Top Things To Do In Hartford

Mark Twain once said about Hartford, “You do not know what beauty is if you have not been here.” Known as “New England’s Rising Star,” the state capital of Connecticut is picturesque, friendly, and easy to explore on foot, by bike, or by car. Art museums, science centers, and music venues are around every bend, placing creativity at the heart of this historic riverfront city.  

Hot Summer Nights with TLC, Shaggy, En Vogue and Sean Kingston on June 17 at 7 p.m.
TLC, Shaggy, En Vogue and Sean Kingston - Up to 51% Off
61 Savitt Way, Hartford
$65.20 $32
51% discount_off
Events at XFINITY Theatre on June 17, 2023
1,000+ bought
"Ain't Too Proud - The Life & Times Of The Temptations" - Sunday, Jun 4, 2023 / 6:30pm
"Ain't Too Proud - The Life & Times Of The Temptations" - Sunday, J...
166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford0.3 mi
$42.50 $41.50
Sunday, Jun 4, 2023 / 6:30pm
Up to 37% Off on Distillery Tour for Two or Four People at Hartford Flavor Company
Up to 37% Off on Distillery Tour at Hartford Flavor Company
30 Arbor Street, Hartford0.9 mi
4.8
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1,639 ratings
$30 $19
37% discount_off
Production Tour and Tasting Room Experience for Two People
$25 for $45 Worth of Dance Lessons — STUDIO860
44% Off Dance Lessons
30 Arbor Street, Suite 207, Hartford0.9 mi
4.0
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1 ratings
$45 $25
44% discount_off
$45 Worth of Dance Lessons
Up to 57% Off on Recording Studio Rental at HKE Studios
Up to 57% Off on Recording Studio Rental at HKE Studios
online_deal
$150 $69
54% discount_off
1 Song Professionally Mixed (Master Included)
1 bought
Up to 10% Off on Art Gallery at Just Flourish Art Gallery
Up to 10% Off on Art Gallery at Just Flourish Art Gallery
online_deal
$50 $45
10% discount_off
$5 Off Posters and Prints
$14.95 for Scavenger Hunt Game for One Group at It's A Scavenger Hunt! ($44.95 Value)
67% Off Scavenger Hunt Game at It's A Scavenger Hunt!
online_deal
3.4
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5 ratings
$44.95 $14.95
67% discount_off
Scavenger Hunt Game for One Team (Up to 4 Players)
Caribbean Rum and Food Festival on September 23 at 12 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Caribbean Rum and Food Festival – Up to 13% Off
3340 Main Street, Hartford2.6 mi
$40 $35
13% discount_off
09/23/23 Session One 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.: General Admission Ticket for One
1 bought
Survival Scavenger Hunt for One or Two Teams from Zombie Scavengers (Up to 62% Off). Two Options Available.
Up to 62% Off Scavenger Hunt from Zombie Scavengers
online_deal
3.9
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1,213 ratings
$39.95 $15
62% discount_off
Survival Scavenger Hunt Tour for One Team


As one of the oldest metro areas in America, Hartford has a rich history that carries into modern Connecticut. Explore its rolling hills to find cultural gems, entertainment venues, vineyards, and state parks.

Here are some of the best things to do near Hartford:

  • Explore the life of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, at the immaculately preserved Mark Twain House
  • Discover Bushnell Park, the first publicly funded park in the United States and the park that set a precedent for public parks nationwide
  • Grab a map and locate your favorite masterpieces at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
  • Become one with nature at the butterfly exhibit inside the Connecticut Science Center
  • Take your pick of shopping destinations, restaurants, live music, and entertainment at the Center in the Square downtown

Events in HartfordView All

Hot Summer Nights with TLC, Shaggy, En Vogue and Sean Kingston on June 17 at 7 p.m.
TLC, Shaggy, En Vogue and Sean Kingston - Up to 51% Off
61 Savitt Way, Hartford
$65.20 $32
51% discount_off
Events at XFINITY Theatre on June 17, 2023
1,000+ bought
"Ain't Too Proud - The Life & Times Of The Temptations" - Sunday, Jun 4, 2023 / 6:30pm
"Ain't Too Proud - The Life & Times Of The Temptations" - Sunday, J...
166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford0.3 mi
$42.50 $41.50
Sunday, Jun 4, 2023 / 6:30pm
Caribbean Rum and Food Festival on September 23 at 12 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Caribbean Rum and Food Festival – Up to 13% Off
3340 Main Street, Hartford2.6 mi
$40 $35
13% discount_off
09/23/23 Session One 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.: General Admission Ticket for One
1 bought
One-, Two-, or Three-Day Ticket to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA (Up to 52% Off)
Up to 52% Off Admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg
2 Locations
4.8
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4,390 ratings
$144.99 $68.99
52% discount_off
Single-Day Admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Ages 3+): Valid Through 11/05/2023
Experience the World from a New Perspective at One World Observatory - Your Iconic Landmark Destination!
The City from Above: One World Observatory's Spectacular Skyline Views
285 Fulton Street, New York
4.7
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7,450 ratings
$48 $33
31% discount_off
Standard Admission Experience for One Adult (Ages 13–64)
Admission or Class at Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut (Up to 54% Off). Three Options Available.
Up to 54% Off Museum Admission or Class
115 Pierson Ln., Windsor7.2 mi
4.8
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75 ratings
$14 $7
50% discount_off
Museum admission for two people
Busch Gardens Tampa Admission with All-Day Dining Option, 2- or 3-Park, or Unlimited Visits (Up to 52% Off)
Up to 52% Off Admission to Busch Gardens Tampa
10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa
4.5
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405 ratings
$134.99 $67.99
50% discount_off
Busch Gardens Tampa Single Week Day Admission: Valid 365 days from purchase
Standard, Combination or All-inclusive Tickets to View Boston, Boston's NEW View!
Standard, Combination or All-inclusive Tickets to View Boston
800 Bolyston Street, Boston
4.9
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135 ratings
$28.99
For One: Standard Adult Ticket (13+)
Limited Time Offer: Buy 2 Days, Get 3 Days FREE! Valid for Select Promo Tickets. Save Up to $166 on Select Dates.
Limited Time Deal- Buy 2 Days, Get 3 Days FREE with Select Tickets*
6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando
$164
PROMO: Buy 2-Day Ticket, Get 3 Days Free
10,000+ bought


Hartford has been home to famous painters and writers alike. Explore their lives at a museum, then take a once-in-a-lifetime photo from the top of one of the tallest buildings in the world.

Other popular attractions near Hartford:

  • A thrilling live musical performance at Theaterworks Hartford
  • Peruse the XL Center arena event center and attend a concert, convention or basketball game of your choosing
  • See the city from the top of the 7th-tallest building in the world on the 24th story of the Travelers Tower skyscraper downtown
  • Jump around to a touring act at the breezy outdoor XFINITY Theatre amphitheatre
  • Step inside a hurricane force wind tunnel and introduce yourself to a turtle with its own Twitter account at the Connecticut Science Center

There is always something happening in Hartford. Pick up a pint of freshly brewed beer or enjoy the view at the water’s edge of the Park River.

Exciting activities near Hartford include:

  • Taking a guided tour of the historic Harriet Beecher Stowe House and learning about the life of the famed author and abolitionist
  • Sipping a sumptuous craft beer from the family-owned Hog River Brewing Co.  
  • Rowing a boat along the Connecticut River at Riverside Park
  • Checking out one of the Wadsworth Atheneum collections, known for its cutting-edge exhibitions
  • Enjoying an afternoon of leisurely play at Keney Park Golf Course

When the sun goes down, the party is just getting started in Hartford. Quench your thirst on a pub crawl of the city’s most loved bars, or dance through the night to live music downtown.

Here are some ideas for nighttime activities near Hartford:

  • Score a balcony section seat in the The Bushnell Performing Arts Center
  • Grab a to-go growler of beer from the Hanging Hills Brewery tasting room
  • Enjoy delicious pub grub and theme nights on the rooftop bar of the Russian Lady
  • Laugh at a Sea Tea Improv comedy company show
  • Dance the borracha on Latin Night at Symmetry Ultra Lounge, a cool and casual nightclub downtown


Travelling with kids requires activity to keep the whole gang happy. Fun is a given during these Hartford activities that are both educational and exciting.

There are some family-friendly things to do near Hartford:

  • Break out your jazz hands at a Newington Children’s Theater
  • Shake out the wiggles on a hike along the Amistad Trial
  • Wave to the beluga whales at the Mystic Aquarium
  • Climb to new heights: zip line, hike, and cliff dive at the Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park
  • Pick fresh apples, blueberries, flowers, and pumpkins while soaking up the sunshine at Lapsley Orchard


If weather is putting a damper on the day or you’re looking for low-key destinations, consider staying inside!  Try one of these indoor activities in Hartford on for size.

Things to do indoors in Hartford:

  • Admire wall-to-wall stained glass inside the Cathedral of St. Joseph
  • Buy tickets to Tony award-winning dramas, classics, and musicals at Hartford Stage
  • Tour one of Hartford’s last 18th-century homes, the Butler McCook Homestead
  • Wander inside the old Pump House Gallery, which features contemporary pieces by local artists
  • Grab a front row seat to a performance at the Bushnell Performing Arts Center

Pursue adventure around Hartford by hiking a local trail, or soak in the beautiful river sights by kayak. Whatever you choose, one of these outdoors activities in Hartford is sure to suit your fancy.

Active things to do or see in Hartford:

  • Stretch your muscles during outdoor yoga on Tuesday and Thursday nights on the Rose Garden lawn at Elizabeth Park
  • Walk along the Sculpture Walk at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in view of the Connecticut River
  • Goof around on the playground or enjoy a packed lunch at Charter Oak Landing  
  • Take a day trip to the Old Wethersfield historic district to explore its three distinct landmarks and half-mile town green perfect for picnicking
  • Stroll along the waterfall at Kent Falls State Park