In this guide, we compare Hartford vs New Haven to help you decide which location you want to visit on a weekend trip.
We will examine what makes each city unique and essential considerations like the nearest airports, restaurants, hotels, and top tourist attractions.
At the end of this guide, we will provide you with Your Weekend Travel’s official decision on whether you should lean to visit Hartford or New Haven
Hartford vs New Haven Backgrounds
Essential Information You Need to Know About Hartford
Hartford is the capital city of Connecticut and is located in the central part of the state. It is known for its insurance industry and is home to several insurance company headquarters. Hartford is also home to several museums, including the Wadsworth Atheneum and the Mark Twain House.
State: Connecticut
Country: Hartford
Region: Capitol
Date First Settled: 1635
City Size: 535 sq miles
Population: 1214000
Largest Area Airport: Bradley International Airport
Top 3 Airlines: American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines
Essential Information You Need to Know About New Haven
Located in southern Connecticut, New Haven is home to Yale University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It is also known for its pizza, which is said to be some of the best in the country. New Haven is a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene.
State: Connecticut
County: New Haven
Region: South Central
Date First Settled: 1638
City Size: 20 sq miles
Population: 560000
Largest Area Airport: Tweed New Haven Regional Airport
Top Airline: Avelo Airlines
Hartford vs New Haven Hotels
We analyzed the various hotels that are located in a 5-mile driving radius of Hartford and New Haven.
Using TripAdvisor’s hotel search, we took a look at the best traveler-recommended hotels in each location.
We advise you to check out your various hotel booking sites to get a good price estimate that meets your trip’s needs.
Hartford Traveler-Recommended Hotels
The Goodwin Hotel
The Goodwin Hotel is a historic boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Hartford, Connecticut. It offers luxury accommodations, including spacious guest rooms and suites with high ceilings, elegant decor, and modern amenities.
The hotel features a restaurant, rooftop lounge, and fitness center.
Hartford Marriot Downtown
A stylish hotel located in the heart of Hartford, Connecticut, the Hartford Marriott Downtown offers luxury accommodations and excellent amenities.
The hotel features an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and indoor pool, as well as spacious guest rooms and a prime location near popular attractions.
Residence Inn Hartford Downtown
The Residence Inn Hartford Downtown is an extended-stay hotel located in the heart of Hartford, Connecticut.
The hotel offers spacious suites with full kitchens, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.
It is within walking distance of local attractions such as the Connecticut Science Center and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.
New Haven Traveler-Recommended Hotels
The Blake Hotel
The Blake Hotel is a chic boutique hotel located in New Haven, Connecticut. It offers modern guest rooms and suites with elegant decor, luxurious bedding, and state-of-the-art amenities.
The hotel features a rooftop lounge, fitness center, and restaurant.
The Study at Yale
A boutique hotel located in New Haven, Connecticut, The Study at Yale offers guests a unique and sophisticated stay.
The hotel features comfortable guest rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, and access to Yale University’s many cultural offerings.
Graduate New Haven
The Graduate New Haven is a stylish boutique hotel located in downtown New Haven, Connecticut.
The hotel features comfortable rooms and suites with unique decor inspired by Yale University, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
It is within walking distance of local attractions such as the Yale University Art Gallery and the New Haven Green.
Hartford vs New Haven Restaurants
We analyzed the various hotels that are located nearby Hartford and New Haven.
Hartford Traveler-Recommended Restaurants
The average cost of dinner for two in Hartford will cost you $100.00.
Bear’s Smokehouse Barbeque
Bear’s Smokehouse Barbeque is a family-owned barbecue restaurant with several locations throughout Connecticut.
The menu features a variety of slow-smoked meats, homemade sides, and classic Southern-style desserts. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, making it a great spot for a casual dinner or a quick lunch.
Salute
Salute is a contemporary Italian restaurant located in Hartford, Connecticut. With a menu inspired by the flavors of Italy, Salute offers a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
From handmade pasta to wood-fired pizzas, each dish is expertly crafted and bursting with flavor. With a chic and modern atmosphere, Salute is the perfect spot for a special occasion or a night out with friends.
Bartaco – West Hartford
Bartaco – West Hartford is a trendy Mexican restaurant located in West Hartford, Connecticut.
The menu offers a variety of small plates, tacos, and cocktails inspired by the coastal cuisine of Mexico. The restaurant features modern decor, outdoor seating, and a lively atmosphere.
New Haven Traveler-Recommended Restaurants
The average cost of dinner for two in New Haven will cost you $75.00.
Louis Lunch
Louis Lunch is a New Haven institution that has been serving up its famous hamburgers since 1895.
The restaurant is famous for inventing the hamburger sandwich and continues to serve its famous burgers on toasted white bread with cheese, onions, and tomato.
With a cozy, vintage atmosphere, Louis Lunch is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a piece of American food history.
Shells & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill
Shells & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill is a seafood restaurant located in New Haven, Connecticut.
With a focus on fresh, locally-sourced seafood, they offer a range of dishes including raw bar items, chowders, and grilled seafood.
The restaurant features an outdoor patio with views of the water, as well as a cozy indoor dining room.
Hartford vs New Haven Tourist Attractions & Activities
We review the top tourist attractions & activities that are located nearby Hartford and New Haven.
Hartford Traveler-Recommended Tourist Attractions & Activities
Hartford Stage
One of Connecticut’s leading theaters, Hartford Stage offers world-class productions of classic and contemporary plays.
Founded in 1964, the theater has hosted many notable productions, including world premieres and works by Shakespeare and Tennessee Williams.
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is a renowned art museum located in Hartford, Connecticut. It is the oldest public art museum in the United States and features an impressive collection of European and American art, as well as contemporary and decorative arts.
Visitors can explore the museum’s vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects from different time periods and styles.
The Mark Twain House and Museum
The Mark Twain House and Museum is a fascinating destination for fans of American literature. The house, where author Mark Twain lived and worked for nearly 20 years, has been beautifully preserved and restored to its original condition.
Visitors can take guided tours of the house, explore the museum’s exhibits on Twain’s life and work, and even attend special events and programs throughout the year.
New Haven Traveler-Recommended Tourist Attractions & Activities
Yale University Art Gallery
Founded in 1832, the Yale University Art Gallery is one of the oldest university art museums in the country.
The museum houses an impressive collection of art spanning from ancient times to the present day. Some of the highlights include African art, American decorative arts, and European paintings.
Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is a fascinating museum located in New Haven, Connecticut. It houses one of the largest and most extensive collections of natural history specimens in the world.
Visitors can explore the museum’s vast collection of fossils, minerals, and animals from around the globe, including the famous dinosaur skeletons and the Great Hall of Biodiversity.
Escape New Haven
Escape New Haven is a fun and challenging activity for friends and family members.
Participants are locked in a themed room and have to solve a series of puzzles and clues in order to escape before time runs out.
The themes of the rooms range from historical events to popular culture, and the puzzles are designed to be both challenging and fun for all ages.
Hartford vs New Haven – Which City You Should Visit? Final Assessment
In this section, Your Weekend Travel will give you its final verdict as to which city you should visit.
Our criteria access each city’s travel appeal, ease of getting there, their food and restaurants, hotels, and finally the top tourist attractions.
| Category | Winner |
| Appeal | Hartford |
| Ease of Getting There | Hartford |
| Food | Hartford |
| Hotel | New Haven |
| Tourist Attractions | Hartford |
Based on our analysis, we believe that Hartford will be the better destination for a weekend getaway. It dominates in the categories of overall appeal, ease of travel, food, and tourist attractions.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Haven%2C_Connecticut
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hartford,_Connecticut
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g33851-New_Haven_Connecticut-Vacations.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g33804-Hartford_Connecticut-Vacations.html
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=United+States
