The second largest city in Connecticut, New Haven is probably most famous for being home to the internationally-renown Yale University. New Haven is also unique in terms of city planning – it was originally founded in 1638, and is the birthplace of the city design known as the “Nine Square Plan,” which involves having specialized commercial and residential areas, as well as green space in the center of town. New Haven also is home to America’s first public tree planting program, which means that today the city is alive with trees and is fondly called the “Elm City” by residents and visitors alike.

One of the most remarkable parts about New Haven is its architecture, since it possesses many examples of different buildings that were created during every important architectural period in American history. Even if you are less interested in architecture you’ll enjoy walking around the city and taking in the different designs from different periods. The architectural detailing of the city is so well respected that many of the neighborhoods are preserved as living museums. Best of all these “museums” are free, so you should spend plenty of time checking them out while you’re in New Haven!

If you like to eat, you’ll love New Haven. There are 96 restaurants in the city that are top rated by Zagat, and most of them are within easy walking distance of each other. You’ll be treated to a wide array of cuisines that include Jamaican, Cuban, Syrian, Turkish, Thai, American, British, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more. The city is particularly famous for its pizza – it’s considered by some to be the best in the country, much to the annoyance of those from New York and Chicago.

Once you’re full, you can head on over and check out the city’s variety of museums, or even visit Yale and see if it’s all cracked up to be. The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library has a copy of the Gutenberg Bible, and the Yale Center for British Art has the world’s largest collection of British art outside of the U.K. There’s always something to explore (or eat) in New Haven – you’ll enjoy your time spent in the Elm City!