Danbury, CT

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Litchfield Hills Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Litchfield Hills Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Citycenter Danbury/Litchfield Hills Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Litchfield Hills Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Litchfield Hills Visitors Bureau

Visit the “Hat City” in Connecticut, a laid-back town with glorious parks, lakeside beaches, museums and lively cultural events.

With hatting, railroad and military history, live music, performing arts and lakeside parks, Danbury has a varied selection of attractions. Danbury is in the state of Connecticut and part of the New York metropolitan area. Established by English colonists in the 17th century, Danbury was one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hats from the 1800s to 1950s.

A good place to start your visit is at the Main Street Historic District. Spot Georgian, Italianate and Romanesque landmarks built between the 1700s and 1900s. The Danbury Historical Society preserves several historical buildings, including the Rider House and the Little Red Schoolhouse. Learn about Danbury’s hat-making heritage at the John Dodd Hat Shop. See a collection of antique train carriages and locomotives at the Danbury Railroad Museum.

Catch a local bus to the Military Museum of Southern New England where there are over 10,000 military artifacts, including tank destroyers, weaponry and dioramas. Afterward, shop at some of the 200 retail outlets at Danbury Fair Mall, one of Connecticut’s largest shopping malls.

Throughout Danbury’s warm summer months and snowy winters, the city’s parks provide a bounty of outdoor activities. Find baseball fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts and a playground at Rogers Park. Explore 21 miles (34 kilometers) of hiking trails or go cross-country skiing at Tarrywile Park and Mansion. Spend a day swimming, kayaking or relaxing on a lake beach at Candlewood Town Park.

Danbury has a great offering of music and cultural events. Watch well-known bands and musicians at Ives Concert Park. This picturesque outdoor arena also hosts jazz, reggae and Latin music festivals. Attend film festivals, comedy performances and concerts at the historic Palace Theater. Shop at a farmers market and enjoy free summer concerts and open-air theater productions at City Center Danbury Green.

Danbury is just over a 1-hour drive from both New Haven and New York. It’s well connected by intercity trains and buses, thus an ideal destination for daytrips to the fascinating neighborhoods of the “Big Apple.” Rent a car and visit Connecticut’s excellent ski resorts such as Mohawk Mountain and Mount Southington.

This travel guide was produced with the assistance of the Western CT Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Where to stay in Danbury

Danbury which includes music, a festival and night scenes

Main Street Historic District

Downtown Danbury boasts a vibrant Main Street Historic District, featuring government buildings, churches, and commercial establishments with a mix of architectural styles. Ives Street, the Dining and Entertainment District, offers a lively atmosphere with various restaurants and nightclubs.

Main Street Historic District
Hotel Zero Degrees Danbury
Hotel Zero Degrees Danbury
4 out of 5
15 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$170 nightly
The price is $196 total per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
$196 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Danbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"Clean hotel, nice aesthetic"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Hotel Zero Degrees Danbury
Maron Hotel And Suites
Maron Hotel And Suites
2.5 out of 5
42 Lake Avenue Ext, Danbury, CT
$84 nightly
The price is $97 total per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
$97 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Danbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"When I got there the room had been cancelled due to air-conditioning issues, Eventually they found a cool room but I had to pay $119 again."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Maron Hotel And Suites
Ethan Allen Hotel
Ethan Allen Hotel
3.5 out of 5
21 Lake Avenue Extension, I-84 at Exit 4, Danbury, CT
$101 nightly
The price is $116 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$116 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Danbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Lean, safe & friendly"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Ethan Allen Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful Renovated Direct Waterfront Candlewood Lake Home~Views~Weekly Discount
Beautiful Renovated Direct Waterfront Candlewood Lake Home~Views~Weekly Discount
Danbury
Stay at this vacation home in Danbury. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Candlewood Lake and Bear Mountain Reservation are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Lakefront
"Property was beautiful When we arrived read the guest book to learn we could not swim off the dock, very disappointed"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Beautiful Renovated Direct Waterfront Candlewood Lake Home~Views~Weekly Discount
My favorite place!
My favorite place!
2 out of 5
Danbury
Stay at this vacation home in Danbury. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Tarrywile Park and Mansion and Hearthstone Castle are ...
My favorite place!
Candlewood Lakefront 3bd/ 2 bath house w/ 180 degree views!
Candlewood Lakefront 3bd/ 2 bath house w/ 180 degree views!
Danbury
Stay at this vacation home in Danbury. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Candlewood Lake and Bear Mountain Reservation are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
Wonderful Candlewood Lake House
"We really enjoyed totally this Candlewood lake house. it has a fantastic view and a large, beautiful lawn with a fire pit. The owner was a pleasure to work with and she even allowed us to check in a few hours early.The house is fully stocked with everything we needed. The views are fabulous, but ..."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Candlewood Lakefront 3bd/ 2 bath house w/ 180 degree views!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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