Things to do in New Haven

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New Haven showing a house and a park
New Haven featuring a garden
Photo provided by visitNewHaven.com
Photo provided by visitNewHaven.com

New Haven Attractions

More than a college town, New Haven has long billed itself as the Cultural Capital of New England. Situated on the Long Island Sound between New York and Boston, it's easy to see why. In addition to being home to the United States' second-oldest Ivy League institution, the city of New Haven is a hub of rigorous inquiry and time-honored tradition. A stone's throw from the Yale University campus, museums sprout up beside restaurants like Louis' Lunch, which is reputed to be the birthplace of the hamburger sandwich. Whether you're a theater enthusiast who wants to take in a show, or a scholarly type who enjoys a craft cocktail or two on the weekends, you're sure to find delight in The Elm City.


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What to do in New Haven

Free Things to Do in New Haven

Some say the best things in life are free. Be sure to explore the following around New Haven:

Yale University Art Gallery - Approach the staff or curator and find out about the interesting collections exhibited here.

East Rock Park - If you want to turn up the fun factor during your escape, you can do it here.

Yale University - Amble through this historic place and find out some secrets from yesteryear.

Wooster Square - Stay a while in this lively spot and imagine life as a local resident.

Sterling Memorial Library at Yale University - Stop here for a while and find out the significance of this place to the community.

Center Church on the Green - Enjoy a little quiet reflection and discover a thing or two about this site's spiritual importance.

Lighthouse Point Park - Keep your eyes open for exotic shells and other treasures scattered along the coastline here.

West Rock Ridge State Park - Bring along your camera and let the natural surrounds spark a sense of awe in you.

New Haven Green - If you take pleasure in working in your garden, this place will fascinate your inner green thumb.

Areas & Neighborhoods in New Haven

A 1-hour journey from Bradley International Airport lands you in New Haven, where English Puritans organized one of the United States' first colonies. Almost four centuries later, the settlement of New Haven Green is still the beating heart of New Haven. Nearby, urban and residential neighborhoods beckon, offering something for every type of traveler.

Yale University

A trip to New Haven isn’t complete without a stroll through Yale, which dates back to 1701. In addition to the 19th-century structures on display, sites like the Sterling Memorial Library and the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History appeal to scholarly types and sightseers of all persuasions.

Wooster Square Historic District

Named for an American Revolutionary War hero, the Wooster Square Historic District is New Haven's former Italian enclave. Today, a stand of intoxicating cherry trees reward travelers in spring, while the wafting aroma of garlic and tomato sauce clues in visitors to the presence of the region's best pizza.

Westville

New Haven was the first city in the United States to introduce a public tree-planting program, which inspired its nickname—The Elm City. See New Haven's elms nodding in the breeze during a visit to Westville, an airy neighborhood dotted with cafes, pubs, art galleries, and antique shops.

Crown Street

A beloved after-hours destination, Crown Street offers myriad attractions for academics on study break and travelers on holiday. For live music, head to the College Street Music Hall or Cafe Nine, which showcases local acts in an intimate space.

Things to See in New Haven

From inventor of the cotton gin Eli Whitney to Academy-Award-winning actress Meryl Streep, some of the most famous members of American society have graduated from Yale—many of them from the Yale School of Drama. This helps explain why New Haven is known as a city of playhouses, with plenty of performance halls to drop into during your stay. To get the inside scoop on the future of entertainment in the United States, head to the Yale Repertory Theatre and watch emerging actors perform dramatic pieces by the metropolis’ iconoclastic playwrights. Likewise, you can also settle into plush seats in the Long Wharf Theatre or the Shubert—the sister stage to the distinguished New York City performance space.

Sightseeing in New Haven

Whether New Haven is a single stop on your exploration of Connecticut's Art Trail or you're planning a week-long getaway, there are endless things to do in The Elm City. For a look at New Haven's world-class museums, begin at the Yale University Art Gallery where you'll discover masterpieces from the Ancient Americas through the present day. Nearby, the Yale Center for British Art houses the most extensive collection of British art outside of the United Kingdom, with pieces from the Elizabethan period onward. At the New Haven Museum, historians document the city’s past as a Puritan village that evolved into a major industrial center known as the Arsenal of America at the height of arms manufacturing in the United States. Traveling with young kids? New Haven caters to both the young and the young at heart. Little ones adore the Connecticut Children's Museum and travelers of all ages love Lighthouse Point Park, located at the eastern edge of New Haven Harbor.

Things to Do in New Haven with Kids

New Haven is an excellent destination for a family vacation. Bring the kids along and try these popular family friendly experiences together:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in New Haven? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in New Haven

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in New Haven

New Haven which includes a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing as well as a couple

Downtown New Haven

In the heart of New Haven, this residential downtown area boasts a variety of restaurants, cafes, theaters, and stores. Explore the arts at Chapel Street Historic District, Broadway area, and Ninth Square district, or visit the Shops at Yale.

Downtown New Haven
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Long Wharf

Waterfront district with a mix of commercial, industrial, and recreational facilities, Long Wharf offers attractions like Long Wharf Theatre and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park. Easily accessible via Interstates 95 and 91, and Church Street Bridge.

Long Wharf
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The Hill

Southwesternmost New Haven, this area boasts historic structures, Union Station, and Yale-New Haven Hospital. Explore Trowbridge Square and City Point, or visit the Lupi-Legna Bakery.

The Hill
Stairs detail in an apartment complex

Mill River

If you're spending some time in Mill River, Wooster Square and Thread City Crossing are top sights worth seeing.

Mill River
The incredible dioramas of the Peabody museum at Yale.

Each one has been carefully created. They are fantastic works of art with awesome details. 

The museum is well worth a visit. There are lots of exhibitions including dinosaurs and a great 'touch this' room. 

There's no coffee shop but there is an interesting store #sciencetourist #museum

East Rock

Prominent trap rock ridge East Rock lends its name to this neighborhood, popular among Yale affiliates and cyclists. Explore East Rock Park or visit the lively Upper State Street commercial district.

East Rock
Professional tennis ..

West New Haven

If you're spending some time in West New Haven, Yale Bowl and Yale Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

West New Haven

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from New Haven

Frequently asked questions

Is New Haven worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in New Haven is explore Yale University Art Gallery. Tick this leading attraction off your list, then discover more of the area's dining and history.
How do I spend a day in New Haven?
Kick your day off with a visit to Sandy Point Beach and Lighthouse Point Park. Then, check out other areas of New Haven for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in New Haven?
The top tourist attraction in New Haven is Yale University Art Gallery, so be sure to put it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in New Haven?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off the leading city sights, such as Yale University Art Gallery, Sandy Point Beach and Lighthouse Point Park. The average stay in New Haven is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Milford isn't far away.
Is New Haven a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city center, New Haven is a great place to experience on foot. Wander between Yale University Art Gallery and Peabody Museum of Natural History. Then take a stroll around Downtown New Haven, located 0.1 miles from the center, and Long Wharf, which is roughly 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in New Haven with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all the family, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in New Haven with kids.

What to do in New Haven for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or fan of nature, there are plenty of things to do in New Haven for adults including Stony Creek Brewery and Osborne Homestead Museum.
Are there free things to do in New Haven?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in New Haven. If you need inspiration, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Yale University Art Gallery is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.