Our three main campuses—in Cambridge, Allston, and Boston—are a home to students and faculty, a hub of research and innovation, and a destination for visitors from all over the world.

Visiting Harvard

From in-person and private tours, to mobile and virtual options, you can get to know Harvard from anywhere.

Learn more about tours and visiting campus

The oldest library system in the United States, Harvard Libraries support students and the public with vast archives and cutting-edge technologies.

Our 15 museums feature unique and varied collections, from Renaissance paintings to glass flowers, with educational experiences for everyone.

With varsity and club sports, recreation events, group exercise, and teams to cheer on, everyone can enjoy Harvard Athletics.

Things to do

Find events happening around campus and livestreams available around the world.

More events

Symposium on Global Anti-Blackness and the Legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade

FLP Cooking Class: Spice Blending with Smitha Haneef

Spotlight Tour: The Art of Conservation, with Sachi Laumas ’26

SCREENING: Miraculous Weapons

Visit All Four Harvard Museums of Science & Culture

Photo by Tony Rinaldo

Museum Visit Information

boston harvard university tour

Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments

Open Sunday–Friday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

General Admission

boston harvard university tour

  • Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East

boston harvard university tour

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Adults: $15.00 Seniors (65+): $13.00 Harvard ID Holders: Free Non-Harvard students with I.D.: $10.00 Youth ages 3–18: $10.00 Youth under 3: Free Free for members

boston harvard university tour

  • Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology

As a member, you will enjoy unlimited free visits to all four HMSC Museums and the Harvard Art Museums. Additional benefits include reading room privileges, shop and restaurant discounts, and exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunities.

  • Wednesday, November 27, 2024 (day before Thanksgiving)
  • Thursday, November 28, 2024 (Thanksgiving Day)
  • Saturday, December 21, 2024
  • Sunday, December 22, 2024
  • Monday, December 23, 2024
  • Tuesday, December 24, 2024 (Christmas Eve)
  • Wednesday, December 25, 2024 (Christmas)
  • Wednesday, January 1, 2025 (New Year’s Day)
  • Tuesday, February 27, 2024 (Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East third floor closure at 3:00 pm)
  • Thursday, March 7, 2024 (at 3:00 pm)
  • Tuesday March 26 (at 3:30 pm)
  • Tuesday, May 7, 2024 (at 3:00 pm)

Discounted and Free Admission

Free for holders of a current Harvard ID (+1 guest);  Harvard Museums of Science & Culture  members, and  Harvard Art Museums  members.

Library patrons can reserve discount passes through their local, Massachusetts-based, library to visit our museums! Library pass admission includes entry to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East, and the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments.  Please be prepared to show the physical library pass and proof of Massachusetts residency. Only one member of the party must be a MA resident.  The pass admits up to four visitors. The passes are non-transferable and may not be combined with other offers.

Are you a library looking to offer passes to your patrons? Contact Bethany Carland-Adams at [email protected] to learn more.

Free for Massachusetts residents who present an EBT or WIC card, and up to five guests. We are proud to participate in the  Card to Culture  program.

Free to active duty military with their families in collaboration with the  National Endowment for the Arts Blue Star Museums Program.  Year-round free admission is offered to the Peabody Museum and Harvard Museum of Natural History using the Blue Star Museums guidelines.

Free to members of institutions participating in the  ASTC Travel Passport Program . Local restrictions apply, please review the  guidelines and restrictions (PDF)  before your visit.

Free to Massachusetts residents every Sunday morning from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and on Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Proof of residency required. This offer is not available to commercial groups. 

Free to Massachusetts Teachers (K-12).

boston harvard university tour

Spend less, Experience more! Boston CityPASS® saves 45% on admission to top Boston’s top 4 attractions, including the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over 9 days. One easy purchase and mobile ticket delivery saves time and money.  Buy CityPASS® online  and present your pass to the admissions desk for entry at the Harvard Museum of Natural History or Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology.

boston harvard university tour

Harvard Museum of Natural History is one of the Boston attractions offered by Go City. Discover 40+ top Boston attractions and save up to 55% with  Go City . Choose between a 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7-day All-Inclusive Pass and get exploring—visit the Paul Revere House, get hands-on at the Museum of Science, hop on an entertaining guided trolley tour and meet the critters at New England Aquarium. There are different activities to suit everyone—all hand-picked by a team of local experts. Your pass is fully digital and comes with a handy city guide to help you plan your trip. See more. Spend less.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (HMSC) is a partnership of Harvard University museums:

  • Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments  
  • Harvard University Herbaria
  • Mineralogical and Geological Museum
  • Museum of Comparative Zoology  

HMSC works in concert with Harvard faculty, museum curators, and students, as well as with members of the extended Harvard community, to provide interdisciplinary exhibitions, events and lectures, and educational programs for students, teachers, and the general public. HMSC draws primarily upon the extensive collections of the member museums and the research of their faculty and curators.

Tickets for the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Peabody Museum can be purchased at the admissions desks in those museums. One ticket grants admission to both museums. Admission is free at the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments and the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East.

There are a limited number of two-hour metered spaces located on Oxford and Kirkland Streets. These meters only accept US quarters or credit cards or you can pay via the  parking app . 

Limited parking is available for museum visitors in nearby University-operated garages including the 52 Oxford Street Garage, located at the intersection of Everett and Oxford Street. Permits must be purchased in advance online . All major credit cards are accepted and sales are final. For customer service related to the purchase of permits, please contact the Harvard Parking Office at (617) 496-7827 or  [email protected] .

Weekend permits for the 52 Oxford Street Garage can also be purchased in person at the museum’s admission desk. A license plate number is required for purchase.

There is no eating or drinking allowed in the galleries, but we are located near Harvard Square where there is a variety of food and drink options. The Harvard University Northwest Café is also located near the museum.

You are welcome to bring strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters.

Yes, please! Photos and selfies are encouraged, but the use of flash and tripods is not permitted. Commercial photography or video cameras are not permitted without written permission. Information on photography and videography requests for commercial use can be found on the individual museum websites.

Drawing is encouraged in the galleries, but the use of clay, paints, pastels, and chalk is not permitted. Please do not block passageways; keep them accessible to other visitors.

We do not currently have nursing stations.

Changing stations are located in museum bathrooms.

The museums welcome  service dogs . Please note that emotional support animals and comfort animals are not permitted.

boston harvard university tour

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Harvard University Tours

1-day boston to quincy market, boston harbor cruise and harvard university in-depth tour tour code : gol-bos-335.

1-Day Boston to Quincy Market, Boston Harbor Cruise and Harvard University In-Depth Tour

Departure City : Boston MA

Available Days : Thu & Sat

Highlights : Visit two top universities in the U.S. at Harvard and MIT. Official in-depth campus tour of Harvard guided by enrolled undergraduate students. Ride on the Boston harbor cruise for sightseeing around the city.

  • Admission ticket to Boston Harbor Cruise.
  • A minimum of 2 people is required to be operated.

1-Day New York to Cambridge, Harvard, MIT and Boston Tour Tour code : GOL-NYC-126

1-Day New York to Cambridge, Harvard, MIT and Boston Tour

Departure City : New York City NY

Available Days : Tue,Fri,Sun (2024-01-01 To 2024-12-31)

Highlights : Be a part of this 1 day extravaganza to Boston. You will have a chance to explore the beautiful city with a professional tour guide. Air conditioned transport and sightseeing of Boston is included in the package. 

  • Sightseeing of Boston

2-Day From New York to Rhode Island, Cambridge and Boston Tour Tour code : GOL-NYC-153

2-Day From New York to Rhode Island, Cambridge and Boston Tour

Departure City : Brooklyn NY, Flushing NY, New York City NY

Available Days : Sat & Special Date

Highlights : Visit three top universities in the U.S. at Harvard, Yale and MIT. Official in-depth campus tours of Harvard & Yale University guided by enrolled undergraduate students. Ride on the replica of amphibious military vehicle sightseeing around the city on the Boston duck tour. Visit the Breakers – one of the grandest summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. Grab a bite of authentic local gourmet: Boston lobster dinner & clam chowder.

  • A minimum of 2 passengers is required for this tour to be operated.

4-Day New York/New Jersey to Washington DC, Philadelphia, Hersheys, Corning, Niagara Falls and Harvard University Tour Tour code : GOL-NYC-354

4-Day New York/New Jersey to Washington DC, Philadelphia, Hersheys, Corning, Niagara Falls and Harvard University Tour

Departure City : Edison NJ, Flushing NY, Jersey city NJ, New York City NY

Available Days : Mon,Fri (2024-03-21 To 2024-12-29)

Highlights : Visit Niagara Falls, Washington, DC, Philadelphia (Independence Hall).

Buy 2 get 2 free Buy 2 get 1 free

4-Day New York to Niagara Falls, Corning, Philadelphia, Washington DC and Boston City Tour Tour code : GOL-NYC-108

4-Day New York to Niagara Falls, Corning, Philadelphia, Washington DC and Boston City Tour

Departure City : Flushing NY, New York City NY

Available Days : Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun

Highlights : 【Safety First】Travel with thoroughly disinfected sightseeing coach and our professional well-trained tour escort. 【Eastern US】Pack an array of top landmarks and attractions on the east coast, learning more about local culture and history. 【Wonder of Nature】Take an in-depth visit to Niagara Falls, getting astonished by the power of nature and spectacular view! 【World Top University】Walk into the world top ranked universitiy-- Havard University. 【Foodie’s Choice】Grab a bite of authentic local taste, check out the fresh products at Quincy Market and enjoy a real Boston lobster meal.

4-Day Boston to New York, Times Square, Museum of Modern Art, New Haven, Newport and Boston Harbor Cruise Tour Tour code : GOL-BOS-319

4-Day Boston to New York, Times Square, Museum of Modern Art, New Haven, Newport and Boston Harbor Cruise Tour

Available Days : Thursday & Special Dates

Highlights : Go to the Hudson Yards and climb to the top of The Edge with a 360 degree view! Walk around "The Crossroads of the World" at Times Square. Follow us and take a visit to the Museum of Modern Art. Put your taste buds to the test with the most authentic gourmet dishes. Visit the High Line, Chelsea Market, the Vessel, SOHO and Dumbo! Explore the true beauty of the Big Apple and visit the Grand Central, Bryant Park and Little Island.  Visit three top universities in the U.S. at Harvard, Yale and MIT. Official in-depth campus tours of Harvard & Yale University guided by enrolled undergraduate students. Ride on the replica of amphibious military vehicle sightseeing around the city on the Boston duck tour. Visit the Breakers – one of the grandest summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. Grab a bite of authentic local gourmet: Boston lobster dinner & clam chowder.

  • Additional Date: 05/25/2024, 07/02/2024, 08/30/2024
  • For schedules departing from August to October, an additional fee of $50 per room will be charged.

5-Day New York/New Jersey to Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, Washington DC, MIT and Boston Deluxe Tour Tour code : GOL-NYC-239

5-Day New York/New Jersey to Niagara Falls, Philadelphia, Washington DC, MIT and Boston Deluxe Tour

Departure City : Flushing NY, New York City NY, Newark NJ

Available Days : Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

Highlights : Join us on this 5-day pleasant trip and visit New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Niagara Falls, Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Old Fort Niagara, the Whirlpool State Park, Harvard University, MIT, Lincoln Memorial, Corning Glass Museum, Statue of Liberty, USS Intrepid, Wall Street, Madame Tussauds New York, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, White House and Boston.

6-Day Washington DC to Boston, New York, Corning, Niagara Falls, Boston Harbor Cruise and Harvard University In-Depth Tour (Free Airport Pickup) Tour code : GOL-WDC-174A

6-Day Washington DC to Boston, New York, Corning, Niagara Falls, Boston Harbor Cruise and Harvard University In-Depth Tour (Free Airport Pickup)

Departure City : Washington DC

Available Days : Tuesday

Highlights : Visit the nation’s capital at Washington, D.C., and check out its most iconic sites including the White House, Lincoln Memorial and so much more. Visit the Corning Glass Center and watch the exquisite glass craftsmanship. Explore the power of nature and take an in-depth tour to Niagara Falls! Take a ride to the top of One World Trade Center while observing a stunning panoramic view of NYC! Walk around "The Crossroads of the World" at Times Square and take a Liberty Cruise to the icon of freedom.

6-Day New York to Philadelphia, Corning, Niagara Falls, Washington D.C, Boston, Quincy Market and Harvard University In-Depth Tour Tour code : GOL-NYC-573

6-Day New York to Philadelphia, Corning, Niagara Falls, Washington D.C, Boston, Quincy Market and Harvard University In-Depth Tour

Available Days : Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun

Highlights : Two-day tour of New York to explore city landmarks from a panoramic perspective! Explore the historic cities in the East Coast and feel the charm of the new capital and the old. Participate in in-depth activities and feel the majestic momentum of the great falls! Take a visit the world-top school—Harvard University! Enjoy the authentic Boston lobster in the famous Quincy Market!

6-Day Boston to Harvard University, Corning, Niagara Falls, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC Tour (Free Airport Pickup) Tour code : GOL-BOS-213A

6-Day Boston to Harvard University, Corning, Niagara Falls, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC Tour (Free Airport Pickup)

Available Days : Wed & Sat

Highlights : Take a ride to the top of One World Trade Center while observing a stunning panoramic view of NYC! Walk around "The Crossroads of the World" at Times Square and take a Liberty Cruise to the icon of freedom. Take a trip to Washington D.C. and Niagara Falls for an unforgettable trip! We prioritize your safety by traveling with thoroughly disinfected sightseeing coaches and our professional well-trained tour escort. Visit the nation’s capital at Washington, D.C., and check out its most iconic sites including the White House, Lincoln Memorial and so much more. Visit the Corning Glass Center and watch the exquisite glass craftsmanship. Explore the power of nature and take an in-depth tour to Niagara Falls! Walk into two of the world top ranked universities -- Havard University and MIT.

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Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

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

Getting there

Harvard University Campus

1376 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, 02138

Select date and session

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Take A Harvard Campus Tour on Your Visit to Boston

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Harvard University

It’s time to get wicked smart on your trip to Boston . A visit to the wonderful city of Boston wouldn’t be complete without taking a Harvard campus tour. After all, there’s so much history there.

I really wanted to visit Harvard University when I was in Boston. But I didn’t actually realize you could take a tour and walk around the university. In fact, the tours are run by students. What a great idea!

I was hoping for some serious osmosis just by being in the vicinity of this world renowned college. Still waiting for that to kick in – let’s hope you have more luck. But if you want to give it a go, keep reading to find more about this fun, unique tour.

Where is Harvard?

Harvard University is in Cambridge Massachusetts , on the other side of the river to Boston . Also in Cambridge is MIT (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology). That’s a lot of smart people in one small place.

Cambridge is a short distance from downtown Boston and is a stop on most city tours. I took a hop on-hop off bus tour when I was there with my parents and we could get off to walk around Cambridge and Harvard before getting back on.

How do I get there?

If you are not taking part in one of these bus tours , then you can still easily get to Harvard. The university has a stop on the red line of the MBTA subway. Clearly marked as Harvard you can’t get off at the wrong stop. If you do, then you might not be Harvard material.

The Harvard campus tour leaves from just outside the Harvard MBTA station

The train journey is less than 15 minutes from downtown Boston if you’re along the Red Line . I stayed at the Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel, where there was a Green Line subway right outside. I connected at Park Street station and was there in only 20 minutes.

How much is the tour?

The Harvard campus tour is $14 for adults. We didn’t book our tickets in advance, but if you are traveling in the summer months when it might be busier this could be a good idea.

Gratuities are not included, but this is a fully guided tour and the students who lead the tours work really hard at delivering the best tour possible . So $14 is a really reasonable price for what you learn. To book your tour in advance, check out this Viator link .

What time does the Harvard campus tour run?

The tours go multiple times a day, seven days a week. From December to February inclusive the tours are more limited so make sure to check in advance. But all other times of year there are at least 4 or 5 tour start times. In the summer months June to August there are about a dozen times with the tour leaving every half hour between 10am and 4pm .

statue of John Harvard which we learned a lot about on the Harvard campus tour

Will there be a lot of walking?

The Harvard campus tour is just over an hour long. It starts right outside the subway station and you’ll walk in through the university gates, around the yard and past some of the more historic buildings.

All in all you end up walking about a mile, but there are plenty of stops to listen to stories and the guides walk at a relaxed pace . We had a large group and no-one had trouble keeping up. We spent time around the college both before and after our tour though, so if you plan on doing the same make sure you have comfortable footwear.

Tell me more about Harvard

I thought you’d never ask! Well, I don’t want to give away all of the tour information, but I can tell you a couple of things about Harvard University that I found interesting.

As a total bibliophile I was amazed at how many books this university holds. I bet you can’t guess. Well there are 77 libraries. That’s right SEVENTY SEVEN! Between them all they hold over 18 million books .

The biggest of these libraries is Widener Library holding over 3 million books by itself. It goes six stories down and you’d walk two marathons (52 miles) to go past the same book twice if you went around it all. Harry Elkins Widener was a book collector who died in the Titanic disaster of 1912, and the library was commissioned by his mother in his honor.

Widener Memorial Library, Harvard University

Harvard University has had a number of famous residents. 8 US Presidents studied here, as well as countless other notable figures . Not all of the famous attendees finished studying at Harvard – Matt Damon and Mark Zuckerberg included. Although this is the university where Facebook began.

In Harvard Yard is a statue that has one foot much shinier than the rest of the statue. This is the statue of John Harvard, one of the founders of Harvard college. Touching his left foot is apparently lucky, hence the one shiny foot.

The biggest issue with the statue though is not the misdirected faith in good fortune coming from touching it, but that this is not actually John Harvard. See, when the statue was commissioned over 200 years after his death, they realized no-one knew what he looked like. So this statue takes inspiration from a descendant of one of the college’s earlier Presidents instead.

So what do you see on the Harvard campus tour?

Well our tour started with a walk through the side of Johnston Gate, the large wrought iron gate that leads to Harvard Yard. Most of the time the gate is closed. Why? Well because if you haven’t guessed it yet, there are a few superstitions when it comes to Harvard.

A big one is that you should only pass through the gate twice. Once on your first day as a Freshman, the next after you graduate. Any more and it’s considered bad luck.

Johnston Gate, Harvard University. The first stop on our Harvard campus tour

We walked past the office of the President of Harvard, and into the main Harvard Yard. Here we were told about the people who have studied here and they told us a bit about the student housing (and the luck of the draw that comes with it).

We saw the statue of John Harvard. Well, almost (see above). Then walked through the yard, and across campus to the are that holds Praine Hall and the Sanders Theater, two of the larger structures where students gather for concerts and events.

Continuing around the perimeter we passed old buildings, museums and learned historic facts about the great university. I feel like I knew Harvard just by seeing it in so many movies. Channeling my inner Elle Woods, I soaked up as much Harvard knowledge as I could during this impressive Harvard campus tour.

What about the tour guide?

As I mentioned before the tour guides are all students. So what does this mean? Well it means they know a heck of a lot about this university. They eat, breathe and sleep Harvard. They worked their asses off to get there, and the excitement and pride shows in every story they tell . Our guide was incredibly personable and informative, and kept us all smiling throughout.

She was originally from Colorado and told us all about her dream to go to Harvard, the application process and the benefits of studying at Harvard. What I found most impressive is that Harvard is one of the top universities that is supported by financial aid for students.

Any student whose family earns less than $60,000 a year does not have to pay for tuition. While attending Harvard is by no means a free ride (accommodation and school supplies still add up), it is good to know that you don’t have to come from an investment banker family to be able to afford one of America’s top colleges.

walking through the Harvard campus

Where can I buy some Harvard swag?

After the tour of the inner Harvard campus, the tour heads out into the streets of Cambridge , the small university town where the college is located. We had a number of shops, restaurants and pubs pointed out to us. But at the end of the Harvard campus tour we were taken to the Harvard shop where we said goodbye to our tour guide, and hello to Harvard branded everything .

Sweaters, t-shirts, mugs, stickers…you name it! If you want anything with a giant H on it, you’re in luck. Some of the items are more reasonably priced than others but a sweater is most likely going to set you back about $50.

Read more about some of the best food in Boston including Mike’s Pastry located in Cambridge, right outside of Harvard University .

Should I do this Harvard campus tour?

If you’re visiting Boston and you have an afternoon free then definitely. The first time I was in Boston I didn’t get to Harvard as I thought it was quite far. Boy was I wrong, it was super easy to get to. I’m glad I managed to get there though, and this tour was one of the best things I did in the city. It was unique and informative, and the students who run these tours are champs.

I would highly recommend you take this tour if you’re visiting Boston. Prepare to get smarter, and when you get home you can honestly use the phrase “well, when I was at Harvard…”. They don’t know you were only there for an afternoon!

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you taken a Harvard campus tour? Or something similar?

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10 thoughts on “Take A Harvard Campus Tour on Your Visit to Boston”

I’ve been on the Harvard campus a few times but never realized there was a tour available. Seems like a great way to understand the history of the place.

Great detailed info! I didn’t know about the Harvard Tour when I visited Boston in October.

So cool that you can do a tour run by students! Definitely something I’d love to do when I’m in the area!

Wow, what a neat thing to be able to do! And such great information. Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

This is so fascinating!! I would absolutely love to visit Harvard and do the campus tour one day!

Woah I never thought Harvard had that many libraries! That’s wild! I love how thorough this guide is- this really seems like a must- do for a trip to Boston

Flashback!! I’ve been to Boston almost 10 years ago, visiting a friend back then. We also stopped by Harvard.

This is awesome! My son is going to graduate school at Boston University in the fall and I’m excited about visiting this famous campus!

A place with so much history! It’s somewhere I’ll definitely make sure to visit when I get to Boston. That’s so many books!

Thanks for the great article! I recently visited Boston and had the opportunity to take a Harvard campus tour. It was an amazing experience! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a great overview of the history and culture of the university. I was also able to explore the beautiful grounds and take in the stunning architecture. It was a great way to get a feel for the campus and learn more about Harvard. Highly recommend taking a tour if you’re ever in Boston!

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Everything about tourist attractions

Harvard Tours – tickets, prices, discounts, what to expect

Tourists on an Harvard Tour

If you couldn’t make it to Harvard University, then worry not! You can still explore the campus – just book a  through Harvard Campus Tour. 

A Harvard tour gives you insights into campus life and tells you why it is the best institute in the world. 

The tour revolves around exploring Harvard History, Harvard Culture, and Famous Harvardians.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Harvard Campus Tour.

Top Harvard Tours

#  70-minute group tour

Table of contents

What to expect, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, harvard tour ticket prices, harvard tour tickets, where do harvard tours start from, how long does the harvard tour last, is a tour of harvard worth it, sites you will see on the harvard tour, what to bring on the tour, things to know before starting a tour, faqs about the harvard walking tour.

The Harvard tours introduce you to the dynamic Harvard History, Harvard Culture, and Famous Harvardians. 

Harvard campus tour covers many landmarks such as Harvard Square, Harvard Yard, the John Harvard Statue (the university founder), Harvard Lampoon, and many more. 

All the tour guides are Harvard students who are charismatic, engaging, and enthusiastic. 

These guides make Harvard tours more like a show or a theatre filled with non-stop fun and entertainment. 

With the students’ guides by your side, you get to learn interesting facts about the university, its hidden secrets, and stories of popular Harvardians like Mark Zuckerberg, Barack Obama, Conan O’Brien, and many more. 

Harvard tours are designed to entertain both adults and children. AAA Magazine called them “great for families!” The tour guides cater to guests of all ages and families. 

Tickets for the Harvard tour are available to be purchased at the attraction or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid standing in long queues and wasting time.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

Go to the Harvard tour booking page , select your preferred date and time and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

Show the smartphone tickets at the meeting point on the day of your visit and begin your adventure.

Adult tickets for the Harvard Tour are available for US$23 for visitors aged between 18 and 64 years.

For children between four and 17 years of age, tickets are available for US$21.

Senior Citizens aged 65 and above can get the tickets for US$22.

Infants up to three years of age do not require a ticket.

Hahvahd Tour starts from Harvard Square

Experience Harvard University like never before with a guided walking tour.

Explore the campus while learning about the oldest university in the USA and its notable landmarks.

The tour will be led by a student guide who will share interesting anecdotes about life at Harvard.

In addition, the ticket also includes an illustrated map of Harvard Square.

The tour route covers a distance of less than one mile.

Ticket Prices

Adult ticket (18 to 64 years): US$23 Senior ticket (65+ years): US$22 Child ticket (4 to 17 years): US$21 Infant tickets (up to 3 years): Free

Along with their Harvard Campus Tour, some tourists prefer to book a group tour of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology .

The Harvard campus tour starts from Harvard Square. 

Located at the junction of Massachusetts Avenue, Brattle Street, and John F. Kennedy Street, Harvard Square is thronged by visitors, students, and artists daily. 

You’ll find your tour guides outside the Harvard Red Line Subway Station next to the Out of Town News Kiosk. Get Directions

The closest street address is 1380 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138.

The 70-minute Harvard Tour is available throughout the week.

Visitors can choose between tour slots starting at 10 am and continuing every half hour till 4.30 pm. 

The Harvard walking tour lasts for about 70 minutes. 

There are umpteen stops on the 1-mile (1.6 km) long tour.

The tour guides will tell you the stories and significance of various landmarks you pass by.  

Established in 1636, Harvard is America’s oldest university and perhaps the most famous institution of higher education on the planet. Harvard is very much worth visiting.

This prestigious university contains tall buildings, libraries packed with books, and iconic sites that are breathtaking. 

Whether you’re a student or not, the campus has much to please your mind and soul. 

Since the students will walk you through the campus, you get an insider perspective about the university. 

All of this makes the Harvard Tour worth your money and time.

You’ll walk through the university gates, around the yard, and past some historic buildings with Harvard Tour guides. 

The major sites covered under Harvard Tours are:

Harvard Square

It is a commercial center in Cambridge with streets lined with cafes, restaurants, retail stores, cinemas, and bookstores. 

Johnston Gate

This majestic gate takes you to the world of knowledge and wisdom. It is one of the many doorways to Harvard Yard.

Harvard Yard

It is the heart of Harvard University, enclosed by wrought iron fences, walls, and a thick canopy of trees. The John Harvard Statue is situated in this beautiful yard. 

Science Center

It is a place for science and math buffs who experiment and do research.

Memorial Hall

The cornerstone of the building was laid in 1870 in memory of those who laid down their lives during the Civil War. 

New College Theatre

It hosts several theatrical and musical performances of Harvard students every year. NCT is also open to the general public to enjoy the performances of Harvard-affiliated groups and performers. 

The Harvard Lampoon

Sometimes referred to as “Lampoon Castle,” this sturdy castle consists of an office, library, dining hall, and a lounge. It is famous for publishing comic and humor magazines. 

Lowell Bell Tower

This blue-capped bell tower is in proximity to Harvard Yard and Harvard Square. It houses the iconic Russian bells.

It is better to come prepared for the weather to avoid surprises.

When coming for the tour, you can bring along the following items-

  • Comfortable shoes

Before starting the campus tour, keep in mind the following points-

  • The tour will go on despite rain or sunshine.
  • Reach the tour’s starting point (Harvard Square) at least 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time. 

The tour does not take you inside any of the buildings.

Here are some questions visitors usually ask before taking the Harvard Walking Tour.

The tour includes a guided walk through Harvard Yard and visits to various historic buildings on campus.

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Yes, it is best to buy tickets in advance to ensure availability and have a hassle-free experience.

The tours last approximately 70 minutes.

Yes, the tours are wheelchair accessible.

Yes, you can bring a backpack or bag on the tour, but it will be subject to security screening.

Yes, there is a gift shop at the Harvard University Information Center where you can purchase souvenirs and other items related to Harvard University.

No, pets are not allowed on the tour.

Yes, cameras are allowed, and visitors are free to take photographs.

Yes, restrooms are available at the Harvard University Information Center.

Sources # College.harvard.edu # Harvard.edu # Apply.college.harvard.edu # Seas.harvard.edu The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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# Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum # Boston Trolley Tours # New England Aquarium # Boston Ghost Tours # Zoo New England # Codzilla Boston # Fenway Park tours # Boston Harbor Cruises # Whale Watching in Boston # Harvard Tours # Boston Duck Tours

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This article was researched & written by

Nishtha Nogia

Nishtha Nogia loves to explore new places with family and friends. She travels to weave stories packed with fun, surprises, and laughter. For her, traveling is all about hogging local cuisines, interacting with people, and creating lifelong memories. She has a travel bucket list ready and is waiting to start ticking them one by one. Favourite Cities: Seoul, Paris, New York, and Istanbul.

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Cambridge: Harvard University Student-Guided Walking Tour

boston harvard university tour

About the activity

Explore Harvard University, located near Boston, on a guided walking tour. Stroll through the campus with a current student, learn about the USA's oldest university, and see its notable landmarks.

  • Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
  • Live guiding English
  • Start times - Available today 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM +3 more
  • Duration 70 minutes
  • Walking tour
  • Student guide
  • Illustrated map of Harvard Square
  • Food and drinks
  • Discover Harvard University and its rich history with a guided walking tour
  • Get an insider's perspective on Harvard culture and daily life from a student
  • Learn about some of the famous people to attend Harvard throughout history
  • See major university landmarks including Memorial Hall and Widener Library
  • Experience the pace of student life as you walk through the historic grounds

Description

Join a student-led walking tour of Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, around 10 kilometers from Boston. Discover the historic campus through the eyes of a student and visit highlights including the John Harvard Statue and Memorial Hall. Meet your guide in the heart of Harvard Square, and set off on your walk through 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. 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. Gain an insider's perspective on one of the world's most prestigious universities, and hear about famous figures that have attended throughout its long and illustrious history. Experience the pace of student life as you stroll through the grounds.

  • The tour route covers less than 1 mile
  • The route is wheelchair accessible
  • Parking validation is available

Reviews & Ratings

Similar activities in cambridge (1).

From Boston: Guided Bike Tour of Cambridge

From Boston: Guided Bike Tour of Cambridge

Bike across the beautiful Charles River from Boston during this 2.5-hour guided tour. See sights from the Cambridge-side, including hot spots like Harvard and MIT.

  • 2.5 hours • Guiding available • Available tomorrow

Frequently Asked Questions

Prices & booking.

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Harvard University Walking Tour

boston harvard university 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 .

Where is Harvard University

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 discount 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 .  

boston harvard university tour

Click on the map for a larger version.

Out-of-Town-News-Harvard-Square s

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

Harvard-Lampoon-Building s

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

Harvard-Adams-House s

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.

Crimson-Building-Harvard s

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

Wigglesworth-Hall-Harvard s

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".

Statue-of-John-Harvard s

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

Harvard-Massachusetts-Hall-John-Adams s

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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IMAGES

  1. Take A Harvard Campus Tour on Your Visit to Boston

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  2. Harvard University Campus Tour from Boston

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  3. Harvard University Campus Tour from Boston

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  4. Boston: Harvard University Guided Walking Tour with Student

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COMMENTS

  1. Campus Tours

    Visit Harvard is a free mobile app by the Harvard Visitor Center that features a collection of self-guided tours centered around the Harvard University experience. The Visit Harvard mobile app can be downloaded by anyone with a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, to be enjoyed from wherever you might be visiting, whether it's in-person at Harvard or from the comfort of your own home.

  2. Visit

    Tours. Mysterious facts, hidden gems, iconic figures, famous traditions, world-changing ideas, and everyday quirks—explore these and more on the official Harvard tours. Our tours are led by students and are offered both in-person, on campus and virtually. In addition, self-guided tours are offered on the Visit Harvard mobile app, available to ...

  3. Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

    Boston City 6 Hour Private Walking Tour. from $149.60. $176.00 $26.40 savings. Price varies by group size. Boston, Massachusetts. Public Small Group Walking Tour of the Full Boston Freedom Trail. 648. from $35.00. Boston, Massachusetts.

  4. Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

    Explore one of the best college campuses in the country during this brief Harvard University walking tour. Led by a student guide, enjoy a unique and personal insight into life at Ivy League institution "Hahvahd", while also learning about the school's history as you tour the historical buildings, monuments, and outdoor spaces. from. $23.00.

  5. Public Tours 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 ...

  6. Trademark Tours presents Harvard University

    Experience the famous traditions! Harvard Starting location: 1380 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge MA (Outside The Harvard Shop) MIT Starting location: 255 Main Street, Cambridge MA 02142 (Outside Chipotle Restaurant) Book your Public Tour of Harvard or MIT. Submit a Private Group Tour Request.

  7. Campus

    Visit Harvard Ideas and assistance for your trip to our campus. Tours; Maps and Directions; Tour Providers ... The Harvard Gazette Official news from Harvard University about science, medicine, art, campus life, ... Our three main campuses—in Cambridge, Allston, and Boston—are a home to students and faculty, a hub of research and innovation ...

  8. Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour from $23

    2024 Walking & Biking Tours in Boston: Check out 1783 reviews and photos of the Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour. Book now from $23!

  9. Cambridge: Harvard University Student-Guided Walking Tour

    Join a student-led walking tour of Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, around 10 kilometers from Boston. Discover the historic campus through the eyes of a student and visit highlights including the John Harvard Statue and Memorial Hall. Meet your guide in the heart of Harvard Square, and set off on your walk through ...

  10. Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour 2023

    For anyone thinking of attending Harvard, or for those who simply want a glimpse of college life at the famous university, this tour is a must. Get an exclusive account from current Harvard students, who provide key insights into the life and times at Cambridge with a theatrical, humorous flair. Check out the old buildings at Harvard Yard and Harvard Square and learn about the school's ...

  11. Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour 2023

    For anyone thinking of attending Harvard, or for those who simply want a glimpse of college life at the famous university, this tour is a must. Get an exclusive account from current Harvard students, who provide key insights into the life and times at Cambridge with a theatrical, humorous flair. Check out the old buildings at Harvard Yard and Harvard Square and learn about the school's ...

  12. Harvard University Campus Tour from Boston

    24 Jan 2020. Harvard's top students are very warm and detailed, and it is recommended. Klook User. 15 Jan 2020. The people who led the tour were Harvard students, and every time they went to the campus building, they could introduce the anecdote anecdotes and push them. Klook User. 21 Sep 2023.

  13. Visit

    Harvard Museum of Natural History is one of the Boston attractions offered by Go City. Discover 40+ top Boston attractions and save up to 55% with Go City.Choose between a 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7-day All-Inclusive Pass and get exploring—visit the Paul Revere House, get hands-on at the Museum of Science, hop on an entertaining guided trolley tour and meet the critters at New England Aquarium.

  14. Plan a Visit

    The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University 125 Arborway Boston, MA 02130-3500. Phone 617.524.1718. Fax 617.524.1418. Email [email protected]. Hours & Admissions. ... Visit this Wonder Spot at the Arboretum to check out all of the living things that call fallen trees and branches home. Learn More.

  15. Harvard University Tour Tickets

    Take the Harvard University Tour with Go City®. With us, there are no entry fees on the day - all you've got to do is show your pass. Experience the Hahvahd Tour, a 70-minute guided tour of the university campus and historic buildings led by a current Harvard student. Don't forget to check out the other attractions included with your pass.

  16. Guided Tours Of Harvard University Campus

    Available Days : Thu & Sat. Highlights : Visit two top universities in the U.S. at Harvard and MIT. Official in-depth campus tour of Harvard guided by enrolled undergraduate students. Ride on the Boston harbor cruise for... Show All. $96.03/. $99.00. Save:$2.97 View Details. Admission ticket to Boston Harbor Cruise.

  17. Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour Boston Tickets

    🌟 Enjoy a guided tour of America's oldest university 🏛️ Visit Harvard landmarks such as the Johnston Gate, the John Harvard Statue, Memorial Hall and more! ... Boston Ghost Tour. $75.00. Boston North End: Food Tour. $68.00. Boston City View Bike Tour. $129.00. Boston: Freedom Trail Food Tour. From $9.95. Lexington Battle Green Tour.

  18. Take A Harvard Campus Tour on Your Visit to Boston

    A visit to the wonderful city of Boston wouldn't be complete without taking a Harvard campus tour. After all, there's so much history there. I really wanted to visit Harvard University when I was in Boston. But I didn't actually realize you could take a tour and walk around the university. In fact, the tours are run by students. What a ...

  19. Harvard Tours

    Harvard Tour Ticket prices. Adult tickets for the Harvard Tour are available for US$23 for visitors aged between 18 and 64 years. For children between four and 17 years of age, tickets are available for US$21. Senior Citizens aged 65 and above can get the tickets for US$22. Infants up to three years of age do not require a ticket.

  20. Boston: Harvard University Guided Walking Tour with Student

    Tour America's oldest university, located 10 km from Boston. Journey through Harvard Yard with a current student and hear tales of the history and culture as you see landmarks and monuments.

  21. Don't Miss The Fascinating Harvard University Tour In Boston

    The 70 minute Harvard University tours, or HahVahd tours, are guided by Harvard University students. Our guide, Tim graduated with a history concentration (major) just a few days before taking our tour. Harvard tours cost $12. They are on the GO Boston Card which is worth getting if you intend to visit several attractions in Boston.

  22. Harvard University Walking Tour with Map

    Best Harvard Tour is The Hahvahd Tour! Watch on. 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 discount card) Book your tour here.

  23. Harvard University Walking Tour (Self Guided), Boston

    Harvard University Walking Tour (Self Guided), Boston. The United States' oldest institution of higher education (and, of course, among the most prestigious), Harvard was established in 1636. Reverend John Harvard, who bequeathed his entire library and half of his estate, is the University's namesake. Presidents, billionaires and Rhodes ...