East of England Travelers Recommend

Home to one of the world’s most prestigious universities, leafy Cambridge is also a treat for the eyes thanks to its heritage architecture, centuries-old streets, and the winding River Cam. Whether you’re spending a night in town or organizing a day trip from London, one day is enough time to discover its charms—here’s your perfect plan.

Morning: Explore the Colleges

Cambridge University comprises a number of individual colleges—each with its own sterling reputation and architectural glories. Begin your day in town by visiting some of the university's most vaunted corners, from Trinity College (home to dozens of Nobel Prize winners) and St. John’s College (once frequented by William Wordsworth) to King’s College (renowned for its extraordinary chapel and Gothic architecture). Don’t forget to discover the Backs: the verdant parks found behind the colleges. Alternatively, choose a student-led itinerary for a firsthand perspective on what it’s like to follow in the footsteps of world-famous alumni such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Zadie Smith.

Afternoon: Discover Cambridge on Foot

Enjoy a sweet energy boost in the form of a sticky Chelsea bun from legendary Cambridge bakery Fitzbillies in between sightseeing stops. Cambridge is a highly walkable city; continue your explorations on foot to discover local landmarks ranging from the Grade I–listed Round Church (which dates to the 12th century) to the neoclassical Senate House. Alternatively, if your legs are beginning to tire, a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour makes it easy to glimpse the city’s historic highlights from the comfort of the upper deck.

Evening: Go Punting

It isn’t a trip to Cambridge until you go punting. Flat-bottom river boats that are piloted by long poles, traditional punts offer the perfect way to soak up the River Cam’s lovely scenery, discover new angles on Cambridge’s colleges, learn more about the city’s history and highlights, and even float right under the iconic Bridge of Sighs. Pick an early evening start time to watch the sun set peacefully over Cambridge’s ancient buildings. Afterwards, head to a traditional pub to toast the day’s successes (and enjoy a hearty, post-sightseeing feast).

Home to one of the world’s top universities, the scenic city of Cambridge is renowned for its centuries of history, beautiful architecture, and quaint appeal. A 3-day stay gives you ample time to discover Cambridge’s key highlights and also plan a diverting day-trip getaway. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.

Day 1: Academic Cambridge

Far and away the city’s most popular attraction, the University of Cambridge is also one of the oldest and most esteemed universities in the world. Given that it’s home to dozens of colleges (and has been frequented by luminaries including royalty, Nobel Prize winners, and some of the world’s greatest thinkers), exploring the university grounds is the perfect way to spend your first day in town. Walking tours provide a simple way to access some of the most popular colleges, including Trinity, Pembroke, King’s, and Clare, as well as their Backs: the pretty meadows and parks that abut the centuries-old buildings. In between sightseeing, don’t forget to stop by Fitzbillies for a sticky Chelsea bun and go punting (traveling by flat-bottom boat) on the River Cam, both quintessential student experiences. In the evening, head to a buzzing local pub to sip real ale and discover where residents blow off steam.

Day 2: Cambridge Museums and Landmarks

Continue the sightseeing on your second day in town with a morning hop-on-hop-off-bus tour or walking tour, taking in attractions such as Senate House, Market Square, and the Round Church. After a light lunch, dedicate your afternoon to a relaxed museum excursion, perusing Old Masters canvases at the Fitzwilliam Museum or millennia-old artifacts in the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. In the evening, venture to one of the city’s cozy, independent eateries for a meal—or, if you’re feeling daring, take to the skies on a private plane ride over Cambridgeshire.

Day 3: Plan a Day Trip

Dedicate the final day of your visit to an inspiring getaway to one of the charming locales in the English countryside. It’s less than an hour’s train journey to the pretty cathedral town of Bury St. Edmund’s, home to a heavy concentration of top-notch landmarks such as 9th-century St. Edmundsbury Cathedral, the Abbey of Bury St. Edmund’s, and the National Trust–owned Ickworth House. Alternatively, the city of Norwich—also renowned for its medieval cathedral, in addition to a Norman castle, art museums, and other highlights—can be reached in a little over an hour by train.

Renowned for its academic excellence, ample scenery, and historical pedigree, Cambridge is one of the UK’s most charming cities—and two days offers just the right amount of time to explore its highlights. Tour its ancient colleges, go punting along the River Cam, and even take to the skies. Here’s how to plan the perfect 48 hours in Cambridge.

Day 1: A Cambridge Overview

**Morning:**Orient yourself on your first day in Cambridge—and enjoy a breezy overview of the city’s top attractions—during a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour. In the space of just an hour or two, you can zip past landmarks ranging from the Round Church to the Backs (the colleges’ tranquil meadows and lawns), all while enjoying the lofty vantage point.

**Afternoon:**After your introductory overview, hop off your bus, grab a bite at a local pub, and get ready to explore the city on a walking tour: Petite and atmospheric Cambridge rewards firsthand discovery. Thread your way through centuries-old backstreets, spy landmarks such as Senate House and Market Square, and learn about the many luminaries who have called the city home.

**Night:**As the sun starts to set, enjoy a special perspective on Cambridge that most visitors miss when you take to the skies aboard a private plane. Admire Cambridgeshire’s verdant patchwork of meadows and parks, trace the winding journey of the River Cam, and view the city’s historical spires from the air. 

Day 2: Colleges and Culture

**Morning:**Cambridge University comprises dozens of colleges, many of which have centuries of history (and the architecture to match). Begin your second day in town by visiting some of the city’s most prestigious academic enclaves. Venture into Trinity College, admire King’s College’s soaring chapel, wander Pembroke College’s sprawling grounds, and more.

**Afternoon:**Beyond its academic highlights, Cambridge is also a thriving cultural hub, and afternoon is the perfect time to enjoy a relaxed museum visit. Venture into the Fitzwilliam Museum to see masterworks by artists such as Picasso and Renoir, or head to the quaint Museum of Cambridge to learn more about the city’s past. In between excursions, don’t forget to drop by Fitzbillies for a gooey Chelsea bun.

**Night:**After a busy day of exploring, sit back, relax, and watch the sun set over the city during a punting journey down the River Cam. Punting—or traveling via flat-bottom river boat—is both a classic Cambridge pastime and the perfect way to glimpse local landmarks such as the Bridge of Sighs.