Home Icon

Loading, Please Wait...

48 Hours in Hartford

  • SHARE THIS
  • TWEET THIS
  • SHARE THIS
  • COMMENT
  • LOVE THIS 1
  • E-mail
Located in the US state of Connecticut, Hartford is the capital and the oldest city of the state. The city houses a number of beautiful tourist attractions including iconic landmarks, historic neighborhoods, verdant parks, wonderfully landscaped botanical gardens and much more. On a two day holiday in the city, tourists can indulge in a number of activities over here including dining at the finest of restaurants and enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Hartford. To make your vacation easier, we have compiled an extensive two-day itinerary for you.

http://www.bushnellpark.org/
By Daderot (Daderot) [CC0 or CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Hartford Day 1 Tour!

Breakfast at 8:00 am

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the 24-hour diner – Denny’s (539 Flatbush Avenue). Do try their famous pancakes, cheeseburgers, French toast and other American comfort food. Another popular breakfast joint in the city is First and Last Bakery Cafe (920 Maple Avenue), which is known for its corned beef hash, eggs, home fries and the cheese Danish.


Connecticut Science Center at 10:00 am

Founded in the year 2009, Connecticut Science Center is an exciting 9-floor museum known for its 150 interactive exhibits, high tech 3D digital theater, live demonstrations and four educational laboratories. They also host a number of daily events. It is divided into different galleries including Forces in Motion, Invention Dimension, Exploring Space, Picture of Health, Kid Space and much more, each offering something fun and unique to the visitors.

Address: 250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
Phone: 1 860 724 3623
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday), Monday Closed
Website: https://www.ctsciencecenter.org/
Distance from Downtown Hartford
: 1.1 miles or 6 minutes drive

Connecticut Convention Center at 11:30 am

Located near Downtown Hartford, Connecticut Convention Center is known for its ten-story beautiful glass building situated above the grand public plaza and the riverfront walkway. The convention center has almost 13,000 square meter of exhibition space, 2300 square meter of meeting space and 4000 square meter of ballroom space. Connecticut Convention Center is the largest center between Boston and New York and has been hosting ConnectiCon since the year 2005.

Address: 100 Columbus Blvd #400, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
Phone: 1 860 249 6000
Website: http://www.ctconventions.com/
Distance from Connecticut Science Center: 0.2 mile or 5 minutes walk

Connecticut State Capitol at 12:30 pm

Situated near the verdant Bushnell Park, Connecticut State Capitol is known for being the home of Connecticut General Assembly, Governor of the State of Connecticut, State Senate, Connecticut Supreme Court and House of Representative. Established in 1878, the building of Connecticut State Capitol is made out of pure white marble, which is topped off by a beautiful gold dome. It is also a part of the National Historic Landmark of Hartford. Check the website for tours of the capitol.

Address: 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT  06106
Phone: 1 (860) 240 0222
Website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/capitoltours/
Distance from Connecticut Convention Center: 1.2 mile or 3 minutes drive

Lunch at 01:30 pm

Firebox Restaurant (539 Broad Street) is a popular spot nearby for lunch. A casual restaurant that is known for offering one of the best farm to table experiences in the city of Hartford. The Kitchen (559 Broad Street) is another popular restaurant situated nearby. Located at Hartford Public Library, The Kitchen is known for using only the best season harvests along with fresh herbs that are locally sourced.

The Museum of Connecticut History and the State Library at 02:30 pm

If you love history and are interested in knowing the historic background of Connecticut, then you must visit this museum. The Museum of Connecticut History is home to a number of portraits, firearms and other historic items, all depicting the state’s history from its early development to it being the economic inspiration of the country. The Connecticut State Library is another great place to visit and is home to wide range of public records, archival, library information and other administrative services for the public.

Address: 231 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106, United States
Phone: 1 860 757 6535
Timings: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm (Monday to Friday), 09:00 am to 02:00 pm (Saturday), Sunday Closed
Website: http://museumofcthistory.org/, http://ctstatelibrary.org/
Distance from Firebox Restaurant: 0.3 mile or 6 minutes walk

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center at 03:30 pm

Built in the year 1871, Harriet Beecher Stowe Center is a popular former historic home of one of the most famous writers of that time - Harriet Beecher Stowe. She stayed over here between the years of 1873 and 1896 (23 years) and wrote some of her best works like Uncle Tom’s Cabin from here. This house represents her experiences and their impact on the country. Several guided tours are also available throughout the year.

Address: 77 Forest St, Hartford, CT 06105, United States
Phone: 1 860 522 9258
Timings: 09:30 am to 05:00 pm (Monday to Friday), 09:30 am to 05:30 pm (Saturday), 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm (Sunday)
Website: https://www.harrietbeecherstowecenter.org/
Distance from The Museum of Connecticut History and the State Library: 1.5 miles or 6 minutes drive

The Mark Twain House & Museum at 04:30 pm

As the name suggests, The Mark Twain House & Museum once belonged to the famous author – Mark Twain, who lived over here from 1874 to 1891 with his family. Visit the home of this legendary author and see where he wrote some of best novels including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Built in American gothic Style architecture, the house was also featured in 1000 Places To See Before You Die. There is also an amazing cafe over for delicious snacks.

Address: 351 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105, United States
Phone: 1 860 247 0998
Timings: 09:30 am to 05:30 pm (Monday to Sunday, 04:30 pm is the last tour)
Website: https://www.marktwainhouse.org/
Distance from Harriet Beecher Stowe Center: 0.2 mile or 3 minutes walk

Elizabeth Park and Rose Gardens at 06:00 pm

Home to almost 15,000 plants and 800 different types of roses, Elizabeth Park and Rose Gardens is a haven for nature lovers. Spread over 102 acres, the park was given to the city by Charles M. Pond, who wanted it to be named after his late wife – Elizabeth. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Do visit the park, especially in autumn season, when the foliage is in full bloom. There is also ice skating available over here during winters.

Address: 1561 Asylum Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117, United State
Phone: 1 860 231 9443
Timings: 11:00 am to 08:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 09:30 am to 02:30 pm (Sunday), Monday Closed
Website: http://elizabethparkct.org/
Distance from Harriet Beecher Stowe Center: 1.7 miles or 8 minutes drive

Dinner at 08:00 pm

Max Downtown (185 Asylum Street) is an amazing place for dinner in the city of Hartford. It is known for its prime cuts, seafood and a wide collection of wines, all in an elegant and sophisticated setting. For delicious barbeques, southeastern cuisine and live music, head to Black-eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar (350 Asylum Street).

Explore Hartford’s nightlife at 10:00 pm

If you are a fan of Irish drinks and food, then Mckinnons Irish Pub (114 Asylum Street) is the place for you. Set in a historic building, the pub has a beautiful hardwood bar that is kept fully stocked all the time. However, if you love pulsating house music, then visit Room 960 (960 Main Street), which also has a bottle service that is considered one of the best in the entire city.

Hartford Day 1 Tour Map Guide


Hartford Day 2 Journey Begins!


Breakfast at 8:00 am

M & M Bistro (315 Trumbull Street) is a wonderful and cozy breakfast joint in the city of Harford. It is known for its traditional American cuisine and a huge sumptuous breakfast buffet. Cafe DuManoir (21 Oak Street) is another popular breakfast joint, known for its fresh and delicious sandwiches.

Old State House at 10:00 am

Built in the year 1796, Old State House is another popular historic tourist attraction in the city. It is built on the site of former Hartford Convention Center. In the year 1960, it came to be known as the National Historic Landmark. The building is constructed in an array of architectures. While the outside of the building is built in Federal style, the courtroom and the hall are built in Colonial Revival. Old State House also hosts a number of exhibits throughout the year. Many guided and self-guided tours are also available over here.

Address: 800 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
Phone: 1 860 522 6766
Timings: 10:00 am to 04:00 pm (Monday to Friday), Saturday and Sunday Closed
Website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/osh/
Distance from Downtown Hartford: 0.3 mile or 7 minutes walk

Wadsworth Atheneum at 11:00 am

Established in 1842, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is one of the oldest museums in America. Designed in Gothic Style Architecture, the museum is home to several renowned collections of Contemporary Art, American Decorative Art, European Art, Customer and Textiles and American Painting and Sculpture. It also hosts a number of exhibitions throughout the year. Entry to the museum is free for the public.

Address: 600 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
Phone: 1 860 278 2670
Timings: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm (Wednesday to Friday), 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday), Monday and Tuesday Closed
Website: https://thewadsworth.org/
Distance from Old State House: 0.2 mile or 4 minutes walk

Butler-McCook Homestead at 12:00 pm

Butler-McCook Homestead is another popular historic house museum in the city. Built in the year 1782, it is also the oldest house in Hartford. In the year 1971, it became a part of the National Register of Historic Places. Butler-McCook Homestead was occupied by one family for about two centuries, therefore, one would find a number of Colonial and Victorian items on display over here. Do visit the beautiful rose garden nearby, which was designed by the well-known designer - Jacob Weidenmann.

Address: 396 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
Phone: 1 860 522 1806
Timings: 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm (Thursday to Sunday between May and September, Saturday and Sunday between October and December)
Website: http://www.ctlandmarks.org/
Distance from Wadsworth Atheneum: 0.2 mile or 4 minutes walk

Lunch at 01:00 pm

Trumbull Kitchen (150 Trumbull Street) is a popular restaurant nearby with a beautiful outside seating. It is known for its eclectic menu with a number of seafood varieties. If you want Italian cuisine, then head to Salute (100 Trumbull Street). They even have gluten free options. Agave Grill (100 Allyn Street) is another popular restaurant, known for its spicy Mexican food.

XL Center at 03:00 pm

XL Center is a multi-use convention center that is home to several activities like concerts, trade shows, consumer events, ice-skating spectaculars and thrilling Hartford Wolf Pack games. It is also the 28th largest basketball arena in USA.

Address: 1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford, CT 06120, United States
Phone: 1 877 522 8499
Website: http://www.xlcenter.com/
Distance from Trumbull Kitchen: 0.2 mile or 4 minutes walk


Cathedral of St. Joseph at 04:00 pm

Founded in 1962, Cathedral of St. Joseph is famous for being the mother church of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford. The church is 281 feet high with brilliantly crafted stained Parisian glass windows and 12 carillon bells. With more than 8000 pipes, it also has the largest pipe organ in the state.

Address: 140 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105, United States
Phone: 1 860 249 8431
Website: http://www.cathedralofsaintjoseph.com/
Distance from XL Center: 0.9 mile or 6 minutes drive

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch at 05:00 pm

Set up in the year 1886, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch is the first-ever permanent war memorial and arch in the country. Located on the east end of Bushnell Park, the arch was built to represent all the brave people who left their families to fight in the American Civil War. The monument was designed by George Keller and is made completely out of brownstone. It also depicts scenes from the war.

Address: 100 Wells St, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: 1 (860) 232 6710
Website: http://www.bushnellpark.org/
Distance from Cathedral of St. Joseph: 1.2 miles or 7 minutes drive

Bushnell Park at 06:00 pm

Spread over 50 acres, Bushnell Park is not only the oldest but also the first ever publicly funded park in America. In 1970, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Bushnell Park has a number of attractions that will delight the tourists. Some popular ones include Corning Fountain, Pump House Gallery, Champion Trees, Israel Putnam Statue, Civil War Memorial, and a 1914 Stein and Goldstein carousal. Several regular memorial tours are also conducted over here. Check the website for tour timings.

Phone: 1 (860) 232 6710
Carousal Timings: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm (Friday to Sunday)
Website: http://www.bushnellpark.org/
Distance from Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch: 0.4 mile or 7 minutes walk

Dinner at 08:00 pm

Peppercorn's Grill (357 Main Street) is a great restaurant in the city for delicious Italian cuisine. It is known for its fresh homemade pastas, well-cooked risottos and an extensive collection of wines. If you want to try something different, then head to Ted's Montana Grill (35 Front Street). They are famous for having the maximum varieties of bison (native ox) than other restaurant in the city.


Explore Hartford’s nightlife at 10:00 pm

For a night filled with lots of fun, amazing music and delicious drinks, head to the incredible Pig’s Eye Pub (356 Asylum Street). They are renowned for having no cover charge and a wide collection of craft beers. Pyur (113 Allyn Street) is another great place in the city for Hip-Hop music and dance.

Day 2 Map Guide of Hartford

Is your business listed correctly on America’s largest city directory network of 1,000 portals? Find your City Portal

Post Free Ads

Post Press Releases

Website for Churches etc.

Post Free Articles