Hotels near Harvard University and Cambridge

Across the Charles River in Cambridge, Harvard University is the oldest university in the United States, founded in 1636, and its tree-shaded Harvard Yard is open for wandering. The red-brick halls, the statue of John Harvard with its famous lucky foot, and the surrounding museums make it a rewarding half day.

Harvard Square around it buzzes with bookshops, cafes and street musicians, and student-led tours offer an entertaining insider take on campus life and legends. The neighbouring Massachusetts Institute of Technology and its striking modern architecture are a short ride further along the river.

Pro Tip: Join a free or low-cost student-guided campus tour for the stories you will not get wandering alone, then explore Harvard Square's independent bookshops. The Harvard Museum of Natural History, with its famous glass flowers, is an underrated stop nearby.