Discover Boston's famous universities

Published on October 23, 2023 at 6:56 pm

Boston, the most European of American cities, is a city of culture and learning, a land where knowledge is revered. Boston is an intellectual city, where great schools rub shoulders with numerous libraries. The names of its universities and colleges are legendary, and many famous people have spent time there. Indeed, the reputation of the region's institutions is worldwide! Who hasn't heard of Harvard University, where a certain Barack Obama studied? Did you know that MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) is an extraordinary laboratory where the future technological and scientific advances of our modern world are imagined? These two schools are among the top ten universities in the world. Take a trip back in time to the universities of Boston and Cambridge!

The heart of Harvard University near Boston

Summary

Discover the main schools in the Greater Boston area
Harvard, the star of American universities, a benchmark in Boston
Where to stay near Harvard University?
Practical info

Discover the main schools in the Greater Boston area

Boston is a student city, but its sister city, Cambridge (population 100,000), is home to the most famous campuses. So, once you've crossed the Charles River, it's very easy to get to Cambridge University City. On this side of the river, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) comes into view. This top-class school complex is well worth a visit.

Entrance to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Then, continuing northwards, you reach the oldest and most famous university in the United States, Harvard. The school was founded in 1638 and is a must-see on any visit to Boston.

Harvard, the star of American universities, a benchmark in Boston

The figures speak for themselves when we talk about this great school! There are more than 2,000 teaching and research staff for 20,000 lucky students.Harvard University is made up of more than 500 buildings. They are scattered across the campus grounds. It's a city within a city.

For your information, the legendary Harvard University is part of the Ivy League. This brings together 8 exceptional universities, including Columbia and Princeton. The association aims for excellence and is home to the country's best private universities.

First of all, most of the school buildings are not open to the public. However, the campus is a wonderful place to take a stroll.

Part of the Harvard University buildings

Guided tours by student volunteers are scheduled throughout the school year. However, it's best to speak English to help understand the guide's explanations and anecdotes!

Among the places of interest not to be missed are :

Old Yard and its main entrance, Johnson Gate. This is the oldest part of the university. Massachusetts Hall is the oldest building, dating from 1720.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History, this museum exhibits a variety of collections in its old display cases. The museum has a very special atmosphere. Minerals, fossils and animals are all on display. Admission charged.
The Harvard Art Museums brings together several museum themes. You can contemplate several works of Western and Asian art. Admission charged.

Aerial view of the Harvard University campus

Souvenirs and other purchases in the boutiques of famous schools

There's nothing better than a souvenir from one of the top schools to take home with you from your stay. Whether as a gift or to treat yourself, you can pick up a sweatshirt, notebook, key ring or mug bearing the logo of your favourite university! The most famous shop is COOP. There's one at Harvard and another at MIT. Established in 1882, the shop sells everything useful to students, and nowadays it also caters for tourists and visitors looking for that special gift! Cambridge also has dozens of bookshops, a record for a city of its size!

Weeks Bridge and Clock Tower at Harvard University, Cambridge

Where to stay near Harvard University?

⭐Irving House at Harvard

Head for the Irving House at Harvard, the location of this bed and breakfast is exceptional, just a few steps from the heart of the Harvard University campus. What's more, this bed and breakfast offers colourful rooms. The comforts are simple, but sufficient. It has a home-from-home feel, with a library-lounge that makes you feel right at home. Parking and breakfast are included in the price of the night.

Booking.com

Irving House at Harvard

Charming bed and breakfast 300m from Harvard University. Breakfast included every morning

8.5 Very good

From

£174 / night

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Practical info

👉 When is the best time to visit Boston's top schools?

Depending on the time of year, the atmosphere near the city's top schools and universities is not the same. Indeed, the small city of Cambridge lives all year round to the rhythm of its students Good to know, access to the campus is forbidden during the opening and closing of the academic year.

🚌 How do I get to the main campuses in the Greater Boston area?

The main campuses are located in the north-west of Boston. The metro serves the area via the Red line. There is a Harvard metro station close to the heart of the university. There is also a stop for MIT. Boston's public transport service is managed by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

Several underground car parks, limited time if you park on the street. Fares are high. Allow at least $25 for a day.

by Editorial Team

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