Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard
Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Cambridge, USA
- 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover two of the USA's–and the world’s–most prestigious and historic colleges with exclusive access and a guided tour of each. Explore iconic campus buildings and statues, learn about whimsical traditions passed down through generations of students, visit key historic moments in both colleges’ histories, and hear about some of their most famous alumni.
- Visit secret off-limits areas as well as academic buildings and residences
- Hear about Harvard’s part in the American Revolution
- Learn more about the colleges than you would by just visiting alone
- Take a photo of the Boston skyline from Harvard Bridge
What's Included
- Tour Guide Services
- Subway ticket from MIT to Harvard
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Ripple Cafe314 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
Your tour guide will meet you in front of the Ripple Cafe on Main Street in Cambridge. The cafe is next to the Kendall Station subway stop on the Red Line. Your guide will be wearing a Boston Hidden Gems t-shirt and name tag.
End point
- Harvard SquareTwo Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Tour will end in Harvard Square, next to the Red Line subway stop with the same name.
Itinerary
1
MIT Media Lab
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Green Building
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Harvard Bridge
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
MIT Banana Lounge
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Stata Center
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Kendall/MIT
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
8
Massachusetts Ave @ Johnston Gate
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
9
John Harvard Statue
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
10
2 Kirkland St
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
11
Memorial Hall
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
12
Harvard Memorial Church
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
13
The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
14
Wadsworth House
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
15
Lowell House
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
16
Harvard Square
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Weekend vs Weekday Tours - the tour goes inside some MIT buildings on weekdays only! The MIT campus buildings are closed on weekends and major holidays; the listed tour price is lower to account for this. Harvard does not allow any public tours inside any buildings.
- Parking is very difficult to find near the tour starting point. We strongly advise against driving and recommend taking public transit or taxi/Uber. The closest garage next to the tour start point is the Green Garage at Kendall and costs USD52 for 3+ hours. Very limited metered street parking is available around the starting area of the tour, we advise arriving at least 30 minutes ahead of the tour start time to look for metered parking.
- Public transport is the easiest way to get to the tour start point. Take the MBTA (subway) to the Kendall/MIT station on the Red Line, the tour start point is next to the main entrance to the subway station.
- Tour starts exactly on time. If you are running late, you can catch up with the tour group by following the tour stops listed on the itinerary. First tour stop is MIT Media Lab, second stop is the Green Building, and so on. Your tour guide will not be able to answer any phone calls to direct you after the tour starts.
- This tour focuses on history, architecture, and stories about the two universities. If you are looking for a tour for perspective future students, please contact the admissions department of the university.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 148 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Our guide Jodie was passionate about her subject and we left knowing far more than if we had visited alone and certainly places we we not supposed to! Great stories about the area from knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend
Really knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful guide. It was interesting and we feel we now know our way around Harvard & MIT
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience with Chris! We're thrilled to hear that you found the tour informative and enjoyable.
A great introduction to the famous universities in Boston! Our guide BJ paced our tour well and shared many interesting facts and background information. Would recommend this tour! Bring comfortable shoes for being on your feet for hours. 😃
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your recommendation! We're thrilled you enjoyed the tour with BJ and found it interesting!
This 4-hour tour covered so much of the history of MIT and Harvard that it was really awesome! I learned so much more than I received on the regular tour of these two places. Jodie’s basic facts of each place were filled with funny stories of actual events. They were really entertaining including the Smoot measurement, the bionic bicycles, the John Harvard statue, the Widener library. I highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
We're thrilled to hear you had such a memorable time visiting MIT and Harvard and that you enjoyed Jodie's style. Thanks for your review!
Almost 4 hours long but worth it
Chris was amazing. Didn’t get rattled when the T was out and we had to wait for shuttle. Took the time to give us more information
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks for your review! We're happy to hear you had an amazing tour with Chris and that he was able to handle the T. When there are delays, we do have to make a choice between sharing the entirety of the planned content and sticking to the original time, and we do apologize if the tour ran long as a result, but we are glad it was worth 5 stars anyway!
BJ was great. He was an experienced guide and we learned a lot about both schools. He also checked in with us periodically to make sure that we were OK. It was a rainy day, but it was still a good day. Now one kid is interested in attending MIT and one kid is interested in attending Harvard!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're so glad to hear BJ made the day informative and enjoyable. Best wishes to your kids on their academic journeys!
Well worth the time and money. 3 hrs packed with information and history. Time went by quickly when for my 11 yr old.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We're thrilled you and your child enjoyed Rocky's tour of MIT and Harvard! Thank you for sharing your positive experience
Very nice tour by Jodie. We recommend her. She was informed and fun and added many good information about the tour
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We truly appreciate your review and are glad you enjoyed the tour with Jodie!
Chris was great. Very interesting tour learning about MIT and Harvard. Go to go inside MIT which was great and learned some fun facts. Harvard was impressive and we learned some great historical facts
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled you enjoyed learning about MIT and Harvard with Chris and appreciated the fascinating insights during the tour.
This was a scenic tour. It would have been ok if that is what you are looking for. But it should have been clear that this was a 4 mile walking tour. Parking was incredibly difficult at meet up location. Most street parking was 2 hours. Was in fear my car would get towed. Left mid tour. Was looking for more about the school. This was not that. Pretty views and pictures of stuff that happened at those locations. Not worth the money. I found it a waste of time and money.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the feedback. We’re glad the scenery came through even if the tour wasn't the right fit overall.
A couple of clarifications in case future guests read this review: the tour is listed as 3.5-hour history/architecture walking tour, not a current-student or admissions-focused one. We also emphasize that we are not a student tour at the start of the day and give guests the opportunity to cancel at that moment. Guests with your expectations are why we have that pre-tour announcement, to ensure that everyone gets the experience they paid for and expected.
On parking, our listing does note that "Parking is very difficult to find near the tour starting point. We strongly advise against driving and recommend taking public transit or taxi/Uber." We are sorry you got stuck circling for a spot; that is exactly why the listing includes that guidance up front.
We’re sorry you didn’t find value in the tour. Feel free to reach out to us directly at info@bostonhiddengems.com if you'd like to talk it through.
Was fin knowledgeable. The only thing was a lot of noise at times hard to hear. Not your fault. But had a great time
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great time at MIT and Harvard with Jenny despite the occasional noise.
This was a very interesting & well-paced tiur. The time went by quickly. Our guide graduated from MIT with an advanced degree (PhD). Her insights were wonderful
& her love of the school , as well as pride on Harvard & Boston, were evident. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your delightful experience! We're thrilled to hear you appreciated Jodie's expertise and enthusiasm!
Very cool overview of MIT and Harvard. This isn’t a school led tour, of course, so it’s fairly generalized. Our guide, BJ, was knowledgeable and kept it interesting. Would highly recommend any tour he’s leading.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thanks for your review! We're happy to hear you would recommend BJ's tours and that you found it cool and interesting!
Jody was great! Great tour of both MIT and Harvard! Lots of info, but presented in a relatable way. Great stories
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We're glad to hear you had a great tour of MIT and Harvard with Jodie and that she kept it relatable! Thanks for your review!
Rocky did a fantastic job as our Tour Guide. She was knowledgeable and providing great historical details at both Harvard and MIT. In addition, Rocky was incredibly considerate in making sure there was plenty of time for pictures, moved at the pace of the group (I never felt rushed) and also checked in with everyone periodically to see how we were handling the heat. She regularly pointed out restrooms and places to refill water bottles. Highly recommend doing a tour with Rocky.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We're thrilled to hear you had a fantastic tour of MIT & Harvard with Rocky and that she paced it well! Thanks so much for your recommendation.
Fantastic tour! My 9 and 12 year old boys loved the tour as well! BJ was our tour guide- top notch, very knowledgable and down to earth. Would definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Nos alegra saber que disfrutaste del tour y que BJ hizo la experiencia memorable para toda la familia. ¡Gracias por recomendar nuestros servicios!
Bobby was a great guide around MIT and Harvard! Showed us ton of spots and gave some great fun facts!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled Bobby showcased both campuses effectively. We hope to welcome you on another tour soon!
Alex, was very knowledgeable about the history if both schools and presented it in a very easy to digest format. I took my 3 kids on this tour and we all enjoyed it!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you, Aaron, for your wonderful feedback! We're so glad you and your kids enjoyed the tour and found Alexandria's presentation engaging and informative. We hope to welcome you again for more enriching experiences!
We had a great experience on this windy cold day! Our guide was very passionate and helpful. Good experience!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
We're glad to hear you had a great tour of MIT & Harvard with Jenny!
The tour girl Alex is extremely good , she kept us very entertained, share tons of interesting and fun facts. The time spent in each of the universities is perfect, allows to enjoy the campuses, take a lot of photos and even enter inside of MIt main building. We really enjoyed how she lead the group and has a very sharming voice.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thanks for your review! We're happy to hear you had an entertaining tour of MIT & Harvard with Alexandria!
Excellent and informative tour of MIT and Harvard. Very good delivery of lots of interesting facts and figures!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We're happy to hear Maria gave you an excellent tour of MIT & Harvard!
I wanted to share my appreciation for the awesome walking tour of Harvard and MIT. The experience was truly memorable!
Harvard Highlights: Walking through Harvard Yard and seeing iconic spots like the John Harvard Statue and Widener Library gave me a real sense of history and tradition.
MIT Experience: On the Charles River to explore MIT’s campus was equally inspiring. The bold architecture and the innovative vibe made the tour feel like a journey into the future.
The stories, insights, and energy throughout the tour were fantastic. It was a perfect blend of history, innovation, and campus life. Thank you for making it engaging and informative—I left feeling inspired and energized!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thanks for your thorough review! We're glad to hear you had a great tour of MIT & Harvard with Jenny!
Wonderful overview of 2 places I have always wanted to see. Jenny, our guide, was knowledgeable, and she seemed delighted to be with us.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks for your review! We're glad to hear you had a great time visiting MIT & Harvard with Jenny!
Great tour. Our guide Jenny was very good. I highly recommend this tour. The guide was very well-versed in both MIT and Harvard history, lore, and tradition.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks for your review! We're glad to hear you had a great tour of MIT & Harvard with Jenny!
Alexandria is an excellent communicator and kept the group actively engaged throughout the tour with delightful "Who's Who Qs" and sharing of different creative bright genius innovations/ inventions and the "Stupendous Delightful Hacks" created by the brilliant and creative minds at MIT. Harvard was wonderful and grand. She conveyed how an old historic and grand institution, like Harvard, tried so hard to keep its old tradition as is" and, yet conceding that "in time" it needed to adapt to the ever ongoing changes of the current world to maintain its competitive position and survive as a great educational institution. Many thanks again to Alexandria in sharing her knowledge of MIT and Harvard and we wish her much success in her life endeavors.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
What a wonderful, thorough review! Thank you so much for sharing, we will be sure to pass your kind words on to Alexandria! We're glad you enjoyed the tour!
I really enjoyed the tour and learned a lot about both schools. It was really interesting to see how they both differed. MIT is all about innovation and Harvard is all about tradition. The guide on my tour was great. He was very personable and projected his voice very well.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thanks for your review! We're glad Alex gave you a great tour of MIT & Harvard!
This was a fantastic experience. The guide Jenny was phenomenal at her job. She was so friendly, engaging and happy to answer any questions asked.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
We're happy to hear you had a fantastic tour of MIT & Harvard with Jenny!
Alexandria was a great guide and made our tour very informative and fun. It was great to learn about these prestigious schools and some wonderful trivia along the way.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thanks so much for your review! We're glad to hear that you had a great tour with Alexandria!
Good overview of the school's history, not too heavy. Covered some distance. Start quiet in MIT, end in a crowd at Harvard.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Love that last line - how accurate! Thanks for your review, glad you had a good tour of MIT & Harvard!
It was very interesting and covered many things about both MIT and Havard, but stressed the differences between the two. It especially emphasized the openness of MIT buildings to public access compared go the more restrictive Harvard. Jenny made it fun and interesting, but kept things moving.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thanks for your review! We're glad you had a fun and interesting tour with Jenny!
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up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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