Things To Do In New Haven, Connecticut
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New Haven, Connecticut blends historic charm, cultural depth, and a surprisingly vibrant food and arts scene. Home to world-class museums, iconic architecture, waterfront parks, and some of the best pizza in the country, the city offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a weekend, this guide highlights the best things to do in New Haven.
Tour Yale University’s Campus
Taking a tour of Yale University’s campus offers a close look at its stunning Gothic architecture and historic campus. Guides share insights about the school’s traditions, academic programs, and notable alumni. The experience gives visitors a clear sense of Yale’s vibrant intellectual and student life. However, you can always explore on your own for free.
Tour Tickets: Yale University Student-Led Campus Tour
Lighthouse Point Park
Lighthouse Point Park is home to the historic Five Mile Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1847. The park has a beach, walking trails, a bird sanctuary, a playground, and a carousel. You can also see the New Haven skyline from the park. If you go during the regular season, it will cost you to get in. I tend to go in the off-season when I don’t have to pay.
Learn more about visiting: Lighthouse Point Park New Haven
East Rock Park
East Rock Park in New Haven has a ton of trails to explore. There are multiple peaks you can hike to within the park. There’s a 5-mile loop you can take to really see most of the viewpoints in the park. You can also just hike to the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, which has panoramic views of New Haven and Long Island Sound. If you’re not into hiking, you can drive to the top where the monument is or check out the Eli Whitney Museum.
Discover more parks around the state: Best Parks In Connecticut
Yale Peabody Museum
The Peabody Museum in New Haven is a great spot to visit that’s completely free. In the museum, you’ll find dinosaur fossils, artifacts, and even some live animals on the third floor. Parking is very limited, but there are garages that you can park in if the lot is full. Their website has helpful parking information.
Yale Art Gallery
Another great free thing to do on Yale’s campus is the Yale Art Gallery. I’m not necessarily super into art, but I actually really enjoyed my visit. The building itself is gorgeous, but there’s also a variety of art from ancient art to contemporary art. My personal favorite was seeing two rooms from Connecticut historic homes on display in the museum. My second favorite was the ancient art.
Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
This library building is not only architecturally unique, but just overall super cool to check out whether you’re interested in books or not. The public is able to check out the ground floor and the mezzanine in the library. There’s an exhibition hall to check out that’s pretty interesting. It’s completely free to visit.
Sterling Memorial Library
This library in the heart of Yale’s central campus is the largest library at the university and one of the most iconic buildings on campus. The building was built in the Collegiate Gothic style to resemble a European cathedral. The building is absolutely gorgeous and it’s open to the public to explore.
Wooster Square Park
Wooster Square Park in New Haven offers a peaceful break surrounded by historic brownstones and tree-lined paths. The park is especially popular in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It’s a great spot for a walk, a picnic, or a quiet moment in the city.
Louis’ Lunch
Louis’ Lunch in downtown New Haven is the birthplace of the hamburger sandwich. They have been preparing their hamburger the same way since 1895. Burgers are served on toasted bread with your choice of cheese, tomato, and/or onion. I got mine with cheese and onion and it was absolutely delicious. This spot is absolutely worth checking out for both the food and the history.
BAR
Visiting BAR in New Haven is a must for pizza lovers, known for its coal-fired pies with a perfectly thin and crisp crust. The casual, energetic atmosphere makes it a fun place to gather with friends. Along with pizza, BAR is also popular for its house-brewed beers and its nightclub.
East Rock Brewing Company
East Rock Brewing Company offers a laid-back taproom experience with a strong focus on European-style lagers and ales. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it an easy stop for both locals and visitors. It’s a great place to enjoy a well-crafted beer without the crowds or fuss.
IT Adventures Rope Course
IT Adventure Ropes Course in Jordan’s Furniture is the world’s largest indoor ropes course. There are four stories of rope courses on each side of the room. You can get to the different sides via zip line. It’s a lot of fun and it’s a great kid-friendly activity in the area that isn’t a museum.
Book Trader Cafe
Book Trader Cafe is an independent used bookstore and cafe that’s right by the Yale Art Gallery. If you love books, this is definitely a great spot to check out. As a bonus, the food and coffee from the cafe is awesome. It’s a great spot to browse books, grab food, or just hang out and get some work done.
