Danbury, CT

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Litchfield Hills Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Litchfield Hills Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Citycenter Danbury/Litchfield Hills Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Litchfield Hills Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Litchfield Hills Visitors Bureau

Visit the “Hat City” in Connecticut, a laid-back town with glorious parks, lakeside beaches, museums and lively cultural events.

With hatting, railroad and military history, live music, performing arts and lakeside parks, Danbury has a varied selection of attractions. Danbury is in the state of Connecticut and part of the New York metropolitan area. Established by English colonists in the 17th century, Danbury was one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hats from the 1800s to 1950s. 

A good place to start your visit is at the Main Street Historic District. Spot Georgian, Italianate and Romanesque landmarks built between the 1700s and 1900s. The Danbury Historical Society preserves several historical buildings, including the Rider House and the Little Red Schoolhouse. Learn about Danbury’s hat-making heritage at the John Dodd Hat Shop. See a collection of antique train carriages and locomotives at the Danbury Railroad Museum. 

Catch a local bus to the Military Museum of Southern New England where there are over 10,000 military artifacts, including tank destroyers, weaponry and dioramas. Afterward, shop at some of the 200 retail outlets at Danbury Fair Mall, one of Connecticut’s largest shopping malls.

Throughout Danbury’s warm summer months and snowy winters, the city’s parks provide a bounty of outdoor activities. Find baseball fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts and a playground at Rogers Park. Explore 21 miles (34 kilometers) of hiking trails or go cross-country skiing at Tarrywile Park and Mansion. Spend a day swimming, kayaking or relaxing on a lake beach at Candlewood Town Park.

Danbury has a great offering of music and cultural events. Watch well-known bands and musicians at Ives Concert Park. This picturesque outdoor arena also hosts jazz, reggae and Latin music festivals. Attend film festivals, comedy performances and concerts at the historic Palace Theater. Shop at a farmers market and enjoy free summer concerts and open-air theater productions at City Center Danbury Green. 

Danbury is just over a 1-hour drive from both New Haven and New York. It’s well connected by intercity trains and buses, thus an ideal destination for daytrips to the fascinating neighborhoods of the “Big Apple.” Rent a car and visit Connecticut’s excellent ski resorts such as Mohawk Mountain and Mount Southington.

This travel guide was produced with the assistance of the Western CT Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Where to stay in Danbury

Danbury which includes music, a festival and night scenes

Main Street Historic District

Downtown Danbury boasts a vibrant Main Street Historic District, featuring government buildings, churches, and commercial establishments with a mix of architectural styles. Ives Street, the Dining and Entertainment District, offers a lively atmosphere with various restaurants and nightclubs.

Main Street Historic District
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Danbury

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Danbury

3 out of 5
116 Newtown Road, Danbury, CT
The price is NT$2,900 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$2,900
NT$3,335 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Danbury. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"I liked the breakfast as there are many options to choose from"

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Danbury
Ethan Allen Hotel

Ethan Allen Hotel

3.5 out of 5
21 Lake Avenue Extension, I-84 at Exit 4, Danbury, CT
The price is NT$3,027 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$3,027
NT$3,481 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Danbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

Ethan Allen Hotel
Hotel Zero Degrees Danbury

Hotel Zero Degrees Danbury

4 out of 5
15 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$4,584 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$4,584
NT$5,272 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Danbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"It’s a wonderful property and I find myself enjoying the serenity of it."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Hotel Zero Degrees Danbury
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stamford Suites

Stamford Suites

4 out of 5
720 Bedford St, Stamford, CT
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Stamford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
5.6/10 (48 reviews)
"While the physical property is well maintained, generally it could use a facelift and update. Also, the windows have not been cleaned in some Time!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/13

Stamford Suites
DUNE Fairfield Beach

DUNE Fairfield Beach

3 out of 5
1160 Reef Rd, Fairfield, CT
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Fairfield. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Penfield Beach and Fairfield ...
9/10 Wonderful! (63 reviews)
A great beach getaway
"A cute hotel close to the beach! Super easy check in and check out."

Reviewed on 2025/7/2

DUNE Fairfield Beach
Guesthouse at Norwalk Inn

Guesthouse at Norwalk Inn

3.5 out of 5
93 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT
Stay at this 3.5-star historic aparthotel in Norwalk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Norwalk Islands and Stepping Stones ...
"Great space would be better if there were kuerig cups to go with the machine in the kitchen"

Reviewed on 2024/11/3

Guesthouse at Norwalk Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Danbury