Cambridge is a small city of about 40.7 square kilometers and a population of 146,995 residents. Beyond being the home of the famous University of Cambridge, the city is full of culture and picture-perfect scenery that leaves first-time visitors feeling like they have stepped into a storybook in real life. Gothic chapels, cobbled streets, peaceful riverbanks, bustling markets, and upscale restaurants—Cambridge has the perfect blend of medieval architecture and modern English charm that will keep you spellbound.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a day trip from London, this Cambridge travel guide will help you make the most of your visit to one of England's most renowned towns.
No visit to Cambridge would be complete without stopping by King's College Chapel. The foundation of this Gothic masterpiece was laid by King Henry VI in 1446 while the main structure was completed in 1515 by King Henry VIII. The building is arguably the most photographed structure in the entire city. It towers over the city center, and its intricate stonework and soaring spires are visible from miles away.
The fan-vaulted ceiling of the chapel is considered one of the best examples of late Gothic architecture anywhere in the world. To stand under its 80-foot-high canopy of stone is like being in a medieval cathedral. The Adoration of the Magi painting by Peter Paul Rubens adds Renaissance glory to the chapel.
Tip: Time your visit for 5:00 PM on Wednesdays to hear the world-famous King's College Choir perform Evensong. The beautiful voices echoing off the ancient stone walls is an experience you will never forget.
Cambridge punting offers a uniquely peaceful way of seeing the town’s beautiful gardens and buildings backing onto the River Cam. These flat-bottomed boats, propelled by a long pole, have been used to navigate Cambridge's waterways for over a century.
The College Backs tour will take you past eight colleges, including Trinity, St. John's, and Clare College. You'll punt beneath the Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College and under the Bridge of Sighs at St. John's College.
Best time to punt: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer people and enough light for photographs.
Trinity College Cambridge, founded by King Henry VIII in 1546, is the largest and arguably most prestigious college in Cambridge. This is where Sir Isaac Newton developed his laws of motion, and where Stephen Hawking spent much of his academic career. While you are there, don't miss the Wren Library, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The library's stunning interior, with its limewood carvings by Grinling Gibbons, is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe.
Cambridge Market Square has been the commercial heart of the city for over 1,000 years. Its bustling market stalls are open Monday to Saturday and offer all types of goods, from local fresh food and handmade crafts to old books and quirky souvenirs.
The Great St. Mary's Church overlooks the market square and offers panoramic views over Cambridge from its bell tower.
Local tip: Visit Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street, a Cambridge restaurant famous for its Chelsea buns. These sticky, fruity pastries have been a student favorite for generations and make the perfect fuel for sightseeing.
The Fitzwilliam Museum houses one of the finest art collections in Western Europe, with works spanning from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern masterpieces. Highlights include paintings by Monet, Picasso, and Turner, and a magnificent collection of illuminated manuscripts and rare books. The Egyptian galleries contain mummies, sarcophagi, and precious artifacts to match the British Museum. And the best of all is that admission is completely free, making it a great way to spend a quiet afternoon surrounded by history and culture.
St. John's College, founded in 1511, boasts of some of Cambridge's most photographed architecture. The college's Bridge of Sighs, built in 1831, spans the River Cam and connects the older college buildings with the newer Victorian structures across the river.
Unlike its Venetian namesake (which connected a palace to a prison), Cambridge's Bridge of Sighs is purely for architectural beauty. The view of this covered bridge from the punts on the river below is one of Cambridge’s most instagram-worthy shots.
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden offers 40 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and plant collections for a peaceful escape from the city’s bustling center, . It was established in 1831 by Professor John Stevens Henslow (Charles Darwin's mentor) and serve as both a research facility for the university and a calming retreat for visitors.
The Glasshouses contain tropical plants, orchids, and cacti from around the world and the outdoor gardens have everything from traditional English herbaceous borders to experimental research plots. The Winter Garden is particularly lovely during winter.
It is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone who needs a quiet moment away from the crowd.
The city's restaurants cleverly blend academic tradition with modern culinary art, creating unique dining experiences not found elsewhere. Many Cambridge restaurants offer excellent lunch menus at significantly lower prices than dinner. Prana Indian Restaurant serves excellent Indian cuisine in a cozy setting, while Sticks'n'Sushi provides a vibrant dining experience in a more casual atmosphere.
Travelling to Cambridge from London:
Best time to visit Cambridge:
Spring (March-May) offers the city’s bloom, especially along The Backs, while September and October provide pleasant weather without summer crowds. Summer brings the highest number of tourists especially during July, August and September. Mid-spring till the end of summer is bright, pleasant and dry, coinciding with the famous Cambridge Folk Festival in June-July, so you might want to plan your visit then.
Cambridge walking tour tip
Join a free walking tour with Footprint Tours to get insider stories or book with Cambridge Alumni Tours for graduate-led experiences that provide access to areas typically closed to individual visitors.
