Top-15 best things to do
in Cambridge

What is it?
A historic botanic garden of Cambridge University that covers 40 acres and features over 8,000 plant species.

Why should you go?
The famous Cambridge University is full of surprises. In addition to serving as the home of a prestigious school, it also has one of England's most beautiful gardens. Planted in 1831 by Charles Darwin's mentor, John Stevens Henslow, it is now a wonderful green oasis with a woodland vibe and a series of glasshouses, with environments mimicking mountains or tropical rainforests. Get there to discover the drama of plant diversity, or simply enjoy sitting on the lawn.

Specialization
Nature & Horticulture

Perfect for
Nature lovers, families, botany enthusiasts

What is it?
The city's and university's church that boasts 800-year history and offers great panoramic views from its tower.

Why should you go?
The church of St Mary the Great, surrounded by cobbled streets and historic colleges, is one of the top tourist attractions in Cambridge for many reasons. First, it is a great historic landmark that is even older than the University of Cambridge. Second, it is famous for its stunning Gothic architecture. Best of all, its tower with an outdoor viewing platform provides probably the best 360° view of the city. All you need to do is to pay a small fee and climb the 123 steps.

Specialization
Architecture & Sightseeing

Perfect for
Architecture lovers, history buffs, religious visitors

What is it?
A popular activity where visitors can explore the city's waterways on a flat-bottomed boat called a punt.

Why should you go?
Going through the heart of Cambridge, the River Cam passes many iconic landmarks, such as the Bridge of Sights and Trinity College, so one of the best ways to see the city is by boat. If you prefer not to strain your arm muscles but instead just sit back and relax, take a punting tour and let a gondolier-like guide do all the hard work of pushing the punt down the river using a long pole. Of course, it is also possible to hire a punt yourself and give it a go.

Specialization
Sightseeing

Perfect for
Everyone

What is it?
One of the largest outdoor markets in the UK, which has been held in this location since the Middle Ages.

Why should you go?
Cambridge has many great restaurants, but if you want to try something cooked right in front of you and enjoy the vibrant and lively vibe of the city, Market Square is your best option. Stalls have been trading at this historic square in the city center for centuries, and it is still one of the best places to visit in Cambridge. In addition to street food, this large open-air market offers a wide range of goods, from fresh fruits to handmade jewelry.

Specialization
Food & Shopping

Perfect for
Foodies, shoppers, culture enthusiasts

What is it?
A world-famous building considered one of the finest examples of late-Gothic English architecture.

Why should you go?
The stunning King's College Chapel that dominates the city center is a must-see in Cambridge, even if church spotting is not your thing. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, it is now an iconic landmark and a commonly used symbol of the city. It is well-known for its impressive structure, the world's largest fan-vaulted ceiling, and intricate stained-glass windows, some of the finest in Europe and beyond from their era.

Specialization
Architecture & Religion

Perfect for
Architecture lovers, history buffs, religious visitors

What is it?
An art and antiquities museum housing over half a million items spanning from antiquity to the present day.

Why should you go?
The Fitzwilliam Museum, owned by Cambridge University, is one of the most interesting indoor attractions in Cambridge and a great destination for a rainy day. The museum's diverse collection includes art pieces, curiosities, and rare artifacts from all around the world. You can admire Renaissance paintings and Chinese jades, as well as look at Ancient Egyptian coffins and beautifully illuminated Medieval manuscripts. Best of all, this wonderful place is free to visit.

Specialization
Art & Antiquities

Perfect for
Art lovers, history buffs

What is it?
A unique sculptural clock at street level on the outside of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College.

Why should you go?
The Corpus Clock, also known as the Grasshopper clock because of the bizarre creature sitting atop and appearing to eat time, is less a clock and more of a piece of contemporary art. Its gold-plated face has no hands or digital numbers, so it can be hard to tell the time, but it is displayed on three rings of flashing LED lights. As one of the most distinctive public monuments in Cambridge, this clock is worth at least a glimpse of it.

Specialization
Public Art

Perfect for
Anyone interested in art and technology

What is it?
A museum that houses one million artifacts showcasing the history and diversity of human cultures around the world.

Why should you go?
Museum hopping is one of the best things to do in Cambridge for students who travel on a budget because many such places offer completely free admission. The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is a great option if you want to learn more about the world cultures and traditions of indigenous peoples. You will see the mummy of an Egyptian priest, the earliest African tools, and tattoo instruments collected during Captain Cook's voyages to the Pacific.

Specialization
Archaeology & Ethnography

Perfect for
History buffs, anyone interested in anthropology and world cultures

What is it?
One of Cambridge's trendiest and most eclectic streets, lined with quirky restaurants, bars, and independent shops.

Why should you go?
Mill Road is a vibrant and diverse area in the southeast of Cambridge, which is well worth a visit if you are tired of museums and historical sites and are looking for something unusual and fun. With its colorful street art, multicultural atmosphere, and diverse food offering, this road is the right place to unearth vintage treasures at its numerous boutiques and then take a bite and sip a cocktail on a terrace.

Specialization
Shopping, Food & Culture

Perfect for
Foodies, shoppers, young adults

What is it?
A geological museum that houses a vast collection of fossils, rocks, and minerals spanning 4.5 billion years.

Why should you go?
The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is one of the most exciting places to visit in Cambridge with kids, especially if your little ones are huge fans of dinosaurs. The museum houses about 2 million items showcasing the evolution of the Earth and the history of life on our planet. You will see a giant prehistoric deer skeleton, explore numerous meteorites, and meet Iggy the Iguanodon, the plaster replica of a dinosaur skeleton donated to the museum by the King of Belgium in 1878.

Specialization
Geology & Natural History

Perfect for
Families with curious kids, students, and anyone interested in earth sciences

What is it?
A 12th-century circular-shaped church, which is one of only four surviving round churches in the UK.

Why should you go?
Cambridge boasts a wealth of beautiful, historic churches, but this round church, named after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, really stands out. Built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city and one of its most picturesque landmarks. You can admire the church's interior with its striking wooden roof and beautiful stained-glass windows and explore an exhibition about the history and influence of Christianity on education and science.

Specialization
Architecture, History & Religion

Perfect for
History buffs, architecture lovers, religious visitors

What is it?
An independent multi-arts venue opened on the site of the city's former Cattle Market on the outskirts of Cambridge.

Why should you go?
Cambridge is home to several cool theaters and music venues. The Junction, which comprises three performance spaces, is the one you should visit to experience up-and-coming, youthful, and cutting-edge art and entertainment. The main focuses of this cultural hub are music, comedy, and club culture, but it also hosts theater, dance, spoken word, and family events for affordable prices. Check out its schedule and buy a ticket to enjoy the show of your choice.

Specialization
Music & Performing Arts

Perfect for
Music buffs, young adults, and anyone interested in contemporary arts and culture

What is it?
The city's second-oldest pub that has seen some of the most respected and famous researchers and scientists.

Why should you go?
Drinking a pint of beer at an atmospheric, historic bar is one of the most exciting things to do in Cambridge for adult visitors. There are many places to have a tasty pub lunch, but the Eagle, opened in 1667, is pretty special because you can sit in the same place where some of science's biggest discoveries were made and unveiled. For instance, researchers James Watson and Francis Crick announced that they discovered 'the secret of life' — DNA.

Specialization
Food, Drinks & History

Perfect for
Beer lovers, history buffs

What is it?
A modern and contemporary art gallery housed in the former home of collector and one-time Tate curator Jim Ede.

Why should you go?
If you love 20th-century and contemporary art, do not miss a chance to explore Kettle's Yard. The gallery space spans four 19th-century cottages that were merged into one unique property by the former Tate curator Jim Ede and his wife, Helen. Get there to admire their remarkable collection, including paintings by Joan Miró and sculptures by Henry Moore, arranged with love and courtesy around the house, which still feels like a home.

Specialization
Modern & Contemporary Art

Perfect for
Art lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking for a unique and inspiring cultural experience

What is it?
A guided walking tour focusing on the city's haunted history, mysterious stories, and ghostly legends.

Why should you go?
As an ancient town, Cambridge is steeped with dark tales of its past residents and eerie events, so taking a ghost tour is one of the best things to do in Cambridge after dusk. There are several tours covering different sides of the city, including its central street and famous landmarks, so you can tick off top sights such as Magdalene Bridge and Trinity College while listening to stories about witches and occultists instead of learning about the prestigious alumni.

Specialization
Sightseeing, History & Entertainment

Perfect for
Anyone who enjoys spooky stories