Find Car Rentals in Hartford
What are the top attractions in Hartford?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Hartford, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.
Book Hartford Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
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★ 4.7
Elizabeth Park Conservancy
1561 Asylum Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
Explore →4,683 reviews
★ 4.8
Elizabeth Park Rose Garden
1561 Asylum Ave, Hartford, CT 06105, USA
Explore →3,192 reviews
★ 4.7
The Mark Twain House & Museum
351 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105, USA
Explore →3,692 reviews
★ 4.6
Connecticut Science Center
250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103, USA
Explore →2,966 reviews
★ 4.7
Wickham Park
QCPG+38, 1329 Middle Turnpike W, Manchester, CT 0604...
Explore →2,483 reviews
★ 4.7
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
600 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA
Explore →2,185 reviews
★ 4.8
New Britain Museum of American Art
56 Lexington St, New Britain, CT 06052, USA
Explore →1,222 reviews
★ 4.8
Talcott Mountain State Park
Summit Ridge Dr, Simsbury, CT 06070, USA
Explore →1,371 reviews
★ 4.5
Dinosaur State Park
400 West St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, USA
Explore →1,483 reviews
★ 4.7
Riverfront Park
300 Welles St, Glastonbury, CT 06033, USA
Explore →1,075 reviews
★ 4.7
Nevers Park
Chief Ryan Way, South Windsor, CT 06074, USA
Explore →1,062 reviews
★ 4.5
Stanley Quarter Park
451 Blake Rd, New Britain, CT 06053, USA
Explore →1,364 reviews
★ 4.7
Bushnell Park
Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT 06103, USA
Explore →960 reviews
★ 4.6
Mill Pond Park
123 Garfield St, Newington, CT 06111, USA
Explore →820 reviews
★ 4.9
Jonathan’s Dream
355 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
Explore →441 reviews
★ 4.8
West Hartford Reservoir
West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
Explore →411 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Hartford?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
Quick answer Top tour formats in Hartford include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.
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Hop-On Hop-Off
Walking Tours
Food Tours
Day Trips
Boat Cruises
Skip-the-Line
Private Tours
Adventure Tours
Photography Tours
Night Tours
Hop-On Hop-Off BusHop-On Hop-Off Bus in Hartford
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Food and Wine ToursFood and Wine Tours in Hartford
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City Walking ToursCity Walking Tours in Hartford
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Day TripsDay Trips in Hartford
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Boat and CruisesBoat and Cruises in Hartford
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Skip-the-LineSkip-the-Line in Hartford
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Private ToursPrivate Tours in Hartford
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Nightlife ToursNightlife Tours in Hartford
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Photography ToursPhotography Tours in Hartford
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Helicopter ToursHelicopter Tours in Hartford
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Where to eat and go out in Hartford?
Restaurants, bars, and entertainment
Quick answer Browse top-rated restaurants, nightlife venues, and live shows happening now in Hartford. Listings ranked by traveler ratings; tickets and tables bookable directly through partner sites.
Where to Eat
Cinemark Buckland Hills 18 XD and IMAXRestaurant
★ 4.5
Texas Roadhouse$$
★ 4.4
Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue$$
★ 4.4
Parkville MarketRestaurant
★ 4.7
Stew Leonard's$$
★ 4.6
bartaco$$
★ 4.5
Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen$$
★ 4.6
The Mill on the River$$
★ 4.5
Nightlife
J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood Glastonbury$$$
★ 4.7
The Capital Grille$$$$
★ 4.7
Hungry Pot Korean BBQ & Hot PotBar / Club
★ 4.7
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant$$
★ 4.2
Maggie McFly's® | Glastonbury$$
★ 4.2
Max's Oyster Bar$$$
★ 4.5
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant$$
★ 4.2
Burtons Grill & Bar$$
★ 4.5
Shows & Events
Jon StewartJun 19
An Evening with Jon StewartJun 19
Hartford Athletic vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SCJun 20
Giselle (Recommended for children ages 8 and Over)Jun 20
Secondhand Serenade w/ Every AvenueJun 21
Hartford Yard Goats vs. Portland Sea DogsJun 23
Hartford Yard Goats vs. Portland Sea DogsJun 24
Hartford Yard Goats vs. Portland Sea DogsJun 25
Where can I shop in Hartford?
Malls, markets, and retail districts
Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Hartford from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.
★ 4.4
Westfarms
1500 New Britain Ave, West Hartford, CT 06110, USA
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★ 4.3
The Shoppes at Buckland Hills
194 Buckland Hills Dr, Manchester, CT 06042, USA
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
$$
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★ 4.1
Walmart
$
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★ 4.6
Trader Joe's
$$
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★ 3.9
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 4.6
Trader Joe's
$$
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★ 3.8
Walmart Supercenter
$
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★ 4.4
Whole Foods Market
$$$
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★ 4.5
Costco Wholesale
1220 Tamarack Ave, South Windsor, CT 06074, USA
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★ 4.0
Walmart
$
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★ 4.4
Whole Foods Market
$$$
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★ 4.7
Trader Joe's
400 Hebron Ave, Glastonbury, CT 06033, USA
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★ 3.8
Target
$$
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★ 3.4
Target
$$
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★ 3.8
Target
$$
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What events are happening in Hartford?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
Quick answer 43 upcoming events in Hartford across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Jon Stewart
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
An Evening with Jon Stewart
Jun 19, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsHartford Athletic vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Giselle (Recommended for children ages 8 and Over)
Jun 20, 2026
Get Tickets →
Secondhand Serenade w/ Every Avenue
Jun 21, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsHartford Yard Goats vs. Portland Sea Dogs
Jun 23, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsHartford Yard Goats vs. Portland Sea Dogs
Jun 24, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsHartford Yard Goats vs. Portland Sea Dogs
Jun 25, 2026
Get Tickets →
ConcertStyles P
Jun 26, 2026
Get Tickets →
SportsHartford Yard Goats vs. Portland Sea Dogs
Jun 26, 2026
Get Tickets →
Yellow Cup Weekend- Hartford, CT
Jun 27, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventHartford Athletic - W League vs. AC Connecticut
Jun 28, 2026
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SportsHartford Yard Goats vs. Portland Sea Dogs
Jun 28, 2026
Get Tickets →
EventClub Contracted Payments -
Jun 30, 2026
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EventClub Seat Deposit
Jun 30, 2026
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EventSuite Deposit
Jun 30, 2026
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EventBunker Suite Deposit
Jun 30, 2026
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EventPREMIUM SEATING DEPOSIT
Jun 30, 2026
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Connecticut Sun vs. Dallas Wings
Jul 2, 2026
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Jesse Royal
Jul 5, 2026
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SportsHartford Yard Goats vs. Binghamton Rumble Ponies
Jul 7, 2026
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SportsHartford Yard Goats vs. Binghamton Rumble Ponies
Jul 8, 2026
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SportsHartford Athletic vs. Orange County SC
Jul 8, 2026
Get Tickets →
Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire - Sing a Song All Night Long
Jul 10, 2026
Get Tickets →
Arts & Theatre
JUN
19
Jon Stewart
166 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT
Arts & Theatre
JUN
19
An Evening with Jon Stewart
166 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT
Sports
JUN
20
Hartford Athletic vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
250 Huyshope Ave, Hartford, CT
Arts & Theatre
JUN
20
Giselle (Recommended for children ages 8 and Over)
166 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT
Concert
JUN
21
Secondhand Serenade w/ Every Avenue
31 Webster St, Hartford, CT
Sports
JUN
23
Hartford Yard Goats vs. Portland Sea Dogs
1214 Main St, Hartford, CT
Sports
JUN
24
Hartford Yard Goats vs. Portland Sea Dogs
1214 Main St, Hartford, CT
Sports
JUN
25
Hartford Yard Goats vs. Portland Sea Dogs
1214 Main St, Hartford, CT
Concert
JUN
26
Styles P
31 Webster St, Hartford, CT
Frequently asked questions about Hartford
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Hartford?
Hartford offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Hartford?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Hartford, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Hartford?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Hartford Brainard Airport (HFD).
When is the best time to visit Hartford?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Hartford?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Hartford?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.