New Haven's Historical Buildings Tour, New Haven

New Haven's Historical Buildings Tour (Self Guided), New Haven

The first ever planned city in the United States, New Haven, Connecticut, is famous for a wealth of prominent homes that have stood the test of time.

Some of these buildings, like the Caroline Nicoll House, showcase the elegant symmetry and refined detailing befitting Federal style. Others, like the John Cook House, represent a prime example of the Greek Revival architecture, characterized by ionic columns and pediments.

In the heart of New Haven's downtown area, you'll find the Imperial Granum-Joseph Parker and Elisha Blackman Buildings, remarkable for their late 19th-century commercial appearance.

Meanwhile, the William Pinto House offers a glimpse into the Federal-style post-and-beam construction with a typical façade and steeply pitched roof.

The Lafayette B. Mendel and the James Dwight Dana Houses stand out as fine specimens of Italianate architecture, while the Lincoln Theatre represents the so-called Modern Movement devoid of ornate details and a rather modest entrance.

The Russell Henry Chittenden House is an elegant Queen Anne-style residence, characterized by its projecting gabled sections and asymmetrical design.

History enthusiasts will surely appreciate the iconic, colonial-era Connecticut Hall, one of the oldest buildings in New Haven, dating back to the 1750s.

As stewards of the city's history, these old buildings deserve celebration as architectural treasures. Consider exploring them now and learn the story of the remarkable structures that have shaped the character of New Haven as we know it.
How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

New Haven's Historical Buildings Tour Map

Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: New Haven's Historical Buildings Tour
Guide Location: USA » New Haven (See other walking tours in New Haven)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk)


Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.
Click here to view route map
Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
Walk Name*:
Email*:

Frequently Asked Questions


1. How do I access my walking tour in New Haven?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “New Haven Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in New Haven?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.

Walking Tours in New Haven, Connecticut

Create Your Own Walk in New Haven

Create Your Own Walk in New Haven

Creating your own self-guided walk in New Haven is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
New Haven Introduction Walking Tour

New Haven Introduction Walking Tour

New Haven, Connecticut is widely known as the home to Yale University. However, the city isn't just a hip, university town. It is also full of history and sites that can't be found anywhere else.

The first planned city in the United States, New Haven boasts the easily maneuvered grid layout which makes it easy to navigate the city on foot. Situated at the center of this grid, New...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Yale University Walking Tour

Yale University Walking Tour

Perhaps the main attraction that puts the picturesque town of New Haven, Connecticut, on the international tourist map is Yale University. Founded in 1701, this esteemed educational institution ranks among the oldest and most prestigious in the United States.

In addition to its academic excellence, and because of its age, Yale boasts a great deal of architectural beauty. A diverse range of...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Amistad Freedom Trail

Amistad Freedom Trail

The Cuban schooner La Amistad made history in July 1839 when a group of African captives on board unshackled themselves during the voyage, took control of the ship, and eventually landed on the US shore. The slaves responsible for the revolt were interned in New Haven, Connecticut to be tried for mutiny and murder. The case known as The United States vs The Amistad (1841) gained international...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles