Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard in Cambridge, United States
Cambridge, United States

Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard

Outty Ranking 80 4.9 · 155 traveler reviews3.5 hoursFrom $57
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Outty Ranking

80/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 155 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard worth booking?

Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard is a 3.5-hour experience in Cambridge, United States, from $57 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 155 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
80 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (155)
Duration
3.5 hours
From
$57 per person

The tour starts on the MIT campus, where you will follow your guide to learn about the school's history, famous pranks, inventions, and much more! Your tour guide will show you buildings designed by world-famous architects, dormitories home to hilarious MIT "hacks", and stunning views of Boston from across the river! After MIT, your tour guide will take you to Harvard using the subway system. Your subway fare is included in the cost of the tour. Learn the history of Harvard University, the oldest college in the country. See the "Statue of the Three Lies", deceiving visitors for almost 150 years. Learn about Harvard's academic legacy, as well as some rather whimsical traditions practiced by the students! See the house where George Washington stayed during his visit to Boston during the American Revolution and Harvard's part in the war. The tour will show you the academic, residential, and hidden parts of one of the world's most prestigious universities!

What you get

    About this experience

    The tour starts on the MIT campus, where you will follow your guide to learn about the school's history, famous pranks, inventions, and much more! Your tour guide will show you buildings designed by world-famous architects, dormitories home to hilarious MIT "hacks", and stunning views of Boston from across the river! After MIT, your tour guide will take you to Harvard using the subway system. Your subway fare is included in the cost of the tour. Learn the history of Harvard University, the oldest college in the country. See the "Statue of the Three Lies", deceiving visitors for almost 150 years. Learn about Harvard's academic legacy, as well as some rather whimsical traditions practiced by the students! See the house where George Washington stayed during his visit to Boston during the American Revolution and Harvard's part in the war. The tour will show you the academic, residential, and hidden parts of one of the world's most prestigious universities!

    What's included

    Included

    • Tour Guide Services
    • Subway ticket from MIT to Harvard

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. See the MIT Media Lab, home to some of the most innovative cross-discipline creations stemming from MIT.

      15 minutes here

    2. See the Green Building, designed by I.M.Pei. Learn about the famous "Tetris" student prank.

      10 minutes here

    3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

      See the iconic MIT Dome and learn about the police car placed on top of the dome to protest parking tickets.

      15 minutes here

    4. Harvard Bridge

      See the Smoot markers on the Harvard Bridge, connecting Cambridge and Boston. Take a picture of the Boston skyline.

      10 minutes here

    5. Learn about the hilarious story behind the Banana Lounge.

      15 minutes here

    6. Stata Center

      See the quirky State Center, both an architectural marvel and a design nightmare.

      10 minutes here

    7. Take the Red Line subway two stops to the Harvard University Area. Cost of the subway ride is included in the tour. Your tour guide will direct you on using the subway.

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    8. Enter Harvard Yard through the main entrance - Johnson Gate.

      10 minutes here

    9. John Harvard Statue

      Learn why the famous Harvard Yard statue is called the "Statue of the Three Lies".

      15 minutes here

    10. Learn about the various dormitories located around the historical Harvard Yard and who lived there while at Harvard.

      10 minutes here

    11. See Memorial Hall, a multifunctional building inside an old church.

      15 minutes here

    12. Harvard Memorial Church

      See the Memorial Church, standing in the middle of Harvard Yard.

      10 minutes here

    13. See the main library of Harvard University and hear the tragic story behind it.

      10 minutes here

    14. See one of the oldest buildings in Harvard Yard, where George Washington stayed during the American Revolution.

      10 minutes here

    15. See a few of the Upper Classmen housing of Harvard University and learn about the tradition of "Housing Day".

      20 minutes here

    16. Harvard Square

      End the tour at the bustling Harvard Square. Your tour guide can suggest places for souvenir shopping and/or lunch.

      10 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Cambridge

    Your tour guide will meet you in front of the Ripple Cafe on Main Street in Cambridge. The cafe is next to the Kendall Station subway stop on the Red Line. Your guide will be wearing a Boston Hidden Gems t-shirt and name tag.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Tour will end in Harvard Square, next to the Red Line subway stop with the same name.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Boston Hidden Gems

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Weekend vs Weekday Tours - the tour goes inside some MIT buildings on weekdays only! The MIT campus buildings are closed on weekends and major holidays; the listed tour price is lower to account for this. Harvard does not allow any public tours inside any buildings.
    • Parking is very difficult to find near the tour starting point. We strongly advise against driving and recommend taking public transit or taxi/Uber. The closest garage next to the tour start point is the Green Garage at Kendall and costs USD52 for 3+ hours. Very limited metered street parking is available around the starting area of the tour, we advise arriving at least 30 minutes ahead of the tour start time to look for metered parking.
    • Public transport is the easiest way to get to the tour start point. Take the MBTA (subway) to the Kendall/MIT station on the Red Line, the tour start point is next to the main entrance to the subway station.
    • Tour starts exactly on time. If you are running late, you can catch up with the tour group by following the tour stops listed on the itinerary. First tour stop is MIT Media Lab, second stop is the Green Building, and so on. Your tour guide will not be able to answer any phone calls to direct you after the tour starts.
    • This tour focuses on history, architecture, and stories about the two universities. If you are looking for a tour for perspective future students, please contact the admissions department of the university.

    Photos

    Johnson Gate - Harvard University, Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard in CambridgeMIT Student Center and Alchemist Statue, Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard in CambridgeMIT from the sky, Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard in CambridgeGreen Building - designed by I.M. Pei, Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard in CambridgeStata Center at MIT, Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard in CambridgeMemorial Hall - Harvard University, Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard in Cambridge

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 149 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    149 verified traveler reviews for Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    140
    4 star
    5
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    Sort
    M3148TDbarrym · September 2026

    Excellent tour with Jodie.

    Jodie was so knowledgeable and such a great person. The tour was fantastic and so knowledgeable. So much knowledge was shared. Would 100% recommend this trip.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour with Jodie.

    via Tripadvisor

    Iain_W · September 2026

    Great trip

    Our guide Jodie was passionate about her subject and we left knowing far more than if we had visited alone and certainly places we we not supposed to! Great stories about the area from knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend

    Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your review! We're delighted to hear you learned so much on your tour with Jodie, and appreciate your recommendation.

    via Viator

    598iainw · September 2026

    Great trip

    Energetic guide and learnt a lot from Jodie

    Response from the operator: We're so glad you enjoyed your tour of Harvard and MIT and found Jodie's guidance both energetic and educational! Thank you for sharing your experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    phelimd2018 · September 2026

    MIT and Harvard

    Jodie was a great guide with infectious enthusiasm for everything we saw

    Response from the operator: Thank you for highlighting Jodie's enthusiasm and style! We'll make sure to share your lovely feedback with her. We're delighted you enjoyed your experience with us!

    via Tripadvisor

    Efrat_L · September 2026

    Chris was excellent!

    Really knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful guide. It was interesting and we feel we now know our way around Harvard & MIT

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience with Chris! We're thrilled to hear that you found the tour informative and enjoyable.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $57 to $62
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    54
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Boston Hidden Gems, who run 15 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.0.

    See everything Boston Hidden Gems runs

    Why this scores 80

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)65
    Booking momentum (14% weight)59
    Value for money (12% weight)83
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)80
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cambridge.

    How much does Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard cost?

    +

    Prices start at $57 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cambridge usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard take?

    +

    Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cambridge is not rushed.

    Is Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 155 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cambridge, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard?

    +

    Around 54 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cambridge can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cambridge and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cambridge within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Cambridge?

    +

    Cambridge runs student-led Harvard and MIT campus tours, revolutionary history walks, Charles River cruises and food tours through Harvard Square and Central Square. On Outty we rank every Cambridge experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Harvard University Campus Guided Walking Tour, Boston to New Hampshire Fall Foliage White Mountains Day Trip, Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour from Boston. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Cambridge?

    +

    April to June and September to October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Cambridge?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard?

    +

    Included: Tour Guide Services; and Subway ticket from MIT to Harvard. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard?

    +

    Your tour guide will meet you in front of the Ripple Cafe on Main Street in Cambridge. The cafe is next to the Kendall Station subway stop on the Red Line. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cambridge. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Illustrious Schools: Group Tour of MIT And Harvard?

    +

    Across 155 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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