Harvard University Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Harvard University. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour

• Lexington & Concord 250th Birthday Tour With Concord Museum Entry

• Boston Private City Tour

• Best of Boston Small-Group Tour, I Know the Secrets Others Don't!

• Boston Sightseeing Tour—a Fully-Narrated Driving Tour

It’s free to visit Harvard University, but some museums charge for admission. For example, visiting the Harvard Museum of Natural History to see the glass flowers costs US$15 for adults, US$13 for seniors, and US$10 for non-Harvard students and young people aged 3–18 (children aged 2 and under enter for free).

Yes, Harvard University is well worth visiting—dating back to 1636, it's America's oldest university and probably its most prestigious. Sights include the John Harvard Statue, the grand Widener Library, Harvard Yard with its broad lawns, Massachusetts Hall, which predates the US, and a wealth of museums. Exploring the site on a tour led by a current Harvard student can provide fascinating insight into traditions and life on campus.

Per one customer who booked the Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour, "Harvard was already impressive, but this tour with Dillion made it unforgettable. From the moment the tour started, Dillion set the tone with a warm welcome, quick humor, and a deep knowledge of Harvard's history, traditions, and campus life. He didn't just recite dates and facts; he told stories that brought the Yard, the iconic buildings, and famous alumni to life, making us feel like insiders rather than just visitors. What really stood out was how engaging he was with everyone in the group—answering questions patiently, giving honest insights about student life, and checking in to make sure no one was left behind or confused. The pace of the tour was comfortable, with plenty of time for photos, quick breaks, and little "hidden gem" spots you'd never find on your own."

Yes, you can just walk around Harvard’s campus. If you’d like a free walking tour, current students lead them across Harvard grounds, including Harvard Yard. If you’d like to skip the group tours but still want to explore campus, download Harvard’s tour app from their website to start exploring the university’s landmarks on your own.

Yes, a few buildings across the Harvard campus are open to the public. The Welcome Pavilion and Arcade are open daily; the Harvard University Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday. Of course, there are also beautiful outdoor spots like the Arnold Arboretum that are open to the public and worth exploring.

Many visitors to the Harvard campus will choose to take a public tour. They’re free with registration, offered daily, led by students, and last between 45–60 minutes—and, yes, they include Harvard Yard. Otherwise, on the Visit Harvard mobile app, you can take a self-guided tour and hit some of the major landmarks yourself.

Yes, you can visit Harvard without being a student. Touring the campus is quite popular—simply register on Harvard’s app to hop on one of the student-led tours from the visitor center, or take a self-guided tour. As one of the country’s finest institutions (one that is nearly 400 years old), there’s a lot to explore.

You can walk around Harvard pretty much anywhere outside—in fact, visiting the historic campus is quite popular. Beyond witnessing the famous Harvard Yard (the oldest part of the university), gaze upon the Gothic-Revival Memorial Hall, see the statue of John Harvard and rub his left foot for good luck, wander the scenic Arnold Arboretum, and more.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Harvard University. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Cambridge:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Harvard Square

• John Harvard Statue

• Kendall Square

• Harvard Museum of Natural History

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Cambridge.