Harvard University Walking Tour (Self Guided), Boston

The United States’ oldest institution of higher education (and, of course, among the most prestigious), Harvard was established in 1636. Reverend John Harvard, who bequeathed his entire library and half of his estate, is the University’s namesake. Presidents, billionaires and Rhodes Scholars are only some of the illustrious graduates; in fact, Harvard has more Nobel Prize-winning alumni, faculty, and researchers than any other university in the world. A true factory of knowledge!

The University’s main campus is centered on Harvard Yard in Cambridge, northwest of Downtown Boston. Its earliest surviving building, dating from 1720, is the Massachusetts Hall, where several founding fathers (John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Elbridge Gerry, and James Otis) slept while attending classes. Outside of nearby University Hall, take note of the bronze seated statue of John Harvard, and rub his golden left foot for good luck.

Stroll past the 1916 Widener Library, the largest of Harvard’s dozens of libraries, and don’t miss the Memorial Church with its lovely light interior. Further along the way, the Gothic-Revival Memorial Hall/Lowell Complex was constructed in the 1870s to honor those men who served in the Civil War. Do enter the majestic building and view the colorful, stunning stained-glass windows, both by prominent artisans: Tiffany and La Farge.

With wonderful architecture and infrastructure focused on the production of knowledge, this place is a must visit! Take our self-guided walking tour to visit the historical places on the Harvard campus and get a glimpse into the student life in this world-famous university.