A university town in Connecticut known for Yale, its pizza, and historic green. Home to museums, theaters, and the birthplace of the hamburger.
New Haven, Connecticut, is a city known for its academic prowess and unique culinary offerings. Home to Yale University, the city has several noteworthy spots like the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library and the Yale University Art Gallery. Food enthusiasts flock to try the famous New Haven-style pizza, particularly at establishments like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. The city's landscape includes the historic New Haven Green and distinctive areas such as East Rock and Wooster Square. You can enjoy performances at venues like the Shubert Theater or attend annual events that showcase the city's artistic and musical talents.
Exploring Yale University's Campus
At Yale University, you'll see Gothic architecture and ivy-covered walls. You can visit several free museums on campus. The Yale University Art Gallery houses an extensive collection of art from various periods and cultures. At the Peabody Museum of Natural History, you'll find exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, and Native American artifacts. The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, with its striking modernist design, holds an original Gutenberg Bible. As you walk through the Old Campus quad, you'll be surrounded by centuries-old buildings and towering elm trees.
Tasting New Haven-Style Pizza
New Haven is known for its unique pizza style, called "apizza" by locals. This thin-crust pizza is cooked in coal-fired ovens, resulting in a charred, crispy base. Head to Wooster Street to try the iconic establishments: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally's Apizza, and Modern Apizza. At Pepe's, you can order the white clam pizza, a local specialty. Be prepared for long lines at these pizzerias, especially during peak hours. Many New Haven residents say the wait is worth it for a taste of their city's signature dish.
Discovering New Haven's Neighborhoods
New Haven has several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. In East Rock, you can climb to the top of the park's namesake cliff for panoramic views of the city. Wooster Square is the center of New Haven's Italian-American community. In spring, you'll see the streets lined with blooming cherry trees. The Westville neighborhood is home to several art galleries and cozy cafes. By walking through these areas, you'll get a sense of the different communities that make up New Haven.
Experiencing New Haven's Cultural Scene
New Haven has many cultural offerings. At the Shubert Theater and Long Wharf Theatre, you can watch Broadway shows and world premieres. Toad's Place, a music venue operating since 1975, has hosted famous acts like Bob Dylan and Metallica. The Yale Repertory Theatre puts on innovative interpretations of classic plays and new works. Throughout the year, the New Haven Green hosts festivals and events. These celebrations often focus on art, music, and food, giving you a chance to experience local culture.
Navigating New Haven
You can easily walk around New Haven, especially in the downtown area. Many points of interest are within a 20-minute walk of each other. The city also has a bus system and bike lanes if you prefer those options. If you're coming from out of town, you can fly into Tweed New Haven Airport or take Amtrak or Metro-North trains to Union Station. Once you're in the city, you'll find that you can reach most places on foot or by using public transportation.
