Hartford · neighborhood

Things to do in Downtown

Scout has 0 verified spots mapped in Downtown, 18 with full Scout intelligence.

Scouted spots

0

Typical spend

$75

Typical visit

1.6 hr

Easy parking

0%

Food · 11Cocktails · 9Outdoors · 5History · 5Views · 4Live music · 4

Best spots in Downtown

Bushnell Park Carousel

Downtown

Bushnell Park Carousel

This historic carousel is a great quick stop for families, especially with young children, in conjunction with a visit to Bushnell Park. Expect to spend about 30 minutes and a few dollars per person for a ride or two.

OutdoorsHistoryPlayful
$1–$5 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Bushnell Park

Downtown

Bushnell Park

Bushnell Park is a good free option for a relaxed outdoor stroll or picnic, especially on a sunny weekend afternoon. Pair it with a downtown Hartford museum visit or a meal for a full day out.

OutdoorsViewsHistory
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
TheaterWorks Hartford

Downtown

TheaterWorks Hartford

TheaterWorks Hartford is ideal for an evening out, often paired with dinner nearby. Expect to spend a couple of hours and $25-$75 per person on tickets for a contemporary play.

Live musicArtsRelaxed
$25–$75 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking
The Bushnell Performing Arts Center

Downtown

The Bushnell Performing Arts Center

The Bushnell is suitable for an evening or matinee outing to see a show, often paired with dinner before or after. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets typically range from $50 to $200 per person.

Live musicArtsRelaxed
$50–$200 typical2.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Trumbull Kitchen

Downtown

Trumbull Kitchen

Trumbull Kitchen is suitable for an evening meal or drinks with a lively atmosphere, especially popular on weekends. Expect to spend $30-75 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsViews
$30–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
The Brownstone

Downtown

The Brownstone

The Brownstone is a casual pizza restaurant in Hartford suitable for an easy lunch or dinner. Expect to spend $10-$30 per person and plan for a visit of about an hour.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$10–$30 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza

Downtown

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza

This riverfront park is good for a leisurely walk with scenic views, suitable for a cheap day out or as part of a longer city exploration. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and possibly a few dollars on refreshments from vendors.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed
$0–$5 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Feng Chophouse

Downtown

Feng Chophouse

Feng Chophouse is a good option for a dedicated dinner out, often pairing with pre or post-dinner drinks. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, with costs typically ranging from $75-$150 per person.

FoodCocktailsRomantic
$75–$150 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Peppercorn's Grill

Downtown

Peppercorn's Grill

Peppercorn's Grill is suitable for a sit-down dinner, often for special occasions or date nights. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, with costs ranging from $50-$100 per person.

FoodCocktailsRomantic
$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Max Downtown

Downtown

Max Downtown

Max Downtown is an upscale fine dining spot suitable for special occasions or a sophisticated date night. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and at least $100 per person for a full meal and drinks.

FoodCocktailsUpscale
$100–$200 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Salute

Downtown

Salute

Salute is an Italian restaurant best for an evening meal or special occasion. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-70 per person for an upscale dining experience.

FoodRelaxedRomantic
$30–$70 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Bushnell Park Conservancy

Downtown

Bushnell Park Conservancy

Bushnell Park is suitable for a 2-3 hour family outing or solo walk, offering historical sights and a carousel. Expect to spend little to nothing, though there might be small costs for rides or snacks.

OutdoorsHistoryViews
$0–$5 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar

Downtown

Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar

Black-Eyed Sally's is a great spot for dinner and drinks with live music, perfect for a lively night out with friends or a date. Expect to spend $30-75 per person and stay for about 1.5 to 2 hours.

FoodCocktailsLive music
$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Sorella

Downtown

Sorella

Sorella is a good choice for a sit-down dinner featuring Italian standards, housemade pasta, and brick-oven pizza. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-$75 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
PeoplesBank Arena

Downtown

PeoplesBank Arena

This arena is best for attending a scheduled sports event or concert, typically lasting a few hours in the evening. Expect to spend $30-$150 per person on tickets and concessions.

SportsLive musicFood
$30–$150 typical3 hr visitmoderate parking
Connecticut's Old State House

Downtown

Connecticut's Old State House

Visit Connecticut's Old State House for a 1-2 hour dive into state history, ideal as a standalone educational stop or paired with other downtown Hartford activities. Expect minimal cost, possibly free admission.

ArtsHistoryRelaxed
$0–$10 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking
Pigs Eye Pub

Downtown

Pigs Eye Pub

Pigs Eye Pub is a casual stop for a beer, some pub food, and a game of pool, especially good for a relaxed evening outing. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for an hour or two.

CocktailsFoodOutdoors
$10–$25 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
The Lady

Downtown

The Lady

The Lady is a revived tavern suitable for an evening drink and pub grub, often paired with theme nights. Expect to spend 25-75 dollars per person for a 1.5-hour visit.

FoodCocktailsHistory
$25–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Book ahead

Tours and tickets around Downtown

Guided walks, tastings and day trips starting near Downtown.

See tours near Downtown(opens in a new tab)

Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.

Where to stay

Stay near Downtown

Hotels and resorts within easy reach of the restaurants, nightlife and shopping in Downtown.

See hotels near Downtown(opens in a new tab)

Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.