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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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
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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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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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Barry Square

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

Barry Square
The Capitol Hotel

The Capitol Hotel

3 out of 5
440 Asylum St, Hartford, CT
The price is P4,321 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P4,321
P4,969 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! (1,015 reviews)
LiL Wayne concert
"The stay was excellent overall. I chose this hotel due to its purported 5-minute walk to the Lil Wayne concert venue, but it actually took 25 minutes. Consequently, we drove and paid $20 for parking. Despite the 20 dollars, the concert itself was outstanding. Would stay here again. Parking is Ok"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

The Capitol Hotel
Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites

Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites

2.5 out of 5
185 Brainard Rd, Hartford, CT
The price is P5,499 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,499
P6,324 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Close to Xfinity Center. Room was clean and quiet. Great complimentary breakfast. Staff was very nice,"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites
DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown

4 out of 5
315 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT
The price is P9,117 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P9,117
P10,484 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hartford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Convenient location"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 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.
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"We had a great time glamping!"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 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 White Space Gallery are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (52 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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