Guided Tours

Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT and Harvard Walking Tour

Memorial Hall at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, with its distinctive Gothic architecture.

Stratton Center's unique architecture in Cambridge, Massachusetts, featuring reflective and angular designs.

Stratton Student Center in Cambridge, Boston with sculpture and bicycles in front.

Harvard Yard red brick building in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Duration

3 hr 30 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Led by a professional local guide, this walking tour covers both MIT and Harvard, with subway fare between campuses included.

Dive into the quirky history of MIT "hacks," legendary pranks, and stories that make campus life unforgettable.

Marvel at architecture by I.M. Pei and Frank Gehry, plus Harvard’s iconic "Statue of Three Lies" and historic Harvard Yard.

Experience a small group setting, maximum 30 guests, ensuring a more personal and interactive tour.

Professional local tour guide

Subway fare between MIT and Harvard

Small group experience (maximum 30 guests)

Food and beverages

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Explore the storied campuses of MIT and Harvard on a 3.5-hour guided walking tour with a local expert and included subway fare.

Getting started

Meet your guide outside the MIT Sign near Ripple Cafe, where you’ll receive a brief introduction and overview of the walking route. Your guide will confirm your group and subway fare before setting off to explore MIT’s campus.

What to expect

MIT and Harvard Campuses

Walk through two of the world’s most influential academic institutions, each with a legacy of innovation, historic architecture, and unique traditions. This tour covers both campuses, blending campus legends, architectural highlights, and local stories.

Features

MIT Great Dome: See the iconic dome, famous for student pranks like the police car “hack,” and learn about its role in MIT’s culture.

Stata Center: Marvel at Frank Gehry’s unconventional design, a striking example of modern architecture on campus.

Green Building: Discover I.M. Pei’s only high-rise at MIT and hear about the creative use of its windows in student pranks.

Harvard Yard: Stroll through the heart of Harvard, surrounded by centuries-old buildings and the legendary “Statue of Three Lies.”

Widener Memorial Library: Stand on the steps of Harvard’s main library and hear the poignant story behind its founding.

Wadsworth House: Visit one of Harvard’s oldest buildings, where George Washington once stayed during the American Revolution.

MBTA Subway Ride: Experience Boston’s historic subway as you travel between campuses, with fare included in your tour.

Small group experience: Enjoy a more personal tour with a maximum of 30 guests, led by a professional local guide.

What to bring

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour includes about 3 hours of walking.

Bring weather-appropriate clothing; tours run rain or shine.

Bring an umbrella or raincoat if rain is forecast.

Carry a bottle of water and any personal essentials you may need during the walk.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on the tour.

Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

Smoking, alcohol, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited during the tour.

Strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended, as access inside buildings cannot be guaranteed.

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair or stroller accessible inside buildings.

The tour involves extended walking and may include uneven surfaces and stairs.

Additional information

The tour operates in all weather conditions; please dress accordingly.

Children of all ages are welcome, but the tour may not be suitable for those requiring stroller or wheelchair access.

On weekdays, some MIT buildings are open; on weekends and major holidays, MIT buildings are closed, and the tour remains outside.

Harvard does not allow public tours inside any buildings; all Harvard stops are exterior only.

The meeting point is at the MIT Sign and map outside the Ripple Cafe.

Subway fare between MIT and Harvard is included in your ticket.

Food, beverages, gratuities, and hotel pickup/drop-off are not included.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 30 guests for a small group experience.