New Haven is a city in the state of Connecticut, in the northeastern United States. It is best known as the home of Yale University, and the presence of the university shapes much of the character of the place: its streets, its bookshops and cafés, and its steady flow of students, visitors and visiting scholars.
The city is also known as the Elm City, a name that points to the trees that once lined its streets. Visitors who walk the central area will find historic architecture alongside newer buildings, and a compact centre that is easy to explore on foot.
What a visit offers
- Museums: New Haven is described as home to world-class museums, which makes it a good stop for anyone interested in art, objects and collections.
- Arts scene: The city has a lively arts culture, with a range of performances, exhibitions and creative activity running through the year.
- Food: Its culinary culture is a draw in its own right, and eating well is one of the common reasons people come.
- Architecture: The historic buildings, including those around the university campus, reward slow walking.
Planning your trip
New Haven suits a visit of a day or a weekend, whether you come for the university, the museums, or simply for a city of walkable streets and good places to eat. Because much of the appeal lies in the city centre and campus, it is worth setting aside time to wander rather than only visiting a single site. Check current details with the institutions you plan to see before you go.