Discover Boston's famous universities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

⭐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.