Our 15 Favorite Cambridge Tours & Things To Do

Cambridge is a treasure trove for travelers who want more than just a quick campus visit. With its blend of historic universities, innovative tech hubs, and lively neighborhoods, the city offers an array of engaging activities.

We especially love tours like the Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard, which provides exclusive access to both campuses and fascinating stories, and the Public MIT Campus Guided Walking Tour, perfect for a quick, insider glimpse into MIT’s innovative spirit. Whether you’re into architecture, food, or interactive adventures, Cambridge has something to keep every traveler busy.

Quick Overview

Our list covers a variety of tours and activities designed to showcase the best of Cambridge. You’ll find guided college tours, like the Harvard Square Donut Adventure, which combines food and history, as well as food walks, such as the Boston – Harvard & Cambridge Walking Food Tour, that explore the local culinary scene.

For those seeking a fun challenge, there are scavenger hunts like the Harvard University Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game and Creative Cambridge Scavenger Hunt.

Lastly, if you prefer self-guided options, the Harvard University Self-Guided Walking Tour offers flexibility with a budget-friendly approach.

1. Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard

At number 1, this 3.5-hour guided tour offers deep access to both MIT and Harvard, two of the most prestigious colleges in the world. You’ll explore secret areas, academic buildings, and residences, learning stories about their role in American history and their famous alumni.

The tour includes highlights like the MIT Media Lab, the Green Building designed by I.M. Pei, and the Harvard Bridge, where Smoot markers are a quirky landmark.

The guide provides engaging stories—such as Harvard’s Civil War involvement—and takes you to iconic spots for photos, including the Boston skyline from Harvard Bridge.

Rated 5.0/5 from 61 reviews, this tour is praised for its thoroughness and personable guides. It’s perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at these historic institutions. The price of $55 offers excellent value for the in-depth experience, especially considering the exclusive access. Note that the tour visits off-limits areas, making it more than just a campus walk.

Bottom Line: Best suited for history and architecture lovers who want an insider’s perspective on Harvard and MIT in a single, well-organized tour.

2. Public MIT Campus Guided Walking Tour

For around $22, the Public MIT Campus Guided Walking Tour is a great way to see the best of MIT in just over an hour. Led by student guides, this tour offers an inside look at MIT’s innovative campus, including the Great Dome and the Infinite Corridor. You’ll learn stories about MIT’s influence on science, technology, and the world, and hear about notable alumni like astronauts and Nobel laureates.

Guests love the enthusiastic guides and the ability to ask questions during this shorter tour. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time or those who want a quick, engaging overview rather than an exhaustive visit. Many reviewers mention how much they learned and appreciated the insider stories, making this a high-value option.

Bottom Line: Perfect for science-minded visitors who want a quick but meaningful glimpse of MIT’s campus and culture.

3. Harvard Square Donut Adventure

At number 3, the Harvard Square Donut Adventure turns a sweet tooth’s dream into reality. This 1.5 to 2-hour small-group walking tour explores Harvard Square’s history and landmarks, with plenty of stops for tastings at three different local donut shops. Along the way, you’ll learn about the area’s past, from Harvard’s founding to modern times, all with a focus on the area’s standout bakeries.

Rated 5.0/5, visitors praise the friendly guides and the delicious samples, making it an edible way to get to know Harvard Square. It’s well suited for food lovers and those who want a relaxed pace with lots of opportunities to chat and take photos. The $70 price includes multiple tastings, making it a fun but reasonably priced treat.

Bottom Line: Best for sweet tooth travelers who want a tasty, relaxed introduction to Harvard Square’s food scene and history.

4. Boston – Harvard & Cambridge Walking Food Tour

This 3-hour food tour offers a delicious stroll through Cambridge’s most iconic neighborhoods. Starting at Harvard Square, you’ll enjoy bites at local spots, learn stories about notable residents like Julia Child, and visit Harvard Yard. Highlights include sampling Mark Zuckerberg’s favorite college pizza and trying creative tiki-style drinks.

Rated 5.0/5 from 18 reviews, this tour combines history and food seamlessly, making it ideal for travelers who want a fuller cultural experience. The $119 price reflects its comprehensive nature, including several tastings and engaging stories that bring the area to life. The combination of historic sites and food stops makes it good value for a full afternoon of exploration.

Bottom Line: Great for food lovers who also want to soak up Harvard’s ambiance and learn quirky stories about famous alumni.

5. Harvard Square Cambridge Food & Walking Tour

If your main focus is food and local atmosphere, the Harvard Square Food & Walking Tour is ideal. For around $100, in about 2 hours, you’ll try a range of dishes—Greek, Latin, and creative American—while hearing fascinating stories about Harvard Square’s evolution. Stops include a famed underground tavern and Harvard’s iconic campus.

Rated 5.0/5, the tour emphasizes delicious food and cultural stories. It’s particularly suited for travelers who prefer a shorter, food-focused experience with an emphasis on the neighborhood’s history and culinary diversity.

Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a flavorful, compact tour with plenty of local character and tasty bites.

6. Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour

The Union Square Food Tour takes you beyond Cambridge into Somerville, known for its food scene and community spirit. Over 2.5 to 3 hours, you’ll visit 5 or 6 restaurants, tasting everything from local favorites to ethnic delicacies, including marshmallow fluff and historic American favorites. The tour is perfect for those wanting to explore a lively neighborhood.

Rated 5.0/5, reviewers note the friendly guide and the variety of tasty options. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to see a neighborhood that’s buzzing with entrepreneurial energy and cultural diversity. The $100 price is reasonable given the number of tastings and the personalized experience.

Bottom Line: Best for curious foodies who want to discover a vibrant, lesser-known neighborhood with a strong local identity.

7. Harvard Square Chocolate Tour

Sweetening the list, the Harvard Square Chocolate Tour is a half-day treat for chocolate lovers. This 1.5-hour walking tour includes tastings of locally made chocolates, chocolate tea, and a visit to a candy shop. You’ll also learn about Harvard’s history while indulging in sweet treats. It’s a small-group experience, capped at 15 participants, ensuring personal attention.

Rated 4.5/5, it’s praised for its delicious samples and engaging storytelling. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth and an interest in local artisan chocolates, this tour is ideal for a relaxed, flavorful experience. The $60 price point offers good value considering the multiple tastings.

Bottom Line: A perfect pick for chocolate enthusiasts wanting a fun, intimate walk through Harvard Square’s confectionery scene.

8. Harvard’s Secret Society: The Porcelain Club Puzzle Quest

For something interactive and different, try the Harvard’s Secret Society Puzzle Quest. This self-guided smartphone game takes you through Harvard Yard solving clues at key landmarks like Widener Library and Johnston Gate. It combines an escape game, a scavenger hunt, and an educational tour into one.

Rated 4.0/5, players enjoy the flexibility and fun of exploring at their own pace without a guide. The app-based system allows you to pause and take breaks, making it accessible for all fitness levels. Costing just under $9, it’s a budget-friendly way to engage with Harvard’s sights in a new way.

Bottom Line: Ideal for tech-savvy travelers who enjoy puzzles and want to explore Harvard Yard independently.

9. Central Square Cambridge Food and Mural Arts Guided Walking Tour

This tour combines art and food in Cambridge’s lively Central Square. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll see large murals and graffiti art while sampling diverse foods from local restaurants. It’s geared toward those who appreciate urban art and want to support local artists while tasting dishes from around the world.

Rated 3.5/5, it offers a different perspective of Cambridge’s creative scene, though reviews are mixed regarding the depth of mural explanations. It’s best suited for art lovers who enjoy outdoor explorations and are open to a longer, active walk. The $100 price includes both art and food experiences.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers interested in street art and multicultural eats within a vibrant neighborhood.

10. A Self-Guided Harvard University Walking Tour

Looking for flexibility? The Self-Guided Harvard Tour costs just under $12 and lets you explore Harvard at your own pace. Starting in Harvard Square, it takes you past historic sites like Harvard Yard, the Widener Library, and the Harvard Art Museums—though it doesn’t include entry.

Rated 0/5 due to no reviews, it’s best for budget-conscious travelers who prefer a solo exploration without guided commentary. This tour suits those comfortable navigating on their own and wanting a basic overview with minimal cost.

Bottom Line: Perfect for independent travelers who want to explore Harvard without a guided tour or high expense.

11. Boston’s Original Dumpling Party // Cambridge

For a hands-on experience, the Boston’s Original Dumpling Party is a 3-hour class where you’ll learn to make 4-5 styles of dumplings, tasting Taiwanese street food along the way. Held in the historic Windsor Inn, the class is suitable for all skill levels and includes a BYOB option.

Rated 0/5, it’s a new offering but promises an engaging culinary class. It’s perfect for foodies interested in Asian cuisine or wanting a fun team activity. The $150 price reflects the interactive, hands-on nature of the experience.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those eager to learn authentic dumpling-making techniques in a friendly setting.

12. Creative Cambridge Scavenger Hunt

The Creative Cambridge Scavenger Hunt is a 3-hour interactive experience that turns you into a detective. Using your phone and a live remote host, you’ll explore Cambridge’s streets, solving puzzles and discovering hidden sights. It combines sightseeing, problem-solving, and social fun—perfect for groups or families.

Rated 0/5, it’s a recent addition but offers a unique, tech-driven way to explore. It’s best suited for active, puzzle-loving travelers who enjoy a challenge and want to discover hidden corners of Cambridge.

Bottom Line: Great for groups seeking an engaging, team-building activity that mixes sightseeing and brainteasers.

13. Harvard Square and University Smartphone Guided Audio Walking

This self-paced audio guide offers an affordable way to explore Harvard University independently. For just under $10, you’ll visit Harvard Yard, the Harvard Art Museums, and landmarks like the John Harvard Statue, all with an app that plays automatically as you walk.

Rated 0/5, it’s suited for tech-savvy travelers comfortable exploring solo. It provides historical insights and flexibility to customize your schedule.

Bottom Line: Excellent for independent visitors who prefer a budget-friendly, flexible tour with minimal fuss.

14. Harvard University Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game

A creative mix of a scavenger hunt and escape room, the Harvard University Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game is a 1-hour self-guided adventure. Using an app, you solve clues across Harvard Yard, making it a fun and interactive way to explore.

Rated 0/5, it’s ideal for puzzle enthusiasts and those seeking a fast-paced, activity-packed visit. The $7 price makes it accessible for casual explorers.

Bottom Line: Perfect for quick, engaging challenges that fit into a busy schedule.

15. Harvard University Historic Scavenger Hunt

Finally, the Harvard University Historic Scavenger Hunt offers a 1.5-hour app-led journey through Harvard Yard. It mixes trivia, puzzles, and exploration of key landmarks, making it a lively way to discover Harvard’s stories.

Rated 0/5, it appeals to those who enjoy quick, playful exploration and want to learn about Harvard’s history while on the move. The $15 price is fair for a fun, interactive experience.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a fast, educational activity that combines technology and history.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Cambridge

Choosing from these varied activities depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you’re after a deep dive into Harvard and MIT, the Illustrious Schools Tour offers a comprehensive experience. Prefer a quick overview? The Public MIT Tour is perfect. For food lovers, the Cambridge Food & Walking Tour and neighborhood tastings in Somerville provide flavorful insights.

For those seeking interactive fun, puzzle and scavenger hunts like the Harvard Scavenger Hunt & Escape Game and Creative Cambridge Hunt make exploring active and memorable. Budget travelers might prefer the Self-Guided Harvard Tour, while families or groups can enjoy the dumpling class or chocolate tour.

Booking early is wise, especially for popular guides and tours during peak seasons. Consider your interests—history, food, or activity-based—and pick the options that best suit your pace and curiosity.

Cambridge offers a rich variety of ways to experience its academic, culinary, and artistic scenes. Whether you’re into exploring iconic campuses, tasting local flavors, or solving puzzles, this list ensures you’ll find memorable ways to enjoy this vibrant college town. Use our guide to plan your perfect Cambridge adventure—early booking guarantees you won’t miss out.