Harvard University
4.6(6.3K)google
4.2(186)yelp
FamilyDate SpotFall FoliageOutdoorPhoto SpotCity LandmarkFreeMust-SeeEducationalHistoric Building
Overview
Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Founded in 1636, and named Harvard College in 1639 in honor of its first benefactor, Puritan clergyman John Harvard, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Its influence, wealth, and rankings have made it one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Practical Info
Mon–Fri8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat–SunClosed
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeThe ideal time to visit is during the commencement season (May to June) or peak autumn foliage (September to October) for vibrant campus views. Aim for 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM to enjoy soft morning lighting and avoid the heavy afternoon tour groups while exploring Harvard Yard.
Getting TherePublic transit is highly recommended. Take the MBTA Red Line subway directly to Harvard Station; the exits open right into Harvard Square and the main campus gates. If driving from downtown Boston, follow Massachusetts Ave northwest, though parking is extremely scarce.
Travel Tips
- Traffic around Harvard Square is heavy and no visitor parking is provided on campus; take the MBTA Red Line directly to Harvard Station or use the P+R garage at Alewife Station to ride the subway in.
- Official student-led walking tours do not accept walk-ups; timed-entry reservations open every Friday for the following week on the Visitor Center site, otherwise you must use the $3 self-guided map.
- All core academic buildings, residential houses, and the interior of Widener Library are strictly locked to non-ID holders; tailgating students through secure electronic gates is legally prohibited.
Reviews
Positive
- The red brick buildings in Harvard Yard exude academic majesty and deep history; rubbing John Harvard's shiny shoe is a quintessential ritual experience.
- Signage throughout the campus is very clear, with detailed multilingual maps and guide brochures provided in front of major museums and historic halls.
- The official student-led walking tour (The Hahvahd Tour) is phenomenal, with current Harvard students providing an interactive, theatrical, and witty guide.
- Taking the MBTA Red Line subway straight from downtown Boston to Harvard Square makes commuting effortless, as the campus sits right outside the station.
Heads up
- As an active university campus, the vast majority of iconic academic halls, libraries, and dorms are strictly closed to the general public.
- Most university academic areas do not allow tourists to use their restrooms, forcing visitors to find facilities in nearby commercial shops, which is inconvenient.
- The official student tours require booking far in advance during peak season, and the on-site service window has massive queues with little multilingual support.
- The surrounding Harvard Square area has become overly commercialized, with quirky independent bookstores replaced by generic corporate chains.