The Ideal Weekend in Princeton: Art Museums, Water Polo, and Exceptional Cuisine

Whether or not you have a connection to Princeton University, visiting the historic town of Princeton, New Jersey, will undoubtedly leave you feeling a touch inspired. The iconic spires, intricate stonework, gargoyles, and Gothic architecture have become cultural symbols of academia (consider rewatching A Beautiful Mind for a refresher), with Nassau Hall, built in 1756 when Princeton was still known as the College of New Jersey, standing at its heart. Once the college’s sole building and now an administrative hub, “Old Nassau” also hosted the Continental Congress in 1783 and witnessed a significant British surrender during the Battle of Princeton in 1777. Two bronze tigers—the university’s mascot—stand guard at the entrance, representing both history and the present day.

However, Princeton is anything but stagnant. The campus is in a constant state of transformation—a redesigned university art museum by renowned architect Sir David Frank Adjaye (known for the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.) is set to debut in 2025. The surrounding town has also seen impressive upgrades in recent years, with new roads, dining establishments, shops, a revamped train station, and a sleek Graduate by Hilton hotel enhancing the visitor experience. Now is the perfect time to catch a train from NYC or Philadelphia—both under two hours away—for a weekend filled with leisurely strolls, cultural exploration, sports, and great conversations.

The ideal (and not-so-ideal) times to visit

Fall is an absolutely stunning season to visit, and for all the right reasons: Classes are in session, the campus buzzes with energy (thanks to all that cold brew from Small World Coffee), the foliage is vibrant, and the calendar is packed with lectures, concerts, football games, and theatrical performances. The only time to steer clear of (as a non-alumni) is during Princeton Reunions, which typically occurs on the last weekend of May, when 25,000 alumni return with bags full of orange apparel and an eagerness to celebrate. Tents are set up all over campus, cover bands are booked well in advance, and Budweiser fills orders second only to the Indy 500. There’s even a parade on campus, known as the “P-rade.” Hotels are fully booked during this time, so it’s best to plan your visit for any other time of year.

Accommodation Options in Princeton

The Nassau Inn has long been a staple in the area—perhaps even since the university's inception. Originally known as the College Inn, it served as a tavern and inn for visitors like Paul Revere. Now relocated to Palmer Square, it remains centrally located for exploring the town’s finest shops and dining, featuring the oak-timbered, beer-filled Yankee Doodle Tap Room, a popular meeting spot for lively discussions. (Though, the 157 guest rooms could use some modernization.)

The newly opened Graduate by Hilton Princeton, which launched on August 1, 2024, just two blocks away, has undoubtedly elevated the standards of local accommodations. Recently acquired by Hilton, the Graduate brand operates 38 hotels in university towns across the U.S. and U.K., known for their innovative design and commitment to “celebrating and honoring the vibrant spirit” of each locale. In the concept phase, each hotel engages a collaborative writers’ room that includes students, faculty, alumni, and locals working with the design team to curate decor that captures the essence of a Tiger. The result? In Princeton, it feels as though one of the renowned “eating clubs” has opened its doors to the public. Guests are guided by orange-and-black tiles into the lobby, a blend of a library, British pub, and a hint of Hogwarts. The tufted leather sofas and high-backed mahogany chairs bring to mind the dining halls of Princeton’s residential colleges, while alumni will be thrilled to see the class blazers (bestowed at the 25th reunion) of distinguished graduates displayed behind glass. And speaking of famous faces: Your room key might just feature a likeness of Brooke Shields, mimicking her student ID card.

Nostalgia holds immense power, and the Graduate by Hilton Princeton is sure to charm anyone connected to the university—and honestly, anyone who appreciates a cozy room paired with Ritz-Carlton levels of hospitality. Who could resist the luxurious fabrics and elegant tiger motifs? The meticulous attention to detail (such as framed lyrics of Princeton’s alma mater, “Old Nassau,” on each floor) adds to the ambiance. Even the bedposts have intriguing stories—just ask the front desk about the canes and their unique markings. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and elevated, making it a fantastic addition to the town.

Dining and Drinking Options in Princeton

Take a cue from the students and kickstart your day with a NOLA-style iced coffee (made with chicory, just like in New Orleans) at the original Small World Coffee on Witherspoon Street. This beloved spot has been serving small-batch coffee sourced from around the globe since the early 1990s. Don't forget to pick up a breakfast sandwich and a couple of their famous chocolate chip cookies from Olives delicatessen just up the street; while you're at it, make sure to reserve a table for dinner at Agricola across the street. This always-busy farm-to-table restaurant skillfully utilizes local ingredients to create seasonal delights like NJ corn ravioli and mushroom flatbread. For dinner the following night, secure a reservation at Mediterra, a Mediterranean tavern where every dish is delicious (but the papas bravas are particularly chef’s kiss). You might even find university faculty or trustees dining next to you.

Enjoy happy hour (or even after hours) at the indoor-outdoor patio of Alchemist and Barrister; or try to start a new trend with affogato hour at one of the many ice cream shops around town. Both Halo Pub and The Bent Spoon are just a short walk away, while Thomas Sweet on Nassau Street features a chocolate chip cookie dough flavor I've been loyal to for over 20 years.

In the mood for a dive bar? Ivy Inn is always a sticky-floored blast, and Hoagie Haven satisfies those late-night munchies with its massive, extra-sloppy hoagies (long live the chicken parm).

Activities to Enjoy in Princeton

This is a destination best discovered on foot. Consider allowing the Historical Society of Princeton to lead the way. Its thorough Sunday tour, priced at $15, is one of the best bargains around: a two-hour, two-mile trek through downtown Princeton and across the campus, sharing tales of Nassau Hall, the University Chapel, and the area’s Revolutionary history. They also host nature hikes in Institute Woods, located two miles from Nassau Street, where Albert Einstein and other fellows from the Institute for Advanced Study enjoyed wandering, as well as architecture tours of the historic eating clubs.

Nature enthusiasts should carve out time for the Marquand Park and Arboretum, which was once a 19th-century estate and is now a beautifully maintained public park, showcasing over 140 species of trees, including rare evergreens, a Dawn Redwood, and native beech and hickory.

Had enough history and greenery? Then consider an evening at the McCarter Theatre Center, a Tony-winning regional theater recognized for developing shows that often make it to Broadway. This fall, the stage will feature Empire Records (Sept. 6–Oct. 6), a musical adaptation of the beloved 1995 coming-of-age film centered on the teenage employees of a record store fighting to save their indie shop from corporate takeover. Don’t forget to check out the events at the university’s Lewis Center for the Arts, which frequently hosts both student and professional performances—including contemporary art exhibits, dance shows, and discussions with authors like Joyce Carol Oates—all typically free to the public.

If you, like Flavor Flav, became captivated by women’s water polo during the Paris Summer Olympics, you can catch a glimpse of the future of the program at Princeton’s DeNunzio Pool, where goalie Ashleigh Johnson (class of 2017) played. The roster for the 2024–2025 women’s fencing season includes Olympians Maia Weintraub, class of ’26 (a gold medalist!), Hadley Husisian, ’26, and Tatiana Nazlymov, ’27, while the nationally ranked men’s lacrosse team aims to maintain its top 10 status this fall. Following a successful NCAA run last season, the men’s basketball team begins its new season at home against Iona on November 4.