Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Founded in 1701 Yale is the 3rd oldest institution of education in the USA, and some would say the most secretive.
On our adventure I’ll guide you to New Haven’s historic spots including Yale’s old campus, the New Haven green, The inventors of the Hamburger - Louis Lunch, Grove Street Cemetery and many more.
Go at your own pace. Stop anytime by pausing the tour, and continue anytime. This is on our Walking Tour app, and the tour never expires. Our tours are professionally produced for the best immersive experiences.
Feel free to pause the tour and enter the Yale Art Gallery and see an original Van Gogh, or the Beinecke rare book Library and see the original Gutenberg bible, if they are open during normal visitors’ hours, entrance is free.
You’ll also see the Tombs of the secret societies of Yale, including Skull and Bones, Book and Snake and Scroll and Keys, and learn about their members.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The tour starts at the corner of Elm and College in front of the Battell Chapel and across from the New Haven Green. You will hear about the chapel, the Green and how Yale was named after Elihu Yale.
The tour ends a few blocks from the start at the Scroll and Key tomb, where you'll hear the story of the secret society, their traditions and their tomb.
Itinerary
-
1Battell Chapel
The tour starts outside the chapel and you'll learn about its history and about Elihu Yale, the man who Yale is named after. From there you'll walk to the Old Campus and be guided step by step through New Haven.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Yale Old Campus
The tour then goes to Old Campus, the oldest part of Yale. You'll hear how it was founded, it's motto and about Nathan Hale, a hero of the revolution who attended Yale and see his statue.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Owl Shop Cigar Lounge
The Owl is a historic spot in New Haven where many legendary actors have hung, you'll hear about those people and it's history.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Louis' Lunch
It's said that Louis Lunch invented the Hamburger back in the 1800's, and today it's tradition and stories run deep in New Haven. You'll hear it's history, stories, and their motto for Yale students.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Yale University Art Gallery
The tour tells the story of the art gallery and it's free to enter. Here you can see many famous artworks including Van Gogh’s Night Cafe and Edward Hopper’s Rooms by the Sea - two of the most recognizable paintings in the world.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Skull and Bones (Pass by)
Secret Societies? Yale has plenty! The most famous being that of the Skill and Bones, the secret societies of the powerful including the Bush family. Hear the stories of their founding, past and the tale the Geronimo's skull is inside.
Admission ticket free -
Harkness Tower (Pass by)
The tour stops outside the historic building and you'll hear about the powerful that came from Yale, and how they grew wealthy beyond imagination. Some giving back.
Admission ticket free -
6Toad's Place
Rock and Roll history! Hear the story of the spot the rockers played including U2, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Radiohead and Bob Dylan. it's historic.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
This place is epic. See the oldest books in the world at one of the most advanced libraries, and it's free! We are talking Guttenberg press books. You'll hear the story of the books and the building.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Grove St Cemetery
The tour stops outside the Cemetery where you'll see the sign “The dead shall be raised” and hear about the history making people that are buried here.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Top Searches
Company
Get our app
