There’s no better place to settle in than the Nassau Inn. Set in the heart of the vibrant Palmer Square, this historic boutique hotel is the perfect home base for exploring everything this beautiful town has to offer. The Nassau Inn has been a part of Princeton’s story since 1756, and it offers just the right mix of old-school charm and modern comfort. The cozy rooms, inviting common spaces, and legendary Yankee Doodle Tap Room make it feel like a home away from home.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Jammin’ Crepes, just a five-minute walk from the Nassau Inn. The cozy counter-serve joint is a Princeton hotspot for its inventive crepes made with local ingredients. Dig into a sweet crepe like the Banana Cream Pie with homemade banana jam and salted caramel. Or, go savory with the Green Eggs and Ham topped with kale pesto. Pair your meal with a latte or hot tea to fuel up for an exciting day of exploring Princeton.

Head to Princeton University for a self-guided tour of one of the country’s oldest college campuses. Start by checking out the historic portraits inside Nassau Hall, the building that briefly served as the U.S. Capitol over 200 years ago. Explore the Prospect House gardens and admire the stone carvings of Alexander Hall. Don’t miss the Princeton University Chapel, a breathtaking Gothic structure with stained glass windows and a massive organ.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Perch at Peacock Inn. Savor dishes like the grilled steak frites, kale Caesar salad, or the signature Perch burger topped with balsamic bacon jam and gooey raclette cheese.

Embark on a tour of the Morven Museum & Garden, once the New Jersey Governor’s Mansion and the home of a Declaration of Independence signer. Discover rotating exhibits and fascinating galleries like The Struggle for Liberty and The American Spirit of Enterprise. Stroll through meticulously maintained gardens teeming with fruit trees, heirloom plants, fragrant herbs, and seasonal displays.

Keep your self-guided history tour going at Princeton Battlefield State Park. Walk the open fields and pay your respects at the Battle Monument and Colonnade. Don’t leave without visiting the Clarke House Museum to view items from the Revolutionary War, from period furnishings to military artifacts from the Battle of Princeton.

Up for a little souvenir shopping? There’s no better place to go than Palmer Square, home to many boutiques and specialty shops. Walk the tree-lined cobblestone paths and marvel at the Colonial Revival-style buildings. Find unique gifts at The Kiosk, Olsson’s Fine Foods, and Dandelion. For high-end clothing, visit Highbar Boutique, Nic + Zoe, or The Rain of Spain.

The iconic Yankee Doodle Tap Room is steeped in history, from the Norman Rockwell mural to the table where Albert Einstein once carved his name. Slide into a booth by the fireplace or sit at the bar where famous figures like Paul Revere once dined. Embrace the colonial tavern vibes and indulge in elevated comfort food like French onion soup, duck confit poutine, and Wagyu bison meatloaf.

Head to the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park for a scenic walk or bike ride along the D&R Canal Towpath Trail. Bask in views of 19th-century bridges, cobblestone spillways, stone arches, and creeks. Alternatively, visit Marquand Park to see more than 170 types of trees, including rare ones like the Japanese Zelkova. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere on a peaceful walk through shaded trails.

Known as the “Westminster Abbey of the United States,” this cemetery is the final resting place of notable figures like Aaron Burr and Grover Cleveland. Pick up a map for a self-guided tour of its unique gravestones and epitaphs from different historical periods.

Refuel with a farm-to-table meal at Agricola Eatery, a rustic-chic spot with a seasonal menu incorporating ingredients from nearby farms—including their own. Chow down on dishes like jerk shrimp tacos, a crispy chicken sandwich, or a grilled yellowfin tuna salad.

Venture out to Carnegie Lake and rent a kayak or paddleboard. The man-made lake was funded by famed industrialist Andrew Carnegie and is a popular rowing spot for Princeton University’s crew team. Sit back and relax on a slow-paced adventure surrounded by lush scenery and peaceful waters.

For a sweet treat, you won’t want to miss out on The Bent Spoon. Located in Palmer Square, the shop is famous for its small-batch ice cream made with seasonal ingredients to reflect the flavors of New Jersey farms. Fall in love with rotating flavors like honey-vanilla marshmallow, dark chocolate orange, and mint cookie. Or, stick to a classic like vanilla bean and dress it up with homemade fudge or sea salt caramel.