Harvard & MIT from Boston: Campus Tours & Student Life

Boston is one of the world's great university cities — home to Harvard (founded 1636, the oldest university in America) and MIT (the world's leading tech university) just across the river in Cambridge. For curious visitors, both campuses are open and offer fascinating self-guided experiences.

Harvard University

Free 1-hour student-led tours depart from the Smith Campus Centre, Holyoke Gate (Mon-Sat, 10am and 2pm during academic year). Walk through Harvard Yard, see the statue of John Harvard (rub the shoe for luck), and visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History (extraordinary glass flowers collection, ¥12 entry).

MIT Campus

Free self-guided and student-led tours available. Must-see: the MIT List Visual Arts Center, the Ray and Maria Stata Center (Frank Gehry's deconstructivist landmark), and the MIT Museum with robotics and AI exhibits.

Harvard Square

The neighbourhood around the university — independent bookshops (Harvard Book Store, Brattle Book Shop), specialty coffee, jazz venues and the eclectic Charles Hotel Sunday jazz brunch. Accessible by Red Line (Harvard station, 15 minutes from downtown).