Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in New Haven, CT

  • Published 2022/11/16

Welcome to New Haven, one of the country’s first planned cities, as well as one of the largest and major cities in Connecticut and the New England region.

The city belongs to New Haven County, Connecticut.

Despite being one of the oldest cities in America, New Haven is filled with creativity and innovation, where urban cityscapes meet coastal shores and well-known attractions mix with hidden gems.

After it was founded in 1638 by English Puritans, eight streets were planned out in a 4×4 grid forming the “Nine Square Plan,” including the 16-acre square in Downtown New Haven called the New Haven Green.

But the heart of New Haven is Yale University, one of the world’s top institutions for research and higher education.

New Haven offers something for everyone, including budget-conscious travelers.

Here are the best free things to do in New Haven, Connecticut:

Walk the Grounds of Yale University

The grounds of Yale University

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What could be more interesting than exploring the campus grounds of Yale University, a private Ivy League research institution established in 1701?

Yale University is the third oldest university in the United States and one of the top universities in the world.

The outdoor areas of the campus are open and free to the general public.

Look out for Yale’s public art installations that encourage reflection and provide visual pleasure throughout the University’s courtyards, plazas, lobbies, and lecture halls.

Sterling memorial library at Yale University

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Visitors can either take a free self-guided or a free guided tour, where they can learn about the history of the 300-year-old school, its architecture, and various facets of student life in some of Yale’s residential colleges.

Guided tours run for about an hour and are led by chosen Yale College undergraduate students.

Groups of more than ten must arrange a private tour which may incur fees; visit Yale’s Mead Visitor Center for more information.

Aerial view of Yale University

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Enter the Exhibition Hall of Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Exterior of the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

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The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is the principal repository of old manuscripts, literary records, and rare books of the Yale University Library.

The Beinecke family established and funded the library as a gift and a symbol of the three brothers’ devotion and loyalty, as well as a source of inspiration and learning for everyone who enters.

Located on Hewitt Quadrangle inside the University premises, the building is one of the largest in the world and solely dedicated to old manuscripts and rare books.

It was designed by architect Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and finished in 1963.

Interior of the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

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The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is home to millions of books and manuscripts, thousands of photos, papyri, paintings, posters, maps, and art objects, and an extensive collection of born-digital and multimedia materials.

Each year, over 200,000 guests from all over the country and the world see the structure and its regular and special exhibits and to attend lectures, seminars, and other events.

The Library’s reading room is available only to Yale students, faculty, and staff.

At the same time, special exhibits at the Public Exhibition Hall are scheduled all year long and are free to the public.

A rare Bible in the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

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See Art Collections at the Yale Center for British Art

Exterior of the Yale Center for British Art

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The Yale Center for British Art houses the biggest collection of British art outside the UK.

The Center’s exhibits of paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, photos, books, and manuscripts tell the historical and contemporary contexts of British art and culture from the fifteenth century to the present.

Paul Mellon, a Yale College Class of 1929 alumni, donated these collections in a building constructed by architect Louis I. Kahn.

Interior of the Yale Center for British Art

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Paul Mellon’s taste and zeal are particularly evident in the Center’s collections.

The Yale Center for British Art features about 2,000 paintings, 250 sculptures, 20,000 drawings and watercolors, 35,000 prints, and over 3,000 photographs.

You will also see over 40,000 reference volumes, 3,000 cubic feet of analog recordings, and eight terabytes of born-digital files.

An art piece in the Yale Center for British Art

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Gather for an Event at New Haven Green

The grounds of New Haven Green

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New Haven Green is a spectacular 16-acre square as part of the city’s original nine-square layout in the heart of downtown.

New Haven Green, or simply the “Green,” is famous for its historic buildings, elm trees that provide shade for parkgoers, free concerts, and other fun and special events.

Because it’s easily reachable by bus, bicycle, car, and pedestrians, the Green is the locals’ primary space for public gatherings.

Aerial view of New Haven Green

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Cultural, historical, and religious activities include the yearly New Haven Jazz Festival!

First developed in 1641 as a marketplace, the Green has a rich history, having witnessed speeches by US presidents such as General George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and protests during the Vietnam War.

New Haven Green is a designated National Historic Landmark and was recognized as one of the top 10 public places in the country by the American Planning Association.

Visit the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center

The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center emphasizes the faith and charitable values of Father Michael J. McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus.

Founded in 2020, the Pilgrimage Center invites guests to learn about the holy priest’s life and legacy and emulate his noble outreach to the outcasts and the poor.

The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center was the former Knights of Columbus Museum, founded in 1982 as a nonprofit organization that serves the public through art, history, and faith exhibits.

One of the Pilgrimage Center’s most striking features is the 400-year-old cross that once stood atop the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, a gift from Pope John Paul II to the Knights.

Other permanent exhibits include the McGivney Gallery, which recounts the priest’s formative years in Waterbury, Connecticut, until his passing in Thomaston, Connecticut.

Check out the Papal Gallery, which details the strong connection between the Vatican and the Knights of Columbus.

Then, visit the Wall of History, a 170-foot long gallery of the history and development of the Knights of Columbus presented in a thematic and sequential order.

Climb the Summit of East Rock Park

View of mill river from East Rock Park's summit

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East Rock Park is a 427-park that surrounds and encompasses the steep ridge known as East Rock, situated in both New Haven and Hamden in Connecticut.

East Rock Park is a famous outdoor recreation area for both locals and tourists of New Haven and the surrounding region.

The park is accessible to hikers and walkers throughout the year, with activities including cross-country skiing, biking, picnicking, bird watching, and boating on the Mill River.

However, swimming, rock climbing, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the park.

Bridge trail at East Rock Park

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East Rock Park’s summit climbs over 350 feet, where vistas of New Haven, Long Island, and Long Island Sound can be seen, and Mill River valley at its bottom.

At the summit is the 112-foot-high Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument.

This 1887 war memorial honors the citizens of New Haven who gave their lives during the Civil War, the Mexican War, the War of 1812, and the Revolutionary War.

Also included in the park is the Pardee Rose Garden, featuring roses and other species of flowers from spring through fall, and consists of a center and a greenhouse.

East Rock Park is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hiking trail at East Rock Park

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Spend a Day at West Rock Ridge State Park

Lake Wintergreen at West Rock Ridge State Park

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West Rock Ridge State Park is a recreation space in Hamden, New Haven, and Woodbridge, Connecticut.

The park was named after a seven-mile long 700-foot high West Rock Ridge, a trap rock ridge composed mainly of a subvolcanic rock called diabase (also known as dolerite), similar to its sister mountain ridge East Rock.

West Rock Ridge Park is home to Lake Wintergreen, the Judge’s Cave, a historic site from the colonial era.

The seven-mile Regicides Trail traverses the West Rock Ridge and provides stunning views of Metropolitan New Haven and the suburbs to the west.

Skyline views from West Rock Ridge State Park's summit

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The park’s southern end, known as the South Overlook, provides views of East Rock Park, Sleeping Giant State Park, and New Haven, including the harbor, Long Island, and Long Island Sound.

Family-friendly activities at West Rock Ridge Park include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, car-top boating, scenic vistas, picnicking, and horseback riding.

Explore the Historic Estate of Edgerton Park

Signage of Edgerton Park

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The 20-acre Edgerton Park, also called Frederick F. Brewster Estate, is a green space between New Haven and Hamden, Connecticut.

Initially owned by Eli Whitney, the house went to businessman Frederick F. Brewster in 1909.

Brewster built a new Tudor-style home on the grounds, dubbed Edgerton due to its location on the city’s outskirts.

In 1964, the mansion was demolished soon after his wife passed away, so the land was given to the city, after which it became a part of New Haven’s parks and recreation system.

Edgerton Park includes the historic wall, carriage house, gatehouse, bridge, greenhouses from the Brewster property, community gardens, and a large fountain.

Plants in Edgerton Park's greenhouse

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The Sarah T. Crosby Conservatory, located in the community greenhouses, houses a dry landscape containing desert plants and a rainforest exhibit.

Edgerton Park has hosted outdoor summer productions by The Elm Shakespeare Company since 1995.

Numerous programs are also held here, including “Sunday in the Park,” in September, a day of celebration, dance, music, food, stories, and sunshine.

In 1998, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Exterior of Edgerton Park's greenhouse

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Visit the Grove Street Cemetery

Entrance gate of Grove Street Cemetery

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Visiting a cemetery during a vacation is unlikely, but Grove Street Cemetery is not your typical cemetery.

The historic Grove Street Cemetery, opened in 1796, is one of the oldest cemeteries in New Haven, and was also the first burial place with family plots in the country.

Numerous historically significant individuals are laid to rest here, with grave markers that date as far back as the 1600s.

It’s the final resting place of many notable New Haven and Yale University figures, including 14 presidents of Yale.

Headstones at Grove Street Cemetery

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Yale University surrounds the Cemetery, so after a Yale campus tour, perhaps you can take a quick side trip to this historic cemetery.

The beautiful Egyptian Revival entryway facing High Street is sure to draw attention, so capture a photo, and enjoy a pleasant, quiet stroll.

Grove Street Cemetery is one of the eight National Historic Landmarks in New Haven and one among 64 such landmarks in Connecticut.

Daytime view of Grove Street Cemetery

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Snap a Photo of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge

View of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge at night

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The Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge, locally known as the Q Bridge, is an extradosed bridge carrying Interstate 95 and the controlled-access highway Connecticut Turnpike over the Quinnipiac River.

This bridge was reconstructed from 2005 through 2015, replacing the 1300-meter span of the original Quinnipiac River Bridge, which opened in 1958.

The original span was built as part of the Connecticut Turnpike project.

This tollway stretches from Greenwich to Killingly in Connecticut, with a 90,000-vehicle capacity per day.

Night lights of the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge

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Traffic congestion became a problem throughout the years.

By 1993, the bridge was assessed to be outdated.

In 1995, the bridge was formally renamed the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge to commemorate the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II.

The Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge gives a stunning scene at night as blue, red, and white lights give the bridge an impressive view while driving or from a distance.

Tour the Historic Fort Nathan Hale

The 20-acre Fort Nathan Hale, also called Fort Hale Park, is a city park situated on the eastern side of New Haven Harbor.

The State of Connecticut was granted ownership of the park in 1921 and named it after the State’s official hero, Nathan Hale.

Fort Nathan Hale is the home of a 1659 fort, a Civil War fort, and a Revolutionary War fort.

The park was rebuilt and reopened in 1976, which included a “bomb-proof” bunker, powder magazines, ramparts, and a moat.

Fort Nathan Hale also has a restored drawbridge, a memorial flag court, and a replica of the Nathan Hale statue sculpted by Bela Lyon Pratt, which he donated to Yale University in 1914.

The City of New Haven maintains it as a historical site.

In 1970, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Educational programs are offered year-round to children at nearby schools, and more than 7,000 tourists from across the world explore this historic site each year.

Roam the Streets of Chapel Street Historic District

New Haven Towers building at Chapel Street Historic District

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The Chapel Street Historic District spans roughly 5-1/2 city blocks in the heart of downtown New Haven.

It is also a mixed-use neighborhood with 102 buildings and 72 contributing properties that add a historical significance to the area.

Bordered by Yale University and New Haven Green to the north, this Historic District has structures dating from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries.

The Chapel Street Historic District depicts the growth of New Haven’s industry and the construction of residential houses with styles ranging from Federal to Greek Revival to Art Deco.

It also shows the expansion of its cultural life through theaters and the establishment of Yale.

Explore the streets and marvel at some historic buildings, including the Ira Atwater House, the oldest structure and residence in the District, and the Warner Hall, a private dormitory built when Yale University quickly expanded.

The Chapel Street Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Marvel at the Flowers of Marsh Botanical Garden

Fall scene at Marsh Botanical Garden

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Visit the Marsh Botanical Garden and draw inspiration from the beauty of their floral displays, collection of endangered and rare plant species, mature trees, and more.

The Marsh Botanical Garden sits on eight acres and features six greenhouses, with one-third of an acre covered in glass.

The Botanical Garden supports the faculty and students of Yale, provides information to researchers, and provides an unforgettable experience for visitors.

The natural beds and wildflowers offer color and draw butterflies and birds in the summer, while early flowering shrubs, bulb displays, and trees brighten the spring season.

Whether you’re an educator, a conservationist, a researcher, a plant enthusiast, a novice, or an experienced gardener, you can find many things of interest in their indoor and outdoor displays.

The Marsh Botanical Garden is a part of Yale University but is accessible to the general public.

Admission is free, but reservations may be required.

Celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival at Wooster Square Park

Cherry blossoms at Wooster Square Park

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Wooster Square Park is a delight to locals and visitors every spring with the stunning cherry blossom trees that bloom and surround the park square.

Named after David Wooster, a Revolutionary War hero, and located in the neighborhood of Wooster Square, this historic park was built in the early 1800s.

It was renovated to create a turn-of-the-century garden.

In 1971, the Wooster Square Historic District, which comprises the square and most parts of the neighborhood, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Cherry Blossom Festival, held annually at Wooster Square Park, celebrates the planting of more than 70 Yoshino Japanese cherry blossoms by the New Haven Historical Commission in 1973.

Founded by the Historic Wooster Square Association, the festival has grown from being a small event in the 1970s to a major event attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Wooster Square Park makes a great city park not only in spring, as it’s a well-maintained park with many benches and shaded areas to sit down, have a picnic, or relax.

Watch the Sunset from East Shore Park

View of the sunset from East Shore Park

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East Shore Park is an 82-acre park that borders New Haven Harbor with winding trails along the shore.

The park offers a variety of sports and athletic facilities, including tennis courts, a playground, numerous ball fields, and paved walkways ideal for walking and running.

With views of the harbor, East Shore Park is a pleasant and relaxing place for families to hang out, especially for children to play.

It’s right next to Fort Nathan Hale.

After touring the historic forts, drop by and spend a little time at the park.

End the day watching the sunset here, or you can visit in the morning when you want to spend more quiet time alone.

Final Thoughts

Besides being the home of Yale University, New Haven offers plenty of activities and attractions.

It truly has something to offer everyone of all ages and preferences, whether arts, architecture, and history, or even the desire to splurge!

Explore the city’s various options for dining, shopping, and entertainment if you desire to venture further.

Plan your trip today and discover the free things to do in New Haven, Connecticut!

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