Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

Boston , United States

Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

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About this experience

What better way to see Harvard than through the eyes of a student? Join us for an unforgettable 75-minute student-led walking tour of Harvard University, where history and tradition come alive!

Stretching about a mile, this engaging journey will take you through Harvard's campus while our enthusiastic student guides provide entertaining stories of Harvard's fascinating past as well as their own experiences.

Snap a selfie with the legendary John Harvard statue and marvel at the grandeur of Widener Library—all while experiencing the spirit of one of the world’s most prestigious institutions!

Whether you're a student visiting colleges or a family on vacation, the Harvard Tour is undoubtedly the top way to see Harvard.

Available options

Harvard Walking Tour

What's included

Free Illustrated Map of Harvard Square

Written translations in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin

Harvard Student-Led Tours for more Insightful Narrative

Conclude at The Harvard Shop for Souvenirs - run by Harvard students!

70-Minute Guided Walking Tour of Harvard

See Top Sites including Harvard Square, Harvard Yard, and Science Center & Memorial Hall

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This is where the tour begins and where Harvard is located.

Stop 2

The whole reason guests are here. The tour will take you throughout the campus of the oldest university in the United States.

Stop 3

One of the top 3 most photographed statues in the United States

The Harvard Art Museums, among the world’s leading art institutions, comprise three museums (the Fogg, Busch-Reisinger, and Arthur M. Sackler Museums) all under one roof.

Tour ends at The Harvard Shop - run by Harvard students!

Our guide will show you to one of Harvard's most iconic buildings, Memorial Hall. While we won't be able to go inside as a group, the beautiful exterior architecture will still amaze!

What's not included

Gratuities

Souvenirs (tours conclude at The Harvard Shop)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

1,466 reviews

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1149

4★

145

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Tripadvisor 4.8

2,141 reviews

5★

1871

4★

142

3★

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tour route is less than 1 mile

Meeting point

The tour begins right outside of the main Harvard Subway Station next to The Harvard Shop. Look for the managers in the straw hats!

Important notes

TOUR TIMES
Make sure to double check the tour time on your ticket before arrival for your tour. Meet our managers outside of the Harvard Square Red Line subway station (1376 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138) next to The Harvard Shop. Look for the managers in the straw hats!

PARKING/PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Please note that we are not affiliated with any of these operators. Parking rates vary, and availability is not guaranteed.

Harvard Square Parking Garage: This garage is located at 70 Eliot Street, about a 5-8 minute walk from the tour starting location.

Subway Stop: The nearest Subway T stop station to our meeting point is the Harvard Square Station, located right next to our tour starting location. It is served by the Red Line, providing easy access to downtown Boston and other parts of the city.

Bus: Several bus routes pass through the vicinity of 1380 Massachusetts Avenue. The most relevant bus routes include the #69 bus, which runs along Massachusetts Avenue, and the #72 bus, which operates along Mount Auburn Street. These buses connect to various destinations in Cambridge and Boston.

Ridesharing and Taxis: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Cambridge. Traditional taxi services are also an option.

Please be mindful of any parking restrictions and follow all posted regulations to avoid any inconvenience during your visit. We highly recommend utilizing public transportation when coming to the Harvard Tour.

ACCESSIBILITY
The terrain of our tour routes are accessible at nearly every stop. If someone in your party has a disability, please contact us before the tour and we will do our best to serve you. We cannot provide wheelchairs on site.

About Boston

Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is rich in history, culture, and education. Known for its significant role in the American Revolution and its prestigious universities, Boston offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.

Top Attractions

Freedom Trail

A 2.5-mile (4 km) walking route that passes 16 locations significant to the history of the United States, including churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, museums, and historic markers.

Historical 3-4 hours Free to walk the trail; individual attractions may have admission fees

Fenway Park

Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and a must-visit for sports fans and history buffs alike.

Sports/Historical 1-3 hours (tour or game) Tour: $20-$25; Game tickets: $30-$200+

Boston Common

America's oldest public park, Boston Common is a central gathering place for both locals and visitors, offering green spaces, walking paths, and seasonal activities.

Parks/Historical 1-2 hours Free (Swan Boats: $4-$5 per ride)

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, the MFA houses nearly 450,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary.

Museum 2-4 hours $27 (adults), free for children under 17

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

A group of islands in Boston Harbor offering outdoor recreation, historic sites, and stunning views of the city skyline.

Nature/Historical Half-day to full-day trip $5-$15 per person, depending on the island and activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Clam Chowder

A creamy, hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon or salt pork. Boston-style clam chowder is typically made with milk or cream and is served with oyster crackers.

Soup Contains dairy and sometimes pork; vegetarian and vegan versions are available at some restaurants.

Lobster Roll

A buttered, toasted split-top roll filled with lobster meat, usually dressed with mayo or butter. Some versions include celery or other vegetables for added crunch.

Sandwich Contains shellfish and may contain dairy or eggs; gluten-free buns may be available at some restaurants.

Boston Cream Pie

A layered dessert consisting of sponge cake filled with custard or cream and topped with chocolate glaze. It's the official dessert of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Dessert Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten; vegan and gluten-free versions may be available at some restaurants.

Oysters

Boston is known for its fresh oysters, which can be found at many seafood restaurants and raw bars. They are typically served on the half-shell with various toppings or sauces.

Appetizer Contains shellfish; vegan and vegetarian options may be available at some restaurants.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Blue Hills Reservation Kayaking or paddleboarding in the Charles River Biking along the Charles River Esplanade Rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders Picnicking in the Boston Common or Public Garden Strolling along the Charles River Esplanade Enjoying a spa day at one of Boston's many luxury spas Reading a book at the Boston Public Library

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early fall (May to October)

This is the best time to visit Boston for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and outdoor events.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

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

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Boston is generally a safe city for travelers, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Some areas of the city, such as certain neighborhoods in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation
• Use licensed taxis or rideshare services, and always check the fare before starting your journey
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys, and avoid sharing personal information

Getting there

By air

Logan International Airport • 3 miles (5 km) from city center

By train

South Station, North Station

By bus

South Station, Logan Airport

Getting around

Public transport

The MBTA subway system is efficient and affordable, with four main lines (Red, Blue, Green, and Orange) connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown/Financial District Back Bay North End South End Fenway-Kenmore Beacon Hill

Day trips

Salem

16 miles (26 km) from Boston • Half-day to full-day trip

A historic coastal city known for its connection to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem offers a mix of historic sites, museums, and waterfront activities.

Lexington and Concord

10-15 miles (16-24 km) from Boston • Full-day trip

Two historic towns that played significant roles in the American Revolution. Lexington and Concord offer a mix of historic sites, museums, and scenic walking trails.

Cape Cod

60-80 miles (97-129 km) from Boston, depending on the destination • Full-day trip or overnight stay

A popular summer destination known for its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and outdoor recreation. Cape Cod offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Festivals

Boston Harbor Hotel Chowder Festival • October (annual) Boston Pride • June (annual) Boston Film Festival • September (annual)

Pro tips

Visit the Freedom Trail early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
Take advantage of free or discounted admission days at museums and other attractions, such as the Museum of Fine Arts' free Wednesday evenings or the Boston Public Library's free exhibits and events
Explore Boston's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, history, and attractions
Try local specialties, such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Boston cream pie, at historic and iconic eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Mike's Pastry
Attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, one of the most iconic and historic baseball stadiums in the world