A Romantic Long Weekend in New Haven

Fall in love all over again in historic New Haven.

22 April 2023

A romantic trip to New Haven will take you to a charming coastal town in Connecticut, known for its Ivy League university and picturesque scenery. You can indulge in cozy and intimate dinners at the many top-rated restaurants and enjoy a stroll through the historic Yale University campus. For a truly romantic experience, take a sunset boat ride along the Long Island Sound and take in the scenic beauty.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into The Study at Yale, a boutique hotel with sleek design and cozy atmosphere
  • Start the day with New Haven-style pizza at Pepe's, featuring charred crust and fresh toppings
  • Walk around Yale University's gothic architecture and visit the Yale Art Gallery or the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
  • Stop by Louis' Lunch, the birthplace of the hamburger, for a quick bite
  • Finish the day with craft cocktails at Ordinary, a speakeasy hidden in a former post office
Day 2

Coastal Getaway

  • Drive to the charming town of Guilford for breakfast at The Place, a rustic outdoor spot known for their lobster rolls and live music
  • Spend the morning kayaking or sunbathing at Hammonasset Beach State Park, featuring a scenic coastline and nature trails
  • Head back to New Haven for lunch at Claire's Corner Copia, a vegetarian restaurant with hearty soups and organic juices
  • Take a tour of Yale's campus and see the iconic Bill Clinton–Bob Dole presidential debate site
  • Enjoy artisan ice cream at Arethusa al Tavolo, a cozy dessert spot with unique flavors
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • Visit the Yale Center for British Art, showcasing masterpieces spanning five centuries
  • Grab a bagel and coffee at The Donut Crazy, a trendy cafe with creative donuts
  • Explore the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, featuring a dinosaur hall and Native American artifacts
  • Take a stroll through Edgerton Park, a botanical garden with a picturesque greenhouse
  • Finish the day with dinner at Elm City Social, a retro-chic restaurant serving seasonal American fare and craft beer
Day 4

Historic Tour

  • Start the morning with breakfast at Atticus Bookstore Cafe, a quaint spot with homemade pastries and coffee
  • Visit the New Haven Museum, featuring exhibits on the city's history and culture
  • Discover East Rock Park, a scenic recreation area with hiking trails and panoramic views of the city
  • Stop by the Yale University Art Gallery, showcasing ancient to contemporary artworks
  • End the day with a farewell dinner at Zinc, a French-inspired brasserie with an intimate ambiance and impressive wine list.

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.

More travel plans

New Haven Day Trip: Pizza, Museums & More!

New Haven, located in Connecticut, is a great destination for a budget-friendly trip. Visitors can explore the city's rich history and architecture by visiting the numerous museums and landmarks, including the Yale University campus and the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library. For cheap eats, the city offers a vibrant food scene with plenty of local favorites like pizza and seafood.

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.

Yale, Food & Fun: 4 Day New Haven Adventure

A trip to New Haven on a limited budget can still be enjoyable and fulfilling. Take a stroll through the historic Yale University campus and visit its free museums and galleries. Explore the charming neighborhoods, try some local food spots, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of East Rock Park without breaking the bank.

The Ultimate Long Weekend Guide to New Haven

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.