New Haven holidays
Partway between Boston and New York City, this Connecticut college town is home to one of the world’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning, Yale University. Holidays to New Haven are an education in the subtle charms of New England. Explore everything from sandy beaches and world-class museums to venerable bookstores and some of the best pizza joints in the US.
New Haven holiday highlights
New Haven
Winter_Caplanson
Ivy League sites
Founded in 1701, Yale University is more than an Ivy League legend — it’s the reason to book a holiday in New Haven. The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and Yale University Art Gallery are both among America’s oldest. Another highlight is the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, known for its Instagram-worthy enclosed glass book tower. Campus tours are available to all visitors.
Pizza perfection
New Haven’s trademark pizza is an adaptation of Neapoltian thin crust called ‘apizza’. Locals queue for hours for famous slices on Wooster Street. Frank Pepe Pizzeria, which opened in 1925, and Sally’s Apizza, from 1938, are both popular. Others swear by State Street’s Modern Apizza, also founded in the 1930s. Newer downtown spots have their own twists, some with offbeat toppings like mashed potatoes.
Where to stay
With Yale and downtown being the epicentre, hotel rates are generally pricier the closer you stay to campus. Boutique hotels with a collegiate theme provide convenient and atmospheric options. Several chain hotels also have outposts, mostly south and west of the school. You’ll find budget options closer to West Haven, but you may need a car to get around.
New Haven: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
June – August
Low season
January – February
/
Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in New Haven
New Haven
Take in the culture
Yale’s museums are no doubt among the country’s best, raising the bar of those off campus. The New Haven Museum preserves the region’s history and culture in a colonial revival building, while the Ely Center of Contemporary Art spotlights innovative new work. Young visitors can get playful in the Connecticut Children’s Museum’s many themed rooms, including one styled like the beloved book, ‘Goodnight Moon’.
Beaches
Although New Haven is located on the Long Island Sound, its biggest secret may be its beaches. Lighthouse Point Park opens for swimming in the summer months — it also has a splash pad, bathhouse and carousel. In the greater region, adjacent West Haven has several beaches, including Sandy Point Beach and Bird Sanctuary.
Places to eat
Apizza joints aside, the culinary scene in New Haven is diverse. You’ll find everything from cheap eats and wine bars to fine dining, all doused with every global influence, just like its students and faculty. Breweries are also popping up, especially in East Rock and Fair Haven. An essential stop is Louis’ Lunch, alleged to be the birthplace of the hamburger.
FAQs about New Haven holidays
The college town caters to students, parents and visitors, so there are options for flights and hotels to New Haven across all price points. Tweed New Haven Airport, serving more than two dozen US destinations, is located only 20 minutes from Downtown. Many tri-state residents even use it as an affordable NYC airport alternative.
The United States dollar (USD) is what you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and outings during your trip to New Haven.
With an average rainfall of 15 cm, December is the rainiest month to go on a New Haven holiday. When the drizzle sets in, head indoors and make the most of the city's shops, museums, cafes and more.
English is widely spoken here. Get familiar with a few local expressions or greetings during your city break in New Haven and you'll blend right in.
January brings the coolest weather. Take your New Haven holiday then and you can expect lows of -6ºC (21ºF).
July is the warmest month in New Haven, with temperatures reaching highs of 29ºC (84ºF).
Though a day trip from New York City is possible, a two-day holiday to New Haven offers ample time to explore the walkable city centre and campus, plus get a taste of apizza culture. Tack on a day to hike East Rock Park or relax at the region’s beaches.
Although this city is generally considered safe, the best way to have a worry-free holiday to New Haven is to follow a few practical travel tips. Before you head out, plan your route so you don't have to check your phone or map frequently in public. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and make sure your phone is charged in case of emergencies.
From Yale University Art Gallery to Yale Centre for British Art, this city delivers one highlight after another. Get ready for your next adventure by researching the best things to do in New Haven.
A year-round destination, the city’s collegiate vibe is best paired with autumn foliage, especially vibrant from October to early November. Plan a quiet New Haven holiday during Yale’s summer vacation, from June to mid-August. Avoid peak crowds and higher prices during homecoming and graduation weekends.
