Hartford

Travel Guide

Hartford which includes an administrative building, a city and heritage architecture
Hartford showing central business district and a city
Hartford showing a garden and heritage elements
Hartford showing a city
Hartford showing outdoor art and a garden

Visit Mark Twain’s home city of Hartford, where restored Civil War-era mansions, museums and the country’s oldest park preserve the nation’s history.

Hartford is an almost 400-year-old city that has survived the ups and downs of America’s history. Explore the rich heritage of this destination that features some of the oldest institutions in the nation and the former residence of America’s beloved author, Mark Twain.

Start the day with a calming walk through America’s oldest public park, Bushnell Park. Located in the city center, this thoroughfare is decorated with graceful pathways, monuments to American soldiers and a huge archway crowned by two turrets. Relax under trees to escape typically hot and humid summers. In winter the park is often covered under a blanket of snow.

Walk to the nearby Wadsworth Atheneum to delight in more than 50,000 works of pilgrim-era and European art in one of the nation’s oldest art museum. Tour the exclusive rooms and stages of the Bushnell Center for Performing Arts or the award-winning Hartford Stage, then come back later to see a show. Both theaters host musicals, plays and orchestras several nights a week. 

Many of the city’s restaurants and hotels can be found along the busy Asylum Street. Stop for lunch then walk to the nearby Mark Twain House and Museum. Here you’ll experience the living quarters of the famous author and see exhibits themed around his life. Take in more history at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House and Library or the Butler McCook House and Garden. Both restored mansions, they feature civil war-era art and antiques and large manicured gardens perfect for a quiet stroll. 

Hartford is the capital of Connecticut. At the Museum of Connecticut History see excellent exhibitions on the colonial formation of the state. Take children to the Connecticut Science Center, where there are hands-on displays and a 3-D digital theater showing educational movies. 

In the evenings take the family to the XL Center, which has performances throughout the year. In winter you’ll find a public ice-skating rink and shows on ice. 

Stay downtown next to the Connecticut River. Rent a bicycle and ride along the banks of the picturesque river and grab a drink at one of many bars, restaurants and clubs.

Where to stay in Hartford

Connecticut Science Center featuring a park

Downtown Hartford

3.5/5(6 area reviews)

Downtown Hartford boasts a bustling business district, housing major corporations and Connecticut's state government. Explore historic sites like the Wadsworth Atheneum, Bushnell Park, and the Old State House, while enjoying convenient access to Connecticut Transit Hartford and Union Station.

Downtown Hartford
Riverside Park featuring a garden

North Meadows

2/5(6 area reviews)

Unique features of North Meadows include the live music and theaters. Make a stop by Xfinity Theatre or Connecticut River while you're exploring the area.

North Meadows
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Barry Square

If you're spending some time in Barry Square, Webster Theater and Assaiante Tennis Center are top sights worth seeing.

Barry Square
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Sheldon-Charter Oak

While visiting Sheldon-Charter Oak, you might make a stop by sights like Connecticut River and Charter Oak Tree Memorial.

Sheldon-Charter Oak
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Frog Hollow

While Frog Hollow might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Connecticut State Capital and Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.

Frog Hollow
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South Meadows

4/5(4 area reviews)

Visitors to South Meadows like its coffeehouses and seafood restaurants, and Connecticut River is a sight worth a stop.

South Meadows
The Capitol Hotel

The Capitol Hotel

3 out of 5
440 Asylum St, Hartford, CT
The price is CA $105 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $105
CA $120 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
Very pleasant
"Madeline at the front desk and all staff are very welcoming and professional. Hot breakfast is good and accomodations are clean and comfortable. GPS guided me into adjacent parking lot not affiliated with the hotel."

Reviewed on Aug. 9, 2025

The Capitol Hotel
Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites

Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites

2.5 out of 5
185 Brainard Rd, Hartford, CT
The price is CA $127 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $127
CA $147 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Breakfast at hotel was good many choices. Lot of vacant businesses around only close food choices for restaurants in the area were fast foods McDonalds Wendy's and gas station"

Reviewed on Aug. 3, 2025

Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites
DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown

4 out of 5
315 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT
The price is CA $221 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $221
CA $254 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Our room was newly updated and very clean. The only issue was the sound. The rooms are not soundproof and you could hear everything going on in hallway. We were woken by room service tapping all the way down the hall. Also, the daily parking seemed a bit high at $20. Street park if you can"

Reviewed on Aug. 4, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown
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.
Totally Private Cozy studio in awesome Hartford with WiFi, AC

Totally Private Cozy studio in awesome Hartford with WiFi, AC

Hartford
Stay at this apartment in Hartford. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Xfinity Theatre and Hartford Stage are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
"Your place was nice and fitting for the two of us. I would definitely rent again if I return to Hartford. Thanks for everything."

Reviewed on Jul. 20, 2025

Totally Private Cozy studio in awesome Hartford with WiFi, AC
Cozy apartment in charming Hartford with AC, WiFi

Cozy apartment in charming Hartford with AC, WiFi

Hartford
Stay at this apartment in Hartford. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Xfinity Theatre and Hartford Stage are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Owner didn’t respond to messages and there was issues with the virtual key QR code However after check in everything was wonderful and I had no issues"

Reviewed on Jul. 20, 2025

Cozy apartment in charming Hartford with AC, WiFi
Lux Boutique Large Private LOFT Pratt St Hartford

Lux Boutique Large Private LOFT Pratt St Hartford

Hartford
Stay at this apartment in Hartford. Enjoy laundry facilities, housekeeping, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Xfinity Theatre and Hartford Stage are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (17 reviews)
"We travel to this area a few times a year to visit family. Of the options, this has been one of our better finds. Great location, historic Pratt St. has really grown the past few years adding some great venues. Rest of Hartford has also seen growth. The place itself is new, clean, and each floor ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 16, 2025

Lux Boutique Large Private LOFT Pratt St Hartford
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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