10 Walking Tours in Cambridge That You Shouldn't Miss

June 16, 2021 Tynisha Seiler

Home to two of America's most prestigious universities, Cambridge exudes a certain intellectual quirkiness. A mix of historical haunts, student hang-outs, alternative art and culture venues, vintage clothing shops, bookstores and ethnic restaurants, the city is, well, really cool. Although it is located just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge has a distinct vibe that is noticeable immediately. Start at Harvard Square, a hub of activity and mishmash of trendy stores, outdoor cafes and colorful local characters. Pick up a walking tour map at the visitors information booth in the center of the Square. The route will take you past many important landmarks including the Mount Auburn Cemetery, Tory Row and the Longfellow National Historic Site. Harvard University offers student-led tours through the illustrious buildings and monuments of its sprawling campus. Art and architecture buffs should meander around the M.I.T campus, which includes outdoor sculptures by masters such as Picasso and 20th-century buildings designed by modern greats like Eero Saarinen and I. M. Pei. Along the way, browse through bookstores, stop to watch street performers and grab a coffee at an outdoor café to take in all this captivating city has to offer.
Restaurants in Cambridge

1. New York To Boston in One Day

371 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA Royal City Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Come discover beautiful Boston. Let us take care of your transportation and itinerary. Your only job is to sit back and enjoy Boston. We even offer convenient pick-up locations. We will explore the best Boston has to offer: • Fenway Park stadium home to the Boston Red Sox • Harvard University Main campus: Harvard Yard, Old Yard, John Harvard Statue, Johnston Gate, Harvard souvenir store. • Copley Square: Trinity church, Fairmont Copley Hotel, Boston Public Library, John Hancock Tower, “End line” to Boston Marathon. • Boston Common and the public gardens   • Freedom trail: Massachusetts State house, Old state House, Granary Burying ground, Kings chapel, Faneuil hall. • Quincy Market Boston has so much to offer and we will show you the best of it.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Transport by air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Souvenirs (available to purchase)

Reviewed By Silverstreak11

Great tour with excellent views of the Manhattan skyline. Our guide Daniel was great and well informed. Highly recommend!

2. Private Group Walking Tour of Harvard University

1376 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA The Hahvahd Tour
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Enjoy this 90-minute, private tour of Harvard University for you and your guests! The tour is completely customizable to fit your group’s needs. Throughout this tour, your informative guide – a current university student – will offer a unique perspective of college life at the famed institution. As you tour the grounds, be entertained by your guide’s stories and Harvard lore – partly scripted and partly shared from personal experience. Learn about the most famous people that attended Harvard, hear historical anecdotes and get an insider’s view on current college life. After a stop at the Plaza, Winthrop Park and Mt Auburn Street in Harvard Square, complete your tour at the Harvard Cooperative Society (COOP), the University’s official bookstore.

Inclusions: Personal guide for your group, 90 minute private tour of Harvard University

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By CinScho

Just what we needed after being isolated for a year! The tour was one of our first forays into the world as we ease off pandemic restrictions. It was a perfect outdoor activity--combining safe interactions with other humans with an entertaining, educational experience. The pace was perfect... a leisurely walk without lingering anywhere too long. The guide told engaging stories and insights about campus life and history.

3. Tour-in-Four -- A Private four hour walking & driving city tour

Boston Sightseeing Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Private tours are priced per GROUP, not per person. This amazing tour is for those who want more than a driving tour but not a ton of walking.(aprox. 90 minute walk) Stroll through the historic North End. Have a snack from a famous North End pastry shop. Go inside the Old North Church and see Paul Revere's house, Explore Copp's Hill Burial Ground and learn about the "Spite House", the "Brink's Job" robbery. and the Great Molasses Flood. Visit the USS Constitution, and go up Bunker Hill where the first organized battle of the Revolutionary war took place. Learn how the Colonists lost that battle but won at the same time. Ride through Downtown, up Beacon Hill, The Back Bay, Fenway and over to Cambridge to see Harvard & MIT. You will see the entire city in half a day. ​Learn all about our history as well as what makes Boston such a great 21st century city. We can confirm tour start time after booking is complete. Weekday tours during the school year tours can only start after 2:30PM

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water

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Reviewed By L1857PAandreac

Neal, Richard and everyone at Boston Sightseeing Tours are wonderful to work with. Their knowledge of the city is unparalleled and they always keep things fun for my students.

4. Day Trip to Boston & Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.

688 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA Amigo Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Don’t miss the opportunity to spend a day visiting one of the most historic cities in the United States: Boston, and on your way back to New York, making a stop at the ultimate shopping destination: The Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets. You day will begin at 4:00 am at Times Square where you will meet your guide and board a comfortable motorcoach. After an approximate 4.5 hrs drive you will arrive to one of the oldest cities in the United States. Founded in 1630, Boston was the scene of several key events of the American Revolution.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bilingual professional guide (English and Spanish)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pick up and drop off, Souvenirs, Food and drinks

Reviewed By lheh2020

HORRIBLE!! THIS COMPANY IS A SCAM!!!!!! BEWARE! DO NOT BOOK! My daughters and I traveled to NY to take the 5 borough trip. We were told to meet outside of the Hyatt Hotel. The bus never showed and the tour company could not reach Amigo Tours!! Amigo Tours is not reputable, and,are scam artists. Any company that doesn't have a working contact number is ridiculous!! I am an attorney and will be taking legal action against this company!! Once we are refunded the money from the company we booked through, I will be filing a class action consumer suit against Amigo Tours!! You scammed the wrong Lawyer!!!!

5. Lonely Planet Experiences: Private Walking Tour of Cambridge with a local

Washington Elm, Fay House, 10 Garden St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA Travel Curious - Boston
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

On your private, guided tour of Cambridge with a local: - Enjoy meaningful insights from a local - Hear how locals describe Cambridge and Boston - the experiences that have made the two cities inextricable and those that have let them drift apart - Spend a few hours walking around the town’s two universities, and strolling the Charles River with a private, local guide - Pick up invaluable recommendations, advice, tips and reassurance as you explore highlights and off-the-beaten-track side streets - Grab a drink - a coffee or beer - in your local guide’s favourite watering hole - Learn first-hand what locals love about Cambridge from someone who knows the place inside-out

Inclusions: A craft beer or coffee at a local institution, A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group, Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places

Exclusions: Food and additional drink, although your guide will be happy to help, Cost of transportation on the day (if required), Gratuities (optional)

6. Ultimate Boston Self-Guided Combo Tour

Boston Common, 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111, USA Boston City Day Trips
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore Boston, Cambridge, Cape Ann, and more! This package covers Boston's iconic Freedom Trail (Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, & more), Harvard University, the Harborwalk, and a scenic waterfront drive around nearby Cape Ann. This is the ultimate "must-do" package for a trip to Boston and New England. This self-guided tour allows you to explore Boston’s historic wonders with maximum flexibility and value. Purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time! Within 30 mins we'll send you a unique password and an app. Download the app onto your phone, enter the password, and download tours. Head over to the first stop. Launch the app and simply follow the instructions from there! Stick to our recommended route and speed limit for the best experience. No expiration — the tour is available from the minute you book until forever! This tour does not include entrance to attractions along the route. Check pandemic rules and opening hours before your visit.

Inclusions: Freedom Trail Tour (Languages: English, Spanish, Chinese), Harborwalk and Tea Party Tour, Scenic Cape Ann Tour, Harvard Yard Tour, Cape Cod and Provincetown Tour, GPS Map, Audios and Text, Online Support

Exclusions: Admission to Paid Attractions

Reviewed By Trek697070

Loved that the tourguide started the topic before we arrived at the destination and was occasionally comical. Didnt love that the map feature didnt let us know when we detoured. Would like to see "places to park" especially if you have an oversized vehicle.

7. Boston Walk Through History Private & All-Inclusive Tour

Tremont St opp Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02108, USA ForeverVacation Boston
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Our Boston Walk Through History Tour will take you to the most historic spots in Boston in one day. If you are looking for a bit of delicious food, some great photos, and a ton of American History, then this is the tour for you. The morning will start with meeting with your friendly local guide. From there your tour will begin as you start your day walking through Boston and exploring the most historic landmarks in Boston. ==== Full schedule 9:00 AM- Meet your guide Park Street Station 9:15 AM- Arrive at Boston Common 9:30 AM- Arrive at Massachusetts State House 10:00 AM- Granary Burying Ground 10:20 AM- Mesmerizing Kings Chapel 10:45 AM- Learn about the Old South Meeting House 12:00 PM- Boston Massacre Site 12:15 PM- Lunch! 1:00 PM- Faneuil Hall Marketplace 1:30 PM- Go to Paul Revere's House 1:50 PM- The Old North Church 2:30 PM- Walk along Griffin’s Wharf 3:00 PM- Get dropped off by your guide at the Boston South Station

Inclusions: An Uber ride, English Speaking Tour Guide, All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water, Lunch

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Reviewed By Johnsavytravels6

Took this tour in early December as our last stop in the US. What a great tour and great food in Boston. Ask for Robin as your guide. She was so nice and answered all of our questions about Boston. Loved how this tour was private so we could go at our own pace. Highly recommend!

8. Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

1376 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA The Hahvahd Tour
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4.7 based on 369 reviews

What better way to see Harvard than through the eyes of a student! This tour is a 70-minute student-led walking tour of America's oldest university, designed to be a funny and educational journey through Harvard's campus. After meeting your tour guide, an enthusiastic Harvard student, in the heart of Harvard Square, you'll be led into historic 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. You'll 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! Whether you're a student visiting colleges or a family on vacation, the Hahvahd Tour is undoubtedly the top way to see Harvard.

Inclusions: 70-Minute Guided Walking Tour of Harvard, Harvard Student-Led Tours for more Insightful Narrative, Free Illustrated Map of Harvard Square, Written translations in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin, See Top Sites including Harvard Square, Harvard Yard, and Science Center & Memorial Hall, Conclude at The Harvard Shop for Souvenirs - run by Harvard students!

Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenirs (tours conclude at The Harvard Shop)

Reviewed By nacton42

Booked this tour to entertain a guest on her first trip to Boston. Both tours were informative and just the right length. Guides were so personable that we forgot the 30-degree weather. As a local I learned a lot myself! A perfect activity for a day with visitors or just to learn more about your own town.

9. Go Boston All-Inclusive Pass

Boston, MA, USA Go Boston
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3.9 based on 178 reviews

Explore Boston your own way with the flexible Go Boston Pass. Do as much or as little sightseeing as you like, at your own pace while saving precious vacation dollars. Receive free admission to popular Boston attractions, and enjoy discounts on shopping and dining around town. Enjoy direct entry to attractions. Simply save your pass (available as your 'ticket' after purchase) on your mobile device and go – no voucher redemption required!

Inclusions: FREE Digital guidebook with attraction information, Digital pass valid for the number of days chosen

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Transportation to and from attractions unless stated

Reviewed By manolov421

We (family of 6) got scammed!!!! Nothing was working, no trolleys ????, no aquarium..... $300 down the drain.

10. Go Boston Explorer City Pass: Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions

Boston, MA, USA Go Boston
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3.8 based on 8 reviews

Enjoy discounts up to 40% off regular admission prices with the Go Boston Explorer Pass. This multi-attraction pass, valid for 60 days after your first use, provides admission to your choice of two, three, four or five attractions at one price. Choose from more than 20 top attractions and activities in Boston, including the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science and Boston Duck Tour. This is an easy and affordable way to experience the best of Beantown. Save time with direct entry to attractions with your saved pass on your mobile device – no voucher redemption required!

Inclusions: Digital guidebook with attraction information, Digital Go Boston Explorer pass valid for the number of attractions chosen

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By A6140UCheathers

I was very disappointed with this purchase. I am aware that a great deal of items and situations are consistently changing because of covid, but the information available is very deceiving. When researching this purchase, there was little information about what was actually open and what wasn't. I tried to do my research and see what was open by doing searches, and things were seemingly open, but they were not. Clearly, Boston is not a popular late winter/early spring vacation destination, and many places do not open until late April and May. However, the second I paid my money a list showed up that clearly let me know only six things were open out of 45. Again, I anticipated that we would not do everything, but 6? It is a shame that this is the way this is handled, and trip advisor is the only one to blame because they have this information and refuse to share it until you have spent your money. Shame on you trip advisor and your business practices.

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