What to do in Hartford, CT

Activities, attractions and tours
Hartford which includes an administrative building, a city and heritage architecture
Hartford showing central business district and a city
Hartford showing a garden and heritage elements
Hartford showing a city
Hartford showing outdoor art and a garden

Hartford Attractions

Plan Your Trip to Hartford

Are you headed to Hartford? Expedia.com can help you plan your trip to New England's Rising Star.

Hartford, Connecticut, is nicknamed the Insurance Capital of the World. The city is a major tourist attraction for business travelers, vacationers, and people who are passing through on their way between New York and Boston.

There are many Hartford excursions to spots like Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, Mystic Aquarium, and Hammonassett Beach. They are all situated only a quick drive on the map from Connecticut’s capital city. The city has earned the nickname of The Heartbeat because of its vibrant cultural scene and bustling commercial industries.

The Mark Twain House

The Mark Twain House is one of the best attractions in Hartford. Visitors can tour the estate where Twain penned many of his novels. Many famous contemporary authors, actors, and historians visit the Mark Twain House and accompanying museum for lectures. Daily tours are offered and exciting cultural events happen all week long.

Elizabeth Park

A trip to Elizabeth Park is the quintessential Connecticut experience. The park spans 102 acres of manicured grounds and horticultural delights. It is one of the most serene places in the city. The famous rose garden inside Elizabeth Park is an important spot on Hartford tours. The garden boasts over 800 varieties of roses. Visitors can also enjoy historic greenhouses that line the park's walking paths. Be sure to relax beside the park's popular pond during your visit. Entry to the park is free.

Bushnell Center for Performing Arts

The art scene in Hartford is alive and well. One of the best things to do in Hartford is catch a Broadway show at the Bushnell. The center offers tours behind the stage with rare glimpses of the green room, the electricians’ room, the projection room, and a hall of autographs.

Trinity College

Trinity College is one of the most beautiful college campuses in America. Be sure to visit The Long Walk. This portion of the campus was constructed in the 19th century and features beautiful architecture. The college's chapel is modeled after a medieval chapel and it attracts admirers from all over the world. The pews inside the chapel are comprised of hand-carved wood that features stunning symbols. Parking is free on campus.

Hartford is one of the top spots in New England for business, leisure, and fun. You simply must see all that Connecticut's capital city has to offer. Let Expedia.com help you plan fun local Hartford activities.


Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.


Recommended things to do in Hartford

Number of things to do
1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Hartford Bar Hunt: Hartford Party: CA $18
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Hartford


Discover the most popular places to visit in Hartford

Explore areas of Hartford

Connecticut Science Center featuring a garden

Downtown Hartford

3.5/5(6 area reviews)

Downtown Hartford boasts a bustling business district, housing major corporations and Connecticut's state government. Explore historic sites like the Wadsworth Atheneum, Bushnell Park, and the Old State House, while enjoying convenient access to Connecticut Transit Hartford and Union Station.

Downtown Hartford
Riverside Park which includes a garden

North Meadows

2/5(6 area reviews)

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

North Meadows
Default Image

Northeast

If you're spending some time in Northeast, Circus Fire Memorial and Keney Park are top sights worth seeing.

Northeast
Default Image

Barry Square

If you're spending some time in Barry Square, Webster Theater and Cinestudio are top sights worth seeing.

Barry Square
Mark Twain House which includes signage

Asylum Hill

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

Asylum Hill
Default Image

Frog Hollow

If you're spending some time in Frog Hollow, Pope Park and Connecticut State Library are top sights worth seeing.

Frog Hollow

 

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 Hartford