Tanmay 
Moving to New Haven? Here’s a list of
Our Favorite New Haven Attractions,
Hot Spots, and Restaurants
- Haven Hot Chicken (21 Whitney Ave, New Haven): According to Guy Fieri’s Food Network Show, this joint – serving delectable hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, and the lot – is the best bite in New Haven.
- Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library (121 Wall St, New Haven): “Harry Potter” meets “Beauty and the Beast” in this stunning six-story Vermont marble building at Yale University. With no glass windows, it stands as one of the world’s largest libraries devoted to rare books and manuscripts.
- Ordinary (990 Chapel St, New Haven): With charcuterie and cheese boards, this old-school speakeasy feels like stepping into a time machine. It’s one of New Haven’s top spots for a cocktail.
- Elm City Social (266 College St, New Haven): Vibrant gastropub with artisanal cocktails and food that hits the spot. The front restaurant is more about the party vibes, while the back is perfect for a quiet date night. A rooftop Tiki Bar opens during the summer months.
- Cherry Blossom Festival:Every April, Wooster Square Park bursts into bloom for the cherry blossom festival. Enjoy live music, tasty bites from food trucks, and surprises all day long.
- Dope N Delicious (300 Dixwell Ave, New Haven): Local activist De’Ari Allick’s family restaurant serves more than soul food—a force for social change, with every meal supporting community programs.
- Yale Student Film Festival: This annual event showcases the crème de la crème of student filmmaking. Taking place over five days in April, the categories of screenings include narrative, experimental, documentary, animation, and high school.
- Silver Sands State Park: A miles-long sandy beach with a wide and sturdy boardwalk for jogging and biking. And if you’re craving more, there’s also a club with heated pools, tennis courts, and a beach bar that keeps the good times rolling.
- Toad’s Place (300 York St, New Haven): Starting in the late ’70s and into the ’80s, Toad’s Place became a magnet for famous—and soon-to-be famous—acts like Cyndi Lauper, Billy Idol, Blondie, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and most recently, Keanu Reeves’ band. This venue’s history is so iconic that a filmmaker is planning a documentary about it.
- Yale University: Stroll through the beautiful campus, open Monday to Saturday, or take a free student-led tour to soak in the stunning architecture and historic charm.
- Yale University Art Gallery (1111 Chapel St, New Haven): America’s oldest college art museum, founded in 1832, boasts an expansive collection of contemporary, American, African, Asian, and European artworks. Entry is free.
- International Festival of Arts & Ideas: Founded in 1996, this annual festival cemented New Haven as a major arts destination. World-class artists, thought leaders, and innovators from around the globe come together for two weeks of ambitious performances, lectures, and panel discussions.
