Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour in New Haven
New Haven, United States

Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 69 4.4 · 42 traveler reviews1 hoursFrom $10

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$10
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Outty Ranking

69/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 42 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour worth booking?

Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour is a 1-hour experience in New Haven, United States, from $10 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 42 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
69 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (42)
Duration
1 hours
From
$10 per person

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 Have

What you get

    About this experience

    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

    Included

    • Go at your own pace, stop and go as you please
    • See Yales historic sites and learn their stories
    • Tour of Yale on our walking tour app
    • the tour never expires, take it anytime

    Not included

    • No food, drink or admission into buildings (Most are free), it's all outside.

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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 here

    2. 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 here

    3. Owl 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 here

    4. 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 here

    5. Yale 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 here

    6. 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.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. 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.

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Toad'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 here

    9. Beinecke 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 here

    10. 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 here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    New Haven

    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.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    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.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    WalknTours

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Photos

    Harkness TownerBeineckeGrove Street CemeteryLouis LunchYale GalleryYale Old Campus

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 42 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    42 verified traveler reviews for Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    25
    4 star
    11
    3 star
    5
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Bridget_R · July 2026

    Yale Self Guided Audio Tour

    Good audio tour for a quick exposure to Yale if you aren't sure if you want to take a n official Yale admission tour.

    via Viator

    Kathie_c · June 2026

    The best time at Yale and new haven

    Good and educational .once I figured out how to operate the app it was a great walking and learning experience

    via Viator

    chockey · June 2026

    Will definitely be doing tours this way in the future

    This form of taking tours is the future! Inexpensive and tells you were to go and everything you need to know.

    via Tripadvisor

    Patty D · May 2026

    Very nice overview.

    Very nice overview. Loved being able to pause and take time to investigate certain places. We even went back to the burger joint!

    via Tripadvisor

    dianeepancoska · March 2026

    Fun way to learn about Newhaven, CT

    This was the perfect introduction to Newhaven's history and culture! The directions were good and the information was very interesting. I thought it was well done.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    15
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 69

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)56
    Review evidence (18% weight)71
    Booking momentum (14% weight)65
    Value for money (12% weight)78
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)56
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New Haven.

    How much does Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $10 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New Haven usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New Haven is not rushed.

    Is Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 42 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New Haven, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour?

    +

    Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New Haven can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New Haven and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New Haven within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in New Haven?

    +

    On Outty we rank every New Haven experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include New Haven - It Zip It Adventure Indoor Ropes Course, New Haven's Ghost Walk, New Haven City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit New Haven?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in New Haven?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Historic Yale Smart Phone Self Guided Walking Tour.

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