About Hartford
Hartford is the capital city of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The city, located in Hartford County, had a population of 121,054 at the 2020 census and was estimated at 124,006 in 2025. Hartford is the most populous city in the Capitol Planning Region and the core city of the Greater Hartford metropolitan area with 1.17 million residents in total.
Places to visit in Hartford
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Mark Twain House & Museum
HistoricThe elaborate Victorian home where Twain lived and wrote some of his best-known books, with guided tours of the richly decorated rooms and a museum center.
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Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
MuseumOne of the oldest public art museums in the US, with collections ranging from Hudson River School landscapes to European old masters and modern works.
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Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
HistoricNext door to the Mark Twain House, this center preserves the home of the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin and explores her impact on social justice.
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Connecticut State Capitol
LandmarkA gilded-dome High Victorian Gothic capitol overlooking Bushnell Park, with free guided tours of its ornate interior, legislative chambers and historical displays. It sits right next to downtown attractions.
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Bushnell Park
ParkA downtown park beneath the capitol with a historic carousel, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch and open lawns and pond paths for strolling. It is free and central.
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Elizabeth Park
Park · 2 mi from centreA large public park known for its historic rose garden, where thousands of roses bloom in early summer, plus greenhouses and walking paths. It is free and open to all.
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Old State House
HistoricA Federal-style building that once served as the state capitol and is linked to the Amistad trial, with exhibits on Hartford history and civic life.
Where to stay in Hartford
Popular hotels in Hartford, out of 86 properties you can book.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Springfield Enfield
From $132 per night
Doubletree By Hilton Bristol
From $172 per night
Best Western Hartford Hotel & Suites
From $93 per night
The Goodwin Hotel
From $310 per night
Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown
From $135 per night
Red Roof Inn Hartford - New Britain
From $62 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Hartford/East Hartford
From $148 per night
Holiday Inn Express Southington, an IHG hotel
From $99 per night
Best Western Manchester
From $110 per night
Marriott Hartford Downtown
From $401 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Southington
From $217 per night
Delamar West Hartford
From $344 per night
Best time to visit Hartford
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Hartford is June and August to September, when average daytime highs are around 75–82°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Hartford weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 55° 41° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 64° 42° 1%
- Fri 23 Oct 58° 43° 1%
- Sat 24 Oct 62° 40° 1%
- Sun 25 Oct 65° 43° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 69° 47° 1%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Hartford
These are the airports closest to central Hartford. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- HFD Hartford-Brainard Airport3 mi (4 km) from the city centre
- BDL Bradley International Airport12 mi (20 km) from the city centre
Getting around Hartford
Hartford is easy to navigate. Street parking is free on the weekends. Downtown is the safest to drive and park.
Hartford travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Hartford?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Hartford is June and August to September, when average daytime highs are around 75–82°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.
What is the weather like in Hartford?
July is usually the warmest month in Hartford, with average highs of 86°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 23°F (-5°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 129 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Hartford?
Hartford-Brainard Airport (HFD) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (4 km) from the centre of Hartford. Other nearby airports include Bradley International Airport (BDL, 12 mi).
What time zone is Hartford in?
Hartford uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Hartford?
Hartford is easy to navigate. Street parking is free on the weekends. Downtown is the safest to drive and park.
What are the best places to visit in Hartford?
Top sights in Hartford include Mark Twain House & Museum, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and Connecticut State Capitol. The elaborate Victorian home where Twain lived and wrote some of his best-known books, with guided tours of the richly decorated rooms and a museum center.
Where should I stay in Hartford?
Popular areas for hotels in Hartford include North Hartford area, Bristol and East Hartford Area. Well-reviewed options include Fairfield Inn & Suites Springfield Enfield and Doubletree By Hilton Bristol.
How many hotels can I book in Hartford?
Destina Holidays currently lists 86 properties in and around Hartford, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
