Greenwich Avenue

The basics

Step off the train at Greenwich Station, and you’re a stone’s throw from The Avenue, the liveliest part of tranquil Greenwich, Connecticut. The Avenue makes a great first impression, first with a mix of shops ranging from designer boutiques to local artisan stores, and then with the historic buildings of the Greenwich Avenue Historic District. Before you head anywhere else in town, stroll along the tree-lined sidewalks, soak in the historic surroundings, and stop for a drink or bite to eat.

Things to know before you go

• The Avenue is highly walkable—wear comfortable shoes and prepare to stay on your feet.

• While street parking can be limited, you can use parking lots at the train station or Bruce Museum.

• The Greenwich Historical Society occasionally offers walking tours of the Avenue—check the website for schedules.

How to get there

Greenwich Avenue runs through downtown Greenwich from Bruce Park Avenue north to Putnam Avenue, also called Highway 1, and is easily accessible by car, train, or public transport. The Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line, which connects New York City to Connecticut, stops at Greenwich Station, across the street from the south end of the avenue.

When to get there

Greenwich Avenue, like Greenwich itself, is a year-round destination, though it becomes especially pleasant—and crowded with escaping New Yorkers— in spring, summer, and fall. Time your visit with the Art to the Avenue Festival in May, Sidewalk Sales in July, or the December holidays, when the street is decked out with lights and decorations.

Greenwich Avenue’s historic buildings

If you tire of the shopping, take a breather by exploring the buildings in the Greenwich Avenue Historic District, a national historic place running alongside the avenue. These buildings range from Italianate to Georgian Revival and Commercial architectural styles and include the Greenwich City Hall and the Greenwich Main Post Office.