Danbury

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 featuring a festival, night scenes and performance art

Main Street Historic District

You'll enjoy the bars and live music in Main Street Historic District. You might want to make time for a stop at Danbury Music Centre or Danbury Museum and Historical Society.

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 €97 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€97
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (1,005 reviews)
"I liked the breakfast as there are many options to choose from"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

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 €100 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€100
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Once we figured out how to work the handicap accessible bathroom it was great!"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

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 €151 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€151
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (1,004 reviews)
"This all-in-one hotel is truly exceptional. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the staff is very accommodating, and the on-site restaurant is a well-appointed establishment with a remarkable menu. The service is excellent, the food is delicious, and the surroundings are beautiful. Guests can dine ..."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

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.
Candlewood Lakefront 3bd/ 2 bath house w/ 180 degree views!

Candlewood Lakefront 3bd/ 2 bath house w/ 180 degree views!

Danbury
Stay at this vacation home in Danbury. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bear Mountain Reservation and Brook Center Shopping ...
10/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
Lake house stay
"Great location, yard and patio were amazing, house was lovely and stocked appropriately. Host was accommodating and worked out any issues. Look forward to staying again!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Candlewood Lakefront 3bd/ 2 bath house w/ 180 degree views!
My favorite place!

My favorite place!

2 out of 5
Danbury
Stay at this vacation home in Danbury. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Tarrywile Park and Mansion and Hearthstone Castle are ...
My favorite place!
Direct Waterfront Home~Panoramic Views & Hot Tub on Candlewood Lake~Aug Discount

Direct Waterfront Home~Panoramic Views & Hot Tub on Candlewood Lake~Aug Discount

Danbury
Stay at this vacation home in Danbury. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Bear Mountain Reservation and Candlewood Plaza Shopping ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (107 reviews)
"The house was well stocked and clean. Thankfull the AC worked perfectly as the temperature was over 100 degrees,. The water and dock were lovely, BUT, it was over 90 steps (I mean stairs) straight down and the railing was a rope. This is not a property for anyone with any physical limitations. When ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Direct Waterfront Home~Panoramic Views & Hot Tub on Candlewood Lake~Aug Discount
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.

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