Things to do in Hartford

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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What to do in Hartford

Popular places to visit

Mark Twain House showing heritage architecture and a house

Mark Twain House & Museum

Walk in Mark Twain’s footsteps at the author’s beloved Hartford home. The museum next door will complete your Twain education.

Mark Twain House & Museum
Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts featuring interior views

Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts

While seeing a play or concert in Hartford’s historic venue, look up to admire one of the largest ceiling murals in the United States.

Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
Bushnell Park showing heritage architecture, chateau or palace and a garden

Bushnell Park

Relax near the pond or take a ride on the antique carousel at one of America’s oldest publicly funded parks, located in the heart of Hartford.

Bushnell Park
Connecticut Science Center featuring interior views as well as children

Connecticut Science Center

Leave your textbooks at home and learn about science by playing, exploring and inventing your way through this interactive science center in Hartford.

Connecticut Science Center
Connecticut State Capital

Connecticut State Capital

After visiting Connecticut State Capital, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Hartford. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Connecticut State Capital
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

You can browse the exhibits at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Hartford. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Riverside Park featuring a garden

Riverside Park

Explore Hartford’s portion of the Connecticut River at this park. Walk along the Riverside and Sculpture trails, go boating or enjoy a picnic outside.

Riverside Park

Connecticut Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Connecticut Convention Center during your trip to Hartford. Experience the area's entertainment choices and great live music.

Connecticut Convention Center

Xfinity Theatre

Enjoy a show at Xfinity Theatre, a theater with a story to tell in Hartford. Experience the area's great live music and entertainment choices.

Xfinity Theatre

Areas of 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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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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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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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
Mark Twain House showing signage

Asylum Hill

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

Asylum Hill
Photo by Brandon Miller

Newington

Frequently asked questions

Is Hartford worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Hartford. Don't forget to discover the area's blend of unmissable sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Hartford?
Connecticut Science Center and Dinosaur State Park are two excellent places to start your adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Hartford while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hartford?
The top tourist attraction in Hartford is Xfinity Theatre, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Hartford?
Three days in Hartford is more than enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many guests stay for two days on average. Xfinity Theatre, Connecticut Science Center and Nomads Adventure Quest are highly rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like Windsor Locks.
Is Hartford a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to do and see in Hartford. Several sights, including Xfinity Theatre and Connecticut Science Center, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Hartford's neighborhoods, Downtown Hartford is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while South Meadows is 3 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Hartford with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Hartford with kids.
What to do in Hartford for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Hartford, with activities for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Thomas Hooker Brewery or Chase Arena at Reich Family Pavilion.
Are there free things to do in Hartford?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Hartford is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Museum of Connecticut History is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.