What to do in New Haven, CT

Activities, attractions and tours

New Haven showing central business district, skyline and a city
New Haven showing central business district, skyline and a city
New Haven which includes a house and a garden
New Haven showing a park
New Haven which includes a bridge, a garden and landscape views

New Haven Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that New Haven has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

New Haven is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in New Haven to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

New Haven Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of New Haven.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to New Haven attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.


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What to do in New Haven


Discover the most popular places to visit in New Haven

Explore areas of New Haven

Five Mile Point Lighthouse, also known as Old New Haven Harbor Lighthouse

Downtown New Haven

5/5(4 area reviews)

In the heart of New Haven, this residential downtown area boasts a variety of restaurants, cafes, theaters, and stores. Explore the arts at Chapel Street Historic District, Broadway area, and Ninth Square district, or visit the Shops at Yale.

Downtown New Haven
The New Haven Lighthouse, at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut.

City Point

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in City Point and surrounding area, you can visit Long Wharf Theatre and Shubert Theater.

City Point
Green Waterfront along New Haven Harbor at Long Wharf Park in New Haven Connecticut

Long Wharf

3.5/5(7 area reviews)

Waterfront district with a mix of commercial, industrial, and recreational facilities, Long Wharf offers attractions like Long Wharf Theatre and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park. Easily accessible via Interstates 95 and 91, and Church Street Bridge.

Long Wharf
Yale university buildings in spring blue sky in New Haven, CT USA

The Hill

Southwesternmost New Haven, this area boasts historic structures, Union Station, and Yale-New Haven Hospital. Explore Trowbridge Square and City Point, or visit the Lupi-Legna Bakery.

The Hill
New Haven Connecticut Skyline, downtown buildings and houses viewed from East Rock Park Summit

East Rock

Prominent trap rock ridge East Rock lends its name to this neighborhood, popular among Yale affiliates and cyclists. Explore East Rock Park or visit the lively Upper State Street commercial district.

East Rock
New England Winter Landscape over the Mill River, East Rock Park in New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Mill River

If you're spending some time in Mill River, Wooster Square and Thread City Crossing are top sights worth seeing.

Mill River

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from New Haven

Frequently asked questions

Is New Haven worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in New Haven is explore Sandy Point Beach. Tick this major attraction off your agenda, then experience more of this area's dining and history.
How do I spend a day in New Haven?
Kick your day off with a visit to Sandy Point Beach and East Haven Town Beach. Then, check out other parts of New Haven for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in New Haven?
Sandy Point Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in New Haven and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in New Haven?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off popular city sights, like Sandy Point Beach, East Haven Town Beach and Lighthouse Point Park. The average stay in New Haven is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Milford isn't far away.
Is New Haven a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, New Haven is a great place to see on foot. Wander between Yale University Art Gallery and Peabody Museum of Natural History. Then take a stroll through Downtown New Haven, located 0.16 kilometres from downtown, and Long Wharf, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in New Haven with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our recommendations for what to do in New Haven with kids.

What to do in New Haven for adults?
There are loads of things to do in New Haven, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Stony Creek Brewery or Osborne Homestead Museum.
Are there free things to do in New Haven?
In New Haven, East Haven Town Beach is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a top way to discover the best free things to do in New Haven.

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