One of America's oldest cities, Hartford is brimming with New England charm, from grand Victorian buildings and Art Deco theatres to historic art galleries. There's also a wealth of culture, with Hartford producing famous writers, such as Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Things to do

Thanks to its rich history, Hartford is dotted with grand New England architecture. The Bushnell Performing Arts Centre is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, regularly hosting ballet performances, opera recitals and symphony orchestra concerts.

Owned by one of America's most famous writers, the Mark Twain House and Museum offers a glimpse at where iconic novels like “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” were penned. The handsome red-and-black brick Victorian building was designed by Edward Tuckerman Potter, a famous American architect who adorned it with turrets, verandas and gables.

Art lovers will be in their element at the Wadsworth Atheneum, America's oldest public gallery. It's housed in a grand Gothic Revival building and features more than 50,000 works displayed in over 30 galleries. You can admire 19th-century Impressionist works, surrealist sculptures and New England antiques.

A hit with kids and adults alike, the Connecticut Science Centre is one of the top family-friendly attractions in the United States. Inside you'll find interactive exhibits and innovative displays, including a hands-on KidsZone that hosts live stage shows and demonstrations.

Getting around

Downtown Hartford is easy to get around on foot, while the city is also serviced by a network of public buses, as well as taxis and rideshare services like Uber. Bradley International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the city centre.