What to do in Hartford, CT

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Places to Visit in Hartford

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Hartford, Connecticut while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Hartford attractions from NZ$21, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Hartford tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Hartford. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Recommended things to do in Hartford

Number of things to do
1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Hartford Bar Hunt: Hartford Party: NZ$21
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Hartford

Discover the most popular places to visit in Hartford

Mark Twain House which includes a house and heritage architecture

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 which includes 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 a castle, heritage architecture 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 which includes 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 theatre 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 theatre scene and great live music.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Riverside Park showing a park

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

5/5(1 review)

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

Connecticut Convention Center

Xfinity Theatre

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

Xfinity Theatre

Explore areas of 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
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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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
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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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Hartford

Wethersfield showing a lake or waterhole as well as a family

Wethersfield

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 Centre 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 Centre 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 Centre, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Hartford's neighbourhoods, Downtown Hartford is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while South Meadows is 3 kilometres away from the city centre 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 neighbourhoods, 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.