Things to do in New Haven

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by visitNewHaven.com and Michael Melford/visitnewhaven.com
Photo provided by visitNewHaven.com and Michael Melford/visitnewhaven.com
New Haven showing a house and a garden
New Haven which includes a park
Photo provided by visitNewHaven.com
Photo provided by visitNewHaven.com
Photo provided by visitNewHaven.com
Photo provided by visitNewHaven.com

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What to do in New Haven

Popular places to visit

Yale University

Yale University

Walk around the campus of Yale University, a top university in New Haven. Stroll along the beaches or experience the area's art scene.

Yale University
Wooster Square

Wooster Square

Find out about the history of New Haven when you take a trip to Wooster Square. Experience the area's art scene and museums.

Wooster Square
New Haven City Hall

New Haven City Hall

New Haven City Hall is just one of the places to see in New Haven, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's art scene and museums.

New Haven City Hall
Peabody Museum of Natural History

Peabody Museum of Natural History

You can browse the exhibits at Peabody Museum of Natural History, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to New Haven. Experience the area's art scene and museums.

Peabody Museum of Natural History
Sterling Memorial Library at Yale University

Sterling Memorial Library at Yale University

After visiting Sterling Memorial Library at Yale University, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in New Haven. Experience the area's art scene and museums.

Sterling Memorial Library at Yale University
Woolsey Hall

Woolsey Hall

Get tickets for a show at Woolsey Hall, a theatre with a story to tell in New Haven. Experience the area's art scene and museums.

Woolsey Hall

Yale-New Haven Hospital

If Yale-New Haven Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of New Haven.

Yale-New Haven Hospital

Southern Connecticut State University

Explore the campus of Southern Connecticut State University during your trip to West New Haven. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Southern Connecticut State University

Yale Bowl

Catch an event at Yale Bowl during your trip to New Haven. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Yale Bowl

Areas of New Haven

New Haven showing a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing as well as a couple

Downtown New Haven

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown New Haven, Sterling Memorial Library at Yale University and New Haven City Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown New Haven
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Long Wharf

4/5(5 area reviews)

Long Wharf is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Long Wharf Theatre, a top place to visit in the area.

Long Wharf
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Mill River

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

Mill River
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The Hill

When in The Hill, you can plan a visit to Shubert Theater and Yale University Art Gallery, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

The Hill
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West New Haven

While visiting West New Haven, you might make a stop by sights like Yale Bowl and Yale Golf Course.

West New Haven
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East Rock

Travellers like the monuments in East Rock, and East Rock Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

East Rock
Branford

Branford

Photo by Jennifer Brokaw

West 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.