Downtown Stamford Historic District - Stamford, CT Area Guide

Downtown Stamford is known for its historic architecture. It has several buildings featuring late-Victorian, late-19th and 20th century Revival architecture. Old Town Hall provides an example of distinctive architecture in this area. It was completed in 1907 and features Beaux Art structures. Other historic downtown structures are the University of Connecticut campus buildings, the First Presbyterian Church and Weed’s Hall. Downtown Stamford has a rich arts scene. Arts and Crafts on Bedford Street is an annual event where visitors can shop at over 100 arts and crafts kiosks lining the avenue. The festival also has a kid’s area called Imagination Station where kids can engage in different hands-on arts activities. The Stamford Center of the Arts, also known as The Palace Theater, is a centralized location to enjoy events ranging from live music to ballet to comedy shows.

Columbus Park and Bedford Street are centralized areas for both restaurants and entertainment in downtown Stamford. However, you can find one or two eclectic eateries on most streets in the area. Visit ZAZA Italian Gastrobar on Broad Street for an upscale Italian experience. Regulars swear by the brick-oven pizza — choose the Napoletana, which comes with just mozzarella, sauce and basil. If you like your pizza more complex, try the California, made with shrimp, asparagus, arugula and lime. This restaurant also has an equally impressive wine selection, featuring labels from California all the way to South Africa. Capriccio Cafe is a fun Italian eatery on Bedford Street that serves as the perfect afternoon lunch spot. You and your friends can share a laugh on the cafe's outdoor patio while enjoying menu items such as paninis, pasta and pizza. Try the Capricciosa, a lightly fried chicken topped with arugula, tomatoes and mozzarella. If you crave Mexican cuisine, head to Casa Villa on West Main Street. The menu features a wide variety of classic Mexican dishes, such as tostadas, quesadillas and tacos. The pechuga de pollo en crema de chipotle consists of sliced chicken breast accompanied by mushrooms and onions in a chipotle cream sauce. Customers can order online, and catering services are also available. Downtown Stamford has many nightlife and entertainment options. Barcelona Wine Bar on Summer Street serves as a popular tapas spot and features an extensive Spanish wine list. This downtown staple keeps late-night hours and provides indoor and outdoor seating, making it the perfect gathering spot for a variety of occasions, or when you simply want to unwind and enjoy great food and drink in a great atmosphere.

Downtown Stamford is accessible using a few different methods of transportation. A lot of people travel by car, but public transportation is also a very popular option. CT Transit services this community with multiple bus routes going in all directions and express bus service into New York. The regular adult fare is $1.50, which is good for two hours on any bus in any direction, or you can get a day pass for $3. The downtown area also has a free trolley that runs every half hour, seven days a week. US-1 runs through downtown Stamford, while the Governor John Davis Lodge Turnpike (the Connecticut Turnpike) borders it. There are virtually no bicycle lanes attached to city streets in the area; however, locals can walk safely on the sidewalks. There are over 9,500 parking spaces spread across 15 different locations in downtown, including metered parking and fee-based lots. The busy downtown area makes it easy to call for a taxi, hail one on the street or arrange for Uber service.

Downtown Stamford has limited park area within its borders. Mill River Park serves as a local neighborhood park that has undergone remodeling to make the river shoreline accessible. Over 400 trees and shrubs were planted at this park. The cherry trees that decorate the landscape were gifts from a Japanese native who went on to become the state’s first Japanese restaurant owner in 1932. Locals who want a recreational park experience travel over to Scalzi Park, which sits just outside of the northwest border of downtown. It is the largest recreational park in the city. Amenities include basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, baseball and softball fields, trails for running and hiking, and a skate park. Columbus Park is a paved pavilion in the middle of downtown that hosts outdoor concerts and events. Annual summer concert series such as Alive at Five and Jazz up July are held at this park.

The cost of living in downtown Stamford is about the same as the rest of the city. The average rent for a one-bedroom unit is $2,031, compared to $2,085 elsewhere in Stamford. You can grab a beer at a local pub for about $4. Expect to pay about 14 percent more than the national average to fill up your tank in this area.

The Stamford Town Center serves as the premier shopping complex in downtown Stamford. This mall has over 125 stores and services spread across about 850,00 square feet. The center's specialty stores include J. Crew, Zara, Ann Taylor, and the Apple Store. You can also sit down and enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants located in this mall, including Plan B Burger Bar and the Capital Grille. If you want a less crowded and more exclusive shopping experience, downtown Stamford also offers a few boutiques. Lavish Chic Boutique is a women’s fashion shop that specializes in fun, trendy accessories. Other boutiques in downtown Stamford include Mr. Guilford’s Fashion and Engel’s Furs. There are no grocery stores directly in downtown Stamford, but Fairway Market at Harbor Point is just a few minutes outside of downtown and is one of the stops on the area's free trolley. You can also do your grocery shopping at the downtown farmers market.