CitiesGood to know

Trenton

New Jersey

New Jersey's capital, where George Washington won his surprise 1776 Christmas victory.

Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0

After crossing the icy Delaware, Washington's army defeated the Hessians here. The Old Barracks still stands.

Best Time
Spring and fall
Time Needed
Half a day
Cost Level
$$$$
Open
Year-round
Getting There
On Amtrak and NJ Transit, about 1 hour from New York or 40 minutes from Philadelphia.

What to See

1 of 3 are free
1–2 hours

Old Barracks Museum

A 1758 barracks from the French and Indian War.

Free1–2 hours

Washington Crossing State Park

Across the river, where Washington crossed.

1–2 hours

New Jersey State Museum

Dinosaurs, art and history, with a planetarium.

Know Before You Go

  • Check opening hours before you go, especially on weekends and at state buildings.

Where to Stay

Stay downtown.

Where to Eat

Our picks are on the way.

Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.

Something wrong or out of date?

Traveler Reviews

Sign in and mark Trenton as visited to write a review.

Go Next

Must-See
Cities · Revolutionary history

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

Where the Declaration and the Constitution were signed, with a great food scene around it.

Full Guide
Must-See
Cities · Museums

New York City

New York

The city that sets the bar for every other city.

Full Guide
If You're Nearby
Beaches · Boardwalks

Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore

New Jersey

America's first boardwalk, casinos and saltwater taffy, on the long sandy Jersey Shore.

Full Guide

Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Mid-Atlantic list.