Stamford travel guide
Stamford Tourism | Stamford Guide
You're Going to Love Stamford
Stamford is the epitome of all things beautiful. From the bustling urban shopping centers to the breathtaking parks and historical sites, this city has something for everyone.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Stamford
1. World-Class Culture
Although Stamford is a small city, you'll get to experience numerous cultures thanks to the city's diverse population.
2. Stunning Scenery
Fall is a great time to take part in some leaf peeping and explore Stamford. With an incredible number of parks and green spaces, the city has something for everyone.
3. Plenty of Places to Visit
Walk around the stained glass skyscraper or spend a lazy afternoon at Lake Compounce. Sample some local artists' work at the Stamford Art Association or pop into one of the hotels in the area for some coffee or lunch.
4. Vibrant Food and Drinks Scene
Check out the delicious Italian gelato downtown or sit down for some delicious seafood at one of the Stamford's restaurants.
5. Party till Dawn
If you love going out, Stamford has a great party scene coupled with major musical acts, country music, and live salsa at the Stamford Center for the Arts.
What to do in Stamford
1. Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens: 91 Acres of Bliss
This 91-acre site was bequeathed to the city of Stamford by Dr Francis Bartlett in 1965 and is a place to get away from it all in tranquil surroundings. Founded by Bartlett to experiment and develop new strains of tree or shrub, it's now a major attraction thanks to its idyllic paths, herbarium containing 3,500 species and trees from all over the world. With carefully tended meadows, woodland ponds and vibrant gardens filled with azaleas and rhododendrons, a visit to the Arboretum is a visual delight.
2. Stamford Museum & Nature Center: Naturally Appealing
Just south of Bendels Pond, you'll find this jewel of a museum which is dedicated to nature and agriculture. Highlights include the fully working Hecksher farm, where you can get to know alpacas and llamas; the British-style Bendel Mansion, which was built in the 1920s; and the museum's collection, which stretches from Salvador Dali prints to Native American totem poles. Away from the museum, visitors can lose themselves (not literally, hopefully) in 80 acres of countryside. With regular festivals on site as well, it's a place to return to again and again.
3. Cove Island: A Restored Haven for Wildlife
A couple of miles east of Stamford's city center, Cove Island is an 83 acre park in Long Island Sound that has a fascinating past. For a century it was an industrial site, hosting flour mills and dyeing operations. When the factories burned down, Cove Island was restored as a coastal park. Nowadays, you can skate, cycle and swim off the coast, find out about the area's marine life at SoundWaters or keep an eye out for 300 different bird species.
4. The Ferguson Library: A Welcoming Community Hub
Not many libraries are unmissable attractions, but the Ferguson surely qualifies. Situated on Broad Street, next door to the University campus, it's very much a working library and has been since 1877. But it doesn't just supply books - the second floor hosts a daily diet of engaging lectures and workshops for all to attend, including meet and greets with famous authors, pinball classes for kids and even movie screenings. It's the heart of the town's community and always a friendly place to visit.
5. The Palace Theatre: From Stand-Up Zingers to Jerry Springer
With so many students in town, Stamford unsurprisingly has a lively arts scene, and the heart of it is undisputed: he Palace Theatre. Also known as the Stamford Center for the Arts, the Palace opened its doors in 1927 and ever since it has been hailed for its beautiful interior and fantastic acoustics. Aside from plays, stand-up comedy and music, there's another reason to head to the Palace: it's one of the east coast's major TV recording venues, having hosted big-name shows like Maury, Trisha Goddard and Jerry Springer in recent times. You never know, there might be a recording when you swing through town.
1. Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens: 91 Acres of Bliss
This 91-acre site was bequeathed to the city of Stamford by Dr Francis Bartlett in 1965 and is a place to get away from it all in tranquil surroundings. Founded by Bartlett to experiment and develop new strains of tree or shrub, it's now a major attraction thanks to its idyllic paths, herbarium containing 3,500 species and trees from all over the world. With carefully tended meadows, woodland ponds and vibrant gardens filled with azaleas and rhododendrons, a visit to the Arboretum is a visual delight.
2. Stamford Museum & Nature Center: Naturally Appealing
Just south of Bendels Pond, you'll find this jewel of a museum which is dedicated to nature and agriculture. Highlights include the fully working Hecksher farm, where you can get to know alpacas and llamas; the British-style Bendel Mansion, which was built in the 1920s; and the museum's collection, which stretches from Salvador Dali prints to Native American totem poles. Away from the museum, visitors can lose themselves (not literally, hopefully) in 80 acres of countryside. With regular festivals on site as well, it's a place to return to again and again.
3. Cove Island: A Restored Haven for Wildlife
A couple of miles east of Stamford's city center, Cove Island is an 83 acre park in Long Island Sound that has a fascinating past. For a century it was an industrial site, hosting flour mills and dyeing operations. When the factories burned down, Cove Island was restored as a coastal park. Nowadays, you can skate, cycle and swim off the coast, find out about the area's marine life at SoundWaters or keep an eye out for 300 different bird species.
4. The Ferguson Library: A Welcoming Community Hub
Not many libraries are unmissable attractions, but the Ferguson surely qualifies. Situated on Broad Street, next door to the University campus, it's very much a working library and has been since 1877. But it doesn't just supply books - the second floor hosts a daily diet of engaging lectures and workshops for all to attend, including meet and greets with famous authors, pinball classes for kids and even movie screenings. It's the heart of the town's community and always a friendly place to visit.
5. The Palace Theatre: From Stand-Up Zingers to Jerry Springer
With so many students in town, Stamford unsurprisingly has a lively arts scene, and the heart of it is undisputed: he Palace Theatre. Also known as the Stamford Center for the Arts, the Palace opened its doors in 1927 and ever since it has been hailed for its beautiful interior and fantastic acoustics. Aside from plays, stand-up comedy and music, there's another reason to head to the Palace: it's one of the east coast's major TV recording venues, having hosted big-name shows like Maury, Trisha Goddard and Jerry Springer in recent times. You never know, there might be a recording when you swing through town.
Where to Eat in Stamford
If you would like to eat and revel in the great view of the city and Long Island, stop over at Vuli restaurant for lunch and dinner weekdays for $40.
When to visit Stamford
The best time to visit Stamford is from late May to mid-October. During this time, the weather is friendly and the city is not as crowded.
How to Get to Stamford
Plane
All visitors coming to Stamford can get in by plane through JFK International Airport and La Guardia Airport in New York, Bradley International Airport in Hartford County, or Newark International Airport in New Jersey.
Train
Metro-North commuter trains and Amtrak's trains departing New York City's Grand Central Terminal stop at Stamford. You'll find an express train during off-peak hours.
Car
I-95 interstate highway goes through downtown Stamford. Alternatively, you can drive through Merritt Parkway, which is five miles north and parallel to I-95.
Bus
Stamford serves Greyhound buses running from New York, White Plains, and Port Chester. One-way tickets from New York start at $16.
Airlines serving Stamford
Where to stay in Stamford
North Stamford - regarded as one of the funkiest suburbs, North Stamford features restaurants, grocery stores, shopping malls, and different parks.
Popular Neighborhoods in Stamford
Newfield - if you love going to the casino or playing golf with some buddies, Newfield is your go-to neighborhood. With a reasonable commute and plenty of amenities, it's easy to see why this neighborhood is top rated.
Turn of River - Turn of River is characterized by peace and quiet. Explore the local parks like Mianus River Park or play some golf at Sterling Farms.
Where to stay in popular areas of Stamford
How to Get Around Stamford
Public Transportation
You can find the new Canaan Metro North line, which runs from downtown through the East Side of Stamford.
Taxi
Stamford has different taxi companies such as Eveready and Stamford Taxi that operate around town. You can expect to pay $2.95 per mile.
Car
Getting around Stamford is much easier and safer when you have a car. You can rent a car for $26 a day.
The Cost of Living in Stamford
Shopping Streets
Stamford Town Center features plenty of stores to meet any of your shopping needs. Visit Nagi Jewelers for a wide selection of watches and jewelry at affordable prices. Find gifts packs, electronics, and clothes at Ridgeway Shopping Center.
Groceries and Other
Stamford boasts numerous supermarkets, an open-air market, as well as a local farmers market. Shop Rite and Food Basics have the most affordable products with lean beef costing $3.29 per pound.