Think Princeton is nothing more than a high-brow university town? Think again. While this historic destination is proud (and rightly so) of its world-famous learning institution, consistently ranked one of the top universities globally, Princeton also offers eclectic restaurants designed for foodies, unique culinary classes, fun-to-fancy shopping and a new contemporary hotel. By the way, that’s just for starters.
Get your bearings and begin your exploration by taking a walk with Princeton Tour Company, the number one attraction in town according to Trip Advisor. When you call, ask for Mimi, the owner and enthusiastic Princeton fan. She will fill you in on tour options plus all you need to know about local shopping, dining, and the vibrant arts scene.
As you might imagine, the walking tour begins at the town’s centerpiece, the university, a place not only revered for its academic excellence but for the beauty of its stunning architecture and lush gardens. The new Princeton University Art Museum, scheduled to open Fall 2025, promises to be a treasure trove for art lovers. Four large scale sculptures by renowned artists will make their debut there, adding to the already impressive collection of twentieth and twenty-first century art. The wide-ranging collection represents contemporary to traditional artists including twenty-two works by luminaries such as Alexander Calder, Henry Moore and Louise Nevelson.
The world-famous non-denominational university chapel seating 2,000 people, is the third largest university chapel in the world. Art and architecture aficionados will appreciate the superb Tudor Gothic design, the 25’ silk paintings and over 10,000 square feet of soaring stained-glass windows complimented by intricate stonework and wood carvings. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to hear the massive organ containing nearly 2,000 pipes! Watch for occasional organ concerts, a treat for the senses.
When it comes to legendary figures who have walked these grounds, the list is long and impressive. Famous graduates include Presidents James Madison and Woodrow Wilson to more contemporary notables including First Lady Michelle Obama, Jeff Bezos and Brooke Shields. You may have heard F. Scott Fitzgerld also studied here but unfortunately, he never graduated. His grades weren’t up to par. Just a short walk outside the university gates are the homes of Albert Einstein, Woodrow Wilson and Grover Cleveland. Strolling the streets is like exploring an outdoor museum. History is everywhere.
When lunch time rolls round, feed your body as well as your soul at The Blue Bears Special Meals Cafe in Princeton Shopping Center, a non-profit restaurant that serves authentic French fare thanks to owners, Celine and Eric Guillemot. With a goal of breaking down social barriers, they employ young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Guillemots believe in empowering these young adults through meaningful work and exceptional food, served in a place reminiscent of an atmospheric French country cafe. Buttery croissants, Croque-Monsieur, savory quiches, freshly baked pastries and crusty French bread are part of the menu. Every bite will have you convinced you’ve just arrived in France, while each meal is efficiently brought to your table by special needs young adults beaming with pride. “We want all customers to feel like they are at home in France during a family meal enjoying good traditional food and great service,” says Celine.
After lunch, head to the Lindt Chocolate shop and pick up unique flavors that cannot be found anywhere else, including an assortment of over 20 Lindor Truffle recipes and exclusive European Specialties. It’s a challenge to leave without a bag full.
Another hidden secret at the town’s center is the exceptional fashion found in the local shops surrounding Palmer Square. Name droppers such as Hermes, Ralph Lauren and Lilly Pulitzer are blended with one-of-a-kind specialty boutiques. Especially noteworthy, The Princeton University Art Museum Store. While the shop contains the typical items found in most museum stores, this one has an eye for unique one-of-kind items. Browse the hand-printed silk scarves by local artist Mattoo Alka or handcrafted earrings embellished with semi-precious stones by New York designer Hing Tsui. Check out a natural buffalo horn bangle bracelet by Diane Castellan or Moonstone teardrop necklace by Michelle Pressler, a gifted artist who creates elegant jewelry inspired by nature, architecture and history.
Foodies take note. Ever wonder why mozzarella stretches? Here’s your chance to find out with a hands-on cheese-making class at Olson’s Purveyors of Fine Foods. Located along Palmer Square west, this tiny gourmet shop regularly conducts private cheese-making classes. Step by step, participants mix ingredients and stretch cheese curd while laughing and learning how to make delectable mozzarella or creamy Burrata. And, each student leaves with their own ball of delicious cheese. Reservations are a must. In case you’ve wondered, stretched cheeses are the most consumed cheese variety in the world. That’s probably why these classes fill up fast.
Every once in a while, a new hotel opens in a locale that makes the destination worth the trip. The Graduate is one of them. Nestled in the heart of Nassau Street, it is the first new hotel to be built in Princeton in 90 years and only the second one located downtown. Throughout the property, carefully curated details offer hints to the town’s rich history. One step inside and guests are greeted by a Gothic-inspired lobby featuring a hand-carved wooden reception desk flanked by four statues reminiscent of Princeton’s beloved Tiger mascot. Floor tiles rendered in Princeton’s signature orange and black anchor the lobby, a two-story library-themed space lined with thousands of books and colorfully embroidered vintage reunion jackets—something Princeton graduates receive at their 25th reunion. A commanding 30-foot study table is a nod to the historic libraries on campus and serves as a place for guests to gather.
All too often hotel restaurants are best overlooked. Not here. The bar at Ye Tavern serves up pre-prohibition era cocktails and regional fare in a warm, welcoming environment. Step up to an intricately detailed bar, the focal point of the inviting, open space. When dinner time rolls round, several leather-topped banquettes punctuated with stone-topped tables provide a sophisticated place to dine, linger and share chit chat in a quiet space where your voice can be heard.
Guest rooms are far from neglected when it comes to reflecting the history of the town. Bedside lamps are inspired by the Revolutionary war era cannon buried behind Princeton’s Nassau Hall and even bathrooms showcase the town’s heritage—the wallpaper was inspired by the campus’ renowned arboretum.
Princeton is easy to reach by car or Amtrak train. The Princeton Junction Station is a ten-minute drive to the center of town. Before you leave, be sure to drop by Labyrinth Books and browse their huge selection of new and used books, as well as the valuable first-edition volumes on display behind glass. Expansive in scope, this stunning neighborhood bookstore is a destination worth going out of your way to visit.
Whether you’re intrigued by a nostalgic journey into the past or seeking the vibe of all that’s up and coming in this university town, Princeton offers multiple opportunities for a memorable and timeless getaway.