Hartford

Travel Guide
Hartford featuring a city and city views
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 centre, 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 Centre for Performing Arts or the award-winning Hartford Stage, then come back later to see a show. Both theatres 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 Centre, where there are hands-on displays and a 3-D digital theatre showing educational movies. 

In the evenings take the family to the XL Centre, 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 which includes a garden

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
Riverside Park showing a park

North Meadows

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

North Meadows
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Barry Square

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

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
Mark Twain House showing 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
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Frog Hollow

While visiting Frog Hollow, you might make a stop by sights like Pope Park and Connecticut State Library.

Frog Hollow
Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites
Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites
2.5 out of 5
185 Brainard Rd, Hartford, CT
The price is RM439 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
RM439
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions XL Center ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,013 reviews)
"I needed a place with a kitchen because of food allergies"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites
The Goodwin Hotel
The Goodwin Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1 Haynes St, Hartford, CT
The price is RM895 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
RM895
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Place was immaculate. Modern but in the shell of an old historic building. rooms are spacious and quiet."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

The Goodwin Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown
DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown
4 out of 5
315 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT
The price is RM720 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
RM720
per night
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
It’s fine, the restaurant/cafe has no fresh food
"I wish I had a better view, I asked for a different room but they said the rooms available weren’t better. All the food available in the café is prepackaged/premade/frozen and overpriced. I ordered DoorDash for my food."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

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.
New Haven Village Suites
New Haven Village Suites
3 out of 5
3 Long Wharf Dr, New Haven, CT
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in New Haven. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,803 reviews)
a hidden gem, very nice.
"Charming exterior, and very clean rooms. Not much around, which makes it really nice and quiet. Secure vehicular access, too. All over a great place to stay!"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2024

New Haven Village Suites
Lakefront Cottage w/ Covered Porch & Dock!
Lakefront Cottage w/ Covered Porch & Dock!
3 out of 5
Coventry
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Coventry. Enjoy free parking, a kitchen, and 3 bedrooms. Popular attractions Nathan Hale Homestead and J. M. Sarnik & Sons' The ...
Lakefront Cottage w/ Covered Porch & Dock!
Luxury Furnished Apartments by Hyatus Downtown at Yale
Luxury Furnished Apartments by Hyatus Downtown at Yale
3.5 out of 5
240 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in New Haven. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 meeting rooms. Popular attractions Shubert Theater and Schubert Performing ...
10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"Apart from our door not behind able to lock, everything was great."

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2024

Luxury Furnished Apartments by Hyatus Downtown at Yale
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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