Hartford Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Hartford which includes heritage architecture, a city and an administrative building
Hartford featuring cbd and a city
Hartford which includes heritage elements and a garden
Hartford showing a city
Hartford featuring 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 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 Connecticut River 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 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
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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
The Capitol Hotel
The Capitol Hotel
3 out of 5
440 Asylum St, Hartford, CT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £78 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£78
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Staff where personable."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

The Capitol Hotel
The Goodwin Hotel
The Goodwin Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1 Haynes St, Hartford, CT
The price is £158 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£158
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"I booked a room weeks in advance for the Capitol Groove Music Festival that was conveniently held 2 blocks away from the hotel at Bushnell Park. I got to the Goodwin hotel at about 11am and I was surprised I was able to get valet parking and leave my bag at the front desk before the 3pm check-in ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

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 £143 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
£143
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Went for a festival and it was perfect walking distance to the park and the cleaning staff was amazing"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 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.
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 ...
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, CT
Stay at this apartment in Hartford. Enjoy laundry facilities, housekeeping and air conditioning. Popular attractions Xfinity Theatre and Hartford Stage are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
Great for One Night Last Minute Stay
"We needed a last minute place to stay for one night and this place fit the bill. The place was clean. The amenities were sparse but we didn’t need to do any cooking. The only issue was that the apartment is right above a large industrial electrical outdoor trash dumpster and workers were disposing ..."

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2025

Lux Boutique Large Private LOFT Pratt St Hartford
Cozy 1bedroom Apt Loft Style  in welcoming Hartford with WiFi, AC, Elevator
Cozy 1bedroom Apt Loft Style in welcoming Hartford with WiFi, AC, Elevator
Hartford, CT
Stay at this holiday home in Hartford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Xfinity Theatre and Hartford Stage are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Great place in a very nice part of the city. Walkable and lots to do around, and a reasonable parking garage right across the street. Apartment was clean, comfy and easily accessible."

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

Cozy 1bedroom Apt Loft Style in welcoming Hartford with WiFi, AC, Elevator
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Hartford