Hartford Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Hartford showing an administrative building, a city and heritage architecture
Hartford showing cbd and a city
Hartford showing a garden and heritage elements
Hartford featuring a city
Hartford featuring outdoor art and a garden

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 centre, 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 Centre for Performing Arts or the award-winning Hartford Stage, then come back later to see a show. Both theatres 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 Centre, where there are hands-on displays and a 3-D digital theatre showing educational movies.

In the evenings take the family to the XL Centre, 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 featuring a garden

Downtown Hartford

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

Downtown Hartford
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Barry Square

While visiting Barry Square, you might make a stop by sights like Webster Theater and Assaiante Tennis Center.

Barry Square
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Frog Hollow

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Frog Hollow and surrounding area, you can visit Connecticut State Capital and Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.

Frog Hollow
Riverside Park showing a garden

North Meadows

Unique features of North Meadows include the live music and theatres. 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
Mark Twain House featuring 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
The Capitol Hotel

The Capitol Hotel

3 out of 5
440 Asylum St, Hartford, CT
The price is AU$164 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$164
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (1,011 reviews)
"Friendly staff!"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 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 AU$175 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$175
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Room was very clean , beds were comfortable, nice breakfast ."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites
Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown by IHG

Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown by IHG

2.5 out of 5
370 Market Street, Hartford, CT
The price is AU$229 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$229
10 Nov - 11 Nov
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! (871 reviews)
"Hotel room was clean just seemed very old"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 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.
Lux Boutique Large Private LOFT Pratt St Hartford

Lux Boutique Large Private LOFT Pratt St Hartford

Hartford
Stay at this apartment in Hartford. Enjoy laundry facilities, housekeeping, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Xfinity Theatre and Hartford Stage are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (21 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

Lux Boutique Large Private LOFT Pratt St Hartford
Totally Private Cozy studio in awesome Hartford with WiFi, AC

Totally Private Cozy studio in awesome Hartford with WiFi, AC

Hartford
Stay at this apartment in Hartford. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Xfinity Theatre and Hartford Stage are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
"Great location, very nice and clean."

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025

Totally Private Cozy studio in awesome Hartford with WiFi, AC
XL Center 1-BR Condo|DWNTN Hartford|Easy Parking

XL Center 1-BR Condo|DWNTN Hartford|Easy Parking

Hartford
Stay at this apartment in Hartford. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Xfinity Theatre and Wadsworth Atheneum ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"The location is fabulous to the convention center is fabulous!"

Reviewed on 24 July 2025

XL Center 1-BR Condo|DWNTN Hartford|Easy Parking
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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