Now is the perfect time to introduce the new New Haven. Nicknamed the Elm City thanks to the stately trees that line its streets, this Long Island Sound–hugging spot is rich with history and character. Of course, Yale University has served as the city’s academic and cultural touchstone from its founding in 1701, thanks to its free museums and quintessentially New England campus perfect for strolls with coffee in-hand. Then there’s the many historic neighborhoods, including Wooster Square—overflowing with cherry trees, and its Little Italy eateries slinging perfect slices of pizzas —and oystermen houses along the waterfront area of the Hill neighborhood. Even with all that history, the last few years have seen a renaissance rollicking through the city.
With a veritable buffet of bold new restaurants—fare from Peru to Japan and back again—foodies are finding a new culinary capital within the city. And that’s not to detract from the mealtime mainstay of New Haven pizza, with a distinct, chewy crust that sets it apart from its New York-style neighbors. What’s more, a flurry of new design-forward hotels offer a chance to lay your head down in surroundings that combine couture and comfort. Much more than just a stopover on your way to well-loved Mystic, here are the best ways to enjoy a weekend in this haven by the water.
Getting to and around New Haven
Petite Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) is just a ten-minute drive from downtown New Haven. The only catch? HVN’s single carrier, Avelo Airlines, services only fourteen destinations, mostly down the east coast, along with Nashville and Chicago; about 90 minutes by train and bus in nearby Windsor Locks, all the major airlines fly through Bradley International Airport, or BDL. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens is a three-hour Long Island Sound-skimming train ride away.
Once in New Haven, the city is imminently walkable; a compact downtown in close proximity to other neighborhoods means that many attractions are within a twenty-minute walk from each other. Multiple bus routes service the city seven days a week, and Uber and Lyft are available, too.
