Overview
Stamford, Connecticut is the second largest city in the state by population, a center of regional activity in Fairfield County, and a hub of the Metro New York area. Its position between NYC and the rest of Connecticut defines Stamford’s character. Stamford takes on a big-city atmosphere in its downtown and the adjacent neighborhoods, then transitions to a more traditional suburban small-town Connecticut atmosphere in its northern sections. Stamford plays an active role in the NYC metro and Fairfield County art and music scene. It also has one of the largest and most diverse selections of restaurants and shopping in Fairfield County. Many large corporations are headquartered in Stamford, so it hosts a large reverse-commute from New York City in addition to commuters from Connecticut and nearby Westchester County, New York.
4 sights · 9 things to do · 13 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Stamford
The Stamford Museum and Nature Center
Has a farm with cows, horses, pigs, chickens, llamas, and other animals. It also has a small museum and a playground with a huge slide.
Bartlett Arboretum
Not too far from the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, a great park with walking trails provides a variety of trees and plants.
Shippan Point
The southernmost point of Stamford, Shippan Point is home to some of the wealthiest residents of the city and some of the most historic and expensive homes. Shippan Avenue runs north/south and is the only way in and out …
Cove Island Park
It has a small beach and several paths that you can walk or rollerblade. Very close to downtown, you can escape there for a quiet lunch during a hectic workday. Beach stickers are required for parking there during the su…
Palace Theater
Hosts a variety of shows in a historic building. Prices and hours depend on the show being held. Parking on the street is scarce and parking in lots costs about a dollar an hour. Make sure you feed the meter because you …
The State Cinema
Only two theaters in a historic building. Seats are comfortable. Typical movie theater food available. Limited parking is free in a lot behind the building.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Jun. (climate data from nearby Pleasantville)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HPN Westchester County Airport, White Plains — 8 mi away. Directions
- LGA LaGuardia Airport, New York — 28 mi away (major hub). Directions
The other train stations in the city are served by the New Canaan Branch of the New Haven Line, which provides mostly shuttle service to Stamford Transit Center:
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $12 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Shippan Point, Cummings Park, Palace Theater
- Lunch Bar Rosso
- Afternoon Bowtie Cinemas, Scalzi Park
- Dinner Fiesta on Main
- Evening Brick House Bar & Grill
Day 2
- Morning The Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Bartlett Arboretum, Stamford Twin Rinks
- Lunch The Colony Grill
- Afternoon The State Cinema, Columbus Park
- Dinner Garden Catering
- Evening Tiernan’s Bar & Restaurant
Day 3
- Morning Cove Island Park
- Lunch Gofer Ice Cream
- Afternoon Alive @ Five
- Dinner Vinny's Backyard Restaurant
- Evening Bobby Valentines Sports Bar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
- LaGuardia Airport: a major airport in Queens, with mainly domestic flights. It is about 45 minutes away by car.
- JFK International Airport: a major airport in Queens, with worldwide flights. It is about 60 minutes away.
- Newark International Airport: This is a major airport in Newark, with worldwide flights. It is about 75 minutes away.
- Westchester County Airport: an airport in Westchester County, NY, with flights throughout the country, and from Toronto. It is about 30 minutes away.
- Bradley International Airport: a major airport in Windsor Locks, north of Hartford, with flights worldwide. It is about 100 minutes away.
- Tweed-New Haven Airport: a small airport in New Haven, with flights from Philadelphia. It is about an hour away.
By train
- Train operators:
- Routes stopping at Stamford:
- Acela travels multiple times daily between Boston and Washington, D.C. with stops in Westwood, Providence, New Haven, Stamford, New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore. This is the only route in the U.S. which resembles a high-speed rail line, with a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h), though it can only go this fast on a few short segments.
- Northeast Regional is Amtrak's busiest regional service, connecting Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and the many towns and cities in-between. Toward the east end of the route, some trips terminate at Springfield instead of Boston. Some services also continue south into Virginia towards Newport News, Roanoke and Norfolk on three separate branch routes from Alexandria. This is also Amtrak's most frequent service, with multiple daily departures, and the longest trip takes 12.5 hours. Stops at Union Station and State Street.
- Vermonter operates daily between St. Albans and Washington, D.C. including stops in Essex Junction, Waterbury, Montpelier, White River Junction, Claremont, Bellows Falls, Brattleboro, Greenfield, Northampton, Holyoke, Springfield, Windsor Locks, Hartford, Meriden, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, New York City, Newark, Trenton, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore, and New Carrollton. S
- Metro-North
- On peak for Metro-North there are at least several local and express trains and off peak there are a couple of local trains that take an hour and 11 minutes and an express train that takes 45 minutes. Metro-North trains operate from Grand Central, New York City and New Haven Union Station, New Haven, Connecticut. There is the New Canaan Branch in Stamford with stops at Stamford, Glenbrook, Springdale, Talmadge Hill, and New Canaan which is also operated by Metro-North.
The other train stations in the city are served by the New Canaan Branch of the New Haven Line, which provides mostly shuttle service to Stamford Transit Center:
The remaining two stations on this branch are in nearby New Canaan.
By car
I-95 is the major interstate highway that goes through downtown Stamford. Merritt Parkway goes parallel to I-95 about 5 miles north.
Get around
Having a car makes traveling in Stamford much easier and safer (see Stay safe) but it is not essential.
By bus
Bus routes travel along all major roads to all ends of the city and to other cities in Fairfield County as well as running to White Plains, NY, and Port Chester, NY. See here for more information on bus routes in Stamford.
By train
The New Canaan Metro-North line runs from downtown Stamford through the Eastside of Stamford with stops in the Springdale, and Glenbrook neighborhoods. See here for information on the New Canaan Metro-North line.
By taxi
There are several taxi companies serving Stamford. Among them are Stamford Taxi, +1-203-325-2611, Eveready, +1-203-655-8779, and USA Taxi, +1-203-487-0007
See
See Shippan Point
The southernmost point of Stamford, Shippan Point is home to some of the wealthiest residents of the city and some of the most historic and expensive homes. Shippan Avenue runs north/south and is the only way in and out of the neighborhood. Heading to the end of Shippan Avenue there is a stonewall overlooking a rocky beach. This wall and beach overlook the Long Island Sound, and an expansive view of Long Island across the water. On clear nights locals claim the Manhattan skyline is visible in the distance..
See Columbus Park
Usually filled with a diverse crowd from local kids, homeless people, to businessmen and street musicians. It is also central to a large live music and nightlife scene; the park is surrounded by bars and restaurants. Meter parking is also available directly surrounding the park. Also home to Alive @ Five in Stamford (See Do).
Do
Do Cove Island Park
It has a small beach and several paths that you can walk or rollerblade. Very close to downtown, you can escape there for a quiet lunch during a hectic workday. Beach stickers are required for parking there during the summer months.
Do Palace Theater (Stamford Center for the Arts)
Hosts a variety of shows in a historic building. Prices and hours depend on the show being held. Parking on the street is scarce and parking in lots costs about a dollar an hour. Make sure you feed the meter because you will get a ticket if your time runs out.
Do Alive @ Five
A music festival in the summer months (usually June through August) located outside in two block off streets with Columbus park in the center. The main act takes the stage around 8PM
Do Cummings Park
The Long Island Sound beach has a fishing pier, pavelions, and public restrooms. Contains tennis courts, handball court, a basketball court, and four softball fields. There's also a popular local sledding hill the park. Parking at the beach requires a season pass during the summer months that can only be purchased at the Stamford Government Center, and the booths at the entrance only sell $20 day passes. However, there is parking on multiple streets, directly around Cummings. On McMullen Avenue and Wascussee Lane, both directly off Soundview Avenue, parking on the street is legal. Warning: This beach has an unsavory reputation at night. Also a small homeless population lives at the beach and the woods directly surrounding it at night. Use caution here at night, don’t travel alone, and avoid extreme intoxication. The police usually make an appearance here at least once a night.
Do Scalzi Park
Large park with a baseball field, soccer field, enclosed roller hockey rink, tennis courts, a playground, and a large skating bowl. Free parking lot. Warning: Scalzi has a reputation at night. The Westside of Stamford is one of the more dangerous parts of Stamford and that is reflected at Sclazi. Extremely safe during daylight hours but avoid after dark.
Learn
Place Stamford Public Library Main Branch (The Ferguson Library)
Located in a three story historic building in downtown Stamford. Books, music, and videos can be borrowed with a library card or read and viewed in the library. Also free computers with Internet access and a large kids section downstairs. Starbucks connected to the library with large glass windows that view the pedestrian traffic in Stamford and the front steps of the library where people usually congregate.
Buy
Shop Stamford Town Center (Stamford Mall)
Plenty of stores to meet any shopping need or interest. Anchors include Macy's, Saks Off Fifth, and Barnes & Noble. Also generally good prices. The best part is a seating area that also functions as a set of stairs between floors. Make sure you get a pretzel (at Wetzel's) before you leave. Minimum of 50 cents (equaling four hours) for parking
Shop A Step Ahead
A formal attire store that keeps a log of who bought what so you'll never wear the same outfit as someone else to a party. Generally expensive. Very friendly service. In-shop tailoring available. Free parking in the strip mall lot. Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10AM-6PM. Thursday: 10AM-7PM. Friday Saturday 10AM-6PM. Sunday noon-5PM.
Shop Nagi Jewelers
There is a wide range of fine jewelry and watches available at surprisingly low prices and excellent quality by top designer names like David Yurman, Tag Heuer, Swiss Army, Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego and Hearts on Fire. They have in-house professional watch and jewelry repair and appraisal services.
Shop Sports Scape
One of the more select footwear and apparel stores in downtown Stamford. Located directly off exit 8 on I-95 this store offers popular brands such as Nike, The North Face, Ecko, South Pole. They carry a selection of basic footwear and apparel as well as rarer more unique clothes and shoes. Also carries a selection of fitted hats focusing mostly on New York Yankee hats but still they still carry multiple other popular teams. Parking on Atlantic Street and adjacent streets around Broad.
Shop Ridgeway Shopping Center
This large shopping center is located in the Ridgeway neighborhood of Stamford. Close proximity to downtown with a large selection of shopping including clothing, electronics, furniture and groceries. Also in the center is a Michaels and a Staples. Two levels of free parking lots as well as meter parking spots on Summer Street.
Shop High Ridge Center
Located on the High Ridge Road strip this shopping center offers clothing, several delis, a jeweler, appliances, a Borders and an art gallery. More upscale shopping relative to downtown Stamford. In the summer there is a farmers market on Tuesdays 10AM to 2PM. Starbucks located in the shopping center is very popular spot for locals even into late at night. Also coffee shop inside Borders and a Crumbs (a café chain that sells, baked goods, coffee, and tea). In the warmer months at the Burger King parking lot across the street there is a show for classic cars and the overflow end up in the High Ridge Center. Police Substation located in the shopping center. Free parking lot in front and in back.
Eat
Eat Fiesta on Main
A nice Peruvian restaurant in downtown Stamford.
Eat The Colony Grill
The quintessential bar sized pizza, it's the only thing on the menu. Try the sausage and hot oil pizza and be prepared to order more than one. Widely regarded by locals as the best restaurant in Stamford.
Eat Garden Catering
Selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and breakfast food. Most popular item here is the special: chicken, French fries and seasoning in a bag in ¼-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-pound increments. Also very popular are the potato cones, mashed potatoes deep-fried in batter in a cone shape. $5-10 per person.
Eat Gofer Ice Cream
Small ice cream shop that is very popular in the late afternoon and on nights. Regularly full of families taking their children out. Expect to spend $5-10 on average per person. Free parking in back.
Eat Vinny's Backyard Restaurant
A popular bar and restaurant among locals, located in the historic Springdale neighborhood. Vinny's has extremely popular wings and thin crust pizza. Accessible from exit 36 on the Merrit Parkway. Also within walking distance from the Springdale train station and the Hope Street bus line. $10-15 a meal.
Eat Lakeside Diner
Traditional diner fare. Serves donuts, coffee, breakfast and brunch menus. Secluded location on Long Ridge road with a view of Holts Ice Pond as well as some brilliant foliage in the fall. Free parking outside.
Eat Fusaro’s Deli
Italian Deli located on High Ridge Road. Sells sandwiches, breakfast fare, traditional Italian dishes, as well as groceries and convenience items such as cigarettes. Import their bread and meat directly from the Bronx. $10-15 a person.
Eat Capriccio Café
Located in downtown Stamford. Café with Italian and American cuisine. Large amount of outdoor seating located on a busy central street in downtown Stamford. Very popular on weekday afternoons and weekend nights. An average meal is $10-15.
Eat Lucky's
Grill/diner located in the Stamford downtown. Lucky's has a 1950s American theme and the atmosphere and the menu both reflect this. Burgers, fries, and malted shakes are a Lucky's standard. Salads and other dishes are available. Large glass windows present a view of downtown Stamford pedestrian traffic.
Eat Cove Pizza
Cove Pizza & Restaurant has seen multiple different owners in its time, but has never compromised its quality. Right in the heart of the Cove, and walking distance from the park, sits this focal point of the neighborhood. It is an Italian Restaurant that serves pizza (now slices), salads, and all kinds of Italian dinners. Very affordable, one person should not need more than $15 to be satisfied.
Drink
- Tigin, one of the top Arsenal FC bars in the tri-state area.
Drink Brick House Bar & Grill
A traditional Stamford bar catering mainly to Stamford's born-and-raised; but it's also a bar inhabited by happy hour goers from the surrounding businesses. It can be unreasonably crowded at some times; usually during the weekends and Thursday nights. Metered parking along Bedford Street as well as parking lot located off Forest street.
Drink Tiernan’s Bar & Restaurant
Irish pub in downtown Stamford across the street from Columbus Park and the adjacent bar and live music scene. Known for a selection of imported beers. Live entertainment Thursdays to Saturdays. Free wireless Internet and several large plasma televisions. Tiernan’s rarely ever holds of a policy of a cover charge.
Drink Bobby Valentines Sports Bar
Sports Bar located in downtown Stamford across the street from Columbus Park; owned by Bobby Valentine, a Stamford native and the former manager of the New York Mets. The walls are covered with sports memorabilia and this is a popular local spot to have a beer and watch sports on one of the several large TVs. Award winning wings; these are half priced as well as the drinks from 4-7PM, Monday to Friday. Wednesday night is popular, drawing amateur singers for karaoke and ladies' night specials.
Note- The Stamford Nightlife scene is constantly changing but all located generally in the same area of downtown Stamford. If searching for a fun club, bar or restaurant feel encouraged to walk through downtown Stamford at night especially Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The area with the most bars is centered roughly around Columbus Park, but there are many more popular places to drink. The area bordered by Forest Street to the north, Grove Street to the east, Washington Boulevard to the west, and Tresser Boulevard to the south is very safe and contains much of Stamford nightlife. Be careful of leaving this area, however, as some of the streets bordering Stamford downtown can be dangerous especially at night. Avoid hanging around the St. Johns Towers (the three large cylinder towers on Tresser Boulevard.)
Sleep
Stay Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa
Offers 500 guest rooms and six suites covering 17 floors, with great views of Long Island Sound, downtown Stamford, and the Manhattan skyline. In addition the Stamford Marriott offers the Agora Spa. The day spa features treatment rooms, private locker rooms and steam room.
Stay safe
The FBI rates Stamford one of the safest cities in its population bracket. However caution must be used in some parts of Stamford, especially traveling past public housing projects. Walking the street is where you will encounter the most danger; avoid certain streets on the East Side (Custer Street, Ursula Place, Sections of Cove Road.), the West Side (Connecticut Avenue, Merrel Avenue, Spruce Street), as well as most of the Waterside (bordered by I-95 on the north, the Greenwich/Stamford border to the west and the Long Island Sound to the south and east; main avenue is Southfield Ave) and South End neighborhoods (The South End is bordered by I-95 to the north, and Long Island Sound to the east, west, and south; main avenue is Canal Street). Although Stamford is rapidly gentrifying, gangs and organized crime have long established roots in Stamford. Use the same caution as one would use in any city especially faced with a violent confrontation or when engaging in illicit activities. Stamford’s homeless population is not large but can be quite aggressive. Be careful of how you carry yourself; in Stamford a quick word might be more effective than simply ignoring a request. Avoid the McDonald's by the main library downtown, especially at night. It's been the site of muggings, fights and even a recent murder. There are plenty of other (safer) dining options in the area. Also Shippan has a lot of young hooligans roaming around at night. Some may get violent.
Go next
New York City- The primary reason for Stamford's development was its proximity to NYC. A 30-minute drive down I95 or the Merritt Parkway will take you to NYC. Also a 45-minute express train and a 75-minute local train will take you there and back for $30.50 peak and $23 off-peak; be sure to purchase tickets at the station, you will incur a 45% price increase when you purchase onboard. Free parking for the train station is provided at a commuter lot adjacent to I95 and there is slightly expensive pay parking lot directly across the street from the train station. Taking the train into Grand Central provides you access to the NYC transit system and you can use that to venture to any part of the city for $2.75 a trip.
Bridgeport- Bridgeport is a cheaper alternative to visiting New York City. Bridgeport is only roughly (depending on traffic) a 20-minute drive down I-95 or the Merritt Parkway and a 30-minute train ride. Home to the Beardsley Zoo, the Barnum Museum and a diverse restaurant scene. Also located in Bridgeport is a ferry running from downtown Bridgeport to Port Jefferson, New York, on Long Island's North Shore.
New Haven- About a 45-minute train ride away and a 30- to 45-minute drive north depending on traffic, New Haven is another popular destination. A lively downtown restaurant, bar and club scene makes it a good nightlife destination. Also home to multiple playhouses and musical venues.
Nearby
New Canaan
City / town · 7 listings · 5 mi away
Darien
City / town · 5 listings · 5 mi away
Greenwich
City / town · 12 listings · 5 mi away
Norwalk
City / town · 23 listings · 7 mi away
Pound Ridge
City / town · 1 listings · 8 mi away
Rye Brook
City / town · 8 listings · 9 mi away
Port Chester
City / town · 8 listings · 9 mi away
Bedford
City / town · 9 mi away
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