- About New Haven, Connecticut
- How to Get to New Haven from New York City
- What to See and Do in New Haven, CT
- Restaurant Recommendations in New Haven, CT
- Where to Stay in New Haven, CT
About New Haven, Connecticut
Welcome to the home of Yale University and the beloved 2000s television show, Gilmore Girls.
The third-largest city in Connecticut has an underrated reputation compared to comparable cities—think Providence, Rhode Island, or Durham, North Carolina—but that is starting to change in a positive direction.
Downtown New Haven is experiencing considerable growth, estimating at least a 10% population increase between 2010 and 2020, and most likely increasing as of early 2026.
In 2024, New Haven earned the national title as the “Pizza Capital of the United States,” a move to immortalize the city’s signature apizza style.
While New Haven has always been a diverse and international community, the growing food and beverage scene is garnering more attention from surrounding areas.
Visitors to the Elm City can have fun discovering history and culture in one of New England’s coastal cities.
How to Get to New Haven from New York City
The easiest way to get to New Haven from New York City is by taking the 90-minute train ride on Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal to Union Station.
Alternatively, you can technically catch an Amtrak from Penn Station, but there’s more flexibility in taking Metro-North.
You do not need a car while staying in New Haven—ride shares are easily available, and most of downtown New Haven is safe and walkable.
What to See and Do in New Haven, CT
Learn the history of New Haven pizza and taste your way through New Haven’s iconic pizzerias
As a general concept, New Haven apizza—pronounced [AH-BEETZ]—is characterized by its thin profile and charred bottom. While locals will argue that New Haven makes the best pizza in the country, the real debate is staking a claim to your favorite pizzeria between Frank Pepe’s, Sally’s, and Modern.
Book your tour with Colin M. Caplan—entrepreneur, author, historian, and, above all, pizza expert—and decide the best slice of New Haven apizza for yourself.
Visit the Yale Peabody Museum and the Yale Center for British Art
You don’t need to be a student at Yale to explore what the university has to offer. The Yale Peabody Museum and the Yale Center for British Art are open to the public, and there is free admission for all.
In Spring 2024, the Yale Peabody Museum completed a four-year renovation project to increase gallery space by 50%, creating more room for experiential learning and supporting student activities. Community feedback has mixed reviews on the layout, but overall, the museum shows its commitment to educating students of all levels.
Address: 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT 06511
In Spring 2025, the Yale Center for British Art reopened after a two-year renovation project to update the gallery spaces. After completing your tour, stop next door for light refreshments at Atticus Bookstore Café.
Address: 1080 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510
Shop ’til you drop at The Shops at Yale
Take a walk through downtown New Haven at The Shops at Yale, and you’ll find a lively cluster of shops and restaurants. While most shopping districts cater to womenswear, two locally-run institutions focus on menswear. Raggs New Haven offers a variety of clothing brands, such as AG Jeans, Billy Reid, Frame, Theory, and Rodd & Gunn. J. Press is known for creating what we know as “the Ivy League look” with tailored sports coats, Oxford shirts, and sweater combinations, all featuring a clever use of color.
Catch a show at College Street Music Hall, Shubert Theatre, or Toad’s Place
New Haven’s entertainment venues draw great talent to the Elm City—and they’re all within walking distance to bars, restaurants, and hotels.
College Street Music Hall hosts comedians and mostly alternative, rock, or indie bands.
Address: 238 College St, New Haven, CT 06510
A traditional performing arts center, the Shubert Theatre hosts more family-friendly performances, including Broadway plays and tribute bands. Summer programs are available for students between 3rd and 8th grade.
Address: 247 College St, New Haven, CT 06510
An iconic music venue and nightclub around the corner, Toad’s Place is “where the legends play!”
Address: 300 York St, New Haven, CT 06511
Restaurant Recommendations in New Haven, CT
Aside from the classic pizza spots previously mentioned, there are plenty of other cuisines available in New Haven to accommodate international residents and those who are willing to try dishes with a bit more heat and spice.
September in Bangkok
Consistently voted for Best Thai Restaurant in Connecticut Magazine, September in Bangkok is an exceptional favorite in New Haven.
Address: 754 State St, New Haven, CT 06511
Louis’ Lunch
Step into a charming timecapsule and the birthplace of the hamburger since 1895.
Address: 261 Crown St, New Haven, CT 06511
BAR
A never-ending space—complete with a microbrewery and nightclub—serves craft cocktails and its own take on New Haven-style pizza. Expect great customer service and a good time, guaranteed.
Address: 254 Crown St, New Haven, CT 06511
Otaru Sushi Bar
You don’t have to travel to New York City to have an incredible omakase experience—Chef Sunny uses only the best quality ingredients available and takes great pride in his work.
Address: 21 Temple St, New Haven, CT 06510
Hachiroku Shokudo and Sake Bar
The center of a small, yet mighty empire, in New Haven, the relaxed izakaya serves thoughtful appetizers and small plates, complemented with a well-curated selection of sake and Japanese whiskey.
Address: 261 Orange St., New Haven, CT 06510
116 Crown Cocktail Bar by Hachiroku
A sister property in the Haciroku portfolio, a hot spot for cocktail lovers, date nights, or large gatherings on the back patio during the warmer months.
Address: 116 Crown St, New Haven, CT 06510
Union League Café
Based out of the historic former home of Roger Sherman and the former site of the Union League Club, the French fine dining establishment remains committed to its traditions, quality, and Old World charm since its beginnings in 1993.
Address: 1032 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510
Tavern on State
A New American, farm-to-table favorite in the East Rock neighborhood, The New York Times recognized Tavern on State for its fried chicken on the list of “23 of the Best Dishes in 2023.”
Address: 969 State St, New Haven, CT 06511
Where to Stay in New Haven, CT
The Blake
The 108-room boutique hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown New Haven, steps away from Yale University, Yale New Haven Hospital, corporate offices, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
For longer stays, rooms come equipped with full kitchenettes, and apartment-style rooms are available upon request.
The High George Rooftop Bar at Siena Ristorante is one of the most popular places in New Haven to go for brunch and drinks during the summer.
Address: 9 High St, New Haven, CT 06510
Omni New Haven at Yale
The former site of the Taft Hotel, Omni Hotels has done its best to refresh the 306 hotel rooms and suites, common areas, and restaurants while maintaining the building’s integrity in the Chapel Street Historic District. Guests can take in the views of the New Haven Green from John Davenport’s At the Top of the Park during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Address: 155 Temple St, New Haven, CT 06510
Hotel Marcel
Design meets sustainability in the first net-zero hotel in the United States. After sitting empty for 20 years, the Brutalist historical landmark designed by architect Marcel Breuer came back to life in 2022 with 165 guest rooms and a full-service restaurant.
Address: 500 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511
New England Parisienne 