Things To Do
in Harvard
Harvard is a small, historic town located in Massachusetts, United States. It is known for its charming New England architecture and picturesque landscapes. The town is home to Harvard University, one of the world's most prestigious academic institutions.
Visitors can enjoy exploring the university's beautiful campus, as well as nearby attractions such as parks and museums.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a walking tour of the iconic Harvard Yard. Don't forget to visit the Harvard Book Store for some unique finds.
Spend your afternoon at the Harvard Art Museums, where you can see a diverse collection of art from around the world. Take time to enjoy lunch at a nearby café, soaking in the local atmosphere.
In the evening, catch a performance at the American Repertory Theater. Enjoy dinner at one of Harvard Square's vibrant restaurants.
Begin your day at the Harvard Museum of Natural History to explore fascinating exhibits. Enjoy a leisurely brunch at a café on Mass Ave nearby.
Take a guided tour of the historic Harvard Law School. The rich history and stunning architecture are sure to impress.
Visit the renowned Harvard Symphony Orchestra for a magical evening of music. End the night with a casual stroll through the illuminated campus.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-renowned academic reputation
- Access to prestigious faculty and resources
- Diverse and vibrant campus community
- Strong alumni network and career opportunities
- Rich history and tradition of excellence
- High tuition and living costs
- Intense academic pressure and competition
- Limited availability of financial aid
- Potentially overwhelming social environment
- Located in a region with harsh winters
Best Activities in Harvard
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful Harvard Forest, a 3,000-acre ecological research site with miles of trails for hiking and nature walks.
Visit Fruitlands Museum for outdoor art installations, hiking trails, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Enjoy a peaceful day of canoeing or kayaking on the scenic Wachusett Reservoir, which offers stunning vistas and abundant wildlife.
Cycle along the Nashua River Rail Trail, a picturesque path that spans several miles and is perfect for biking, walking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Spend a relaxing day fishing at one of the many ponds scattered across Harvard, where you can catch bass, trout, and other freshwater fish.
Gather with friends and family for a picnic at Harvard Common, a charming area with green spaces and historical surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Harvard with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Harvard
Visit one of these nice places.
The iconic architecture and beautiful landscaping provide numerous picturesque spots, including the Harvard Yard and the Widener Library.
This scenic park along the Charles River offers stunning views of the Boston skyline, especially during sunset, making it a perfect spot for photography.
Known for its beautiful landscapes and historic monuments, this cemetery offers serene settings and unique perspectives for photography.
Featuring beautiful galleries and courtyards, the art museums themselves are also inspiring subjects for architectural photography.
This historic bookstore and cafe is a charming spot filled with books and local culture, ideal for cozy, candid shots.
Located in Harvard Yard, this statue is a popular photo opportunity, especially for new students and visitors.
This stunning Gothic Revival building serves as a picturesque backdrop and is known for its intricate details and stunning stained glass.
The unique architecture and steps provide an excellent vantage point for capturing the surrounding buildings and the hustle of student life.
Food in Harvard
Harvard Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local favorite, the Lobster Roll features juicy, tender chunks of lobster meat nestled in a buttery, toasted bun. It’s an iconic dish often served with a side of coleslaw or fries.
Must-Try!
This creamy, hearty soup is a classic in Harvard. Filled with tender clams, potatoes, and aromatic herbs, it’s often served in a bread bowl for an extra indulgent experience.
For a sweet treat, indulge in the famous Boston Cream Pie, which consists of a fluffy sponge cake layered with rich custard and topped with a smooth chocolate glaze.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Harvard better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the Harvard Farmer's Market to discover an array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, local honey, and baked goods. It's an ideal spot to sample seasonal fruits and vegetables directly from the region's farmers.
Explore the diverse offerings of food trucks at Harvard Square, where you can find everything from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches to global street food, offering an affordable and tasty dining option.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Understand and embrace the diversity of cultural backgrounds at Harvard. Being respectful involves acknowledging different perspectives, traditions, and customs while fostering an inclusive environment.
Engage in open and respectful dialogues. Listen actively and avoid interrupting others, showing that you value their opinions and contributions, which is key to maintaining a respectful atmosphere.
Be mindful of formalities in communication and address individuals appropriately, using their titles and last names unless invited to do otherwise. This reflects respect for academic and professional hierarchies.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Harvard with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Harvard
Ensure a smooth experience
In Harvard, Massachusetts, tipping practices generally align with those found throughout the United States. It is customary to tip service workers such as waitstaff, bartenders, and taxi drivers. For restaurant service, a tip of 15-20% of the total bill is standard. However, the amount may vary based on the level of service received. Tipping is also common in other service industries, including hair salons and delivery services, where a tip of around 10-20% is generally expected. In some instances, tips may be included automatically in the bill for larger parties.
Payment practices in Harvard are similar to those in other parts of the United States. Most businesses accept a variety of payment methods including cash, credit cards, and digital payment systems. Contactless payments and mobile wallets (such as Apple Pay and Google Pay) have become increasingly popular. In restaurants, patrons typically pay either at the table or at the cash register after dining. Taxes are added to the total amount at the time of payment, and receipts are provided for customer records.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Harvard.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is a beautiful time to visit Harvard as the campus comes to life with blooming flowers and trees. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Visitors can enjoy outdoor events and the annual Harvard Arts First festival. The picturesque scenery makes for great photography opportunities.
Summer (June to August) in Harvard is warm and inviting, with temperatures often in the 70s to 80s°F (21°C to 29°C). This season is ideal for outdoor exploration, but it can also be crowded with tourists. Many campus events and workshops are held during this time, providing visitors a glimpse into Harvard's vibrant summer activities.
Fall (September to November) is one of the most popular times to visit Harvard. The stunning fall foliage transforms the campus into a colorful landscape. Temperatures range from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Visitors can enjoy cozy campus tours, the Harvard-Yale football game, and various cultural events.
Winter (December to February) at Harvard presents a serene and quiet atmosphere. Although temperatures can drop to the 20s°F (-6°C to -1°C), the campus covered in snow is picturesque. Visitors can experience holiday events, ice skating on nearby rinks, and a peaceful ambiance that is perfect for reflection and indoor activities.
Harvard at Night
Hiking in Harvard
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A protected area with extensive trails through forests, wetlands, and pastures. It's a perfect spot for hiking and observing nature.
This location offers a variety of scenic trails with views of the picturesque landscape, as well as exhibitions and educational programming.
A popular hiking destination that features various trails with stunning views from the summit of Wachusett Mountain.
A multi-use trail that offers a flat, easy hike along the river, perfect for casual walkers and cyclists.
A challenging hike that rewards visitors with panoramic views from the summit and features rugged terrain.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Harvard through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Harvard by plane.
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, approximately 20 miles east of Harvard, Logan International is a major airport serving the New England region.
Located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, about 70 miles southwest of Harvard, Bradley International is the second-largest airport in New England.
Situated in Warwick, Rhode Island, roughly 60 miles south of Harvard, T.F. Green Airport offers numerous domestic and international flights.
Located about 140 miles northwest of Harvard in Albany, New York, this airport serves the Capital District region and offers various domestic services.
Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, approximately 50 miles north of Harvard, this airport provides a range of domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Harvard, representing a significant majority of the population.
The second-largest demographic group, including individuals from various Asian backgrounds.
A growing demographic group in Harvard, comprising individuals from Spanish-speaking countries.
A smaller demographic group, representing a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds.
Includes individuals from various racial backgrounds not categorized above, showing increasing diversity.
The Soul of Harvard
Discover the essence of Harvard through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular collegiate sport at Harvard, with a long-standing tradition in Ivy League competition, featuring a robust schedule and a passionate fan base.
Harvard's basketball teams, both men's and women's, compete at a high level and attract considerable attention during the NCAA season.
Harvard is renowned for its historic rowing programs, particularly its men's crew team, which competes in the Ivy League and has a strong rivalry with Yale.
Ice hockey is a prominent sport at Harvard, with competitive men's and women's teams, known for their participation in various national tournaments.
Lacrosse has gained popularity at Harvard, with both men's and women's teams achieving success in league play and drawing enthusiastic crowds.
Soccer is actively played at Harvard, with notable men's and women's teams that compete in the Ivy League and NCAA tournaments.
Track and field events are widely participated in at Harvard, with various athletes competing in sprints, distance races, and field events across the NCAA.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Harvard.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Harvard offer a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, from plant-based burgers to innovative vegetable-based entrees that cater to different dietary preferences.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find numerous gluten-free options across Harvard's dining scene, including gluten-free pizzas, pastas, and baked goods to accommodate their dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Harvard with these cultural adventures.
