What In The World? NYT Says New Haven In Top 52 Global Destinations

NEW HAVEN, CT — Fascinating company to be in: Tromsø, Norway, Martinique, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in Arizona, the Namib Desert in Southern Africa and, New Haven.

The New York Times' annual 52 Places to Go list for 2023 is out, and New Haven is number 50 on the list.

“It’s wonderful to see New Haven recognized as a premier world destination to visit and experience the arts, culture, food, distinctive neighborhoods, and so much more," said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker in response to a request for comment by Patch.

"Anyone who walks, bikes, or buses through the streets or along the shoreline of New Haven will quickly notice the ‘treasure trove’ of all there is to do and see and why we’re on the map with so many other extraordinary travel destinations from around the globe," Elicker said. "The description in The New York Times just scratches the surface of what New Haven has to offer, and I look forward to more visitors from across the country and tourists from around the world coming to enjoy the city and what we as residents get to experience every day."

The Times points to the city's architecture, the New Haven Preservation Trust's conservation work, and community-focused arts center, NXTHVN as among the reasons to visit.

The energy-neutral Hotel Marcel was also listed as a reason to visit.

As Hotel Marcel notes on its Facebook page, it is "powered solely by the sun."

"Hotel Marcel is designed to be the 1st hotel in the country to achieve Passive House and LEED Platinum certification," it reads. "It's a redux of the landmark Pirelli building designed by Marcel Breuer — famed modernist architect and our illustrious namesake."

And, new College Street Italian eatery Villa Lulu was mentioned as an eatery not to be missed.

It calls the city, "home to tinkerers and rebels, and a treasure trove of contemporary art and architecture.”

“We’re so proud to see New Haven included in The Times’ ’52 Places to Go’ list, and be in the company of such incredible destinations across the globe,” Market New Haven director Bruno Baggetta said in a news release. “We see this as a culmination of the hard work our city has put into community outreach and tourism. This honor only further energizes our efforts to cement New Haven as a hub for connection and innovation.”

New York Times travel editor Amy Virshup said the curated list was created by writers and photographers from across the world.

Elicker also noted that the city is "working hard" to support, recognize and celebrate New Haven's "traditionally under-represented local artists, cultural organizations, and civic institutions."

He said the city's "ongoing implementation of our first-ever Cultural Equity Plan is being created to "provide an even richer and fuller reflection of the extraordinary artistic and cultural contributions and heritage of our residents.”