Historic Sites • Universities & Schools
THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Cambridge
Things to Do in Cambridge
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Art Galleries • Speciality Museums
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- roaming_kiwi58Christchurch, New Zealand2,826 contributionsWe had a walk through the university grounds with our tour guide - we were on a tour from a cruise ship docked in Boston. Apparently non-university guides are not welcome on this campus, and we were told that if we were accosted by any security personnel we would have to leave straight away. This did not happen, so we got a lot of historical information from our guide and a wander between the various interesting buildings on campus. Worth some time if you can manage it.Written 8 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- theitingMidland, Texas49 contributionsWalked around campus and took a tour of the museum compliments of the GoCity Pass. Tons to see, and the time you can spend within is unlimited. Very impressive displays on every floor. We particularly enjoyed the gems/rocks exhibits having a couple of geological type engineers in the party.Written 31 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MidwestKathMDetroit, MI910 contributionsMy love of art drew me to Mount Auburn Cemetery! As the final resting place for Isabella Stewart Gardner and Winslow Homer and Harriet Hosmer, I knew I wanted to visit. The more research I did, the more monuments and memorials I wanted to see. Found a map of the cemetery on their website, so that was a big help in getting our visit underway. We also visited Edwin Booth and Buckminster Fuller, among others. I was taken by the stunning 1840 Egyptian Revival main entrance gate. And don't forget to check out the Sphinx outside the chapel building!Written 2 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Adrian BSan Jose, Costa Rica335 contributionsA dream come true to know the campus. One of the best universities in the world. Very nice place to walk and get inspired..!Written 26 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RoaryVancouver, Canada3,038 contributionsA group of us were visiting the Harvard area when we came across the Fogg Art Museum. We had overhead that there was no entrance fee, so we figured it was worth stopping in and see. It turned out to be a 2.5+ hour visit. The wide collection of art was impressive, as is the building itself. There was even a musical performance on the main floor during the time we were there. Considering there was no cost to visit, this stop was a really pleasant surprise and worth visiting.Written 15 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SouthernBelleNew Orleans, LA611 contributionsWe didn't expect much from this tour, it was pouring rain so we needed to find something to do indoors and stumbled upon this. It would up being one of the highlights of our week long trip to the Boston area. Highly highly recommend!Written 21 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Keith TDanville, CA143 contributionsThe center piece of Harvard Square is the more than well known Harvard Yard - the quad that houses the famous Harvard College.
On a hot and humid day, I got to see one of the oldest colleges in the country. The red brick buildings with the ivy covered walls and walkways crisscrossing the modest size, car-free, tree covered inner campus is definitely worth seeing. The well advertised Harvard Coop, on the other hand, was surprisingly sterile, boring and carries mostly items targeting tourists. The old Harvard Bookstore, not far away, interestingly is a true bookstore with every inch of its tight quarters packed with printed material. Navigating the narrow paths between stacks and walls of books was in itself an adventure.
I spent nearly three hours visiting the fantastic Harvard Art Museum located just outside the Yard. This is a gem of a museum with a spectacular atrium graced by a giant Calder mobile. The collection is modest in volume but exquisite in quality reflecting the wealth of donors and deep pockets in acquisition. Best of all, admission was free.Written 13 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - dbinhou7511Houston, TX1,570 contributionsView the buildings and history along the river. Several universities have campuses along the river as well as historical bridges. Best way to see it is a tour along the river.Written 29 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cathy TTaunton, UK141 contributionsMy kids aren’t particularly into science but they really enjoyed the visit to this museum. There are several interactive exhibits (many AI based) and they held their attention for quite a long time. The innovative applications to science section (as it applies in some still developing countries) was interesting. And there was a good mix of media across different topics. We enjoyed the gift shop too. Probably worth a good couple of hours. Free phone charging downstairs was a plus!Written 2 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Yves DLaval, Canada1,693 contributions42°22'41.68"N 71° 6'52.49"O
This is one of 4 Harvard museums of science and culture (HMSC)The other 3 are: Harvard Museum of natural history, Collection of historical scientific instrument and Harvard Museum of the ancient near east.
Established in 1866 as one of the first museums of anthropology, the Peabody Museum currently cares for a large and historic collection of anthropological materials from across the globe, including more than 1.2 million individual cultural items, 500,000 photographic images, and associated archival records.
These items originate from and can teach us about peoples and cultures from across the globe, both past and present. The broad and diverse collections have come from a variety of sources since the Museum opened in 1866: archaeological excavations and scientific expeditions, individual souvenirs and collections acquired while traveling, items exchanged and traded between various individuals and groups, historic pieces passed down through families, purchased from individuals and companies, as well as from other museums. The Peabody continues to research the various histories of each piece in the vast collection and strives to transparently contextualize and care for them through its commitment to ethical stewardship and sustainable practices. In this process, the Museum welcomes the input and research of community stakeholders and the wider public.
There are 3 floors in the museum.
Floor 1 is the Hall of the north-american Indian, the legacy of the Penobscot canoes, and the Lakota images of the contested west.
Floor 3 is Resetting the table, encounters in the Americas and Other special exhibits including Asia and Central America (including parts of Mexico), Climate change and Earth and planetary sciences.
Floor 4 is “All the world is here”
This is definitely a museum to visit.Written 28 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Victoria TEssex, CT575 contributionsBeautiful open stage lending itself to many productions. Not too big so matter where you sit, you have a good view.Written 11 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- William JPortsmouth, UK367 contributionsWe used the Charles River bike path during our stay in Boston. It was a little tricky to find for out-of-towners (our opinion) as we hoped to pick it up via Paul Revere park without much success - around the Science Park area there are a number of crossings and limited signage directing users to the path, which could be introduced to help tourists. That said, once we did find it (via the help of a jogger) we had a lovely cycle down to Harvard and back again.Written 26 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TraveldocNewton, MA75 contributionsThis is a wonderful intimate theater at Harvard. The structure is almost entirely wooden, and has a warm resonant sound that is instantly compelling. The theater is small, and every seat is great. No blocked view anywhere. There are many events taking place throughout the year. Chamber music is some of the best anywhere. Choral music is spectacular. Plan your trip around an event. You will rarely hear better.Written 28 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Susan R4 contributionsI love the walk around the reservoir every time I come to Cambridge. Families and runners, dogs and kids, birdwatchers.Written 27 November 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- fiamma11Vienna, VA4,906 contributionsWhen in Cambridge, do drive up this winding street along the Charles River. The view is lovely and the drive is easy. Take your camera and enjoy the vistas.Written 1 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cambridge
- The top attractions to visit in Cambridge are:
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Harvard Museum of Natural History
- Charles River
- Harvard Square
- The best outdoor activities in Cambridge according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Cambridge on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Cambridge according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- BEST Full Day Boston City Tour
- Private Day Tour of Highlights and History in Salem and Boston
- Best of Boston Small Group Tour w/Boat Cruise + USS Constitution
- Ultimate Boston Audio Tour Bundle
- Highlights of Boston Private Tour
- The most popular things to do in Cambridge with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Mount Auburn Cemetery
- Harvard Museum of Natural History
- Charles River
- Cambridge Historical Tours
- The Harvard Student-Led Walking Tour
Cambridge Attractions Information
Attractions | 180 |
|---|---|
Attraction Reviews | 14,676 |
Attraction Photos | 9,030 |
Local Time | Thursday 6:01 pm |