1. Admire Masterpieces at the Yale University Art Gallery
Because New Haven is the famous home to Yale University, I started my visit on Chapel Street and at Yale University Art Gallery.
The museum’s collection spans all periods and cultures, but is especially strong in its works of African sculptures, American decorative and fine arts, Italian paintings, and modern art.
Founded in 1832, it is the oldest university art museum in the western hemisphere and one of the top New Haven attractions. You will find works by well-known artists such as Degas, Duchamp, Lichtenstein, Miro, Mondrian, Picasso, Rothko, and many more.
Yale University, 1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT, Phone: 203-432-0600
2. Relax in the Historic Heart of the City at New Haven Green
Located on Church Street, the New Haven Green is a historic park in downtown New Haven.
If you are wondering what to do in New Haven with kids, this is a great place to explore.
The park, along with three architecturally important 19th century churches, was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark District.
There are many events that take place in the park such as the Festival of Arts and Ideas and the New Haven Jazz Festival.
Attractions for Couples
3. Step Into Literary Wonder at the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
If you are a book fan, explore the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library housed in Yale University’s Hewitt Quadrangle on Wall Street.
Built in 1963, the library was a gift to the university from the Beinecke family. I was interested to learn that the library is one of the world’s largest buildings dedicated exclusively to rare books and manuscripts.
The library has some of its most prized possessions on display, including a copy of the Gutenberg Bible.
Some of the library’s other collections include works by James M. Barrie, Joseph Conrad, Charles Dickens, Benjamin Franklin, Goethe, and many more.
Be sure to check out the temporary exhibits of books from its collection.
Yale University, 121 Wall Street, New Haven, Connecticut, Phone: 203-432-2977
4. Explore Dinosaurs and Gems at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
My favorite museum was the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, a science museum located on Whitney Avenue at Yale University.
It is one of the world’s oldest and largest natural history museums. The museum’s Great Hall of Dinosaurs is well known and includes The Age of Reptiles, a 110-foot (34 meter) long mural, as well as a mounted Brontosaurus.
The permanent exhibits contain birds, minerals, and artifacts of the Native Americans of Connecticut, Egyptian artifacts, wildlife dioramas, and much more. The museum’s collection of fossils is one of the largest and most important in the U.S. Don't miss it if you are a fan of science.
170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut, Phone: 203-432-5050
5. Join a Taste of New Haven Food Tour
Taste of New Haven is a walking food tour based in New Haven. Knowledgeable tour guides lead the tours and teach visitors about the culture and history of the city during the walks. The company offers several kinds of tours such as the “On 9 Tour,” which focuses on eateries around the Ninth Square in downtown New Haven.
The tour begins at the Elm City Market and continues to Skappo Italian Restaurant, Skappo Merkato, and finally Fornarelli’s Ristorante. Other tours include “Apizza Feast” and “Ride, Taste and Stay Package” as well as several Chef’s Cooking Classes like “Bun Lai of Miya’s Sushi.” Phone: 888-975-8664
6. Enjoy Panoramic Views at East Rock Park
After exploring the museum, spend some time outdoors at East Rock Park.
Consisting of 427 acres, the park is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The park is named for East Rock, a mountain ridge located within the boundaries of the park.
From higher elevations in the park, you can take advantage of excellent views of New Haven, Long Island, and Long Island Sound.
Developed as a natural landscape, the park is a popular place for bicycling, bird watching, dog walking, hiking, and picnicking in the warm summer months. You can enjoy great cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter.
7. Ely Center of Contemporary Art
Step back in time at the John Slade Ely House, a historic house located near the Yale University campus.
It was originally constructed in the English Elizabethan style in 1901 as a residence for Yale School of Medicine chair John Slade Ely and his wife Grace Taylor Ely.
Throughout its tenure, the Ely Center of Contemporary Art has served as an important launching pad and nurturing ground for area artists.
Be sure to be on a lookout for solo and group exhibitions which are presented throughout the year, featuring works by artists such as Laura Barr, Marion Belanger, Lys Guillorn, and Allie Hornak.
51 Trumbull St, New Haven, CT 06510, Phone: 203-624-8055
8. Discover Rare Instruments at Yale’s Morris Steinert Collection
If you are a fan of music, con't miss the Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments at Yale which displays a large collection of musical instruments.
A part of the Yale School of Music, the museum was founded in 1900 and is housed in a historic Romanesque building constructed in 1895.
View the permanent collection which features important keyboard instruments such as clavichords, harpsichords, pianos, and organs, as well as historic wind instruments. The museum hosts a concert series where performers often use instruments from the collection. Admission is FREE.
15 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut, Phone: 203-432-0822
9. Savor Modern Mediterranean Cuisine at Olea
When you get hungry, dine on Spanish/Mediterranean cuisine at Olea in downtown New Haven.
Try the Vieiras - grilled sea scallops served with Israeli coconut couscous, mango and passion fruit purée, edamame, parsley and grape tomatoes infused with balsamic vinegar.
Desserts at Olea are an absolute must. The wine list has some excellent Spanish as well as New World choices.
39 High Street, New Haven, Connecticut, Phone: 203-780-8925
10. Learn about history at the New Haven Museum
The best place to learn about the history of the local area is the New Haven Museum and Historical Society
The museum’s collection includes art, artifacts, furniture, photography, and other historic objects that cover New Haven history from the first settlement up to the present.
Its exhibits focus on local features like East Rock, Winchester, and Yale and on historic people such as Benedict Arnold, Noah Webster, Eli Whitney, and many more.
114 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut, Phone: 203-562-4183
If you have more time to explore, head to Guilford, CT just a 20 minute drive from New Haven.
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