A Day Trip Itinerary to Greenwich, CT

Greenwich Avenue shops

This blog post is part of a series, Easy Trips Outside of New York City on Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Line, which will feature coastal Connecticut towns that are easily reachable and enjoyable without a car and/or limited rideshare use.


  1. Recommended Activities for a Day Trip to Greenwich, CT from New York City
    1. Soak up the sun at Tod’s Point from June through mid-September
    2. Spend a Sunday afternoon at the Greenwich Polo Club from June through late September
    3. Visit The Bruce Museum
    4. Shop and dine on Greenwich Avenue
  2. Restaurant Recommendations in Greenwich, CT
    1. Budget-Friendly and Actually-Friendly Restaurant Options
    2. For Gossip Girls in Search of “Old Money Vibes”
    3. A Damn Good Time
  3. Where to Stay in Greenwich, CT
    1. Delamar Hotel Greenwich Harbor
    2. Hyatt Regency Greenwich
    3. J House

Greenwich is less than an hour away from New York City by Metro-North, which makes it ideal for day trips, but there’s also plenty to explore nearby in Cos Cob and Old Greenwich.

Soak up the sun at Tod’s Point from June through mid-September

Depending on where you live in New York City, might be easier to get to Tod’s Point in Old Greenwich, Greenwich, than to Staten Island or the Rockaways. To reach Tod’s Point from the Old Greenwich train station, take an Uber to Greenwich Point Park.

Spend a Sunday afternoon at the Greenwich Polo Club from June through late September

Throw on a cute sundress, pack a picnic basket, and head to polo! Polo matches are such a fun and social setting to hang out with friends and meet new people. Since Greenwich Polo Club is located in Back Country, an Uber from the train station is a must.

Visit The Bruce Museum

An underrated treasure for fine arts and science, The Bruce Museum hosts exhibitions that blend modern art and the natural world. The museum has a dedicated space for young visitors and a café space operated by local caterer Aux Délices.

Shop and dine on Greenwich Avenue

Walk up and down the Avenue for a less chaotic shopping experience than passing tourists in SoHo and Madison Avenue. While you’ll recognize many brands that have storefronts in New York City, be sure to stop at Richards at the end of the Avenue. The beautifully curated family-owned department store has several sister stores under the Mitchell Stores portfolio, including the flagship location, Mitchells, in nearby Westport, CT.

Eleventy Greenwich CT

Restaurant Recommendations in Greenwich, CT

The dynamic of the Avenue is driven by the blended presence of financial and consulting firms established downtown, other niche businesses traveling through the area, and groups of stay-at-home moms.

During lunch, you can eavesdrop on insider trading from talking Patagonia vests and watch a live episode of Real Housewives of Greenwich—meanwhile, Real Girlfriends of Husbands Who Have Wives in Greenwich plays out under the cover of darkness in a dimly lit hotel lobby bar or restaurant somewhere in SoHo or the West Village.

Kidding…kind of. Anyways.

Here’s the shortlist of cafés and restaurants to check out on or immediately off the Avenue:

Budget-Friendly and Actually-Friendly Restaurant Options

  • Méli-Melo – Known for their crêpes and fresh smoothies; also a favorite of elder finance bros for breakfast meetings. Address: 362 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830
  • CFCF – A coffee shop that feels more like a private club for those who get it, I don’t know how to explain it. The coffee is worth it, though. Multiple addresses at 118 Greenwich Avenue, 6 Grigg Street, and 1160 East Putnam Avenue
  • Raphael’s Bakery – A real-deal traditional French bakery with the best croissants in the state; perfect picnic sandwiches for beach or polo. Address: 146 Mason Street, Greenwich, CT 06830
  • Grigg Street Pizza – Feel free disagree with Barstool Founder Dave Portnoy on other things, but his positive review of GSP in May 2023 was well-deserved. Address: 1 Grigg Street, Greenwich, CT 06830
  • Steam Greenwich – The only sit-down restaurant option in this category, the Chinese dishes are made with fresh ingredients in moderate portions that don’t require ordering a three-course meal. No booze served here, by the way. Address: 374 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830

For Gossip Girls in Search of “Old Money Vibes”

  • Molí – Fine Chinese-inspired dining set in a gorgeous bar and restaurant influenced by 1940s Shanghai. Address: 253 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830
  • Townhouse – Casual elegance, high energy, and American spirit, worth the extra steps off the Avenue. Address: 35 Church St, Greenwich, CT 06830
  • l’escale at Delamar Greenwich – Mediterranean summer meets New England charm—influencer behavior is tolerated as long as VIPs aren’t present. Address: 500 Steamboat Rd, Greenwich, CT 06830

The bar at l'escale at Delamar Greenwich Harbor

A Damn Good Time

  • Happy Monkey – Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his take on Latin-inspired cuisine to the Avenue with playful cocktails and tapas. Address: 376 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830
  • The Ginger Man – A cozy classic on the Avenue, no need to dress up or impress if you’re not in the mood. Address: 64 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830
  • Hinoki – Always upbeat and busy, the elevated izakaya offers delicious sushi and entrées in a lounge setting. Address: 363 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830
  • Eastend – A great place to start the evening with Happy Hour and to stay for dinner. Address: 409 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830
  • The Cottage – Farm-to-table small plates and craft cocktails make this James Beard Award nominee stand out. Address: 49 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT 06831

Burger and fries at The Cottage in Greenwich, CT

Where to Stay in Greenwich, CT

In case you decide to extend your visit to Greenwich for a night or two, here’s a breakdown of the three available options.

Delamar Hotel Greenwich Harbor

The flagship of the Delamar Hotels portfolio leads by example with its commitment to delivering elegant experiences from private charter cruises to weddings and events. The award-winning waterfront hotel completed its renovations of the lobby, rooms, and suites in Summer 2025.

Address: 500 Steamboat Rd, Greenwich, CT 06830

Hyatt Regency Greenwich

Built on the historic site of Condé Nast’s printing campus, Hyatt Regency Greenwich blends tradition with design and convenience to meet the needs of today’s traveler. The hotel completed its $40M renovation in Winter 2024 to refresh the lobby gardens, rooms, and common areas, including the lobby bar, restaurant, and movie theater.

Address: 1800 E Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich, CT 06870

The lobby at Hyatt Regency Greenwich

J House

Greenwich’s boutique hotel is not what you would expect—the art-driven, modern spaces and personalized service offer a unique, refreshing guest experience. Tony’s at The J House, the Italian steakhouse, is a draw for hotel guests and locals alike, as well as the hotel spa.

Address: 1114 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06878

Photo Credit: J House Greenwich
Unknown's avatar

Posted by

A Francophile in coastal New England

Leave a comment