Hartford

Travel Guide

Hartford featuring heritage architecture, a city and an administrative buidling
Hartford showing city views and a city
Hartford showing a park and heritage elements
Hartford featuring a city
Hartford featuring outdoor art and a park

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 showing a garden

Downtown Hartford

Unique features of Downtown Hartford include the theaters and live music. Make a stop by Hartford Stage or Dunkin' Donuts Park while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Hartford
Riverside Park which includes a park

North Meadows

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

North Meadows
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Frog Hollow

While Frog Hollow might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Connecticut State Capital and Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.

Frog Hollow
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Barry Square

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

Barry Square
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South Meadows

Visitors to South Meadows like its coffeehouses and seafood restaurants, and Connecticut River is a sight worth a stop.

South Meadows
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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
The Capitol Hotel

The Capitol Hotel

3 out of 5
440 Asylum St, Hartford, CT
The price is P4,429 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P4,429
P5,093 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Each stuff member was very friendly"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

The Capitol Hotel
The Goodwin Hotel

The Goodwin Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1 Haynes St, Hartford, CT
The price is P11,342 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P11,342
P13,043 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"The pillows were too high/large and the a/c vent blew on out heads at night."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

The Goodwin Hotel
Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown by IHG

Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown by IHG

2.5 out of 5
370 Market Street, Hartford, CT
Fully refundable
The price is P7,212 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,212
P8,294 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (823 reviews)
"Right off the highway and easy walk to the Xfinity Theatre for a show!"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown by IHG
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.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Hartford Downtown

Homewood Suites by Hilton Hartford Downtown

4.5 out of 5
338 Asylum St, Hartford, CT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hartford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free area shuttle. Popular attractions Xfinity Theatre and XL Center ...
Met my expectations
"Nice property, clean, good breakfast"

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2020

Homewood Suites by Hilton Hartford Downtown
Postcard Cabins Machimoodus

Postcard Cabins Machimoodus

2 out of 5
298 E Haddam Moodus Rd, East Haddam, CT
Stay at this cabin in East Haddam. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions Machimoodus State Park and Amasa Day House are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
"Excellent stay through the weekend."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Postcard Cabins Machimoodus
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
Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Shubert Theater and Schubert Performing Arts Center are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
"It was a great place. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

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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