Things to do in Hartford

Activities, attractions and tours

Hartford showing an administrative building, a city and heritage architecture
Hartford featuring a city and city views
Hartford featuring heritage elements and a garden
Hartford which includes a city
Hartford showing a garden and outdoor art
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What to do in Hartford

Popular places to visit

Mark Twain House which includes a house and heritage architecture

Mark Twain House & Museum

Walk in Mark Twain’s footsteps at the author’s beloved Hartford home. The museum next door will complete your Twain education.

Mark Twain House & Museum
Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts showing interior views

Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts

While seeing a play or concert in Hartford’s historic venue, look up to admire one of the largest ceiling murals in the United States.

Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
Bushnell Park showing a park, a castle and heritage architecture

Bushnell Park

Relax near the pond or take a ride on the antique carousel at one of America’s oldest publicly funded parks, located in the heart of Hartford.

Bushnell Park
Connecticut Science Center which includes interior views as well as children

Connecticut Science Center

Leave your textbooks at home and learn about science by playing, exploring and inventing your way through this interactive science center in Hartford.

Connecticut Science Center
Connecticut State Capital

Connecticut State Capital

After visiting Connecticut State Capital, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Hartford. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.

Connecticut State Capital
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

You can browse the exhibits at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Hartford. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Riverside Park which includes a garden

Riverside Park

Explore Hartford’s portion of the Connecticut River at this park. Walk along the Riverside and Sculpture trails, go boating or enjoy a picnic outside.

Riverside Park

Connecticut Convention Center

Learn about the events happening in Connecticut Convention Center during your trip to Hartford. Experience the area's entertainment choices and great live music.

Connecticut Convention Center

Xfinity Theatre

Get tickets for a show at Xfinity Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Hartford. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.

Xfinity Theatre

Areas of Hartford

Connecticut Science Center showing a park

Downtown Hartford

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Unique features of Downtown Hartford include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Hartford Stage or Dunkin' Donuts Park while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Hartford
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Barry Square

While visiting Barry Square, you might make a stop by sights like Webster Theater and Assaiante Tennis Center.

Barry Square
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Frog Hollow

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Frog Hollow and surrounding area, you can visit Connecticut State Capital and Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.

Frog Hollow
Riverside Park which includes a park

North Meadows

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

North Meadows
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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
Mark Twain House featuring signage

Asylum Hill

You'll enjoy the museums and churches in Asylum Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Harriet Beecher Stowe Center or Mark Twain House & Museum.

Asylum Hill

Frequently asked questions

Is Hartford worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Hartford. Don't forget to discover the area's blend of unmissable sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Hartford?
Connecticut Science Centre and Dinosaur State Park are two excellent places to start your adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Hartford while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hartford?
The top tourist attraction in Hartford is Xfinity Theatre, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Hartford?
Three days in Hartford is more than enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many guests stay for two days on average. Xfinity Theatre, Connecticut Science Centre and Nomads Adventure Quest are highly rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like Windsor Locks.
Is Hartford a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to do and see in Hartford. Several sights, including Xfinity Theatre and Connecticut Science Centre, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Hartford's neighbourhoods, Downtown Hartford is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while South Meadows is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Hartford with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Hartford with kids.
What to do in Hartford for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Hartford, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Thomas Hooker Brewery or Chase Arena at Reich Family Pavilion.
Are there free things to do in Hartford?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Hartford is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Museum of Connecticut History is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.