Things to Do in Cambridge

Choose from 14 Fun Things to Do in Cambridge

Trinity College

As the largest of all the Cambridge University colleges, Trinity College is also one of the most prestigious, boasting an impressive list of former students. Alumni include 6 British Prime Ministers, 32 Nobel Prize winners and two members of the British royal family, along with luminaries like Isaac Newton and Lord Byron.

Today, the famous college also makes a popular destination for visitors to Cambridge and many parts of the college are open to the public. Highlights of the college, which was founded by Henry VIII in 1546, include the central Great Court, laid out by Thoman Nevile in the early 17th-century; the Grade I listed Trinity College Chapel; the Great Gate; and the enormous Trinity Hall. The masterful Wren Library is another must-see, designed by Christopher Wren in 1676 and home to busts of many notable writers, as well as a full-size statue of Lord Byron.

Admiring the college's architectural highlights isn't the only draw for visitors - Trinity College also hosts a series of public lectures; services and concerts in the Trinity college chapel are open to the public; and the college offers punt hire along the River Cam.

Practical Info

Trinity College is located just north of King's College on the banks of the River Cam in central Cambridge. The Great Court is open to visitors daily from 10am "“ 4.30pm; the Wren Library daily 10.30am-12.30pm. Opening times may vary outside of term times. Admission to the college public areas is £2 for adults, £1 for children, but access to the Wren Library only is free. Punts are available from April-October and rental costs £16/hr.

Trinity College, University Of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TJ, England

Great Court: daily 10am"“4.30pm, Wren Library: daily 10.30am-12.30pm. Opening times may vary outside of term times.

Adult £2, Children £1. Access to the Wren Library only is free.

From $ 14

King's College Chapel

With its elaborate Perpendicular Gothic façade and exquisite stained glass windows, the King's College Chapel is worthy of the accolades that are ravished upon it. Often touted as the most impressive work of medieval architecture and Gothic design in Britain, it now ranks as the most visited attraction in Cambridge. Founded by Henry VI in 1441, who laid the foundation stone himself, the chapel was the design of royal architect Reginald of Ely and took almost 75 years to be completed, continuing through the reigns of Edward IV, Richard II, Henry VII and Henry VIII.

Visitors to the chapel are unlikely to be disappointed – the ornate interiors are truly show-stopping, with highlights including the magnificent fan vaulted ceilings, the elaborate Tudor motifs and screens, and Rubens' Adoration of the Magi, which overlooks the high altar. Also of significance are the remarkably preserved 16th-century stained glass windows and the gilded Harrison & Harrison organ, celebrated for its rich and distinctive sound.

As well as being the architectural star of Cambridge University’s prestigious King’s College, the King’s College chapel is also a working chapel, used for daily services and recitals by the acclaimed King’s College Choir. The famous ‘evensong’ (evening choral performances), performed by the resident choir, have become hugely popular among both locals and visitors. The most notable service is the Festival of the Nine Lessons, the carol service that has been held on Christmas Eve since 1918 and huge crowds gather for the event.

Practical Info

King's College Chapel on King’s College campus, just west of downtown Cambridge. The college chapel is open to the public during college terms Mon-Fri 9.30am - 3.30pm, Sat 9.30am - 3.15pm, Sun 1.15pm - 2.30pm, and outside of college terms: daily 9.30am - 4.30pm. Tours costs £8 for adults and £5.50 for children or students; services are free. Evensong is held at the chapel throughout term time Mon-Sat at 5.30pm, Sun at 3.30pm, and the annual Nine Lessons Carol Service is held at 3pm on Christmas Eve.

King's College, King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST, England

During college terms: Mon-Fri 9.30am - 3.30pm, Sat 9.30am - 3.15pm, Sun 1.15pm - 2.30pm, Outside of college terms: daily 9.30am - 4.30pm. Evensong is held at Mon-Sat at 5.30pm, Sun at 3.30pm.

Adults £8, Children/Students £5.50, Under 12s free.

From $ 14

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

When visiting Cambridge, Massachusetts, one not-to-miss attraction is the well-respected Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This private research university set on 168-acres (68 hectares), is home to five schools and 34 academic departments, research laboratories and innovative programs, and has a strong focus on technology, science and engineering. Although it’s an urban campus, you’ll see a mixture of interesting buildings and peaceful green spaces for an aesthetically-pleasing experience.

One reason many people enjoy touring the MIT campus is to take in the beautiful architecture. The Maclaurin Buildings refer to buildings 3, 4 and 10, which are typically shown in media and postcard shots, forming a U-shape around Killian Court. Building 10 is particularly interesting, with a colonnade facade and massive dome reminiscent of Rome’s Pantheon. The Kresge Auditorium is another building beloved for its architecture, touted along with the nearby Chapel as a prime example of mid-Century modern architecture in the United States. And don’t miss the Stata Center, with its peculiar and striking angular design, and the avant-garde Simmons Hall. Fore sourvenirs and MIT logo gear, stop by the MIT Coop Shop and peruse its wide selection.

Practical Info

Visitors can take a 75- to 90-minute tour of the campus with a student guide from Monday through Friday at 11am and 3pm. The excursion covers interesting campus sites like the Stata Center, the MIT Chapel, the Zesiger Athletic Center, Kresge Auditorium, the Infinite Corridor and the Student Center. Tours leave from the Building 7 Lobby at 77 Massachusetts Avenue.

As MIT is located on the Charles River, it’s also a great place to enjoy a picnic, see pretty sailboards drifting by, go for a run or just take photographs of the peaceful scenery.

77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

From $ 12

John Harvard Statue

Historians aren’t exactly sure what the founder of Harvard University looked like, so artist Daniel Chester French used one of his descendants as inspiration for this iconic statue. Although few locals can agree on whether he was solely responsible for the creation of the university, they can all agree that his image is among the most recognized in the city of Cambridge, even today.

The bronze statue, which sits at the center of Harvard Yard, is a frequently visited site for both travelers and prospective students, but it’s also been the target of dozens of pranks since its unveiling. Whether it’s covered in tar, paint or some other substance, John Harvard remains at the heart of this school.

Practical Info

The statue is located in Harvard Yard and was created in 1883. Tourists have been known to rub the left toe of the statue for good luck.

Harvard Yard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA

From $ 12

River Cam

Flowing through the heart of Cambridge, the River Cam is not only the city’s lifeline, but one of its most captivating natural landmarks. The most visited section of the river runs between Bishops Mill and Jesus Lock, lined by the grand buildings of Cambridge University and aptly nicknamed ‘The Backs’ as it’s framed by the ‘backs’ of eight colleges. Following the river along this stretch affords impressive views of King’s College, the Wren Library at Trinity College and landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge.

For visitors to Cambridge, the quintessential local activity is punting along the River Cam – a chauffeured cruise in a flat-bottomed boat or ‘punt’, propelled along by a 5-meter-long pole. A romantic, slow-paced punting tour is ideal for sightseeing as you’ll float downstream with plenty of time to snap photos and admire the riverside landmarks.

The River Cam is also a popular recreational ground, with university rowing teams using it to practice for the prestigious Oxford-Cambridge boat race (held along the River Thames in London each spring). Walkways run along parts of the river and many pubs and restaurants offer riverside views, while the grassy banks make an idyllic picnic spot during the summer months.

Practical Info

The River Cam runs for around 14 miles (23km) from Ashwell in Hertfordshire and through central Cambridge until it meets the River Ouse.

England

From $ 14

King's College

Founded in 1441 by King Henry VI and an integral part of the prestigious Cambridge University, the King's College is arguably the grandest and most famous of Cambridge’s many colleges. With alumni including Britain’s first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole; mathematician Alan Turing; and novelists Salman Rushdie and Zadie Smith, King’s College has a long legacy of academics, but it’s also renowned for its magnificent grounds.

Visitors to King’s College can explore the striking college buildings, which took around 100 years to build, as well as the landscaped gardens and classical lawns that stretch along the River Cam waterfront. The star attraction is the King’s College Chapel, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the UK, and celebrated for its choral recitals. It’s also possible for guests to spend a night on campus or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the university café.

Practical Info

King's College is located on the banks of the Cam River just west of downtown Cambridge. The college is open to the public during college terms Mon-Fri 9.30am - 3.30pm, Sat 9.30am - 3.15pm, Sun 1.15pm - 2.30pm, and outside of college terms: daily 9.30am - 4.30pm. Admission is £8 for adults and £5.50 for children or students.

King's College, King's Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST, England

During college terms: Mon-Fri 9.30am - 3.30pm, Sat 9.30am - 3.15pm, Sun 1.15pm - 2.30pm, Outside of college terms: daily 9.30am - 4.30pm.

Adults £8, Children/Students £5.50, Under 12s free.

From $ 14

Queens' College

First established in 1448, Queens' College is one of Cambridge University’s oldest colleges, taking its name from founders Queen Margaret and Queen Elizabeth (the Queens of Henry VI and Edward IV respectively). With its grand medieval buildings and prime waterfront location on the banks of the River Cam, it’s a striking and highly photogenic site, making it a popular choice for visitors to the city.

A number of areas at Queens’ College are open to the public and visitors can explore the Old Hall, Chapel and cloisters, and see the President's Lodge, the oldest building on campus. Perhaps the most famous landmark of the Queens’ College is the Mathematical Bridge, a historic wooden footbridge that runs over the River Cam and connects the college buildings on the river’s east and west banks. Built by William Etheridge in 1748, the unique bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering, leading to the popular (but false) legend that it was built by Cambridge University alumnus Isaac Newton – who actually died years before it was built.

Practical Info

Queens' College is located just south of King’s College on the banks of the River Cam, in central Cambridge. The college is open to visitors daily from 10am- 4pm, except during study periods, and adult admission is £3 (children under 10 go free).

Queens' College, Cambridge CB3 9ET, England

Daily 10am- 4pm; closed during study periods

adults £3, children under 10 free

From $ 14

Mathematical Bridge

Stroll along the riverfront or take a punting tour along Cambridge’s River Cam and you’ll be sure to see the Mathematical Bridge, one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. The humble wooden footbridge crosses the river between the old and new buildings of the Queens College, and dates back to the 18th century.

Popular legend dictates that the bridge was the masterwork of Cambridge University alumni Isaac Newton, who built it to illustrate his theories of force and gravity, using only wood and no nuts, bolts or metal framework. In reality, the bridge was built by James Essex in 1749 to a design by William Etheridge. Officially called the ‘Wooden Bridge’, the Mathematical Bridge earned its famous nickname thanks to its impressive engineering design – using straight timber arranged in a series of tangents to create a self-supporting arc.

The bridge that stands today was actually rebuilt in 1905, but it’s become so well known that a replica has even been built at Oxford University, Cambridge’s notorious rival.

Practical Info

The Mathematical Bridge runs across the River Cam in central Cambridge, connecting the main buildings of the Queens College, part of the University of Cambridge.

Cambridge CB3 9ET, England

From $ 14

Charles River

The Charles River is a meandering waterway that runs through 80 miles of eastern Massachusetts, including Boston and Cambridge, before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. “The Charles”, as it’s often called, plays a role in the lives of many Bostonians. Walkers, joggers, cyclists, kayakers and anyone who loves to quietly relax by the water can be found along its banks every day. It is a picture-perfect snapshot of the pulse and pace of both cities.

The Esplanade, a green, three-mile path that meanders along the Boston side of the river, is the best option for visitors looking for a relaxing river stroll. Simply start near the Museum of Science and continue west to the Boston University Bridge. Along the way, you’ll pass plenty of joggers, wild geese, lemonade stands, and boat rental opportunities.

Without question, the best time to visit is for the city’s annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. This is the defining Fourth of July event in all of New England and draws more than half a million people to the banks of the Charles River each year. The event is headlined with an exclusive performance by the world famous Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra.

Practical Info

The Charles River runs through a sizable portion of both Boston and Cambridge. Free and paid/metered parking options are available along the way. Numerous public transportation options are available as well.

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Daily

From $ 20

Fitzwilliam Museum

The principal museum of the University of Cambridge, the Fitzwilliam Museum was founded in 1816 to house the art collection of the 7th Viscount FitzWilliam and it remains the city’s most impressive collection of art and antiquities.

More than half a millions works make up the mind-boggling permanent collection, with items dating back as early as 2500 BC and ranging from Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman artifacts to medieval coins and Renaissance sculptures, to 21st-century art. Highlights include works by Titian, Rubens, Van Dyck, Monet, Renoir, Picasso and Cézanne; an extensive collection of Turner paintings; and a remarkable exhibition of Oriental art. Rarities include a series of printed books and illuminated manuscripts, a huge collection of Elizabethan music manuscripts and bas-reliefs excavated from ancient Persepolis.

Alongside the permanent exhibitions, the Fitzwilliam Museum hosts a number of major exhibitions, special events and workshops throughout the year, as well as an on-site café and museum shop.

Practical Info

The Fitzwilliam Museum is located on Trumpington Street in central Cambridge, close to Downing College, and is open Tues-Sat from 10am-5pm and Sun from 12-5pm. Admission is free.

Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1RB, England

Tues-Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 12-5pm, Mon: Closed.

From $ 21

Bridge of Sighs

As striking as its namesake in Venice, the Bridge of Sighs is one of Cambridge's most memorable landmarks, spanning the banks of the River Cam at St John's College. Built in 1831 by architect Henry Hutchinson, the bridge actually bears little in common with its Venetian counterpart, aside from being a covered bridge. It's none-the-less a romantic spot, with its Neo-gothic arches and dramatically sculpted windows.

Now a grade I-listed structure, the bridge remains an important thoroughfare for college students, linking the New Court with the old college. For visitors, the best view of the bridge is from the river and Cambridge punting tours typically pass beneath its arches.

Practical Info

The Bridge of Sighs is located on the River Cam at St John's College in Cambridge.

St John's College, River Cam, Cambridge, England

From $ 14

Harvard Square

This popular square is a thriving hub for street musicians and performers thanks to pedestrian-friendly streets and a deep-rooted history in the American literary scene (colonial Poet Anne Bradstreet once lived here). Travelers will find plenty of local life, as well as restaurants, shopping, an old-school newsstand and some public art installations, which make it easy to spend an afternoon here experiencing local life.

Skateboarders and punk-inspired high school kids can be found hanging out near a sunken area of Harvard Square known as “the pit”, while a lively outdoor café hosts chess matches for willing passersby. A plethora of benches, sidewalks, terraces and cafes make it the perfect place to people watch in Cambridge.

Practical Info

Harvard Square is located near the center of Cambridge, Massachusetts near the intersections of Massachusetts Avenue, Brattle Street and John F. Kennedy Street. It is accessible via the MBTA Red Line subway and several buses.

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA

From $ 12

Kendall Square

Since the city’s inception, Kendall Square has served as a transit hub for travelers venturing between Boston and Cambridge. In 1793 this Massachusetts icon offered the first direct wagon route between these cities and today, it’s become a thriving industrial center. Tech firms and offshoots of nearby MIT have made Kendall Square their home, but travelers will also find plenty of accommodations, restaurants and shopping in the vicinity as well.

Visitors can wander the busy farmers’ market seeking out fresh produce and homemade goods, then hire a canoe or kayak and paddle through the Charles River before touring the Constellation Center. In warmer months live concerts take place in early evenings and in cooler months an outdoor ice rink offers a winter wonderland of fun.

Practical Info

Kendall Square is located at the intersection of Main Street, Broadway, Wadsworth Street and Third Street. The popular business district, which goes by the same name, is east of Portland Street, northwest of the Charles River and north of MIT. The Red Line subway and the Kendall/MIT Station are located in the square and it is accessible using the 68, 85 and CT2 buses.

Main Street, Broadway, Wadsworth Street and Third Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

From $ 150

Harvard University

Harvard University in Cambridge, located just north of Boston, is synonymous with prestige and accomplishment. This Ivy League university accepts only the best and provides a curriculum to students that challenges and inspires them to succeed (faculty and alumni hold over 45 Nobel Prizes!). The country’s first institution of higher learning ever established, Harvard University is a historical school that is also constantly looking toward the future and creating new innovations in education, science, technology, the arts and beyond. Looking at a list of notable graduates of Harvard University -- some of which include Barack Obama, Theodore Roosevelt, Rashida Jones, Norman Mailer, Helen Keller and John Quincy Adams -- it’s easy to see that the school has a rich and diverse heritage.

Luckily, you don’t need to be a straight A student to explore the campus, which is full of historic buildings, monuments, beautiful architecture and scenic green spaces. Head to the Harvard Yard to see the iconic John Harvard Statue -- with its inscription of “John Harvard • Founder • 1638” -- which has been a part of the campus for centuries. Interestingly, some call it the “Statue of Three Lies,” which represents the fact that John Harvard was not the founder of Harvard (he was a major donor), Harvard was not founded in 1638 (it was 1636) and the statue is not actually of John Harvard (the model for the statue was a man named Sherman Hoar).

The Memorial Church is also worth a stop, built in 1932 to commemorate soldiers who had lost their lives in WWI. Today it stands as a place to not only worship, but to remember. Additionally, Memorial Hall is a striking High Victorian Gothic that pays homage to Boston’s defense of the Union and the country’s abolitionist movement during the Civil War. Harvard University is also home to one of the world’s most impressive bookstores, open since 1932. The bookstore hosts a large array of events like panels, book discussions and science fairs. On the Harvard University campus you’ll also find a number of interesting museums, some of which include the Peabody Museum, Sackler Art Museum, Fogg Art Museum and the Busch-Reisinger Museum. Continue exploring the area in Harvard Square, which is full of shops, bars and restaurants.

Practical Info

Free hour-long campus tours of Harvard University are led by students and begin at the Harvard Information Center in the Holyoke Center Arcade. Dates and times of tours vary. Another option is to purchase a tour pamphlet at the Information Center and do a self-guided walking tour of the campus at your own pace.

1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, USA

From $ 12