Danbury

Travel Guide
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
Ethan Allen Hotel
Ethan Allen Hotel
3.5 out of 5
21 Lake Avenue Extension, I-84 at Exit 4, Danbury, CT
The price is CA $173 per night from Jun. 3 to Jun. 4
CA $173
CA $199 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 3 - Jun 4
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Good not great"

Reviewed on May 25, 2024

Ethan Allen Hotel
Comfort Inn & Suites Danbury-Bethel
Comfort Inn & Suites Danbury-Bethel
2.5 out of 5
80 Newtown Road, Danbury, CT
The price is CA $166 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $166
CA $190 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Danbury. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (111 reviews)
"Toilet seat was broken and pinching, but staff didn’t address."

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

Comfort Inn & Suites Danbury-Bethel
Hotel Zero Degrees Danbury
Hotel Zero Degrees Danbury
4 out of 5
15 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT
The price is CA $237 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $237
CA $273 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Danbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"I found the hotel is in a pristine condition. Room is pretty big and has modern decor. Enjoyed the stay. Kudos to the property management and the staff."

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

Hotel Zero Degrees Danbury
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.
Lake Luxury
Lake Luxury
Danbury
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Danbury. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Candlewood Plaza Shopping ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Spacious home with incredible lake views
"We loved our stay at this home. Plenty of space so we didn’t feel like we were on top of each other, gorgeous kitchen (plus a separate butler’s kitchen!), and lux bathrooms made this rental exactly what we needed. Thanks Gianna!"

Reviewed on Jan. 29, 2024

Lake Luxury
Lakeview Estate - Chef's Kitchen - NYC Getaway
Lakeview Estate - Chef's Kitchen - NYC Getaway
Danbury
Stay at this vacation home in Danbury. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Candlewood Lake and Hatters Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
Great house for a long weekend
"Beautiful, spacious property with all the amenities we needed and more. I would recommend and we will certainly return!"

Reviewed on May 20, 2024

Lakeview Estate - Chef's Kitchen - NYC Getaway
Beautiful Renovated 2BR 2B Direct Waterfront Candlewood Lake Home~Sunset Views!
Beautiful Renovated 2BR 2B Direct Waterfront Candlewood Lake Home~Sunset Views!
Danbury
Stay at this vacation home in Danbury. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Candlewood Lake and Candlewood Plaza Shopping Center are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Beautiful memories made
"What a beautiful home with a spectacular view. We had the most relaxing, fun filled vacation!! The amenities were over and beyond what any of us ever expected."

Reviewed on May 15, 2024

Beautiful Renovated 2BR 2B Direct Waterfront Candlewood Lake Home~Sunset 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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