This mid-sized yet cosmopolitan Connecticut city was founded around 400 years ago, and visitors will find that many of its original features still intact today. Yale University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning, forms the heart of the historic area, while the surrounding city is pleasant and offers plenty of night-time activity as well.
Yale University is where you’ll find the city’s major attractions including the University’s Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art. In particular, the art gallery boasts outstanding collections of works by American Realists and French Impressionists, and contains important works by Braque, Frans Hals and Rubens, as well as a number of Netsuke ivories.
Less lofty pursuits can be found here too, with New Haven claiming to be the American birthplace of the hamburger, pizza and modern-day American football. There are plenty of eateries where you can try out the local versions of these favorites; and if you time your visit during the fall months, you’ll be able to attend a football game as well.
New Haven attractions
Yale University Art Gallery: features permanent collections of American decorative art, paintings and sculpture, including ancient works, and European, African and Asian art.
Center for British Art: features the finest collection of British Art outside the UK, including significant works by Gainsborough, Hogarth and Turner.
Beinecke Rare Book Library: at Yale University is renowned not only for its collections, but also for its Vermont marble construction.
Sterling Memorial Library: is home to world-renowned collections and artifacts, with its highlight being the Yale Babylonian Collection, donated in 1910 by JP Morgan.
Peabody Museum of Natural History: boasts vast collections of dinosaur remains sure to thrill children.
The Green: one of the top 100 public spaces in the US, this 350-year-old space is often the site of entertainment and festivals including the immensely popular New Haven Jazz Festival.
Louis’ Lunch: said to be the birthplace of the hamburger, invented here in 1895; you’ll have to wait at least 30 minutes to try out their popular version, which is served on toast.