On Saturday, the Philadelphia Union hit the road once again, traveling to Harrison, New Jersey, to take on Red Bull New York in what always promises to be a tough, physical contest between the two Eastern Conference rivals.

Are you heading up to Sports Illustrated Stadium for either a day trip or a weekend getaway? If so, there are plenty of things to see and check out in the area.

With that said, let’s take a look at a few spots to check out while you are in town for the match. If you have any additional travel questions, feel free to reach out to me at my travel email: Kyle@madhatteradv.com.

Places to Visit

The area that includes the town of Harrison was originally part of a land grant given to Captain William Sandford of the Barbados Islands. The 30,000-acre grant was situated between the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers and extended from Newark Bay to what is present-day Rutherford. Sandford named the region “New Barbados Neck” after his home. He sent his nephew, Major Nathaniel Kingsland, to enter into an agreement to purchase the land from the Unami tribe, a branch of the Lenni Lenape, the original inhabitants of the area.

With that said, here are a few recommendations to check out before or after the match.

The Newark Museum of Art

The Newark Museum, the largest museum in New Jersey, invites you to enjoy unforgettable experiences in the arts and natural sciences. Take an inspirational journey through 80 galleries featuring world-class collections including American, Asian, African, and Classical works.

Website: https://newarkmuseumart.org/

Sea Life New Jersey

Escape into a breathtaking underwater tunnel, come face-to-fin with sharks and rays, touch a sticky anemone, and explore more than 10 exciting exhibits inspired by New York’s most memorable landmarks and experiences. No flippers required.

Website: https://www.visitsealife.com/new-jersey/

Liberty Science Center

A 300,000-square-foot learning center located in Liberty State Park on the Jersey City bank of the Hudson near the Statue of Liberty. The Science Center houses 12 exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, giant aquariums, a 3D theater, live simulcast surgeries, hurricane- and tornado-force wind simulators, K-12 classrooms and labs, teacher-development programs, and the Western Hemisphere’s largest planetarium—the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium and LSC Giant Dome Theater.

Website: https://www.lsc.org/

Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park is a public waterfront park along the Passaic River in Newark, New Jersey. Developed in phases beginning in 2012, it has reconnected residents with the river after more than a century of limited public access and has become one of the city’s signature outdoor recreation spaces.

Ironbound District

The Ironbound District is a vibrant neighborhood in Newark, celebrated for its multicultural character, walkable commercial streets, and one of the Northeast’s best-known Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian dining scenes.

Food and Drink

The town’s proximity to Newark’s Ironbound District further expands the dining options, making the area a destination for authentic international cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a quick café, a neighborhood pub, or a hearty ethnic meal before a match at Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison offers a variety of flavors that reflect its multicultural community.

O’Donnell’s Pub
At O’Donnell’s Pub, it’s all about Real Guinness, real single malt whisky, real micro-brewed beers, real live and original music, and most importantly, a real Irish welcome.

Website: https://www.odonnellspub.com/

Keepers
Some places just feel like home. Keepers is one of those places. With warm lighting, easy laughter, and good times, this neighborhood bar and grill is inspired by great company, unforgettable moments, and a touch of nostalgia.

Website: https://www.keepers-nj.com/

Spanish Pavilion
Discover Spain in your neighborhood at Spanish Pavilion. Enjoy exclusive happy hour daily from 3 pm to 7 pm with handpicked drink and food specials. Sip on sangrias, premium beers, and wines crafted to perfection—all at wallet-friendly prices.

Website: https://spanishpavillion.com/

The Parc Tavern
Serving American comfort fare and craft cocktails in a welcoming atmosphere, The Parc Tavern is a great spot to catch your favorite sports teams and pay-per-view events. The menu has something for everyone, including vegan options.

Website: https://theparcnj.com/

La Fiamma

La Fiamma is a long-running Italian restaurant in Harrison, New Jersey, known for traditional regional Italian cuisine, attentive service, and a classic dining room with white tablecloths and a wood-accented bar.

Website: https://www.lafiammanj.com/

Takorea BBQ

Takorea BBQ is a Korean–Mexican fusion restaurant in Harrison, New Jersey, known for combining Korean barbecue flavors with tacos, burritos, bowls, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. 

Website: https://www.takoreabbq.com/

Do you have any places that you would recommend when heading to Sports Illustrated Stadium? Comment below and they might be included in a future travel article.

Safe travels this weekend and enjoy your time in Harrison New Jersey.

Main article photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Union