Stamford Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Stamford
Stamford
Photo by crissibeth

This coastal community on the Connecticut shoreline offers plenty of ways to enjoy and interact with the parks, forests and beaches that make up its surrounds.

With parks, forests and more than 14 miles (22 kilometres) of coastline, the small seaside community of Stamford relishes living life outdoors. You’ll also find numerous attractions for those who want to stay indoors, including cinemas, cafés and an arts centre.

Go on a river cruise of the Long Island Sound, charter a boat from the harbour, and splash in the surf at Cove Island Park’s sandy beaches. You can also walk, ride and skate the park’s trails and take a tram ride through the grounds.

Go to the SoundWaters Centre, a non-profit environmental education organization located in the park. Book a two-hour ecological trip across the sound aboard their 80-foot (23-metre) three-masted Schooner. Hoist the sails, test the water quality and learn more about the marine life beneath the waves. For details visit SoundWaters’ official website.

Connect with nature at the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens. The 91-acre (37-hectare) preserve encompasses more than 2,000 varieties of trees, forest trails, themed gardens and a herbarium. Keep an eye out for some of the native wildlife as you wander along the boardwalk through the red maple swamp. See snapping turtles, raccoons, wood frogs, barred owls and woodpeckers.

Walk some of the 80 acres (32 hectares) of nature trails and visit a working farm at the Stamford Museum and Nature Centre. Enjoy a picnic by the lake and see the natural history and art exhibits inside the Bendel Mansion Museum. The estate was once the property of the late New York designer and department store owner Henri Willis Bendel. Get a close-up view of the moon and planets from the observatory and watch a stellar presentation at the planetarium.

Go to the downtown area and catch a play, musical or comedy show at the Stamford Centre for the Arts. Check out some contemporary art at Franklin Street Works, a two-story art space and café.

Stamford is located 40 miles (64 kilometres) north of New York City. Catch a train or drive from the city. Get around by bus or rent a car to get out of town and enjoy the natural surrounds.

Where to stay in Stamford

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Downtown Stamford

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Downtown Stamford, you might make a stop by sights like Stamford Center for the Arts and Stamford Town Center.

Downtown Stamford
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Cove - East Side - Shippan

While visiting Cove - East Side - Shippan, you might make a stop by sights like Cummings Park Beach and West Beach.

Cove - East Side - Shippan
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South End

Though South End may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Stamford Town Center and Stamford Center for the Arts.

South End
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Waterside

While there might not be top attractions in Waterside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Stamford Town Center and Stamford Center for the Arts.

Waterside
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West Side

Though West Side may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Stamford Center for the Arts and E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course.

West Side
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North Stamford

While visiting North Stamford, you might make a stop by sights like Stamford Museum and Nature Center and Hoyt Barnum House.

North Stamford
Amsterdam Hotel

Amsterdam Hotel

2 out of 5
19 Clarks Hill Ave, Stamford, CT
The price is AU$171 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$171
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Stamford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,640 reviews)
"The desk staff were very kind and helpful. The beds were extremely comfortable!"

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2025

Amsterdam Hotel
The Stamford Hotel

The Stamford Hotel

3.5 out of 5
700 East Main Street, Stamford, CT
The price is AU$319 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
AU$319
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Stamford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,101 reviews)
"Convenient, clean, and solid hotel"

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2025

The Stamford Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stamford / New York City

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stamford / New York City

3 out of 5
135 Harvard Avenue, Stamford, CT
The price is AU$161 per night from 11 Sept to 12 Sept
AU$161
11 Sept - 12 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Stamford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.4/10 (738 reviews)
"The staff was friendly, helpful, and vrry welcoming. The place is presently undergoing a major renovation, but iverall, it was a pleasant stay."

Reviewed on 19 Aug. 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stamford / New York City
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.
Stamford Suites

Stamford Suites

4 out of 5
720 Bedford St, Stamford, CT
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Stamford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
5.6/10 (49 reviews)
"Excellent sleep"

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Stamford Suites
Luxury Apartments by Hyatus at The Asher

Luxury Apartments by Hyatus at The Asher

4.5 out of 5
150 Broad St, Stamford, CT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Stamford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Stamford Town Center and Stamford ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Amazing!
"The apartment was amazing. It was spacious, clean, incredibly comfy bed (although it made early mornings a problem!). The check in process was really easy. I also love the fact there is a huge washer and dryer so was able to do some washing mid-stay and not have to fill my suitcase up too much. The ..."

Reviewed on 25 Feb. 2025

Luxury Apartments by Hyatus at The Asher
Live the luxury lifestyle  2 bedroom 2 bathrooms  Pool, private massage downtown

Live the luxury lifestyle 2 bedroom 2 bathrooms Pool, private massage downtown

2 out of 5
Stamford
Stay at this vacation home in Stamford. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Mill River Park and First Presbyterian Church ...
Live the luxury lifestyle 2 bedroom 2 bathrooms Pool, private massage 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.

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