Stamford, CT

Travel Guide

Stamford
Stamford
Photo by crissibeth
This coastal community on the Connecticut shoreline offers plenty of ways to enjoy and interact with the parks, forests and beaches that make up its surrounds.

With parks, forests and more than 14 miles (22 kilometers) of coastline, the small seaside community of Stamford relishes living life outdoors. You’ll also find numerous attractions for those who want to stay indoors, including cinemas, cafés and an arts center.

Go on a river cruise of the Long Island Sound, charter a boat from the harbor, and splash in the surf at Cove Island Park’s sandy beaches. You can also walk, ride and skate the park’s trails and take a tram ride through the grounds. 

Go to the SoundWaters Center, a non-profit environmental education organization located in the park. Book a two-hour ecological trip across the sound aboard their 80-foot (23-meter) three-masted Schooner. Hoist the sails, test the water quality and learn more about the marine life beneath the waves. For details visit SoundWaters’ official website.

Connect with nature at the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens. The 91-acre (37-hectare) preserve encompasses more than 2,000 varieties of trees, forest trails, themed gardens and a herbarium. Keep an eye out for some of the native wildlife as you wander along the boardwalk through the red maple swamp. See snapping turtles, raccoons, wood frogs, barred owls and woodpeckers.

Walk some of the 80 acres (32 hectares) of nature trails and visit a working farm at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. Enjoy a picnic by the lake and see the natural history and art exhibits inside the Bendel Mansion Museum. The estate was once the property of the late New York designer and department store owner Henri Willis Bendel. Get a close-up view of the moon and planets from the observatory and watch a stellar presentation at the planetarium.

Go to the downtown area and catch a play, musical or comedy show at the Stamford Center for the Arts. Check out some contemporary art at Franklin Street Works, a two-story art space and café. 

Stamford is located 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of New York City. Catch a train or drive from the city. Get around by bus or rent a car to get out of town and enjoy the natural surrounds.

Where to stay in Stamford

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Downtown Stamford

4/5(199 area reviews)

Central business district with major retail establishments, a shopping mall, and a university campus. Explore the historic district's architecture, enjoy bars and restaurants near Columbus Park, and easily access the Metro-North train station.

Downtown Stamford
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Cove - East Side - Shippan

3/5(20 area reviews)

While visiting Cove - East Side - Shippan, you might make a stop by sights like Cummings Park Beach and West Beach.

Cove - East Side - Shippan
Fantastic avo toast

South End

While South End might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Stamford Town Center and Stamford Center for the Arts.

South End
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Waterside

While there might not be top attractions in Waterside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Stamford Town Center and Stamford Center for the Arts.

Waterside
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North Stamford

Discover the serene atmosphere of North Stamford, featuring the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Bartlett Arboretum, and historic Old Long Ridge Village. Easily accessible via Metro-North Railroad and CTTransit buses.

North Stamford
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Ridgeway-Bullshead

While visiting Ridgeway-Bullshead, you might make a stop by sights like Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa and E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course.

Ridgeway-Bullshead
Amsterdam Hotel
Amsterdam Hotel
2 out of 5
19 Clarks Hill Ave, Stamford, CT
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Stamford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,600 reviews)
"Clean & great place for the area"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Amsterdam Hotel
The Stamford Hotel
The Stamford Hotel
3.5 out of 5
700 East Main Street, Stamford, CT
The price is ¥20,994 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
¥20,994
¥24,143 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Stamford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,066 reviews)
"Nice location. Friendly, helpful staff. No microwave"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

The Stamford Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stamford / New York City
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stamford / New York City
3 out of 5
135 Harvard Avenue, Stamford, CT
The price is ¥12,052 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
¥12,052
¥13,860 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Stamford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.4/10 (609 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stamford / New York City
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.
Stamford Suites
Stamford Suites
4 out of 5
720 Bedford St, Stamford, CT
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Stamford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
5.6/10 (45 reviews)
"While the physical property is well maintained, generally it could use a facelift and update. Also, the windows have not been cleaned in some Time!"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Stamford Suites
Luxury Apartments by Hyatus at The Asher
Luxury Apartments by Hyatus at The Asher
4.5 out of 5
150 Broad St, Stamford, CT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Stamford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Stamford Town Center and Stamford ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Amazing!
"The apartment was amazing. It was spacious, clean, incredibly comfy bed (although it made early mornings a problem!). The check in process was really easy. I also love the fact there is a huge washer and dryer so was able to do some washing mid-stay and not have to fill my suitcase up too much. The ..."

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2025

Luxury Apartments by Hyatus at The Asher
Luxury 2Br with loft space 5 minutes to Downtown/Beach/ w Deck. Pet friendly!
Luxury 2Br with loft space 5 minutes to Downtown/Beach/ w Deck. Pet friendly!
Stamford
Stay at this apartment in Stamford. Enjoy in-room fireplaces, air conditioning, and a hot tub. Popular attractions Chelsea Piers and Cummings Park are located ...
Cancelled
"Our trip was cancelled 20 hours before our stay due to flooding We were refunded, but had to scramble to find another place."

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2025

Luxury 2Br with loft space 5 minutes to Downtown/Beach/ w Deck. Pet friendly!
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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