Fort Lee
Sourced from Wikivoyage. Text is available under the CC-by-SA 3.0 license.
Fort Lee is a city in Bergen County.Understand
Fort Lee is located between the Paramus, NJ retail corridor and Upper Manhattan. This town is comprised of a large residential community that includes Fort Lee natives, transplants from New York, and immigrants, especially from Korea. This cultural diversity is represented through the vast variety of international restaurants and small business, and in particular, there is a strong Korean presence that can be seen in retail and dining storefronts.
Fort Lee is a small town but is piled high with apartment buildings. Because Fort Lee is situated above the banks of the Hudson River, there are breathtaking views from almost any window facing the river. The New York City skyline and 4th of July fireworks are spectacular over the river. Although it is highly built up, Fort Lee also houses many playing fields and recreational parks as well as bike and running trails. And although there is a great deal of vehicle traffic to and from the George Washington Bridge, which connects Fort Lee with Manhattan, one of the largest perks of this town is the walking access to many restaurants, convenience stores and mass transit, in the form of buses and vans that frequently run across the bridge and up and down major streets.
Fort Lee is a small town but is piled high with apartment buildings. Because Fort Lee is situated above the banks of the Hudson River, there are breathtaking views from almost any window facing the river. The New York City skyline and 4th of July fireworks are spectacular over the river. Although it is highly built up, Fort Lee also houses many playing fields and recreational parks as well as bike and running trails. And although there is a great deal of vehicle traffic to and from the George Washington Bridge, which connects Fort Lee with Manhattan, one of the largest perks of this town is the walking access to many restaurants, convenience stores and mass transit, in the form of buses and vans that frequently run across the bridge and up and down major streets.
Get in
By car
Being the home to the George Washington Bridge, it’s understandable Fort Lee would be easy to traverse in a car, whether passing by or doing local travel. In transit to the city, most of the highways cut through the the northern neighborhoods and residential areas, such as: Interstate 95 and the New Jersey Turnpike, US Highway 1-9, US Highway 46, and NJ State Route 4. The Palisades Interstate Parkway also runs north-south of the city, heading north along the Palisades after entering New Jersey, while US Highway 9W runs parallel to the PIP going north of Fort Lee. Together, I-95/New Jersey Turnpike, US Highway 1-9, US Highway 46, US Highway 9W, and NJ State Route 67 (running above those aforementioned highways on a north-south route) form the George Washington Bridge Plaza, where all of those highways converge from the GWB toll plaza, to the bridge itself crossing over to New York. If coming from New York City, take the George Washington Bridge; Fort Lee is the first town on the New Jersey side of the bridge, and the first of several exits for those highways.By bus or jitney
Fort Lee’s primary bus stop is at the foot of the George Washington Bridge Bus Plaza (GWBP), where there’s bus service offered by New Jersey Transit, Rockland Coaches, or Spanish Transportation (“dollar buses/vans” usually with a green color). Eastbound, all routes go to either the George Washington Bus Station in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, or to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Westbound, the destinations would usually differ between the different transit carriers. New Jersey Tranist buses transport their customers between local stops in Fort Lee, and out of town in Bergen/Passaic/Hudson Counties. Rockland Coaches offers service between Fort Lee and Rockland County, New York. Spanish Transportation offers bus routes either on their Route 4 service , terminating at Paterson’s Broadway Bus Terminal, or their Bergenline service, traveling down Bergeline Avenue to Jersey City’s Newport Mall. Some of New Jersey Transit’s buses run for 24 hours.Ask any bus or jitney driver leaving from the Port Authority George Washington Bus Station on 177 St. whether s/he can let you off in Fort Lee.
By ferry
Although there isn’t a ferry within the city itself, Fort Lee can also be accessed by boat or ferry from New York City via Edgewater (Edgewater Ferry Landing) and Weehawken (Port Imperial Ferry) docks, on the NY Waterway service.By plane
The nearest airports to Fort Lee are Newark Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Teterboro (TEB) (general aviation only), JFK and Westchester County Airport.By Foot
With the George Washington Bridge not only doubling as an iconic landmark for the city, but as a crucial connection to New York City’s northern neighborhoods (and beyond), fortunately it allows for pedestrian and bike travel, with two different walkways (north, or south). From 6AM-12AM, the paths are open for travelers to walk between Fort Lee, and New York City, usually the south walkway is opened unless if maintenance/construction is done. On average, it would take 20-25 minutes to traverse the nearly 1 mile span, and 10 minutes (or less) on bike. The north walkway has a convenient pathway to the Palisades Interstate Park, while the south walkway is in easy reach of Fort Lee Historic Park.Get around
For local transportation or air-port/train station services, there are several local taxi companies that are reliable.
-
phone: +1 201 944-3737address: 2470 Lemoine Ave
-
phone: +1 201 944-6800address: 185 Bridge Plaza North
-
G W Taxi
phone: +1 201 363-0555address: 1696 Bergen Blvd
See
-
phone: +1 201 461-1776address: Hudson TerraceRevolutionary re-enactments, and breathtaking views of the GW Bridge, the Little Red Light House, Hudson River and majestic city skyline.
- Alongside the banks of the Hudson River, you can also see the Palisades Interstate Park. There’s a few hiking trails in Fort Lee to go either to the upper/main level paths, but there’s no entrance for cars themselves in Fort Lee, the southern entrance is shortly after crossing into Edgewater. It’s a popular park for watercraft, hiking, fishing, and camping.
- The George Washington Bridge can be crossed by bicycle or on foot as well as in a motorized vehicle. Open 6AM-12AM for pedestrians/bikers.
Do
-
Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center
phone: +1 201-592-4699address: 1355 Inwood TerraceContact for membership information, and upcoming events. - iPic Hudson Lights, 2023 Hudson St. +1 (201) 582-7100 . Premium movie theater chain at the Hudson Lights complex, offering dine-in options and drinks. Also has a full fledged bar/restaurant inside (City Perch).
Buy
There is an abundance of supermarkets, one the most famous and unique being Caffasso's Fairway Market.
There are also many nail salons, frozen yogurt shops, coffee shops and gas stations.
Main Street is the primary retail section of Fort Lee, and features stores such as Borders and liquor stores, and you can find a deli or drug store on every corner. There are tons of specialty boutiques and gourmet caterers, as well as clothing and sporting good retailers. Also on Main St. is Metropolitan Plants, a haven for flower lovers, with a very large selection of products for gardeners.
There are also many nail salons, frozen yogurt shops, coffee shops and gas stations.
-
phone: +1 201-224-7900address: 1214 Anderson Ave
Main Street is the primary retail section of Fort Lee, and features stores such as Borders and liquor stores, and you can find a deli or drug store on every corner. There are tons of specialty boutiques and gourmet caterers, as well as clothing and sporting good retailers. Also on Main St. is Metropolitan Plants, a haven for flower lovers, with a very large selection of products for gardeners.
Eat
Within Fort Lee, the main attraction would be its collection of restaurants. Fort Lee offers international cuisine and is famous for their pizzerias, delis and 24-hour diners, in addition to its Korean restaurants. They have a warm local atmosphere and taste great.
-
phone: +1 201 461-422address: 144 Main StArmando's Restaurant has been a family owned business for 25 years and is a casual dining experience in an upscale, yet relaxed atmosphere. Great for special occasions, and has banquet room for private parties. $$
-
phone: +1 201-947-2500address: 16 Main StServing southern Italian food since 1984. Their menu ranges from steak, seafood and pasta, and this family-oriented restaurant also has a great cocktail menu, and separates their bar from the dining area. $$
-
phone: +1 201 947-2050address: 1611 Palisade AveA family business turned franchise. The definition of success, as a couple from Greece opened their first location locally they now operate 9 restaurants.They have also franchised the name and are looking to expand. Each restaurant is friendly, has a comfortable atmosphere and sparks a desire for Greek food and specialties. The sunny Greek Island decor is the restaurant's signature and provides a cheerful atmosphere for an informal and moderately priced lunch or dinner. $
-
phone: +1 201-461-0444address: 124 Main StSpecializes in Canadian baby back ribs and steaks, in very large portions! A mature atmosphere and bar scene is often present at JD's but it is certainly a great place for a family dinner to remember. $
-
Sally Ling's
phone: +1 201-346-1282address: 1636 Palisade Ave # 5Authentic Chinese cuisine. More of an upscale atmosphere, with an extensive menu for lunch of dinner. $ -
Baggio's
phone: +1 201-585-7979address: 210 Main StA cute place to fall in for lunch or dinner, and has great delivery service available. Reasonably priced, Baggio's makes an authentic Italian pizza, and other specialties. $ -
Linwood Pizza
phone: +1 201 461-422address: 144 Main StGreat pizza, a favorite of Fort Lee Police Department and many other locals. Open late, and great for late night snacks, or to order in for the big game. -
Hirams Roadstand
phone: +1 201 592-960address: 1345 Palisade AveThis "joint" is the real deal for burgers, fries, and famous hot dogs. For a small price to pay, you will be talking and dreaming about this meal for years to come. It's a one of a kind, ma and pop shop, sure to please everyone! -
Pizza King Restaurant
phone: +1 201 224-3070address: 807 Abbott BlvdFamily-ran pizzeria and restaurant. Native to Calabria, Italy, this family's business has thrived for almost 4 decades. Dine in or take out. -
Plaza Diner
phone: +1 201-944-8681address: 2045 Lemoine Ave -
phone: +1 201-944-8699address: 2053 Lemoine AveKorean BBQ Restaurant
Drink
There are many bars within restaurants, and almost every restaurant has a liquor license, or is BYOB.
Sleep
-
phone: +1 201-461-9000address: 2117 Route 4 EastOn the outskirts of town.
-
phone: +1 201-944-5000address: 2339 Route 4 EastNear the Double Tree, this hotel offers a similar landscape, with lower rates and comparable amenities.
-
address: 2300 Route 4 WestAcross Rt. 4 from the Holiday Inn. This hotel is a little more secluded from the busy roadways, and offers great group rates. This is located on Rt 4 West Bound, and does not have as much of a view as the others situated on a mountainside. Good for people who are spending most of their time in New York City, and definitely not a destination hotel.
Connect
The Borough of Fort Lee, Town HallHere you can find information about the involvement of Fort Lee residents in the community as well as many of their municipalities. Information also includes upcoming events in the town.