Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard

Cambridge , United States

Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard

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About this experience

The tour starts on the MIT campus, where you will follow your guide to learn about the school's history, famous pranks, inventions, and much more! Your tour guide will show you buildings designed by world-famous architects, dormitories home to hilarious MIT "hacks", and stunning views of Boston from across the river!

After MIT, your tour guide will take you to Harvard using the subway system. Your subway fare is included in the cost of the tour.

Learn the history of Harvard University, the oldest college in the country. See the "Statue of the Three Lies", deceiving visitors for almost 150 years. Learn about Harvard's academic legacy, as well as some rather whimsical traditions practiced by the students! See the house where George Washington stayed during his visit to Boston during the American Revolution and Harvard's part in the war. The tour will show you the academic, residential, and hidden parts of one of the world's most prestigious universities!

Available options

Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard

What's included

Tour Guide Services

Subway ticket from MIT to Harvard

Detailed itinerary

See the MIT Media Lab, home to some of the most innovative cross-discipline creations stemming from MIT.

See the Green Building, designed by I.M.Pei. Learn about the famous "Tetris" student prank.

Stop 3

See the iconic MIT Dome and learn about the police car placed on top of the dome to protest parking tickets.

See the Smoot markers on the Harvard Bridge, connecting Cambridge and Boston. Take a picture of the Boston skyline.

Learn about the hilarious story behind the Banana Lounge.

See the quirky State Center, both an architectural marvel and a design nightmare.

Take the Red Line subway two stops to the Harvard University Area. Cost of the subway ride is included in the tour. Your tour guide will direct you on using the subway.

Enter Harvard Yard through the main entrance - Johnson Gate.

Stop 9

Learn why the famous Harvard Yard statue is called the "Statue of the Three Lies".

Learn about the various dormitories located around the historical Harvard Yard and who lived there while at Harvard.

See Memorial Hall, a multifunctional building inside an old church.

See the Memorial Church, standing in the middle of Harvard Yard.

See the main library of Harvard University and hear the tragic story behind it.

See one of the oldest buildings in Harvard Yard, where George Washington stayed during the American Revolution.

See a few of the Upper Classmen housing of Harvard University and learn about the tradition of "Housing Day".

Stop 16

End the tour at the bustling Harvard Square. Your tour guide can suggest places for souvenir shopping and/or lunch.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

22 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

80 reviews

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Weekend vs Weekday Tours - the tour goes inside some MIT buildings on weekdays only! The MIT campus buildings are closed on weekends and major holidays. On the days that we do not go inside MIT, the tour price is $5 less. Harvard does not allow any public tours inside any buildings.

Parking is very difficult to find near the tour starting point. We strongly advise against driving and recommend taking public transit or taxi/Uber. The closest garage next to the tour start point is the Green Garage at Kendall and costs $38 for 3+ hours. Very limited metered street parking is available around the starting area of the tour, we advise arriving at least 30 minutes ahead of the tour start time to look for metered parking.

Public transport is the easiest way to get to the tour start point. Take the MBTA (subway) to the Kendall/MIT station on the Red Line, the tour start point is next to the main entrance to the subway station.

Tour starts exactly on time. If you are running late, you can catch up with the tour group by following the tour stops listed on the itinerary. First tour stop is MIT Media Lab, second stop is the Green Building, and so on. Your tour guide will not be able to answer any phone calls to direct you after the tour starts.

This tour focuses on history, architecture, and stories about the two universities. If you are looking for a tour for perspective future students, please contact the admissions department of the university.

Meeting point

Your tour guide will meet you in front of the Ripple Cafe on Main Street in Cambridge. The cafe is next to the Kendall Station subway stop on the Red Line. Your guide will be wearing a Boston Hidden Gems t-shirt and name tag.

About Cambridge

Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a vibrant city steeped in history and intellectual prowess, home to prestigious institutions like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). With its charming neighborhoods, rich cultural scene, and diverse dining options, Cambridge offers a unique blend of academic excellence and urban charm.

Top Attractions

Harvard University

One of the most prestigious universities in the world, Harvard University offers beautiful campuses, historic buildings, and a rich academic atmosphere.

Historical/Educational Half day to full day Free to explore the campus, museum admission varies

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

A leading institution in technology and innovation, MIT's campus features modern architecture, scenic views, and interactive exhibits.

Historical/Educational Half day Free to explore the campus, museum admission varies

Harvard Square

A bustling hub of activity, Harvard Square is known for its vibrant atmosphere, historic buildings, and diverse dining and shopping options.

Cultural/Shopping A few hours Free to explore, shopping and dining costs vary

Charles River Esplanade

A scenic park along the Charles River, offering beautiful views, walking paths, and recreational activities.

Nature/Outdoor A few hours Free

MIT Museum

The MIT Museum showcases the history and innovations of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, featuring exhibits on robotics, holography, and more.

Museum 1-2 hours $10-$15

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lobster Roll

A classic New England dish featuring lobster meat served in a buttered, toasted roll.

Lunch Contains seafood, gluten

Clam Chowder

A creamy, hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, and onions.

Soup Contains dairy, gluten (if served with oyster crackers)

Boston Cream Pie

A layered dessert featuring sponge cake, custard, and chocolate glaze.

Dessert Contains dairy, gluten, eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Kayaking on the Charles River Picnicking in the Charles River Esplanade Visiting spas and wellness centers Reading in Harvard Yard Visiting museums Attending theater performances

Best Time to Visit

September to November, April to June

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Fall foliage in September and October is particularly beautiful.

10-25°C 50-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Cambridge is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, as with any city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use reputable taxi services or rideshare apps.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Logan International Airport • 8 km (5 miles)

By train

Cambridge Station

By bus

South Station, Logan Airport

Getting around

Public transport

The Red Line is the main subway route in Cambridge, connecting to Harvard Square and other key areas. It is efficient and reliable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Harvard Square Central Square Kendall Square Inman Square

Day trips

Boston

5 km (3 miles) • Half day to full day

Boston offers a wealth of historic sites, cultural attractions, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Salem

30 km (19 miles) • Full day

Salem is famous for its witch trials and offers a mix of historic sites and maritime attractions.

Concord

25 km (16 miles) • Half day to full day

Concord is known for its historic sites related to the American Revolution and its beautiful natural surroundings.

Festivals

Cambridge River Festival • June Cambridge Arts River Festival • July Cambridge Winter Festival • December

Pro tips

Take advantage of the city's extensive public transportation system to get around easily and affordably.
Visit the Harvard Art Museums and the MIT Museum for a unique cultural experience.
Explore the diverse neighborhoods of Cambridge, each offering its own unique character and attractions.
Try the local seafood, particularly lobster and clam dishes, for an authentic New England dining experience.
Attend a lecture or event at Harvard or MIT for a taste of the city's intellectual atmosphere.