State Capitol © State of Connecticut

Why? Hartford has been named one of the 'Top 20' cool places to live, work and play. It offers the vibrancy of a big-city arts and entertainment scene paired with easy access to New England's colonial history, charm, natural beauty-and more than 40 golf courses.
When? Summer is lovely and not too hot; it's then that some of the more exciting free events take place downtown, like the Taste of the Caribbean festival, Opera al Fresco and, of course, Riverfest, the Independence Day festival. The autumn foliage of the nearby countryside is spectacular. Autumn also marks the start of the turkey-hunting season, with deer hunting season following in early winter.
Who for? Hartford offers business travellers many lively options for relaxing after their meetings. It can also serve as the perfect gateway for holidaymakers wishing to explore New England's charms without giving up the excitement of the city.
More Info: Our Hartford travel guide is updated daily to provide current information on all aspects of a holiday in Hartford, from the top attractions and excursions to how to use the bus service.

Overview

Hartford, the state capital of Connecticut, is often overshadowed by its more prominent neighbours, New York and Boston, or by the more 'touristy' destinations of New England, though the city sees multitudes of business travellers. It sits at the end of the navigable portion of the Connecticut River, and this waterway shaped the city's evolution into the 'insurance capital of the world'. Its location made it an important trading centre, and when groups of merchants began to share risks, the Hartford Insurance Company was born. It still operates in Hartford today, along with many of the nation's largest insurance corporations.

However, Hartford has much to offer those visitors with leisure in mind. Greater Hartford is home to more than 200 cultural, arts and heritage organizations. The Hartford Stage Company, one of many venues for live musical and theatrical productions, has been recognized by the Tony Awards and the OBIEs. During the warm summer months, many outdoor concerts are staged downtown, and various festivals, sporting events and performances are held at the new Riverfront Plaza throughout the year. The Riverfront stretches along seven miles (11km) of pristine shoreline and encompasses 148 acres of park grounds with walkways, biking trails and water activities. The state-of-the-art Connecticut Convention Center is also located here.

For history buffs, Hartford lives up to its responsibilities as one of the oldest cities in the nation. At the State Library, visitors can view the Fundamental Orders adopted in Hartford in 1639, the first document in history to establish government by the consent of the people. A few blocks away, the entertainment district begins west of Main Street, offering visitors no end of dining, pub and club options. Sports fans can revel in University of Connecticut basketball; year after year, the UConn Huskies are contenders in both the National and Big East Championships.