Things to do in New Haven

New Haven is a vibrant mixture of lofty academia, natural beauty, historic charm, and fun student life. Its music and arts scene packs in more diversity and greater quality than perhaps any other city of its size in the US.

Young visitors to New Haven will love the lively student culture, as they can dance until dawn in the Crown Street club district and relax the next day at one of the city's many coffeehouses. Less adventurous visitors can enjoy upscale shopping and fine dining, watch a free performance of the Elm Shakespeare Company in Edgerton Park, or visit the Peabody Museum of Natural History.

For a taste of New England's seafaring history, visit the famous Freedom Schooner Amistad, which docks at Long Wharf Pier when it isn't voyaging around the world. Exploring the Yale University campus is an absolute must as the grounds encompass so much of the best architecture and scenery of the city, as well as enshrining much of its history.

The birthplace of American pizza, no visit to New Haven would be complete without sampling what consider its most enjoyable traditional product. Age-old contenders Sally's and Pepe's pizzerias, each with an army of fiercely loyal New Havenites, have been battling for the 'best pie' title for more than 60 years.

Yale University photo

Yale University

Yale, a member of the Ivy League, is one of the oldest universities in the country and one of the most distinguished in the world. Its beautiful campus is home to a wealth of stunn…

Yale University

Yale, a member of the Ivy League, is one of the oldest universities in the country and one of the most distinguished in the world. Its beautiful campus is home to a wealth of stunning architectural achievements as well as multiple museums, exhibition spaces and theatres. Visitors might browse the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library or take in a performance of the Yale Glee Club. The Mead Visitor Center, located at 149 Elm Street, welcomes visitors from all over the world and is a good starting point. The centre offers free guided tours led by undergraduate students, but groups of 10 or more will need to book a private tour in advance.

Website www.yale.edu

Freedom Schooner Amistad photo

Freedom Schooner Amistad

Long Wharf Pier in New Haven is the homeport of the Freedom Schooner , a faithful recreation of the schooner involved in the 1839 Amistad Incident, in which a group of Africans be…

Freedom Schooner Amistad

Long Wharf Pier in New Haven is the homeport of the Freedom Schooner , a faithful recreation of the schooner involved in the 1839 Amistad Incident, in which a group of Africans being transported to the Caribbean as slaves revolted and took over the ship. The Amistad was seized by the US government, and the Africans eventually won their freedom in a landmark case before the US Supreme Court. Some will know the ship's story from Steven Spielberg's powerful 1997 film of the same name. Today, the replica ship sails the world on peace missions, but it is open to the public when it is in port at New Haven and gives visitors a chance to have a hands-on experience of history.

Website www.amistadcommitteeinc.org

Peabody Museum of Natural History photo

Peabody Museum of Natural History

The stunning exhibitions of the Peabody Museum of Natural History are sure to amaze visitors of all ages. In addition to the Great Hall of Dinosaurs, visitors can discover Egyptian…

Peabody Museum of Natural History

The stunning exhibitions of the Peabody Museum of Natural History are sure to amaze visitors of all ages. In addition to the Great Hall of Dinosaurs, visitors can discover Egyptian mummies, sabre-toothed cats, and Native American artefacts. Although the museum has all the old-fashioned staples of a natural history museum, efforts have been made to keep it modern and entertaining for children and there are a number of interactive stations in the Peabody. Multiple youth programmes are held during the summer and there are some temporary exhibitions and special events at the museum.

Website www.yale.edu/peabody