Visiting Harvard University is an exciting and memorable experience. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning. A visit will immerse you in its storied history, its wonderful architecture, and its impressive academic infrastructure. You will experience Harvard University in action, discovering the unique spirit of the school and its modern-day relevance.
Registered Visits
If you are a prospective student, a registered campus visit is a good idea. As a registered visitor, you will be able to participate in an information session with an admissions officer as well as a guided campus tour led by an undergraduate student. For more information about registration please click here
Self-Guided Visits
The campus is public, so you can visit and explore on your own without being registered. This is particularly helpful if you are unable to register in time, or if you go outside of standard visiting hours. You can download an app that will take you on a self-guided tour of the campus. With this app you'll be taken to some of the most iconic places across Harvard's campus and learn about many interesting facts and stories.
Click here to download Apple app.
Click here to download Android app.
Virtual Tours
Virtual tours of Harvard can be helpful if you can’t come to Boston. On the virtual tour you can discover spaces that aren't even seen in a campus tour, such as classrooms, laboratories, residence halls, and more. Even better, it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Useful Links
Visiting Boston Area Colleges - Overview
Find best places to stay near Harvard here!
The Visitor Center
The visitor center is the starting point of any Harvard visit. You will be greated by students who can answer questions about the campus and tours. If you plan a self-guided tour, you can get a campus map here.
Tours for Prospective Students
Harvard College In-Person Campus Visit
Campus tour with one hour information session with an admissions officer, followed by a one hour campus tour led by a student. You will learn the ins and and outs of Harvard and find out about many interesting facts, hidden gems, important figures, famous traditions, world-changing ideas, and everyday quirks. Registration is required.
SEAS Tours (Harvard School of Engineering)
Options: Virtual, In-Person)
The tour, led by SEAS staff and students, provides an overview of pursuing a technical degree in a liberal arts context as well as undergraduate research opportunities. Registration required.
Options: in-person, virtual, mobile app
Tour of Harvard Business School. Registration required.
Harvard Law School Virtual Tour Video
One of the nation’s preeminent centers of legal education, research, and service,
Other great Harvard Tours
Arts, Culture and Museum Tours
Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery
Options: mobile
Harvard Art Museums:
Options: in-person, student-led
Peabody Museum
Options: in-person, virtual, self-guided, staff-led
Houghton & Widener Library
Options: in-person, staff-led
Widener Library 360-Degree Virtual Tour
Options: virtual, self-guided
Houghton Library
Options: virtual
Harvard Art Museums
Options: in-person, self-guided, staff-led
Harvard Museums of Science & Culture
Options: virtual, self-guided
Nature Tours
Harvard Forest Field Trips & Tours
Options: virtual, in-person, staff-led, self-guided
Arnold Arboretum
Options: in-person, virtual, staff-led, self-guided
Frequently Asked Questions
When to Visit
Registered visits and guided tours are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Please note that the visit schedule is typically posted one month prior to each semester. There are on-campus information sessions and tours on Harvard College holidays, during other college closures and on most school breaks. Visits are available during the summer months in June and July. For more information about visiting schedules
Where to stay
Find best places to stay near Harvard here!
How to get here from the Airport via public transportation
1. Take the MBTA Silver Line (gray shuttle bus) SL1 from the arrivals level of any airport terminal to South Station.
2. At South Station change to the MBTA Red Line subway toward Alewife. The Red Line platform is accessible by elevator or stairs.
3. Go 6 stops and get off at Harvard.
4. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes and there is no fee.
On-Street Parking
Parking meters run from one to two hours, and will take quarters only. Can be difficult to find parking spots but try Mt. Auburn Street.
Commercial Garages
Pilgrim Parking, 41 Church Street, Cambridge, MA, 617-661-5614
University Place Garage, 124 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 617-491-0801
The Charles Hotel Garage, 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA 617-864-1200
More Information about Parking here
