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 artefacts, 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 kilometres) 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 Theatre. Shop at a farmers market and enjoy free summer concerts and open-air theatre productions at City Centre 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 neighbourhoods 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
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 €106 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€106
24 Aug - 25 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! (1,009 reviews)
"Property was clean and quiet. Staff were friendly and helpful. Close to Danbury Shopping Mall and so close to freeway. Pool was lovely, although a little deep for young kiddies. Loved this hotel"

Reviewed on 17 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Dining"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Hotel Zero Degrees Danbury
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 €91 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€91
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! (1,012 reviews)
"easy place to stay.. access to I-84 is great and local shopping."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham 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! (43 reviews)
"It was wonderful, the weather was great.The House is clean and beautiful. The host is awesome!"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 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!
Beautiful Renovated Direct Waterfront Candlewood Lake Home~Views~Weekly Discount

Beautiful Renovated Direct Waterfront Candlewood Lake Home~Views~Weekly Discount

Danbury
Stay at this vacation home in Danbury. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bear Mountain Reservation and Candlewood Plaza ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"A long way to the water, but worth the walk!"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Beautiful Renovated Direct Waterfront Candlewood Lake Home~Views~Weekly 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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