15 Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut [With Suggested Tours]

The home of one of the most prestigious universities in the country. The second-largest city in Connecticut, and the sixth-largest in New England. This city will teach you a lot of information about the great history of the area. I’m talking about New Haven. If ever you’re wondering what to see in this city, we have it all for you!

15 Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut
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We listed down the things that you can do and visit in New Haven, Connecticut. By looking at the list, you’ll have an idea of what to do when you decide to visit there. 

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Best Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut

1. Yale University

15 Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut
Photo by Pascal Walschots CC BY 2.0

Experience a fun campus tour at Yale University! This university in New Haven is one of the oldest and most reputable universities in the country. Students will be your tour guide, you’d learn about the university’s history and get to see the facilities of the campus. The tour starts at 10 am and it’s free. 

Suggested Tour: Fitness Walking Tour of Yale and New Haven

2. Yale University Art Gallery

15 Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut
Photo by Gunnar Klack CC BY-SA 2.0

This is the oldest college art museum in America. Find amazing collections of Italian painting, African sculpture, modern art, and a lot more. This art museum is also huge that you could spend a whole day strolling around and looking at the displays. Admission is also free and open to the public!

3. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

15 Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut
Photo by Gunnar Klack CC BY-SA 2.0

Truly a heaven for bookworms! Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is also located at Yale University. The smell of the rare books, when you enter, is one of the best feelings you could ever feel. The structure of this building is also very unique which makes this library stands out.

Suggested Tour: Let’s Roam’s New Haven Scavenger Hunt: Yale & Beyond!

4. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

15 Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut
Photo by Ben Ledbetter, Architect CC BY 2.0

A museum where even kids can enjoy. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is one of the oldest and largest university natural history museums in the world. It has a wide collection of Indian artifacts, Egyptian arts, and large birds. There are also fun activities inside. This museum was truly made to entertain children and people of all ages.

5. Yale Center for British Art

15 Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut4
Photo by Gunnar Klack CC BY-SA 2.0

Yale Center for British Art is a public art museum in New Haven, Connecticut. It also has the largest collection of British Art that is outside the United Kingdom. You don’t have to be a British Art nerd to appreciate this place. The displays are already stunning, you’d definitely enjoy looking and learning about them.

6. East Rock Park

15 Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut
Photo by kenneth casper CC BY 2.0

This quiet and peaceful park offers playgrounds and ballfields. There’s also a short but challenging climb to the top that has picnic areas and wonderful views of the city and the Long Island Sound. This is the ideal place to chill after a long tiring day.

7. Knights of Columbus Museum

 

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A very interesting museum that exhibits about history, art, and faith. By going here, you’d learn more about the Knights of Columbus and their role in WW1. If you’re interested to visit this museum, you have to schedule a tour in advance. 

8. Shubert Theater

 

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The ideal way to kill the time while having fun is to go here at Shubert Theater. It features Broadway shows that are very entertaining. There are also nearby restaurants which you could go to after watching the performances. 

9. Edgerton Park

This 20-acre public park contains conservancy, community gardens, plays or festivals, and greenhouses. The trees, the grass, the gardens, everything here is such a beauty. You could spend a magical day at this uncrowded park.

10. Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge

15 Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut
Photo by Dannel Malloy CC BY 2.0

A visit to this bridge, especially at night, is a must. Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge, also called Q Bridge by locals, has a beautiful architecture. Never miss the chance to see this scenic bridge in New Haven. 

11. Chapel Street

This busy street in New Haven is filled with restaurants, great shopping, and museums. It’s a good way to hang out in this area to enjoy the vibrant energy of the place. 

12. Long Wharf Theatre

 

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Another great way to entertain yourself. Watch a good performance or show with amazing actors. It features 2 stages, offers new plays & modern versions of classics. If you’re a fan of Broadway shows, then you should go here.

13. Center Church

 

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Center Church is very historical and sacred. A short trip here is well worth it. The stunning architecture of this church is a plus. The public tour starts from 11 am until 1 pm, during the months of April through October. 

14. Grove Street Cemetery

 

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A beautiful historic cemetery that offers a peaceful walk. There are lots of interesting and beautiful monuments, and plenty of notable people are buried here. Although a tour at a cemetery might sound unusual, a visit here at Grove Street Cemetery is a must-do.

Suggested Tour: New Haven’s Ghost Walk

15. Little Italy

 

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If you want to have that Italian vibe, then head to Little Italy in New Haven. And when we hear the word “Italy”, pizza comes to our mind first, right? Well, here, they have one of the best pizzas in the U.S. Never miss the chance to try their awesome pizza!

Things to do with 3 days in New Haven, Connecticut

15 Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut
Photo by xiquinhosilva CC BY 2.0

Day 1 in New Haven, Connecticut

Knights of Columbus Museum Gain more knowledge about the Knights of Columbus and their role in WW1 in this museum. You’d be amazed by its great history. 

Day 2 in New Haven, Connecticut

Yale University When you’re in New Haven, you should definitely visit Yale University. On this campus, you can see a lot of interesting and educational facilities that would make your trip more exciting. When you are inside, don’t forget to go to Yale Center for British Art, Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, and Yale University Art Gallery. These facilities are very entertaining and informative. You could totally spend a whole day touring in this wonderful university.

Day 3 in New Haven, Connecticut

East Rock Park Have a lovely last day of the trip at East Rock Park. You can have a picnic here with your family or friends or you can just chill while enjoying stunning views.

Frequently Asked Questions about New Haven, Connecticut

15 Things to do in New Haven, Connecticut
Photo by xiquinhosilva CC BY 2.0

1. Is it safe to travel to New Haven, Connecticut?

Walking during the daytime in New Haven is generally safe. However, there are places that crimes still happen, although they’re rare. It is not recommended to walk alone late at night in the said city, even though you’re in a safer area. 

2. When is the best time to visit New Haven, Connecticut?

To fully enjoy your New Haven trip, it is advisable to go there during the summer season. Months of June to September have the warmest weather. But if you’re not good with warm weather, you can visit during the fall and spring season. 

3. How to get to New Haven, Connecticut?

Unfortunately, very few airlines fly directly to New Haven. You need to find a connecting flight in order to go there. The main airport in New Haven is the Tweed New Haven Airport. You can see more available flights in Skyscanner. 

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About the Writer

Fatima Turla2

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.

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