to get into the area.

The town's main street is Nassau Street, on which the majority of shops and eateries can be found. Although Princeton has parallel parking spaces along the main roads, most are metered and all are checked frequently by the infamously vigilant local parking patrol. The Princeton Parking Cash Card, available from machines in Spring Street Garage, conveniently pays for parking at all meters and allows for the reclamation of unused "time" upon return to the meter; "max out" the meter then take back unused credit upon return to forfend the award of parking tickets in the forty dollar range. There are multiple parking garages; the municipal garage on Spring Street, a few dozen feet from the Princeton Record Exchange, is the most affordable, but the pricier garages in Palmer Square and on Chambers Street are convenient to many locations as well. Sunday parking on the street is no longer free.

Get around
Everything in the downtown area is easily accessible on foot from the main parts of the campus or the two hotels in town. A physically fit visitor can reach any part of town with a bicycle. The only public transit is a single bus line that makes a leisurely loop around the outer parts of the town. Taxis are easily available by cell phone, or at the taxi stand on Nassau St and Witherspoon.

The university operates several buses between campus, university housing, and several campus parking lots. These buses are for faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors, but no checking is done. See also the real-time bus map.

See

 * The University Campus, with many attractive buildings in "Collegiate Gothic" style as well as colonial-era Nassau Hall (the temporary capitol of the United States for a summer) and the strikingly modern Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (formerly known as the Woodrow Wilson School) building. Don't miss the stately University Chapel with its stained glass and stone arches. The Princeton University Library has spectacular exhibits and standing collections you can get up close and personal. The Princeton University Art Museum also features an impressive collection of works by an array of well known and highly touted artists from throughout history. College tours start at the Frist College Center building; check website for times.
 * The Fountain of Freedom, outside the white marble-columned School of Public and International Affairs building. The fountain is surrounded by a large pool. The pool is less than 2 feet deep, and there will often be children playing in the fountain. It is also a tradition for the University's marching band to play while standing in the fountain after Princeton football victories.
 * The Princeton Public Library, corner of Wiggins and Witherspoon. The library has been at this location since the 1970s, but has been rebuilt as a state-of-the-art facility. It offers free Internet access to all if you need to check email or print a ticket. Its wireless network reaches out to the plaza for 24/7 access. Near many cafes and less than a quarter mile from Palmer Square.
 * 19th century mansions on Library Place, Elm Street, and nearby.
 * Small historical house museum at Bambridge House on Nassau Street.
 * The picturesque, 18th-century Nassau Inn in Palmer Square is worth visiting even for those not wealthy enough to book a room there.
 * Palmer Square, in the center of town, is a small park featuring a large tree which is traditionally decorated for Christmas.
 * Princeton Cemetery, in the geographic center of town, half a mile north of Nassau street. Contains many graves dating back to the early 19th century. Look for the resting places of Kurt Godel, Aaron Burr and Grover Cleveland.
 * Carnegie Lake, a manmade lake financed by 19th-century steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. It is just south of the main university campus and roughly 1 mile from Palmer Square. It is extraordinarily picturesque. The University's nationally-ranked crew team practices here, and it offers boating (no gas motors), canoeing, fishing, and, in the winter, ice skating.
 * Continue away from town on Mercer Street to see the striking 18th-century Quaker Meeting House (ironically adjoining the battlefield), with its simple cemetery, and the 200-year-old stone bridge, still in use, across peaceful Stony Brook.
 * The towpath along manmade Carnegie Lake and the early-19th C Delaware and Raritan Canal (D&R) passing numerous original canal locks and other historic structures. The towpath runs for many miles between the Raritan River in New Brunswick to the Delaware River at Trenton. Look for canoe and kayak rentals at Princeton, Griggstown and other locations. If you picnic, watch for poison ivy which abounds along the banks of the canal but also be on the lookout for Great Blue Heron, turtles and deer.
 * Campus of nearby the Lawrenceville School, one of the oldest and most respected prep schools in the country. Also located near Princeton are the Princeton Day School, Hun School, Peddie School, and Sacred Heart Academy.
 * The towpath along manmade Carnegie Lake and the early-19th C Delaware and Raritan Canal (D&R) passing numerous original canal locks and other historic structures. The towpath runs for many miles between the Raritan River in New Brunswick to the Delaware River at Trenton. Look for canoe and kayak rentals at Princeton, Griggstown and other locations. If you picnic, watch for poison ivy which abounds along the banks of the canal but also be on the lookout for Great Blue Heron, turtles and deer.
 * Campus of nearby the Lawrenceville School, one of the oldest and most respected prep schools in the country. Also located near Princeton are the Princeton Day School, Hun School, Peddie School, and Sacred Heart Academy.

Do
Whether with family or by yourself, there is a variety of things to do throughout the duration of your stay in Princeton. From walking Princeton University campus grounds, to visiting the Princeton art museum there are many cultural activities to take part in.



Buy
Downtown Princeton is full of shops. Many are high-priced boutiques catering to the town's non-student residents, although some are worth mentioning. Almost all are on Nassau Street, the heart of Princeton.
 * Dandelion, 47 Palmer Square West, . Unique jewelry which provides an affordable alternative to mainstream stores like Zale's.
 * Princeton Running Company, a local athletic store, offering a wide range of items and helpful advice.
 * Morning Glory, on Nassau Street. Sells unique small trinkets and gift items.
 * Princeton Running Company, a local athletic store, offering a wide range of items and helpful advice.
 * Morning Glory, on Nassau Street. Sells unique small trinkets and gift items.

Eat

 * Blue Point Grill, excellent seafood (among the best in Princeton), but served with a meager selection of side dishes. On Nassau Street between Hoagie Haven and Tiger Noodles. Very popular in the evenings. Offers outside dining experience.
 * Chuck's Cafe, near Nassau and Witherspoon. Offers casual quick meals. Tremendous chicken wings; locally revered for its wings
 * Hoagie Haven, Nassau St., A deli in downtown Princeton serving cheap, tasty hot and cold subs. Very economical; offers a unique taste for the same price as Subways, McDonald's, or other fast food restaurants. A Princeton staple, and well-known to nearly anyone living in the Central Jersey region.
 * Masala Grille, one of Princeton's most popular Indian restaurants; good food at affordable prices. 15 Chambers Street.
 * Mediterra, great atmosphere, inconsistent food, inattentive service. Hulfish Street.
 * Mexican Village, Leigh St., A small restaurant in the poorer district of Princeton. This restaurant serves excellent Mexican cuisine at low prices. Each dinner begins with nachos and an excellent salsa, in lieu of bread.
 * Old World Pizza Nassau St., a brick-oven style pizzeria. located right next to Hoagie Haven. Authentic pizza experience.
 * Palace of India (formerly Kalluri Corner), 235A Nassau Street (right next to Thai Village). One of Princeton's most popular - and worst - Indian restaurants.
 * Pizza Star, in the Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N Harrison St., . Best NY style pizza in town.
 * Taste of Mexico, in the Princeton Shopping Center, 310 North Harrison Street, . Second location on Nassau St behind naked pizza
 * Thai Village, the only Thai restaurant in Princeton. 235 Nassau Street (right next to Kalluri Corner).
 * Tiger Noodles, inexpensive and popular Chinese restaurant on 260 Nassau Street. Accept only cash and checks, near Hoagie Haven and Old World Pizza.
 * Tomo sushi, wonderful Japanese cuisine express on 236 Nassau St.
 * Witherspoon Grill, on Witherspoon Street, next to the Public Library. A popular restaurant, serves great steaks. Dine outside experience. Very expensive.
 * Zorba's Brother, inexpensive Greek diner on Nassau Street (Close to Palmer Square).
 * Masala Grille, one of Princeton's most popular Indian restaurants; good food at affordable prices. 15 Chambers Street.
 * Mediterra, great atmosphere, inconsistent food, inattentive service. Hulfish Street.
 * Mexican Village, Leigh St., A small restaurant in the poorer district of Princeton. This restaurant serves excellent Mexican cuisine at low prices. Each dinner begins with nachos and an excellent salsa, in lieu of bread.
 * Old World Pizza Nassau St., a brick-oven style pizzeria. located right next to Hoagie Haven. Authentic pizza experience.
 * Palace of India (formerly Kalluri Corner), 235A Nassau Street (right next to Thai Village). One of Princeton's most popular - and worst - Indian restaurants.
 * Pizza Star, in the Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N Harrison St., . Best NY style pizza in town.
 * Taste of Mexico, in the Princeton Shopping Center, 310 North Harrison Street, . Second location on Nassau St behind naked pizza
 * Thai Village, the only Thai restaurant in Princeton. 235 Nassau Street (right next to Kalluri Corner).
 * Tiger Noodles, inexpensive and popular Chinese restaurant on 260 Nassau Street. Accept only cash and checks, near Hoagie Haven and Old World Pizza.
 * Tomo sushi, wonderful Japanese cuisine express on 236 Nassau St.
 * Witherspoon Grill, on Witherspoon Street, next to the Public Library. A popular restaurant, serves great steaks. Dine outside experience. Very expensive.
 * Zorba's Brother, inexpensive Greek diner on Nassau Street (Close to Palmer Square).
 * Taste of Mexico, in the Princeton Shopping Center, 310 North Harrison Street, . Second location on Nassau St behind naked pizza
 * Thai Village, the only Thai restaurant in Princeton. 235 Nassau Street (right next to Kalluri Corner).
 * Tiger Noodles, inexpensive and popular Chinese restaurant on 260 Nassau Street. Accept only cash and checks, near Hoagie Haven and Old World Pizza.
 * Tomo sushi, wonderful Japanese cuisine express on 236 Nassau St.
 * Witherspoon Grill, on Witherspoon Street, next to the Public Library. A popular restaurant, serves great steaks. Dine outside experience. Very expensive.
 * Zorba's Brother, inexpensive Greek diner on Nassau Street (Close to Palmer Square).
 * Tomo sushi, wonderful Japanese cuisine express on 236 Nassau St.
 * Witherspoon Grill, on Witherspoon Street, next to the Public Library. A popular restaurant, serves great steaks. Dine outside experience. Very expensive.
 * Zorba's Brother, inexpensive Greek diner on Nassau Street (Close to Palmer Square).
 * Witherspoon Grill, on Witherspoon Street, next to the Public Library. A popular restaurant, serves great steaks. Dine outside experience. Very expensive.
 * Zorba's Brother, inexpensive Greek diner on Nassau Street (Close to Palmer Square).

Sleep
Travelers on a shoestring budget should be aware that it is difficult to secure inexpensive lodging in town. There are no known hostels or lodging-houses in the Princeton area.



There are a number of hotels and motels along Route 1 to the east (outside of actual town limits), but those without cars must note that there are no public transportation links to downtown Princeton from this area.

Go next

 * Freehold - The site of the Battle of Monmouth, a turning point in the American Revolution.
 * New Brunswick - The home of Rutgers University.
 * Titusville - The site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River before the Battle of Trenton.
 * Trenton - The State Capital.
 * Lawrenceville - Neighboring town, home of the prestigious Lawrenceville School.
 * Kingston - Historic places to visit: Rockingham House, Lake Carnegie, and the Kingston Mill.