The Ultimate Long Weekend Guide to New Haven

Discovering history, art, and culinary treasures in the vibrant city of New Haven.

22 April 2023

New Haven is a charming Connecticut city known for its picturesque architecture and rich cultural history. Visitors can explore the prestigious Yale University campus, marvel at iconic landmarks like the Yale Art Gallery and Peabody Museum of Natural History, and indulge in the city's famous pizza scene. With a bustling downtown and proximity to the coastline, New Haven offers a perfect blend of urban and outdoor experiences for tourists to enjoy.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Yale, Food, and Art

  • Start your day with a visit to the prestigious Yale University campus, take a guided tour and learn about its history
  • Hungry? Head to Louis' Lunch, the birthplace of the hamburger, for a legendary lunch experience
  • Walk off your lunch at the Yale Art Gallery, featuring stunning collections of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts
  • In the evening, grab a bite at Zoi's on Orange, a casual spot with delicious Mediterranean cuisine
  • Finish your night at Cafe Nine, a cozy and intimate venue with live music and a great selection of craft beers
  • Hotel recommendation: The Study at Yale
Day 2

Nature, Culture, and History

  • Start your day at East Rock Park, a scenic spot to hike and enjoy nature in the middle of the city
  • Craving coffee and a pastry? Stop by Koffee?, a quirky and cool cafe with a retro vibe
  • Next up, visit the New Haven Museum to learn about the city's history and culture
  • Grab lunch at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, widely recognized as one of the best pizzerias in the country
  • Spend the afternoon at the Peabody Museum of Natural History, with impressive displays of dinosaur fossils and Native American artifacts
  • Hotel recommendation: Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale
Day 3

Theater, Food, and Beer

  • Start your day with a tour of the legendary Shubert Theatre, a historic venue that has hosted many famous shows and performers
  • Stop by Claire's Corner Copia for a vegan and vegetarian brunch with plenty of options to choose from
  • In the afternoon, take a Brewery Tour at the New England Brewing Company, sample craft beers, and learn about the brewing process
  • Enjoy a classic Italian dinner at L'Orcio, a cozy and romantic spot with a great wine list
  • End your night at Toad's Place, a legendary nightclub with live music, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere
  • Hotel recommendation: New Haven Hotel

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The easiest way to get to New Haven is to fly to Tweed-New Haven Regional Airport. Airlines like American Eagle and Delta operate frequent flights to this airport from major cities in the US.

Car

Driving to New Haven from nearby cities is a good option. Major highways such as I-95 and I-91 connect to New Haven. It takes about 2 hours to reach New Haven from New York City and 2.5 hours from Boston.

Train

One of the best ways to get to New Haven is by taking the Amtrak Northeast Regional train. The New Haven Union Station connects to several major cities including New York City, Boston, and Providence.

Boat

Travelling by boat to New Haven is not recommended because the city doesn’t have a major port. However, nearby cities like Bridgeport have a ferry service to Port Jefferson, Long Island.

Bus

Taking a bus to New Haven is also a convenient option. Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines have regular services to New Haven from major cities. The bus terminal is located at 50 Union Avenue, New Haven.

Destination

New Haven

New Haven is a city that takes its pizza seriously – like, “trying to create world peace through the perfect pie” seriously. But don't let the pizza dominance fool you, there's plenty of other reasons to visit this charming Connecticut town.

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Type of trip

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More travel plans

New Haven in 5: Family Fun on a Budget

New Haven, located in Connecticut, is a vibrant city perfect for a family-friendly trip. Explore the prestigious Yale University campus, visit the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History to witness dinosaur fossils and ancient artifacts, and delight in the delicious cuisine offered in the diverse downtown area. With its rich history, cultural offerings, and numerous parks and gardens, New Haven is an excellent destination to create lasting memories for the whole family.

Fall in Love: A Romantic Day Trip to New Haven

New Haven is a charming city in Connecticut that offers couples a romantic getaway filled with history, culture, and good food. Stroll hand in hand through the picturesque Yale University campus, visit world-class museums and galleries, or take a sunset boat tour of the Long Island Sound. And don't forget to indulge in some of the city's famous pizza and seafood restaurants for a truly memorable culinary experience.

Discover New Haven's Charm: A 4-Day Adventure

As a tourist in New Haven, one can experience the charm of a quaint New England town, while also indulging in the cultural offerings of a modern city. From the world-renowned museums and galleries to the stunning architecture of the prestigious Yale University, there is much to explore and appreciate in this small but vibrant city. A visit to New Haven would not be complete without sampling the famous New Haven-style pizza, which locals claim is the best in the world.

New Haven in 3 Days: Family Fun and Quirky Adventures

A family-friendly trip to New Haven, United States offers a perfect blend of educational and recreational activities. Visit the renowned Yale University campus and explore its museums like the Peabody Museum of Natural History. Enjoy a day at the picturesque Lighthouse Point Park, where the whole family can relax on the beach, have a picnic, or take a ride on the carousel.