Location: New Haven
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10 Free Things to do in New Haven That You Shouldn't Miss
The home to Yale University since 1701, the city of New Haven is packed with an unrivaled collection of arts and antiquities, with collections ranging from natural history specimens to antique musical instruments. The towering translucent marble cube of the Beinecke Library contains 600,000 rare volumes, including one of the only surviving Gutenberg Bibles. The Yale University Art Gallery is as famous for its collection as it is for its building, a Modernist masterpiece designed by Louis Kahn.
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1. Yale University Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 953 reviews
Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest college art museum in America. The Gallery’s encyclopedic holdings of more than 250,000 objects range from ancient times to the present day and represent civilizations from around the globe. Spanning a block and a half of the city of New Haven, Connecticut, the Gallery comprises three architecturally distinct buildings, including a masterpiece of modern architecture from 1953 designed by Louis Kahn through which visitors enter. The museum is free and open to the public.
Reviewed By 397markc397 - Hudson, United States
I know people are attracted for special exhibits, and the one during my visit was indeed very special, however the gallery is well worth a visit at any time. A very diverse and deep amount of art is always on display, and along with the helpful and friendly security staff, its a true pleasure to visit! Just a note on the current exhibit: Matthew Barney Redoubt. Absolutely breathtaking. If you miss this at least google. Its stunning!
2. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By tobyc530 - Monroe, United States
Unless things have changed, this library is free to visit. In the height of summer, there is (was) a steady stream of groups—outside these times - a magical place especially when the light coming in through the marble windows is sufficient to illuminate the interior.
3. Yale University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 806 reviews
One of the country's oldest and most prestigious universities.
Reviewed By veniag2019 - Fajardo, Caribbean
Loved Touring Yale. Made me want to go back in time and attend College here. Awesome guide and Great end of Summer Day to See a Beautiful Campus. Will go visit the Libraries more in depth the next time Im in town. If your thinking of going back to school or just want to see a Great Campus with wonderful people. Make sure you stop over to the Campus Tour best thing about it is its FREE.
4. Yale Center for British Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 361 reviews
As a COVID-19 precaution, the Yale Center for British Art is closed until further notice. We are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our visitors and staff. Note that all March and April tours are canceled, and many upcoming programs are canceled or postponed. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your support and understanding. Please continue to check britishart.yale.edu for updates. Posted: March 13, 2020
Reviewed By Historybuffusa
First off, the building is a fantastic architectural masterpiece by Louis Kahn--for some, that is sufficient reason to visit in and of itself. The galleries are spacious and built around a large open center--which is itself a gorgeous, wood-paneled gallery. Natural light is masterfully directed, especially to a large, beautiful Turner piece--it's worth a visit just to check it out: whoever curated that particular piece deserves a hearty handshake. Featuring exclusively British art (as the name might suggest) it is packed with art that will delight both the novice and pro. Their relatively new "big gallery" is a long room with art from floor to ceiling that mixes art from all eras and genres and is divided into topics (military, equestrian, nautical, etc)--it is jaw-dropping and in my estimation the way art should always be displayed. You could just visit the "big gallery" and go away satisfied. Of course, like the Yale Art Gallery across the street, there's never an admission charge--which makes it one of the great amenities of living in or visiting New Haven. Also, conveniently, there is reasonably priced pay parking behind the museum which is handy, since downtown is often packed and parking can be difficult. Easy access to restaurants, the Yale Center for British Art is a mandatory stop if you're in New Haven. Walk a block West to Book Trader for a tasty sandwich and the best bookstore in town.
5. Chapel Street
6. Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center advances the vision of Knights of Columbus founder Blessed Michael J. McGivney (1852-1890). It welcomes all to learn about this holy priest’s life & legacy, imitate his benevolent outreach to the needy & outcast, and invoke his heavenly intercession. The Center also serves as an archive for the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council & maintains a permanent gallery showcasing the organization's history. The Center is located at 1 State Street in New Haven, CT, conveniently off the downtown exit from either I-91 or I-95. It is three blocks from Union Station (Amtrak, Hartford Line, Metro-North Railroad, Shoreline East Railroad and Greyhound). Open daily 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission & parking.
Reviewed By airtransporter - Stamford, United States
While in New Haven on business last year, I stopped by the Knights of Columbus Museum, which is also the K of C international headquarters to see the WW I exhibit celebrating the 100 yr anniversary of WW I prior to the exhibit being taken down. The building itself, which is relatively modern is of an interesting architectural style,houses the K of C headquarters administration, a gift shop and in a separate area Catholic religious artifacts pertaining to the knights history. The WW I exhibit took up close to two thirds of the exhibit space and was very well appointed, with exhibits being accurate, well organized, professionally set up, and historically correct. I spent over two hours exploring both e WW I and K of C exhibit, all on the same floor. Both exhibits could rival what one sees at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC or the World War One Museum in Kansas City, except on a smaller scale. The museum is in center city and the parking is in a garage below the museum. My visit was not only a educational but very enjoyable experience.
7. Grove Street Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Historybuffusa
Early colonists buried their dead in what is now the New Haven Green. Most of them were moved when the Grove Street Cemetery was created, and the old Colonial stones now line the interior perimeter of the cemetery. It is worth visiting just to see them--hand-carved, evocative, sometimes sad, often containing poetry and biographical details that connect you to the deceased. Eli Whitney is buried there, and there's a memorial to the slaves from the Amistad--many of whom died when their court case was being adjudicated in New Haven. The sexton is friendly, can provide a map and will generously tell you all you'd like to know about this municipal treasure. Unlike many cemeteries across the country that have been vandalized, the Grove Street Cemetery--guarded by a high wall--has survived the years virtually unscathed. It's a relaxing place to walk and never fails to charm and fascinate me despite having been their dozens of times over the years. It's a treasure right new Old Campus of Yale. Safe, accessible, free and wonderful. Bathrooms are available in the sexton's building and there are numerous benches if you need to stop and rest. The gate is monumental and magnificent and worth seeing even if you don't step inside. I take all my visitors to the cemetery--it's a unique part of our cultural history and a must-see local spot.
8. Trinity Episcopal Church on the Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
9. East Rock Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By Historybuffusa
Not only is the view second-to-none, East Rock Park is home to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial which is among the finest military monuments in the country--it was just refurbished a few years ago and is immaculate. The road leading to the top of East Rock is a great bike ride more than amply rewarded by the view from the top--and the exciting ride back down! From the edge of East Rock Park you can see all of New Haven, as well as the New Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound. At sunset it is a romantic spot where you can sit watching birds doing acrobatics. Considering how close it is to the business district and Yale, it offers wildlife, lessons in history, geology and geography and is always free and accessible. For the adventurous, seek out "Giant Steps" which is a steep path leading down the rock face--big fun and exciting! East Rock Park is often active, but never over-populated, with families picnicking, groups doing Yoga and hikers and bikers galore. I've been going for years and in my experience it is safe, friendly and a wonderful place to spend an hour--or an afternoon.
10. Center Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Public tour hours are 11am (tours start) to 1pm (final tour ends) on Saturdays, from April to the end of October.
