Things to do & places to visit in New Haven, Connecticut, United States

The home to Yale University since 1701, the city of New Haven is packed with an unrivaled collection of arts and antiquities, with collections ranging from natural history specimens to antique musical instruments. The towering translucent marble cube of the Beinecke Library contains 600,000 rare volumes, including one of the only surviving Gutenberg Bibles. The Yale University Art Gallery is as famous for its collection as it is for its building, a Modernist masterpiece designed by Louis Kahn.

New Haven city in Connecticut, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Wednesday, May 01, 2024, 19:49.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Yale University Art Gallery (972 reviews)
- Wonderfully diverse collection
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest college art museum in America. The Gallery’s encyclopedic holdings of more than 250,000 objects range from ancient times to the present day and represent civilizations from around the globe. Spanning a block and a half of the city of New Haven, Connecticut, the Gallery comprises three architecturally distinct buildings, including a masterpiece of modern architecture from 1953 designed by Louis Kahn through which visitors enter. The museum is free and open to the public. See more..
5.0 Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library (278 reviews)
- Beautiful building inside
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Libraries

This was a highlight of our time in new haven. Absolutely worth a trek across campus to find. The building is truly a marvel. The translucent marble is a special thing to see. My favorite exhibit was the Audubon illustrations. Even the Gutenberg Bible was much more colorful than I had expected. See more..
5.0 Escape New Haven (255 reviews)
- A New Haven "must do"
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Escape the room at Escape New Haven, an adventure for your mind and senses. Teams of 2-5 players are "locked" in one or more of our 4 themed games and have 60 minutes to puzzle their way out, unearthing new challenges along the way. Great for families, birthday parties, corporate team-building, groups of friends, reunions, and more. Explore, adapt, work together, think creatively -- and you just might ESCAPE! See more..
5.0 St. Mary's Church (10 reviews)
- Crown jewel of Hillhouse
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

St. Mary's is the second oldest Catholic Church in CT. In 2021 the John Canning & Co. earned the Bulfinch Award for renovations completed, restoring the church to much of it's original glory. Pilgrimages to the tomb of Bl. Fr. McGivney and to the Shrine of the Infant of Prague are highly encouraged. The church is beautiful, stately and spiritually vibrant. See more..
4.5 Yale University (826 reviews)
- What an Amazing Insitution
Educational sites

One of the country's oldest and most prestigious universities. See more..
4.5 Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History (565 reviews)
- Great museum that will open in the future.
Natural History Museums

This museum has a diverse collection ranging from Indian artifacts to Egyptian art to a large bird collection. See more..
4.5 Yale Center for British Art (367 reviews)
- Great collection in a remarkable building.
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

As a COVID-19 precaution, the Yale Center for British Art is closed until further notice. We are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our visitors and staff. Note that all March and April tours are canceled, and many upcoming programs are canceled or postponed. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your support and understanding. Please continue to check britishart.yale.edu for updates. Posted: March 13, 2020 See more..
4.5 East Rock Park (184 reviews)
- Great View from the top.
Parks

Take your pick of routes up to the view: paved but winding road, or the shorter, but mildly rougher, often steeper walking trails. Major note: the road to the top is closed (review written May 18. '20) to vehicular traffic - walkers, bikers, (and apparently motor bikes, we saw two) are the only ones allowed. It makes for a peaceful walk. Parking lot on north end off Davis Rd is open - the entrance lane has a misleading "Road Closed" sign, but is open up to the actual parking lot entrance, and then is closed. We were amazed at one high viewing point with no fence or guard rail, open right up to the high and steep drop off. That would be a place to keep adventurous kids tightly held by your hand. The top has an impressive memorial to the four wars between the Revolutionary and the Civil, an 1886 tower which is seen from I-95 among other places. See more..
4.5 Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center (136 reviews)
- It's worth it
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center advances the vision of Knights of Columbus founder Blessed Michael J. McGivney (1852-1890). It welcomes all to learn about this holy priest’s life & legacy, imitate his benevolent outreach to the needy & outcast, and invoke his heavenly intercession. The Center also serves as an archive for the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council & maintains a permanent gallery showcasing the organization's history. The Center is located at 1 State Street in New Haven, CT, conveniently off the downtown exit from either I-91 or I-95. It is three blocks from Union Station (Amtrak, Hartford Line, Metro-North Railroad, Shoreline East Railroad and Greyhound). Open daily 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission & parking. See more..
4.5 Shubert Theater (122 reviews)
- To Kill a Mockingbird
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Theaters

This theater features Broadway shows. See more..
4.5 Long Wharf Theatre (115 reviews)
- Intimate venue.... great staff!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theaters

A theatre that features Broadway shows. See more..
4.5 Chapel Street (87 reviews)
- Yale Night Life
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Yale's college crowd street with bookstores and coffee houses. See more..
4.5 Grove Street Cemetery (80 reviews)
- Very old and beautiful cemetery
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Cemeteries

I am an amateur genealogist and have been a volunteer for findagrave.org for about 6 years. I visited this cemetery after taking a tour of the crypt under one of the churches on the New Haven Green. The monuments and family plots are extremely ornate and beautiful. They are still in incredible shape after 200 years or more! It is a peaceful place and the history of the cities prominent families and not so prominent families is chronicled there. Lots can be learned from the birth and death dates of the remains interred there and in every cemetery. It is worth a leisurely walk through the gravesites. I intend to go back with a list of the stones that people have requested photos of for findagrave.com. Also, a plus......... parking is free within the cemetery walls. See more..
4.5 Edgerton Park (57 reviews)
- A green space jewel
Parks

Edgerton Park was donated by Frederick Brewster. Interesting history, feastures conservancy, community gardens, plays/festivals, greenhouses. See more..
4.5 Yale Repertory Theatre (53 reviews)
- A semi-annual event
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Yale Repertory Theatre, the internationally celebrated professional theatre in residence at Yale School of Drama, has championed new work since 1966, producing well over 100 premieres—including two Pulitzer Prize winners and four other nominated finalists—by emerging and established playwrights. Seventeen Yale Rep productions have advanced to Broadway, garnering more than 40 Tony Award nominations and 10 Tony Awards. Yale Rep is also the recipient of the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Established in 2008, Yale’s Binger Center for New Theatre has distinguished itself as one of the nation’s most robust and innovative new play programs, supporting the work of more than 50 commissioned artists and underwriting the world premieres and subsequent productions of more than two dozen new American plays and musicals at Yale Rep and theatres across the country. See more..
4.5 New Haven Museum (52 reviews)
- A gem hidden in plain sight
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

I've driven past this museum for years and finally went in for a visit. Free parking in the rear of the museum and free admission thanks to a library pass started the trip out on a high note, and our experience exceeded expectations. The history of New Haven exhibit takes you from colonial days up to the mid 1900s with artifacts (Eli Whitney's cotton gin!), paintings, maps that were fascinating to examine in detail, interesting explanations, and even audio guides with interesting details read by enthusiastic narrators playing historical figures. There is also an Amistad exhibit on the first floor, and a decorative arts display with a period room. I was especially taken with the handmade dollhouse from the 1800s that's jam packed with details and has illumination available. Upstairs, the circular gallery was home to an interesting exhibit on New Haven's own "Monuments Man" and his experiences in WWII. The "Made in New Haven" exhibit was interesting and child friendly, with interactive postcards and a make your own pizza game available. We were encouraged to unlace the corset on display and try it on ourselves, but I couldn't convince my travel companion to pose for a photo! By the time I reached the maritime exhibit, my attention was wandering a bit but it included some lovely paintings and information about the local oystering industry. And the exhibit about the openings at the local Shubert Theater was entertaining as well. There are restrooms and an elevator, as well as a small gift shop. Serious researchers are invited into the library, and there is an auditorium on the upper level. No food or drink is permitted in the museum and indeed none is available (although a short walk brings you to many choices downtown). See more..
4.5 College Street Music Hall (43 reviews)
- New Haven, it's come a long way
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

We loved New Haven! It was fun, and clean and lots of energy! People were walking everywhere. Last time we went to New Haven it was dirty and unfriendly. We were only in the Yale University area of New Haven outside of there it may not be as nice.... Loved the College Music Hall, great venue and the renovation of the Graduate Hotel was outstanding...WOW, so beautiful and comfortable!! See more..
4.5 Center Church (31 reviews)
- Crypt
Cemeteries • Churches & Cathedrals

Public tour hours are 11am (tours start) to 1pm (final tour ends) on Saturdays, from April to the end of October. See more..
4.5 Yale Collection of Musical Instruments (25 reviews)
- Pleasant Find for a Quiet Break
Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

One of the foremost institutions of its kind, the Collection acquires, preserves, and exhibits musical instruments from antiquity to the present, featuring restored examples in demonstration and live performance. See more..
4.5 Trinity Episcopal Church on the Green (20 reviews)
- Beautiful church
Religious Sites

We attended a wedding at the church and enjoyed the beautiful sanctuary and music by the choir and organ. It is a great place for a wedding. See more..
4.5 Connecticut Children's Museum (15 reviews)
- In a great green room...
Wednesday: Children's Museums

Interactive, innovative and inclusive museum with hands-on exhibits, observation bee hive, the Great Green Room from Goodnight Moon, and a post office. Each of the 8 exhibits is inspired by the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, articulated by Harvard psychologist, Howard Gardner. This is a rich and resourceful, cutting edge educational theory, which recognizes the multiplicity of children's intelligences and honors the different ways children learn. See more..
4.5 New Haven Symphony Orchestra (12 reviews)
- Music will calm your inner savage beast
Symphonies

We recently attended the season opening performance of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. Tchaikovsky 5th Symphony was the order of the evening. One of the most beautiful pieces of music simply executed to perfection. You become wrapped up in the highs and lows of this musical genius' work and the excellence of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra's attention to detail is a delight. We very highly suggest that you purchase your tickets to see and listen to this ensemble of professional musicians. It is an evening money and time well spent. See more..
4.0 Little Italy (110 reviews)
- Viva Italia
Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Neighborhoods

I grew up in New Haven in the 50s. I feared Little Italy would have been homogenized into standard "amerika" by now. Not so. Great Italian food. Place after place. And Wooster Square has been preserved so it gives a wonderful glimpse into New Haven life 100 years ago. Go! See more..
4.0 Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park (108 reviews)
- Gorgeous Carousel
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is an absolutely gorgeous carousel. We are members of the National Carousel Association, so we came to see it. Put together by the Murphy Brothers, it has mostly horses carved by Charles Carmel but also a few Charles Looff horses and camel. Each animal is extremely well carved, deeply detailed and seamlessly painted. This carousel is well worth riding. The beach is also beautiful. It’s also a shell collector’s paradise. See more..
4.0 New Haven Railroad Station (95 reviews)
- Classic restored downtown train station, with overview of its history
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

This is a classic restored downtown train station, with displaying inside providing an overview of its history as a railroad depot. A nice touch for each waiting room bench was a display case showing different classic New Haven Railroad trains from over the years; each as a Lionel train set. A must visit for railroad & toy train fans. See more..
4.0 Five Mile Point Light (51 reviews)
- Off-season light house visit
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

We visited in mid-April when there was no admission fee. Plenty of parking and easy access to the lighthouse, and beach. Everything is closed during the night off season, including bathrooms, but there is one port-a-potty near the parking lot. The views were wonderful. We had a great time looking at shells and other sea life. There are picnic tables and a pavilion as well. We probably spent about an hour here. I can't imagine spending $30/day. See more..
4.0 Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge (35 reviews)
- Amazing improvement
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Bridges

Been living in New Haven County for majority of my life (45+) and grew up on Interstate 95. From holidays to vacations and many shopping events, crossing the the river has always been a pain. It was so bad that I originally was going to move to the Branford area, but dealing with the bridge was not worth it. Finally the state upgraded the bridge and it's great. The traffic is mlm uch less and it is an engineering marvel, especially at night. See more..
4.0 City Hall (16 reviews)
- Beautiful Historic Building with Cool Surprise Inside
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Government Buildings

It is so nice to find an old historic building that has been cared for and is still in use as originally planned. Built in 1861, it has a gorgeous victorian gothic facade and beautiful ironwork staircase at the entrance. There is a 1909 Westinghouse antique fire engine, which was built in New Haven, at the east end of the first floor. Anyone visiting the downtown area with children should take a moment for the kids to see this immaculately restored piece of history. See more..
3.5 New Haven Green (166 reviews)
- A haven in New Haven
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

A lovely park to relax in. Close to the centre of New Haven and easy to access. Lots of lovely spots to sit. See more..
3.5 Fort Hale Park (21 reviews)
- Great walk
Historic Sites • Parks

Fun walk from here to the lighthouse. All along the shore with a nice path. Nice to get away for fresh air during COVID. See more..