How to Visit Harvard University: Tours & Tips for Your Boston Trip

On your next trip to Boston, why not take the opportunity to visit the iconic Harvard University? Getting there is quite easy and so worth it!

I did it myself and it was so fun to see the most famous university in the world in person. (:

In this post, you will read about how to visit Harvard and take a free tour of the university.

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Why Visit Harvard University

First, because visiting Harvard is one of the best things to do in Boston and it is a gorgeous place to visit all year round, I got to see the campus covered in snow, and it was so beautiful!

Second, if you never had the opportunity to attend one, exploring an Ivy League school is an interesting and unique experience.

Anyone can visit Harvard University and see with his own eyes the school chosen by brilliant minds like Barack Obama, Bill Gates, and George W. Bush.

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How To Get To Harvard University From Boston

The best way to get to Harvard is by driving, taking uber or public transportation.

I went with public transportation and getting there was easy peasy:

Public transportation

Boston’s public transportation system is very efficient and easy to understand. Taking the subway is a fast and cheap way to get to Harvard.

All you have to do is get to a subway station where you can take the Red Line and then get off at Harvard Station.

Climb the stairs and you will already find yourself right in front of the university, in Harvard Square.

Harvard Address

For those who prefer to go drive or take an uber the university’s address is Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.

Parking

In case you are driving, you might be asking yourself where to park to visit Harvard. Well, these are some commercial parking lots and garages where you can park:

• Smith Campus Center Parking Garage (managed by Propark)
• Harvard Square Parking Garage
• University Place Parking Garage
• Charles Square Garage
• Church Street Parking Lot
• Harvard Square Hotel

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The history of Harvard University

According to Best College Reviews, Harvard University possesses the title of America’s oldest learning institution, founded in 1636.

In the beginning, its name was New College and was built mainly to educate clergy. In 1639, the school’s name became Harvard University, name after John Harvard, who donated half of his estate and his entire library to the school upon his death.

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Taking A Tour of Harvard University

The best way to visit the Harvard Campus is by taking a student-led tour.

The tours last around 70 minutes and include a map of the campus.

When I did it, a very nice student called Jack showed us around and took us to one of the libraries (so beautiful!), the science building, the dorms, and so much more.

He also taught us about the university traditions and ended the tour on the famous statue of John Harvard.

It was such a fun experience!

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How To Visit in Harvard Square

After you visit the university, you might as well make the most out of your day trip and stroll around the historic neighborhood of Harvard Square.

Some of the best things to do in Harvard Square include:

• Visiting one of the many souvenir stores
• Buy a book at the Harvard Book Store
• Catch a movie at the Brattle Theater
• Brunch at Henrietta’s Table

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Other cool things to do in Boston

Besides visiting Harvard, there are many other fun and unique experience to have in Boston!

Here are some of my favorite:

Cruise along Charles River

Hop into a duck boat—renovated World War II amphibious vehicle—for a comprehensive tour of Boston. Pass Boston Common, Quincy Market, and the Celtics’ home turf at TD Garden. Then splash down into the Charles River for a view of the city by boat. Learn all about Boston’s history and landmarks as you go.

Go on a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard

Join Boston’s only award-winning, original, Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip! Leave the trouble of driving to someone else and enjoy a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard from Boston.

Then, take a short cruise to Martha’s Vineyard then enjoy free time to explore or upgrade to add an island tour.

Go on a Ghosts & Gravestones Night-Time Trolley Tour

Discover some of Boston’s deepest, darkest secrets on a “frightseeing” tour aboard the Trolley of the Doomed, which roams around the haunted streets and burial grounds of Boston

Tour Fenway Park, America’s most beloved ballpark

Revel in the history of Fenway Park, one of baseball’s most beloved stadiums, during this guided tour.

Revisit the careers of Red Sox greats like Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, and Carl Yastrzemski, celebrate the club’s numerous World Series titles and tour famous stadium locales like the ‘Green Monster,’ ‘Pesky’s Pole,’ and the Fenway Park Living Museum.

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That’s a wrap! I hope this guide was useful to you and that you have a lovely time at the most famous university in the world.

Remember to send this post to any of your friends that still don’t know how to visit Harvard and follow me on Instagram for more travel tips (: