22 Best Things To Do In New Britain, Connecticut

things to do in New-Britain CT
Hemasudha
Hemasudha 
Updated
| 9 min read

New Britain is a stunning city in Connecticut, beloved by tourists from all over the world for its amazing range of attractions. Whether you are planning a family vacation or a history tour, New Britain will surprise you with its unparalleled magnificence. New Britain Industrial Museum, New Britain Museum of American Art, and New Britain Youth Museum are some of the important attractions to visit if you are a hardcore history buff. Taste the different flavors of authentic sodas at Avery’s Soda, which has been operating since 1904. A wide selection of parks and gardens in this city will dazzle any nature lover with breathtaking sceneries. If you wish to make everlasting memories in this elegant city, go through our list of recommended things to do in New Britain, Connecticut.

1. Explore history at New Britain Industrial Museum


Come to New Britain Industrial Museum to witness the magnificent 200-year history of New Britain. Admire the hardware city’s rich historical greatness during your visit. Rare kitchen appliances and hand tools can be viewed at this fabulous place. Explore and get stunned by the unique exhibits at Stanley Rule & Level, Stanley Works, P.F. Corbin, North & Judd, Landers, Fafnir, Frary & Clark, and Russell & Erwin. A guided tour can also be organized here.

New Britain Industrial Museum

Address: 59 W Main St, New Britain, CT 06051, United States

Website: New Britain Industrial Museum

Opening hours: Wed: 12pm - 4pm; Thu - Fri: 2pm - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Tue)

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2. Relax at Walnut Hill Park

Walnut Hill Park, New Britain CT
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user John Phelan used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Walnut Hill Park is a popular landmark with plenty of green spaces. The park honors veterans who lost their lives in World War I through this historic memorial. Stroll through the scenic walkway and enjoy the pleasure of serene nature. The rose garden area is a visual treat with lots of vibrant colors. Many people visit this park for picnicking, biking, yoga, and more. Prominent activities like musical shows at Darius Miller Shell, Race in the Park, tennis tournaments, and various sports events are conducted here.

Walnut Hill Park

Address: 184 W Main St, New Britain, CT 06052, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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3. Watch a performance at Hole In the Wall Theater


Over the past 40 years, Hole in the Wall Theater has presented its visitors with amazing plays and musical shows. Local artists perform in this community theater and showcase their unique talents irrespective of their background. You can pay whatever you can to enjoy the live theater performances. Their main goal is to make theater available to all audiences. All actors, directors, technicians, and administrators who work here are volunteers.

Hole In the Wall Theater

Address: 116 Main Street, PO Box 942, New Britain, CT 06051, United States

Website: Hole In the Wall Theater

Price: 15 - 20 USD

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4. Savor scrumptious food at Staropolska Restaurant


If you wish to relish home-cooked Polish cuisine, head straight to Staropolska Restaurant. They serve Polish dishes with hearty flavors and authentic taste. In addition to this, you can even have Polish vodka or beer to complement your meal. Signature dishes of this restaurant include kielbasa (smoked sausage), pierogi (dumplings with a sweet or savory filling), potato pancakes, and pork cutlets. The nominal pricing and large portions are two features that attract plenty of locals and tourists to this gourmet eatery.

Staropolska Restaurant

Address: 252 Broad St #4035, New Britain, CT 06053, United States

Website: Staropolska Restaurant

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

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5. View artworks at New Britain Museum of American Art

New-britain-museum-of-american-art
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Staib used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you have a thing for art, New Britain Museum of American Art is a nice place to start your tour. It exhibits a variety of exceptional American art from the colonial era to the present day. You can view 8,300 paintings, photographs, sculptures, illustrations, and documents. Even the history buffs can explore the historical portraits showcased here to learn about the artistic richness of olden days.

New Britain Museum of American Art

Address: 56 Lexington St, New Britain, CT 06052, United States

Website: New Britain Museum of American Art

Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri & Sun: 11am - 5pm; Thu: 11am - 8pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 10 - 15 USD

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6. Check out a dance show at Polish American Foundation of Connecticut

Posted by Polish American Foundation on Wednesday, 8 August 2012

New Britain holds the majority of the Polish communities who migrated during the 1870s. The key objective of the Polish American Foundation of Connecticut is to preserve the culture and language of Poland by continuously organizing shows, concerts, musical events, and performances. They conduct Polish language classes, host the Chopin Society, have folk dancing groups, and offer a variety of educational programs to impart the knowledge of Polish heritage to the new generation. You can get more information about their programs at Sloper-Wesoly Mansion, which is the headquarters of this organization.

Polish American Foundation of Connecticut

Address: 27 Grove Hill St, New Britain, CT 06052, United States

Website: Polish American Foundation of Connecticut

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7. Enjoy a performance at Connecticut Theatre Company at The Repertory Theatre


Head to Repertory Theatre to catch wonderful plays, hilarious comedy acts, mesmerizing musical events, and remarkable performances conducted by Connecticut Theatre Company. This company is completely a volunteer-based society that strives to spread theatrical arts. If you are a theater lover, you can enjoy lots of entertainment from different genres, including Broadway shows. Visitors can also opt to buy season tickets so they never miss a performance and to guarantee the best seat in the house.

Connecticut Theatre Company at The Repertory Theatre

Address: 23 Norden St, New Britain, CT 06051, United States

Website: Connecticut Theatre Company at The Repertory Theatre

Price: from 27 USD

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8. Play golf at Stanley Golf Course

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Stanley Golf Course on Saturday, March 27, 2021

Stanley Golf Course is a well-maintained 27-hole golf course. Both beginners and experts can enjoy a brilliant golfing experience here. The manicured greens surrounded by beautiful trees are visually charming and delightful. You can also take classes from skilled professionals employed here and brush up on your golfing skills. If the visitor is under the age of 18, he or she can play for free on weekends and holidays after two in the afternoon.

Stanley Golf Course

Address: 245 Hartford Rd, New Britain, CT 06053, United States

Website: Stanley Golf Course

Opening hours: Mon: 7am - 5pm; Tue - Fri: 7am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 6am - 9pm

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9. Taste unique sodas at Avery's Beverages LLC

Avery's Totally Gross Soda
Source: Photo by Flickr user Steven Miller used under CC BY 2.0

For over 100 years New Britain has been honored by Avery’s Beverages, a company that serves premium sodas with exquisite flavors. You can taste 35 sodas in both original and innovative, trendy flavors. Natural ingredients are used to prepare these drinks. It still comes in glass bottles to preserve its authenticity. You can also make your own soda and get it personalized for a birthday party or for private events. Their ‘Totally Gross’ soda variety has been consistently popular.

Avery's Beverages LLC

Address: 520 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052, United States

Website: Avery’s Beverages LLC

Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 8:30am - 5:30pm; Thu: 8:30am - 7pm; Fri: 8:30am - 6pm; Sat: 8:30am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

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10. Watch a game at New Britain Stadium


If you wish to catch a baseball game, visit New Britain Stadium. Only 6000 guests can be accommodated here, so you will mainly see families and spectators who want to stay away from large gatherings. Many prefer to watch a game here since the ticket price is more affordable compared to other major-league stadiums. If you visit this place during the weekend in the summer, you can also enjoy a great fireworks show. Parking space, food, and drink stalls are available on the premises.

New Britain Stadium

Address: 230 John Karbonic Way, New Britain, CT 06051, United States

Website: New Britain Stadium

Price: 5 - 7 USD

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11. Bring your kids to New Britain Youth Museum


If you are accompanied by your kids, don’t miss out on visiting New Britain Youth Museum, which is packed with fun-filled activities. Your children can indulge in amusing activities, such as seeing animals, art activities, and storytelling sessions. The special program ‘Sisters in Science’ enables girls from the age of five to participate and learn more about science. Children can also enjoy strolling through the outdoor trail and learning a lot about the natural world.

New Britain Youth Museum

Address: 30 S High St, New Britain, CT 06051, United States

Website: New Britain Youth Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10:30am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: 2 USD

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12. Enjoy craft beer at Alvarium Beer Co.


Alvarium Beer Company produces the finest range of craft beer with the ultimate zest. They do not mass produce their products, as their goal is to serve gourmet beers to all types of beer-lovers in their taproom. Cheese fries from a food truck and music from an advanced sound system will accompany the local beers made here. The taproom was constructed completely by hand, with the help of renowned Stanley power tools. Foosball, a 12-feet shuffleboard table, and an outdoor patio are available for entertainment.

Alvarium Beer Co.

Address: 365 John Downey Dr b, New Britain, CT 06051, United States

Website: Alvarium Beer Co.

Opening hours: Wed & Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri: 4pm - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

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13. Watch a show at Trinity-On-Main


Trinity-On-Main is an outstanding performance spot that was designed with unparalleled acoustics. With the recent renovation of posh seating, refined flooring, and sophisticated carpeting, the theater has become more attractive and more comfortable for the audience. The dazzling glass windows and classy wooden ceiling adds a glamorous appeal to the theater’s interior. Around 350 guests can be accommodated in this large auditorium. A grand piano and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems can be rented out for an extra fee.

Trinity-On-Main

Address: 69 Main St, New Britain, CT 06051, United States

Website: Trinity-On-Main

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14. Have fun at Flight Fit N Fun New Britain


Flight Fit N Fun is an ideal destination for the ultimate family fun. Create unforgettable memories on your trip to New Britain by visiting this wonderful entertainment center. You can have unlimited fun with your kids by jumping, dunking, or playing dodgeball. Amenities such as free Wi-Fi service, concession stands, and massage chairs are available here. The play equipment is regularly checked and repaired to ensure the safety of the visitors. You can also book the venue for birthday parties or private occasions.

Flight Fit N Fun New Britain

Address: 140 Production Ct, New Britain, CT 06051, United States

Website: Flight Fit N Fun New Britain

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 11pm; Sun: 9am - 8pm

Price: from 10 USD

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15. Dine at Elmer's Place & Great Oak's Restaurant


Elmer’s Place & Great Oak’s Restaurant is an exquisite place to visit if you’re craving delicious pizzas. It is an ideal hangout space in New Britain that serves cheap food and drinks. The interior of this eatery comes with pool tables and a patio. In addition to this, a punching bag, darts, and basketball are available for entertainment. Full bar service with flavorful beer on tap is offered here. A warm ambiance and friendly staff ensure the best dining experience.

Elmer's Place & Great Oak's Restaurant

Address: 1433 East St, New Britain, CT 06053, United States

Website: Elmer’s Place & Great Oak’s Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 1am; Fri: 3pm - 2am; Sat: 7pm - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 1am

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16. Unwind at Club Lido

Drinks
Source: Pixabay

If you wish to party hard in New Britain, Club Lido should be your next stop. An extensive alcohol menu has made this club one of the most sought after nightlife destinations in this area. Impeccable service and ever-smiling staff will make your visit more memorable. The mouthwatering food is also one of the best parts about partying in this club. The three pool tables, a dance floor with a pole, and awesome music by expert DJs enable you to enjoy the best night of your life.

Club Lido

Address: 174 Arch St, New Britain, CT 06051, United States

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17. Catch a game at Chesley Park


If you are a sports fanatic, Chesley Park is a great place to visit on your trip to New Britain. You can watch football, baseball, soccer, and softball played by the local talents. If you are traveling with kids, there is even a splash pad here that will make them jump with joy. The green area of the park can soothe your mind and refresh your soul. Various interesting events are conducted from time to time to amuse the visitors.

Chesley Park

Address: 95 Wildwood St, New Britain, CT 06051, United States

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

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18. Gaze at the stars at Copernican Observatory & Planetarium


If astronomy excites or interests you, Copernican Observatory & Planetarium will surely impress you. The center often conducts free events and introduces its visitors to the magic of the universe. The live physics demonstration will enable you to understand science better. The observatory can arrange for a planetarium show, an informative workshop, or an observation activity for a group of people upon request. You can also plan a night visit and be thrilled by an awesome view of the night sky.

Copernican Observatory & Planetarium

Address: 1615 Stanley St, New Britain, CT 06050-2439

Website: Copernican Observatory & Planetarium

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19. Solve puzzles at Team vs Time


If you want to raise your adrenaline to the highest level, try an escape game at Team vs Time. Form a team, book an event, and enter a world of supreme excitement. Go to unique locations, find unimaginable objects, and use your detective skills to solve puzzles and reach the goal. Family bonding and team-building skills are improved by playing this exciting game. If you wish to celebrate a birthday party or an event, bring your guests to play this exhilarating escape game.

Team vs Time

Address: 320 New Britain Rd, Berlin, CT 06037

Website: Team vs Time

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 11:30pm; Sat: 10am - 11:30pm; Sun: 1am - 9pm

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20. Go fishing at Martha Hart Park


Martha Hart Park is a lovely park surrounding the virgin beauty of Doerrs Pond. Plenty of fishers flock to this location to catch fresh fish varieties such as carp, bass, and catfish. The green areas of the park will surely brighten up your day. Read a book or walk on the grass to enjoy the brilliance of nature. A soccer field, a baseball field, and a basketball court are available if you are in the mood to watch a good game.

Martha Hart Park

Address: 135 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT 06052, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

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21. Enjoy delicious ice cream at Frisbie's Dairy Barn


Delight in the tasty, homemade ice cream at Frisbie’s Dairy Barn. If you are up for a drink, try one of their lip-smacking milkshakes. They conduct open mic nights and entertain their guests with amazing performances. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. Flavors such as black raspberry, cherry vanilla, Newington Nutella, peanut butter, and moose tracks are some of the local favorites.

Frisbie's Dairy Barn

Address: 951 Farmington Ave, New Britain, CT 06053, United States

Website: Frisbie’s Dairy Barn

Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 11am - 9pm; Thu - Sat: 11am - 10pm

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22. Stroll through Stanley Quarter Park


Stanley Quarter Park is a beautiful park with a pristine fishing lake. You can stroll through the walking trail and enjoy the scenic views of the park or catch a game at the sports field. Go jogging if you want a more strenuous activity. You can also sit back, relax, and enjoy watching the locals play an electrifying skating game. A well-maintained playground is built with splendid play equipment for your kids.

Stanley Quarter Park

Address: 451 Blake Rd, New Britain, CT 06053, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

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New Britain - the best art destination in Connecticut

New Britain
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bmr1987 used under CC BY 3.0

With an abundance of art and theater attractions, New Britain is a great pull for art lovers, while the picturesque parks keep nature lovers busy. Though the city is renowned as a “hardware city”, the beautiful attractions and landmarks are definitely worth exploring. Discover the best of New Britain by including this list of top things to see and do in your itinerary.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Hemasudha is a dedicated travel writer whose true passion lies in exploring the world. Traveling, for her, is not just a hobby but a profound spiritual experience that she is deeply passionate...Read more

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