harvard campus walking tour

Visit Harvard

Tour our historic campus, explore our expansive collections, and learn about our cutting-edge scholarship.

The Harvard University Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Harvard University Visitor Center

Harvard University established the Visitor Center in 1962 as the front door to the University, where students greet visitors from all over the world, answer questions about campus, and provide official tours of Harvard.

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Harvard Yard is currently closed to the public. During this time no tour groups are permitted in the Yard.

Historical places, hidden gems, iconic figures, famous traditions, and world-changing scholarship can be found on the official Harvard tours. Our tours are led by students and are offered both in-person and virtually.

Explore all of our tours

Historical Tour of Harvard

The free, student-led public walking tour through Harvard Yard provides a history of the University, general information, and a unique view on the student experience.

Visit Harvard mobile app

This free mobile app features a self-guided walking tour through Harvard Yard that highlights the history behind iconic buildings, traditions, alumni and more.

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Harvard University Walking Tour

This post covers how to tour Harvard University and the surrounding Cambridge area, including our pay-what-you-wish tour and our audio tour which you can take any time.

There is also a tour guided by students, as well as a self-guided option.

Harvard University is the oldest college in the United States (1636).

Eight U.S. presidents attended Harvard University and the name is known worldwide.

WHERE IS HARVARD?

Harvard University is located in the City of Cambridge, just across the Charles River from Boston.

It's located approximately 4 miles (6.5 km) away from the Boston Commons (or 15 min on the subway).

Regardless of how you decide to get here, we recommend using this Google Maps link for directions to Harvard Square .

Be sure to read our how-to guide on riding the Boston T (subway).

TIP: If you are considering purchasing a hop-on-hop-off trolley ticket, be aware that Old Town Trolley has a stop for Harvard University.

GUIDED HARVARD WALKING TOURS

To start with, our 2-hour, pay-what-you-like tour not only covers Harvard University but also the surrounding area of Cambridge.

Below us, you can read about a shorter tour led by current Harvard students.

FREE TOURS BY FOOT

Reservations:  REQUIRED.  Click here to reserve . Groups of 6 or more must  contact us  before booking.

Where:  At the Cambridge Tourism Information Booth in Harvard Square ( map ).

Cost:  This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done. A  name-your-own-price tour  is a tour for anyone's budget.

Duration:  Approximately 2 hours. Tour distance is approximately 1 mile (1.6K)

When: 

• Jan. to Feb. : No Tours
• March to April:   Saturdays and Sundays 10 am
• May to June 20:   Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays 10 am
• June 20th to Labor Day : Everyday 10 am
• Sept. to Oct:   Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays 10 am
• Nov. to Dec .  Saturdays and Sundays 10 am

You can also take this tour as a self-guided GPS enabled audio tour .

Here is how it works:

• Purchase an  audio tour from our Booking Page .
• You'll receive a confirmation email with a .pdf, Google Map link, and audio tour.
• Enjoy the tour(s).

Listen to a sample of the Harvard and Cambridge audio tour.

Hahvahad Tours (that's phonetically spelled) 

This company offers 70-min tours several times each day that are led by current Harvard students, enthusiastic ambassadors of the university.

Tours are inexpensive, light-hearted, but are limited to the university grounds, so you won't see much of Cambridge. 

Tours run daily at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1 pm.  

$19.50/adults | $18.50/students, seniors and children (Free with the Go Boston tourist concession card )

Book your tour here .

SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY AND CAMBRIDGE

You can also take this tour as a self-guided GPS-enabled audio tour .

How to Get to Harvard University

Reaching the start of this tour is easy.

The best way to access the area is by mass transit. You can take the red line T to Harvard Square MBTA Station.  

Use this Google map for directions to Harvard Square .  

Click on the map for a larger version.

Out of Town Newsstand

Your tour starts outside the Harvard Sq. MBTA (subway) Station.

Notice the Out of Town Newsstand which is a Cambridge landmark. 

The newsstand since it opened in 1955, has been providing Harvard professors, students, and Cambridge Residence with newspapers and magazines from all over the world.

The building is a national historic landmark.

From Out of Town News walk up JFK Street (to your right if you are facing Out of Town News).

Follow JFK St. to Mt. Auburn St. and take a left down Mt. Auburn St. to the Harvard Lampoon Building at 44 Bow St.

1. Lampoon Building

The Lampoon Building is also known as the Lampoon Castle.

The best place to view this building is by standing on the island where Bow St. and Mt. Auburn St. meet.

This building houses Harvard's comedy magazine The Lampoon, where students like Cohan O'Brien and John Updike wrote while undergraduates at the university.

John Updike also served as president of The Lampoon at his time there.

This is one of the most unique buildings on Campus.

Opened in 1909 the building is designed in the form of a human face wearing a Prussian helmet. The front door looks like a bow tie turned sideways.

Notice the Ibis on top. This is made of copper and weighs about 70 pounds. The Ibis was stolen a few times by members of Harvard University's newspaper The Crimson as a prank.

The bird is now said to have an electrified wire attached to it to prevent future thefts.

Costing $40,000 to construct in 1909, at the time the building was the most expensive headquarters for a student publication in the nation. Look to your right you will see Lowell House, the structure with the white bell tower.

This undergraduate dorm is where Matt Damon stayed while a student at the university.

Notice the bell tower of Lowell House. The tower houses 18 bells ranging in size from 22 pounds (the smallest bell) to 27,000 pounds (the Mother Earth bell).

After what is known as The Game, the annual Harvard vs. Yale football game, the Harvard team score is rung out on the Mother Earth Bell.

The Yale score is chimed on what is known as the bells of Pestilence, Famine, and Despair.

As you walk around the Lampoon Building you will notice two dates, 1909 and 1876. 1909 is when the building opened and 1876 is when the Harvard Lampoon Magazine was first published

Continue walking up Mt. Auburn St following the Lampoon Building and take a left onto Plympton St. At 26 Plympton St. you will see the undergraduate dorm of the Adams House.

2. Adams House

Opened in 1900 the dorm is named in honor of the United State's 2nd President John Adams and his son, America's 6th President John Quincy Adams, who both graduated from the university.

There is a suite inside Adam's House called the FDR Suite where the United States' 32nd president Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) lived while a student at Harvard.

It is restored to the 1904 appearance to honor the president who stayed there as a student.

The FDR Suite inside Adams House is the only memorial to FDR on campus.

Including FDR, John Adams, and John Quincy Adams, Harvard University has had 5 other US Presidents who attended: Barack Obama, George W. Bush, John F. Kennedy, Theodore Roosevelt, and Rutherford B. Hayes for a total of 8 U.S. Presidents who attended the university.

Continue up Plympton St. to 14 Plympton St. to the student newspaper The Harvard Crimson.

3. Harvard Crimson

Founded in 1873 it was called The Magenta for its first two years, and in 1875 the paper changed its name to The Crimson when the University changed its color to crimson.

The Harvard Crimson is the only daily newspaper in the City of Cambridge and is run entirely by the university's undergraduate students.

It is also the only college newspaper in the United States that has its own printing press.

Some of the famous folks who wrote for the Crimson include US Presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt (who served as the newspaper president) and John F. Kennedy (a business editor).

Look up to the second-floor glass door and you may be able to see the big chair inside.

This chair has small brass makers attached to the chair with the names of the former presidents of the newspaper.

Like the Ibis on top of the Lampoon Building, members of the Harvard Lampoon sometimes steal this chair as a prank and revenge for the Crimson's members' theft of their Ibis.

The chair is now chained to the floor to help thwart future thefts.

Continue up Plympton St. and cross Massachusetts Ave. and enter Old Harvard Yard through Dextor Gate.

Notice the carved inscription above the entrance and the words "enter to grow in wisdom" and on the exit/inside of the gate the words "depart to serve better this country and thy kind."

4. Wigglesworth Hall

After you enter Harvard Yard, take a left and will see the dorm, Wigglesworth Hall.

All freshmen who enter Harvard are required to stay in the Halls of Old Harvard Yard. All the freshman dorms are called Halls and the upper-class dorms are called Houses.

Some of the famous students who lived in Wigglesworth Hall include Leonard Bernstein, Senator Edward Kennedy, and Bill Gates.

Follow the path to the Henry Elkins Widener Memorial Library.

5. Henry Elkins Widener Memorial Library

This is the largest college library in the United States and is the nation's 3rd largest library. The library has 57 miles (92 km) of shelves along five miles of aisles on ten floors.

Only the US Library of Congress and the New York Public Library hold more volumes of books.

The Library is six floors high and four floors below and was built in honor of 1907 Harvard graduate Henry Elkins Widener who was killed in April 1912 at the age of 27 during the sinking of the Titanic.

The library was built with funds donated by Widener's mother Eleanor to honor her son's memory.

Look directly across the Old Yard and you will see Memorial Church. This church was built in 1932.

Inside these walls engraved alongside a sculptor named “The Sacrifice” are 373 names of alumni who were killed during WWI.

Since then other memorials have been established inside the church for Harvard Students and Alumni who were killed in WWII, The Korean War, and Vietnam.

Walk around the Widener Library and follow the path to the Dragon Statue.

6. Dragon Statue

This statue was donated to the university in 1936 by Chinese Alumni in honor of the university's 300 anniversary.

The statue is made of marble and weighs 27 tons. It was carved between 1796 and1820 in Beijing and formally resided in the Winter Palace before being donated and shipped to the university.

As you continue down the path look to your right and you will see Weld Hall where President John F. Kennedy lived during his freshman year at Harvard.

Follow the path around University Hall and you will see the most famous site on campus, the John Harvard Statue.

7. John Harvard Statue

This is also known as the Statue of "three lies".

The first one is on the statue's base and states Harvard was formed in 1638. Wrong, as we know Harvard was formed in 1636.

It says that John Harvard was the founder of Harvard. Wrong, Harvard was founded in 1636 by the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. John Harvard endowed Harvard with books and money in 1638.

And the third and probably the biggest lie on the statue is that the man in the chair; not John Harvard.

When the statue was designed in 1884 by Daniel Chester French there was not any likeness of John Harvard.

French used a Harvard Student by the name of Sherman Hoar as the inspiration for John Harvard's face. Sherman Hoar was a descendant of the brother of Harvard's fourth president Leonard Hoar.

The statue is one of the most photographed statues in the United States, and you will notice the worn-out bronze of the statue's left foot where millions of visitors have rubbed for good luck.

There is also the legend that if you rub/touch the foot of the statue you will acquire some of the knowledge of Harvard.

Take the path away from the John Harvard Statue and towards the street. On the left, you will see Massachusetts Hall.

8. Massachusetts Hall

Opened in 1720, Massachusetts Hall is the second oldest college dorm in the United States.

Some of their legendary student residents include John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and America's second president John Adams.

During the siege of Boston in 1775, 640 members of the Continental Army led by George Washington were housed there.

Currently, Massachusetts Hall houses the office of Harvard's President, Treasurer, and Vice President, all of which have their offices on the first two floors and part of the third floor.

On the fourth floor are freshman dorms.

Exit the Old Yard through Johnston Gate.

9. Johnson Gate

Opened in 1890, Johnston Gate was the first gate constructed around Old Harvard Yard.

Johnston Gate cost $10,000 to construct in 1889-90 and was a gift to the university by 1855 Harvard Graduate Samuel Johnston.

For several hundred years, on Harvard's commencement day, sheriffs from Middlesex and Suffolk Country have entered Harvard Yard on horseback before the Middlesex Sheriff's call to order.

It has become a tradition that they enter through Johnston Gate. Another tradition at Harvard regarding Johnston Gate is that after the commencement ceremony, graduates exit Harvard Yard using only Johnston Gate.

As you exit Harvard Yard through Johnston Gate you can now consider yourself an honorary graduate of Harvard University.

After exiting Johnston Gate, cross Massachusetts Ave. to the island in the middle and you will be at the sculpture of Charles Sumner (1811-1874).

10. Charles Sumner Statue

He was a lawyer, abolitionist, orator, and US Senator from Massachusetts.

One of the many things he is known for is while a US Senator he was an incident that took place on the Senate floor when he was arguing against the Kansas/Nebraska Act.

This was an 1854 legislative act that would allow the expansion of slavery in the new states of Kansas and Nebraska.

On May 20th, 1856, Sumner was auguring against the Act, and during his diatribe, Sumner called US Senator Andrew Butler from South Carolina a slave pimp and went on a tirade against the senator and his state of South Carolina.

During the tirade, he mocked Butler's manner of speech and physical mannerisms as Butler previously suffered a stroke which left him physically impaired.

Two days later, US Congressman Preston Brooks, the cousin of Senator Butler walked on the Senate floor and approached Sumner.

As Sumner rose to meet the Representative, Preston beat Sumner nearly to death with a cane until the cane finally broke.

The beating rendered Sumner unconscious on the Senate floor. It took almost two years before Senator Sumner recovered from the beating.

The event showed how divided the United States was at that time over the issue of slavery.

Continue across Massachusetts Ave. , take a right and follow Massachusetts Ave. and you will be outside the Cambridge Burial Ground (1635).

11. Old Burial Ground

This burial ground was the only burial ground in Cambridge for nearly 200 years and includes a cross-section of Cambridge residents from paupers to Harvard presidents.

Like all the old burial grounds, there are many more bodies beneath than the 1218 headstones above, as many of the headstones did not survive the centuries and some of the earliest burials were unmarked.

The oldest headstone in the burial ground is that of Anne Eriton which dates to 1653.

The tomb of John Vassel is the most elaborate in the burial ground and contains 25 caskets and including the body of Andrew Craigie who was the first Apothecary General of the Continental Army. He was also a former owner of the Longfellow House on Tory Row.

Craigie also developed much of what is known as East Cambridge and also organized the construction of the Canal Bridge which connected East Cambridge to Boston.

The bridge was later rebuilt as the Charles River Dam but is also known as Carigie's Bridge.

The Old Burial Ground also contains the remains of 8 Harvard presidents including Harvard's first president Henry Dunster.

It's also home to the remains of 19 Revolutionary War Soldiers including John Hicks, William Macy, and Moses Richardson who were buried there after the first Battles of the American Revolution on April 19th, 1775 in Lexington and Concord.

The burial ground also houses the tomb of the Dana Family. Richard Henry Dana, Jr. was an abolitionist who worked with Charles Sumner.

Continue up Massachusetts Ave. and once you cross Garden St. look down on the sidewalk and you will see a series of horseshoes embedded along the sidewalk of Massachusetts Ave.

These show the route that William Dawes, the second rider with Paul Revere on his midnight ride took on his way up to Lexington, MA on the night of April 18, 1775.

The ride to "Midnight Ride" by Paul Revere, William Dawes, and others which warned the towns along the way that the British Troops were on the move resulted in the start of the American Revolution in Lexington/Concord on the morning of April 19, 1775.

Cross at the crosswalk ahead and you are at the gates of Cambridge Common. Rather than walk through the gates, take the sidewalk to the left along Garden Street.

12. Cambridge Common

This 16-acre park was where George Washington and the Continental Army camped in 1775 while British Troops occupied Boston until March 1776.

The first site you will see when entering the Common is a memorial for the Irish Famine which was dedicated on July 23, 1997, by then-Irish President Mary Robinson.

The sculpture was created by Maurice Harron a resident of Derry, Northern Ireland who has sculptures in Ireland, The UK, and The United States.

Continue walking through the Common keeping Garden Street on your left and you will come to a series of cannons.

These cannons were abandoned at Fort Independence (also known as Castle William) on March 17, 1776, when the British Troops evacuated from Boston.

There is also a plaque to Henry Knox, a Boston and bookseller before the American Revolution, he would become the first Secretary of War under President George Washington.

Henry Knox in January of 1776, dragged cannons and other military supplies from the captured British Forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point in Upstate New York and led the mission to carry the 60 tons of cannons and other arms on ox-drawn sleds 300 miles across snowy and frozen ground to Boston.

What was expected to take two weeks, took six weeks as the caravan of men where faced storms and delays as the cannons broke through the ice and got stuck in the mud and snow, but in the end, they were able to deliver the munitions to Boston.

The cannons were placed on Dorchester Heights, (the hills surrounding Boston) on the night of March 16, 1776.

When the Occupying British Troops woke the next morning on March 17th, they realized they were surrounded by artillery and withdrew their ships to Halifax and retreated out of Boston.

The siege of Boston was ended as a result. March 17th is a holiday in Boston called Evacuation Day as a result of the efforts of Henry Knox and his men.

Henry Knox went on to be in charge of improving the defenses in Rhode Island and New York during the American Revolution where in New York he met Alexander Hamilton who was the commander of the local artillery.

They would remain close friends until Hamilton died in 1804.

Knox would later become the first Secretary of War under George Washington.

Henry Knox died in 1806 at the age of 56 after swallowing a chicken bone which caused an infection that killed him three days later on Oct. 25th.

Also located in the area of the cannons and marked with a plaque is the Washington Elm.

Legend has it (although is disputed) that under this tree on July 3, 1775, General George Washington took control of the Continental Army.

The army struck camp there and stayed until March 1776 when British Troops evacuated Boston.

The original tree lived about 210 years and finally fell in 1923. The tree was cut up into 100 pieces and sent to all the US States and their legislatures.

Other pieces were sent to fraternal organizations throughout the US and root shoots were also sent throughout the nation, and some still live today.

The cross-section of the tree was sent to Mt. Vernon, George Washington's plantation in the state of Virginia.

Turn around and head back down the sidewalk, you'll see a white church to your right across the street.

13. Christ Church

This 1759 church was formed by the members of King's Chapel in Boston who lived in Cambridge.

This church provided church of England Services to students attending Harvard and was designed by Peter Harrison who also was the architect of Boston's King's Chapel.

During the American Revolution, the church which sits across the street from the Cambridge Common where the Continental Army was camped out at the start of the war, soldiers camp there fired shots at the then Loyalist Church.

If you walk into the front doors of the church and look above the inside door frame a musket hole is visible from that time.

Later George and Martha Washington would attend a prayer service there and as the war wore on the church was closed and the organ of the church was melted down for bullets for the Continental Army.

In April 1967, the church hosted speeches from Dr. Benjamin Spock and Martin Luther King, Jr. who were denied access to a building on Harvard's Campus.

They planned to hold a press conference against the Vietnam War. They were welcomed by the Reverend Murray Kenney. Jesse Jackson also spoke at the church in 2004 celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Continue walking towards Massachusetts Ave. and back to the Cambridge Burial Ground. At the burial ground, take a right down Massachusetts Ave. and cross Church Street. Follow Massachusetts Ave. and you will come to the Harvard Coop.

14. The Harvard Coop

The Harvard Coop was opened in 1882 to supply books and school supplies for the students at Harvard.

In 1916 after MIT moved from Boston to Cambridge, MIT opened a branch of the Coop to serve its students and is still present on MIT's campus today.

This Coop is one of the largest college bookstores in the United States. The store is run by Barnes and Noble today and the public is welcome to come in the shop and browse Harvard Swag and books.

However, membership to the Coop is limited only to students, faculty, alumni, and employees as well as personnel of hospitals affiliated with Harvard Medical School.

In 1882 membership cost $1.00 and that cost is the same today.

Cross Massachusetts Ave. to the Harvard MBTA Station and you will be where the tour started outside the Harvard Sq. MBTA Station and Out-of-Town Newsstand.

We hope you enjoyed your Self-Guided Tour of Harvard!

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Introducing the visit harvard mobile app.

By Amy Kamosa

The Harvard Visitor's Center has launched a new Visit Harvard mobile app that will provide free, self-guided, self-paced themed walking tours of the University. The first tour released on the app is a historic walking tour of the Cambridge Campus. It incorporates 14 locations throughout campus that highlight some of the most important buildings and events of the University's nearly 400-year history.

In 2019, approximately 8 million people visited Harvard Square, and more than 35,000 visitors took part in public and private tours of the Harvard Campus. When the campus shut down in early 2020 due to the pandemic, Robin Parker, Associate Director of Harvard's Visitor Center, worked with colleagues and a small team of undergraduate tour guides led by Fari Mbaye '22 and Madi Fabber '22, to create a series of live, student-led online virtual tours as an option for would-be visitors who were no longer able to come to the Square.

The mobile app tour builds on the content developed for those virtual offerings, but provides a more accessible option that visitors can use to guide themselves while they visit campus in-person, or from the comfort of their own couch anywhere in the world.

"Our student tour guides really led the charge on the creation of these tours. Some of the images they've included have never been seen before, and the content weaves a really compelling story through Harvard's history," said Parker.

It was that storytelling aspect of the mobile tour that Mbaye said was the most challenging and important aspect of translating the live tour content to the app. "When we, as tour guides, give live tours, we're really just working off bullet points and we weave our own details and jokes in as we go. With the app, we had to turn the content into a complete story that people would want to read and listen to," she explained.

If app users choose to visit the campus, they can follow the geo-location tags on the app to travel point-to-point. The total distance of the tour is approximately one mile and should take approximately one hour to complete—including travel between stops, but the self-guided nature of the app means that users can complete this circuit at their own pace.

According to Visitor Center Manager Maggie Dawson, the ease of use and simplicity of design was an intentional choice to ensure that the app was as accessible as possible. Additional features like geo-location tagging, audio tracks with transcript, and image alternative text for visually-impaired users, all enable a large range of users to interact with the app in their own way, and according to Dawson, inclusion will continue to be a priority as more content is added. "Our hope is to tell many parts of the Harvard story to as many audiences as possible. Not only are additional tours in development, including a Black History Tour, and Arts Walk, and a Women's History tour, but we are expanding the tour languages as well," she explained.

The Visit Harvard App is available for download through the Apple Store and Google Play . There is also a desktop version of the app you can access here .

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Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

• Harvard Square
• Harvard University
• John Harvard Statue
• Harvard Art Museums
• The Harvard Shop
• Memorial Hall

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Harvard University Campus

1376 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, 02138

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Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

The Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour offers visitors a captivating glimpse into one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions. Led by knowledgeable Harvard students, this 70-minute excursion takes guests on a journey through the university’s iconic landmarks , from the bustling Harvard Square to the historic Harvard Yard. Along the way, participants gain insights into student life and the institution’s rich heritage, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the campus’ cultural significance. With high ratings and a Badge of Excellence , this tour provides an engaging experience that’s sure to pique the curiosity of prospective students, travelers, and anyone intrigued by Harvard’s enduring legacy.

Just The Basics

• 70-minute guided walking tour of the Harvard University campus led by Harvard students, providing insights into campus life and key landmarks.
• Tour includes visits to Harvard Square, Harvard Yard, Science Center, and Memorial Hall, with an illustrated map of the area.
• Tour has earned a Badge of Excellence based on over 2,090 positive reviews, highlighting its informative and engaging nature.
• Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with transportation options, and allows service animals.
• Tour concludes at The Harvard Shop, offering an opportunity to purchase Harvard-themed merchandise.

Tour Details

The Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour provides a comprehensive 70-minute experience led by Harvard students, featuring an illustrated map of Harvard Square . This tour has earned a Badge of Excellence based on over 2,090 reviews.

The tour departs from 1380 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA and concludes at The Harvard Shop, 65 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA. Highlights include visits to Harvard Square, Harvard Yard, the Science Center , and Memorial Hall .

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible , and service animals are allowed. A maximum of 40 travelers can join each tour.

Cancellations made 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund, while those made within 24 hours do not.

What to Expect

On the Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour, visitors can expect a student-led exploration of the campus, providing insights into life at Harvard.

The tour takes guests through Harvard Square, Harvard Yard , and other notable sites , including the Science Center and Memorial Hall. Along the way, the knowledgeable student guides share their experiences and perspectives, offering a unique insider’s view of the university.

The tour concludes at The Harvard Shop, where visitors can browse the selection of Harvard-themed merchandise and souvenirs.

Whether you’re a prospective student, a curious tourist , or simply interested in the history and culture of this prestigious institution, the Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour is an informative and engaging experience.

Additional Information

Confirmation is provided upon booking the Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour.

The tour route covers less than a mile and is accessible for wheelchair users and those with strollers. Service animals are also allowed on the tour.

Transportation to and from the tour is wheelchair accessible as well.

The tour can accommodate a maximum of 40 travelers at a time.

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather conditions, you will be offered a different tour date or a full refund .

Cancellation Policy

Typically, participants can receive a full refund if they cancel the Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour at least 24 hours in advance. However, no refund is provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled tour. In the event of poor weather, the tour operator offers the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

The cancellation policy ensures fairness and flexibility for participants, allowing them to plan their visit with confidence.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have left a wealth of reviews for the Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour, providing valuable insights into their experiences. With over 2,090 reviews, the tour maintains an impressive 4.5-out-of-5-star rating .

Recent reviews praise the knowledgeable student guides , who offer informative and engaging commentary on the university’s history and landmarks. Visitors highlight the tour’s ability to provide an insider’s perspective on life at Harvard.

However, some reviews mention limitations due to certain campus areas being closed or inaccessible. The feedback suggests the tour offers a comprehensive and enjoyable introduction to the renowned institution, catering to a wide range of travelers.

Getting to the Tour

The Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour conveniently departs from the Main Harvard Subway Station, located at 1380 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.

Participants will then conclude their journey at The Harvard Shop, situated at 65 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.

The tour route covers notable sites like Harvard Square, Harvard Yard , and Memorial Hall, providing travelers with a comprehensive introduction to the university’s renowned campus.

The tour is easily accessible, as it’s wheelchair and stroller friendly, and service animals are allowed . With clear directions and a well-planned itinerary, visitors can look forward to an engaging and informative exploration of Harvard’s historic grounds.

Notable Campus Sites

Throughout the Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour, participants explore a range of notable sites across the university’s historic grounds.

From the bustling Harvard Square to the iconic Harvard Yard , the guided experience showcases the heart of this prestigious institution.

The tour leads visitors through the Science Center , where students enjoy cutting-edge research, and past the grand Memorial Hall , a monument to Harvard’s fallen Civil War heroes.

Along the way, the knowledgeable student guides share insights into the daily life and traditions of Harvard.

Whether it’s admiring the architecture or learning about the university’s storied past, the tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the highlights of the Harvard campus.

Guided Tour Highlights

As participants embark on the Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour, they’ll encounter a wealth of captivating highlights that showcase the university’s rich history and vibrant student life.

The tour includes visits to iconic landmarks such as Harvard Square, Harvard Yard, and the Science Center, providing an insider’s perspective on the campus.

Key highlights of the tour include:

• Insights into the daily lives and experiences of Harvard students, shared by the student-led guides
• An illustrated map of Harvard Square, helping visitors orient themselves and navigate the campus with ease
• The opportunity to explore the grand Memorial Hall, a testament to Harvard’s storied past
• Access to the Harvard Shop, where participants can browse souvenirs and merchandise to commemorate their visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour appropriate for young children.

The tour may not be the most suitable for young children, as it covers a significant amount of walking over 70 minutes. However, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it potentially manageable for families with young children.

Can I Join the Tour if I’m Not a Harvard Student?

Yes, you can join the tour even if you’re not a Harvard student. The tour is open to the general public and caters to both Harvard affiliates and visitors. No prior affiliation with the university is required to participate.

Are There Any Discounts Available for This Tour?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for students, seniors, and children. Visitors should check the tour website or contact the operator for the latest pricing information and any available discounts.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, some areas on the Harvard campus may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the tour guide before taking photos on the tour.

What if I Get Tired During the Long Walking Tour?

If a visitor gets tired during a long walking tour, they can take breaks as needed. Many tours provide places to sit and rest along the way. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated.

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Final Words

The Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour offers an engaging and immersive experience for visitors.

Led by knowledgeable Harvard students , the tour showcases the university’s iconic landmarks and provides insights into student life and its rich history.

With high ratings and a Badge of Excellence , this tour is a must-do for anyone interested in exploring the renowned Harvard campus.

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Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour - Cambridge - With Reviews & Ratings

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• Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour - Cambridge

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Hotel pickup Available
• Instant Confirmation
• Lowest Price Guaranteed
• Duration: 1 Hr 10 Mins
• Language: English
• Departure Time : March: 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm April-May: 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm June-Aug: 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm, 1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm Sept-Oct: 10:30am, 1.. read more
• Return Details : 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, Cambr.. read more
• Cancellation Policy : This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Know More about this tour

This is where the tour begins and where Harvard is located. The whole reason guests are here. The tour will take you throughout the campus of the oldest university in the United States. One of the top 3 most photographed statues in the United States The Harvard Art Museums, among the worlds 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!

• 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
• Souvenirs (tours conclude at The Harvard Shop)

Additional Info

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

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Traveler Reviews

We had a great and fun experience with our guide Kate. She was super friendly, she also shared very fun and interesting facts about Harvard. Definitely recommend this tour, it’s nice to get to know Harvard from a student’s perspective!

Enjoyed the tour with great informative. It was knowledgeable. The tour was great experience and guide was awesome 😊😊😊

Nice tour. Great information from our guide. Only let down is we were NOT able to go inside any buildings (dining hall,library).

Carly was a great guide, fountain of knowledge, and could answer all of our questions. We wish her all the best for her academic career and heaps of fun playing rugby. Go Black Ferns Go

What an amazing tour of Harvard University Campus with Harvard student. It is a direct way to learn about Harvard culture.

Emilia was so good. she knew a lot of facts and made the tour so much fun. definitely worth it. 5 ⭐️

Great time with our guide Nivrass. Very informative and entertaining. Very patient and answered all out questions.

A big thank you to Felix! You are a great storyteller and I really enjoyed the tour! You have managed to answer every question and really include your public in the tour instead of just reading information out loud. I would definitely recommend!

Saint was great! We got to learn so much and she answered all of our questions. Funny also. The tour is a little over 1 hour so it is perfect

Kate was amazing in this tour as guide. We would have not had this great experience and a lot of facts known unless Kate took the charge and made sure this was knowledgable unforgettable

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• About this activity

Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation

What better way to see Harvard than through the eyes of a student! This tour is a 70-minute student-led walking tour of America's oldest university, designed to be a funny and educational journey through Harvard's campus. After meeting your tour guide, an enthusiastic Harvard student, in the heart of Harvard Square, you'll be led into historic Harvard Yard. Enjoy the sights while your guide entertains and inspires with tales of Harvard history and personal experience at the university they call home. You'll get an up-close look at major Harvard landmarks including Johnston Gate, the John Harvard Statue, Memorial Hall, and Widener Library. You'll even become privy to a few Harvard secrets along the way! Whether you're a student visiting colleges or a family on vacation, the Hahvahd Tour is undoubtedly the top way to see Harvard.

Activity location

• 18 Brattle St Ste 352,
• 02138-3755, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

• 1380 Massachusetts Avenue
• 02138, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
• Wed, Jun 26 -
• Thu, Jun 27 $23
• Fri, Jun 28 $23
• Sat, Jun 29 $23
• Sun, Jun 30 $23
• Mon, Jul 1 $23
• Tue, Jul 2 $23
• Wed, Jul 3 $23
• Thu, Jul 4 $23
• Fri, Jul 5 $23
• Sat, Jul 6 $23
• Sun, Jul 7 $23
• Mon, Jul 8 $23
• Tue, Jul 9 $23
• Wed, Jul 10 $23

Harvard Walking Tour

• Activity duration is 1 hour and 10 minutes 1h 10m 1h 10m

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Free Illustrated Map of Harvard Square
• What's included What's included Written translations in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin
• What's included What's included Harvard Student-Led Tours for more Insightful Narrative
• What's included What's included Conclude at The Harvard Shop for Souvenirs - run by Harvard students!
• What's included What's included 70-Minute Guided Walking Tour of Harvard
• What's included What's included See Top Sites including Harvard Square, Harvard Yard, and Science Center & Memorial Hall
• What's excluded What's excluded Gratuities
• What's excluded What's excluded Souvenirs (tours conclude at The Harvard Shop)

Know before you book

• 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

Activity itinerary

Harvard square, harvard university, john harvard statue, the fogg art museum (pass by), the harvard shop, memorial hall.

• Admission ticket not included

Best Deals on Things to Do

Top experiences in cambridge.

Experience a brand new public tour of Harvard Business School

The birthplace of american business leadership, three simple steps to enjoy the tour..

1. Choose your date and time on our website and book risk free (cancel or change at any time).

2. Your tour guide will greet you at the starting location at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square.

3. Enjoy your student-led campus tour of the Harvard Business School campus.

What you get and what it costs.

Tour Themes

Your tour covers 3 main themes: HBS History, Famous Alumni and Campus Architecture.

Tour Time and Distance

Our tour lasts about 75 minutes. The tour route is about one mile. We walk at a leisurely pace and the route is accessible.

Adult (21+): $19.50 Senior (60+): $18.50 Child/Student (4-20): $17.50 Plus $2.50/pp Harvard Yard Maintenance Fee Ages 3 and under: no charge

Just a few of the sites you’ll get to see on your tour of Harvard:

Baker Library

Aldrich & Hawes Halls

Class of 1959 Chapel

Spangler Center

Morgan Hall

How to get to us

Our starting location is at The Charles Hotel in Harvard Square. The closest street address is 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Public Tour FAQs

Can you describe your tour of harvard.

The Hahvahd Tour is the most popular walking tour of Harvard University. Guided by current Harvard undergrads, the tour is a 75-minute historic tour of Harvard Yard and the surrounding neighborhood of Harvard Square. The Tour receives consistent praise from guests and major media outlets. Trip Advisor rates the tour one of the top attractions in Cambridge.

How far will I walk on the tour?

The tour route is about one mile long. We walk at a leisurely pace through campus and surrounding neighborhood.

Does the tour go inside buildings?

The Hahvahd Tour does not tour the interior of the buildings. We show our guests key highlights of the Harvard campus all throughout Harvard Square, leaving time to absorb the rich history and lore given at each stop.

Who leads your tours?

Our tour guides are current Harvard students and Cambridge locals! When you join a Hahvahd Tour, you’re getting the inside scoop from someone who knows the ins and outs of Harvard University and Harvard Square. Our guides are a resource to guests who want to learn more about the Cambridge experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes! Our tours are scripted to entertain both adults and children. AAA Magazine called us “great for families!” We strive to serve guests of all ages, and families really enjoy our friendly, interactive tour guides!

Where does your tour start?

The Hahvahd tour starts directly outside the main Harvard Red Line Subway Station. The closest street address is 1380 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge MA 02138. Our managers and signs are easy to spot next to the Cambridge Information Kiosk and the Harvard Shop.

Is the tour accessible?

Yes, 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. Listening devices are also available for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

What if it rains?

We operate rain or shine year-round. During severe thunderstorms with lightning our public walking tours do close for the safety and comfort of our guests. Don’t worry - storms never last long in New England!

What is your relationship with Harvard?

Founded in 2006 by Harvard Alumni, we are owned by Harvard Student Agencies, a student business organization. We are an official partner of The Harvard Museum of Natural History and The Harvard Art Museums. We provide tours for nearly every Harvard graduate school. Our founder and Chief of Staff is a Board Member with the Harvard Square Business Association and former President of Boston Attractions Group.

Where can I park

In Harvard Square there is limited street parking in the area, we recommend parking at the Harvard Square Parking Garage (20 Eliot Street, Cambridge MA 02138). Bring your parking ticket to the tour and we can offer a $2 validation discount.

Do I need to reserve my ticket in advance?

Booking in advance is recommended. When you reserve online you guarantee your spot on the tour and you receive advance tour instructions, and gain peace of mind in your planning. It is possible time slots will sell out ahead of time for many tours.

Is your tour suitable for prospective students?

Yes, in fact, National Public Radio has called the Hahvahd Tour “the real deal” for prospective students. However, it is important to note that we are not the Harvard Admissions tour. We encourage all prospective students to visit the admissions office at some point on their visit to Harvard. While our tours are geared toward guests of all ages from across the globe, prospective students can gain a lot of insight about the University and its culture.

What is included on the tour?

Our walking tour of Harvard is a 75 minute adventure around Harvard Square. The tour is partly-scripted to be a theatrical, entertaining performance! Tour themes include Harvard History, Insider Information & Famous Harvardians. The tour covers major Harvard landmarks including Johnston Gate, Cambridge Common, Memorial Hall, Science Center, The Harvard Crimson, Harvard Lampoon, and the historic River Dorms. The tour is given in English but you can find multiple language translation options here.

How do I use my Go City Pass to book a tour?

If you are a Go City Card holder, using your card to book a tour is a straightforward process. Simply follow the steps below:

Make a reservation: To secure your spot on the tour, please give us a text at 855.455.8747. Our friendly customer service team will assist you in making the reservation.

Confirmation and ticket: After you have successfully made your reservation over the phone, you will receive an email confirmation of your booking.

Arrival at the tour start: When you arrive at the tour start location, please present your go-card to the manager or representative on-site and they will scan it to grant you access to the tour.

It's important to note that the Go City Card acts as your ticket to the tour, so it's essential to have it with you when you check-in.

What language is the tour given in?

The tour is primarily given in English. However, for non-English speakers, we offer digital and printed translation documents in French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Mandarin. We strive to make our tours accessible and enjoyable for visitors from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

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Harvard Apartment Complex (Shared Housing)

158 Berkeley Ave, Irvine, CA 92612

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Url: http://offcampus.housing.uci.edu/housing/property/harvard-apartment-complex/ocpv5dgp6e

Phone Number: (530) 750-9850

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• Faculty/Staff
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• Undergraduates

Harvard Apartment Complex

Second level apartment. Renter will have access to amenities such as fitness center, and pool. The main areas of the apartment are furnished. Only the bed/bath that will be rented out need to be furnished. All utilities and garbage are included in... base price. Read More

Lease Terms

• 12 month lease

University Features

• Near OCTA Bus Route

Lister prefers to be contacted by email.

• Air Conditioning
• Cable Ready
• High Speed Internet Access

Fitness & Recreation

• Fitness Center

Living Space

• Hardwood Floors
• Laundry Facilities

Student Features

• Near Bus Stop

Outdoor Space

• Patio, Balcony, Porch or Deck

Unassigned Surface Lot Parking

• Free parking in the complex. Spots are always available.
• Dead-Bolt Locks
• Exterior Lighting
• Security Guard

No Pets Allowed

Shopping centers, transit / subway, colleges and universities nearby, parks and recreation, university high.

Grades 9-12

1,708 Students

(949) 936-7600

Turtle Rock Elementary

459 Students

(949) 936-6250

University Park Elementary

301 Students

(949) 936-6300

Vista Verde

462 Students

(949) 936-6350

Bonita Canyon Elementary

449 Students

(949) 936-5450

Rancho San Joaquin Middle

452 Students

(949) 936-6500

Culverdale Elementary

425 Students

(949) 936-5600

South Lake Middle

439 Students

(949) 936-6700

Meadow Park School

362 Students

(949) 936-5900

Westpark Elementary

446 Students

(949) 936-6400

Very Walkable

Walk Score ®

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Some Transit

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You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

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Biker's Paradise

Bike Score ®

Do you prefer to get around on two wheels? You’ll love living in this neighborhood, which is considered a biker’s paradise.

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Other Nearby Rentals

258 cress st, vdcn, vista del campo norte, gorgeous guest house for rent. 1 bedroom/1 bathroom. fully furnished., palo verde housing apartment 1bed 1bath, (530) 750-9850.

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