Things to Do in Cambridge

Students in black gowns cycle past courtyards unchanged since medieval times. Cambridge revolves around its famous university—founded in 1209—and the sight makes perfect sense of why people get misty-eyed about English university towns. The River Cam winds through the center. The famous college 'backs' stretch down to the water's edge with manicured lawns. But Cambridge isn't just a museum piece. You'll find excellent restaurants, busy pubs, and a strong cultural scene alongside all that history because Cambridge is a thriving tech hub (they call it 'Silicon Fen' for some reason). The city center is compact enough to explore on foot. You might get genuinely lost trying to figure out which ancient gateway leads where. Even locals seem to wing it sometimes.

Cambridge's food scene has come far from stereotypical stodgy college fare. You'll find everything from excellent gastropubs to innovative fine dining, often in buildings that have been serving food for centuries. The city center packs in cafes perfect for afternoon tea or quick lunch between sightseeing. Mill Road has developed into a foodie corridor. You'll find excellent Indian, Mediterranean, and modern British restaurants there. Pub food here tends to be genuinely good rather than just adequate, and many pubs have lovely gardens perfect for summer evenings. The student population means affordable options abound. Market stalls to casual eateries won't break the budget. Worth the splurge though.

Late spring through early autumn offers the most pleasant weather for wandering outdoors and punting on the river. This is obviously when Cambridge is busiest with tourists. The shoulder seasons—particularly late April and October—can be lovely with fewer crowds and crisp, clear days perfect for photography. Winter has its own charm. The colleges look atmospheric in the mist, and you'll have a more authentic sense of what student life is like if you don't mind the cold. Just keep in mind that many colleges have restricted access during exam periods in May and June. Spring and early summer visits might be frustrating if you're keen on college tours. Plan accordingly.