• Sterling Memorial Library - Resembling a cathedral, this magnificent library is a prime example of Collegiate Gothic architecture, boasting 3,300 stained-glass windows. Enter the grand nave to witness how Yale has transformed a research hub into a breathtaking tribute to human knowledge.
• Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library - This modernist gem features translucent marble panels that cast a soft, golden glow, safeguarding its precious contents. It houses an original Gutenberg Bible and a towering glass structure containing some of the world’s rarest ancient manuscripts.
• Harkness Tower - Standing 216 feet tall, this iconic stone tower is renowned for its 54-bell carillon that plays daily. Look for the intricate sculptures at its base, depicting notable Yale figures and allegorical representations of the arts and sciences.
• Yale Old Campus - As the university’s historic core, this tree-lined quadrangle is where every Yale freshman begins their journey. Encircled by Victorian and Gothic dormitories, the yard is a picturesque snapshot of 18th and 19th-century student life.
• Connecticut Hall - Constructed in 1752, this modest red-brick building is Yale’s oldest surviving structure and the only one from the colonial era. It once housed notable alumni like Nathan Hale and Noah Webster, serving as a quiet reminder of the university’s pre-Revolutionary origins.
• Yale University Art Gallery - As the oldest university art museum in the Western Hemisphere, this gallery features a world-class collection from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. The building itself is an architectural landmark, showcasing a revolutionary tetrahedral ceiling designed by Louis Kahn.
• Yale Peabody Museum - After extensive renovations, this natural history museum presents an awe-inspiring collection of dinosaur fossils and prehistoric marvels. Its renowned Great Hall and immersive dioramas offer a deep exploration into billions of years of Earth’s history.
• Skull and Bones Society - This windowless, Greco-Egyptian “tomb” is the enigmatic headquarters of Yale’s most renowned and exclusive secret society. Although its doors remain closed to outsiders, the building’s austere stone facade has sparked decades of intrigue and urban legend.
• Yale Center for British Art - Housing the largest collection of British art outside the UK, this museum is a light-filled haven for admirers of Constable, Turner, and Gainsborough. The building is the final masterpiece of architect Louis Kahn, designed to perfectly complement the artworks it houses.
• Woolsey Hall - This grand Beaux-Arts concert hall is celebrated for its exceptional acoustics and the massive Newberry Memorial Organ, one of the largest globally. Its ornate interior provides a majestic setting for the university’s most prestigious ceremonies and musical events.
• New Haven Green - This 16-acre historic park, established by Puritans in 1638, remains the heart of civic life in New Haven. Beneath its serene lawns lie the remains of thousands of early settlers, a hidden history preserved in the crypt of the Center Church on the Green.
• Grove Street Cemetery - Enter through the Egyptian Revival gateway to explore the first chartered burial ground in the United States arranged in family lots. It is the final resting place for luminaries like Eli Whitney and Noah Webster, offering a tranquil, park-like walk through American history.
• Battell Chapel - Built in the 1870s as a memorial to Yale’s Civil War dead, this High Victorian Gothic chapel is renowned for its intricate stenciling and vibrant stained glass. It remains a vibrant center for campus spiritual life and a premier venue for choral music.
• Hillhouse Avenue - Once described by Charles Dickens and Mark Twain as the “most beautiful street in America,” this avenue is lined with stunning 19th-century mansions. Today, these grand estates house various Yale departments, preserving the Gilded Age elegance of New Haven’s elite.
• Dwight Hall at Yale: Center for Public Service and Social Justice - Originally built as the university’s first library, this elegant brownstone building now serves as the hub for Yale’s student-led social justice and service work. Its Gothic Revival arches provide a historic home for the beating heart of Yale’s community engagement.
• New Haven Museum - Located just steps from campus, this museum preserves the fascinating 380-year history of the Elm City through local artifacts and maritime art. It’s the best place to discover how the fates of the town and the gown have been intertwined since 1701.
• Yale University Science Hill - Perched on a ridge overlooking the city, this area features cutting-edge laboratories and the modern architectural landmarks of Yale’s scientific community. The climb is rewarded with some of the best panoramic views of the campus spires and the Long Island Sound beyond.
• Street Hall - This historic building was the site of the first collegiate art school in America and still retains its 19th-century charm. It serves as a bridge—both literally and figuratively—between Yale’s historic Old Campus and its modern art galleries.
• Phelps Gate - Serving as the primary portal to Yale, this massive gatehouse was inspired by the medieval gate towers of Oxford and Cambridge. Walking through its heavy stone archway provides the quintessential Yale moment, transitioning you from the bustle of the city to the quiet sanctuary of the university.

• Unlimited access with flexible usage
• Audio guide included
• App and tour download available

• Smartphone (bring your own)

Embark on a self-guided walking tour of Yale University, exploring its historic grounds and witnessing its evolution from a colonial college to a global academic leader.

Stroll through the renowned Old Campus and immerse yourself in three centuries of history reflected in the architecture and lively streets of New Haven.

Compare the charming 18th-century Connecticut Hall with the impressive Harkness Tower, and uncover the secret society headquarters alongside modern marvels like the Beinecke Library.

This audio-guided tour enhances your visit, offering insights into the intertwined growth of Yale and New Haven as a center of international research.

— Self-guided walking tour of Yale University with an audio guide
— Discover the architectural transition from colonial to contemporary styles
— Visit significant landmarks, including Connecticut Hall and Harkness Tower
— Gain a comprehensive understanding of Yale’s influence on education and research

• Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
• GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
• Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
• Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.