NEW HAVEN

New Haven occupies the north shore of Long Island Sound and is home to Yale University, which has shaped the city's cultural infrastructure since 1701. Locals call it the Elm City, and its Wooster Square neighborhood is the birthplace of New Haven-style apizza.

Toad's Place on York Street has operated since 1975, hosting acts from the Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan's longest-ever club set. College Street Music Hall opened in 2015 in the old Roger Sherman movie house footprint and pulls mid-to-large touring acts. Cafe Nine and Firehouse 12 run tighter rooms for jazz, indie, and experimental bookings. Westville Music Bowl handles outdoor shows on the west side.

Woolsey Hall at Yale University seats orchestral and choral performances in a century-old concert hall. Shubert Theatre and Long Wharf Theatre run touring Broadway and regional premieres. Yale Repertory Theatre stages new work. John Lyman Center for Performing Arts at Southern Connecticut State adds another mid-size stage.

Tip: Cafe Nine and Firehouse 12 sit in the Ninth Square area near downtown, so you can walk between them and several restaurants in one evening.

Neighborhoods: Downtown • Westville • East Rock • Wooster Square • Ninth Square