Hartford City Guide

Food options include American comfort food and international cuisines like Italian and Latin American. Vegan and vegetarian choices exist mainly downtown. Late-night food is limited.

Nightlife centers on bars and pubs downtown with some live music. Options are enough but not extensive.

Growing coffee scene with established and new specialty cafes. Not as big as some cities but quality is good.

Tipping is expected. 15-20% at restaurants and for services like rideshares and hairdressers.

SIM cards from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are sold in major stores. eSIMs are becoming common. You'll need an ID to register, like a passport.

Cleanliness varies by area; downtown is generally well-maintained. Standard waste and recycling services.

Limited 24/7 options. Some pharmacies and minimarts open around the clock. Food options late at night are mostly fast food.

Supermarkets like Stop & Shop and ShopRite serve daily needs. Specialty stores cater to international foods. Fresh markets offer local produce. Stores usually open 7 AM to 10 PM, some open Sundays.

Cards are widely accepted in most places. Cash is rarely needed for daily use.

ATMs are common at banks like Bank of America and TD Bank, plus supermarkets and convenience stores. Out-of-network ATM fees usually range from $2.50 to $5.00 per transaction.

Public and private schools mostly teach in English. Notable ones include Hartford Public High School. International schools are rare inside the city but available nearby.

Community is small and developing. Few meetups or co-living spaces, but some nomad-friendly cafes exist.

Large parks like Bushnell and Elizabeth Parks offer green space and walking paths.

Popular running routes in parks and along the river. Generally safe and scenic.

Several major gyms are available around Hartford.

Public and private tennis courts are available. Booking and rentals vary by location.

Padel courts are rare in Hartford.

Several yoga studios with drop-in classes and English-speaking instructors.

Offers various martial arts including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and boxing with English-speaking instructors.

Ski resorts like Ski Sundown and Mount Southington are within 1-2 hours. Season runs December to March with rentals available.

Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Connecticut River with rentals available. Sailing less common nearby.

No surfing in Hartford. Closest surfing is over an hour away on the coast.

No local diving or snorkeling. Coastal areas offer these activities.

Healthcare quality is high with major hospitals like Hartford Hospital offering English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are plentiful with extended hours.

Tap water meets all safety standards and is safe to drink.

Parks with playgrounds and a carousel are available. The Connecticut Science Center is good for kids. Baby supplies can be found at major stores.

Hartford is LGBTQ+ friendly with protections and safe spaces. Annual pride events occur.

Pet-friendly parks, vets, and supply stores are common. Pet-friendly lodging varies by place.