Looking for an easy winter getaway from NYC without the hassle of a long drive…or the fact that you don’t have a license or car to begin with? A scenic train ride is making it easy to trade the concrete jungle for a taste of Polish culture right in New England. Just a few hours from the city, New Britain, Connecticut, affectionately known as “Little Poland,” is packed with authentic Polish restaurants, bakeries, specialty shops, and plenty of European charm.
Running throughout the year, the Amtrak train journey takes you from Penn Station to Meriden or Hartford (followed by a quick 10-minute rideshare) into Little Poland, where you can spend the day exploring Little Poland’s authentic Polish bakeries, family-owned restaurants, European specialty shops, and vibrant cultural scene. Then, simply hop aboard for the return trip to NYC.
A scenic train ride through wintery New England charm
The journey begins at Moynihan Train Hall in Manhattan, where travelers can board an Amtrak Northeast Regional train heading north through Connecticut. Along the way, the route passes through several charming New England communities, with glimpses of the region’s rolling landscapes and small-town scenery.
Travelers can settle into a comfortable coach seat, connect to onboard Wi-Fi, and enjoy café service on select trains.
The closest convenient Amtrak stop is Meriden, where visitors can get off and make the remaining trip to New Britain by car or local transit. Alternatively, travelers can take the train to New Haven and connect to the Hartford Line, which also serves Meriden.
As the train heads north out of New York City, the scenery gradually shifts from bustling city views to the quieter landscapes of New England. During the winter months, passengers can catch glimpses of snow-dusted fields, tree-lined stretches, charming Connecticut towns, and the region’s rolling hills along the way.
It’s a lovely opportunity to settle into a window seat, watch the seasonal scenery pass by, and enjoy a little change of pace before arriving in central Connecticut.
Exploring Little Poland: Where to eat, drink, and shop
The roughly square mile area of Broad Street is officially designated as Little Poland, and once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a neighborhood in Warsaw or Kraków.
Of the roughly 100 storefronts lining the street, nearly 70% are Polish-owned and operated.
View gothic architecture and cathedral spires at Sacred Heart Parish, one of the oldest Polish-American Roman Catholic churches on the East Coast, or The Haller Post, a local landmark and social club for Polish veterans.
For a sweet treat, stop at Euro Cafe for Belgian-style waffles and specialty coffee, or head to Polmart, the largest Polish-themed store on the East Coast where you can find imported Polish cosmetics, beer, and groceries you can’t get anywhere else.
Along your stroll, be sure not to miss US Post Office branches with the word “POCZTA” over the door, one of the few places you’ll find this in the U.S., or the Polish being spoken fluently on every corner by shopkeepers and locals.
Experience Polish holiday traditions in Little Poland
Winter is a particularly fun time to explore New Britain’s Little Poland, especially for anyone curious about how Polish communities celebrate the holidays.
The neighborhood’s Polish bakeries, delis, and specialty shops offer plenty of opportunities to discover traditional treats, imported holiday sweets, and Eastern European specialties. Think: freshly baked pastries, Polish sausages, jars of pickled goodies, and plenty of comfort food to warm up with.
One of Poland’s most cherished holiday traditions is Wigilia, the traditional Christmas Eve supper, which typically features a meatless feast of 12 dishes, including pierogi, beet soup (barszcz), fish, and poppy-seed desserts. Families also share a special Christmas wafer called opłatek and exchange holiday wishes before the meal.
For a more festive outing, New Britain Elks Lodge 957 is hosting a Polish Night on December 12, 2026, beginning at 5 pm. Tickets are $25, making it a chance to enjoy a local Polish-themed celebration while visiting the city.
Plan your trip
Getting from NYC to Little Poland is relatively straightforward, with Amtrak offering service from Moynihan Train Hall to nearby Connecticut stations. From there, you’ll need to arrange a short onward trip to New Britain.
- Departure: Moynihan Train Hall, New York City
- Train service: Amtrak Northeast Regional to New Haven or Hartford, depending on your chosen connection
- Final destination: New Britain, Connecticut, via local transit or rideshare
- Travel time: Varies depending on the train schedule and connection
- Return: Trains run southbound toward NYC, but check the schedule before planning your return
With a relaxing train ride, charming neighborhood shops, authentic Polish food, and a taste of European culture, New Britain’s Little Poland makes for a unique day trip from NYC—all without having to drive.
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