10 Best Things to Do and See in Cambridge
Exploring Cambridge on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Cambridge, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Cambridge. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Fitzwilliam Museum
The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge is one of the UK’s great museums, with carefully curated collections spanning art, archaeology and decorative objects. Admire paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, ceramics and pieces from many civilizations. A calm, elegant cultural visit for all visitors.
2. Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a large green space dedicated to discovering plants from around the world. Visitors can explore carefully arranged botanical collections, flowerbeds, remarkable trees and several glasshouses showcasing species from different climates. The walk offers a chance to enjoy plant diversity, peaceful paths and the scientific importance of the site. It is an enjoyable visit to relax, learn and experience nature in the heart of Cambridge.
3. Cambridge Market Square
Cambridge Market Square is the lively market square in central Cambridge, where you can discover the vibrant atmosphere of a classic English university city. Surrounded by shops, cafés and historic buildings, it regularly hosts stalls selling local produce, souvenirs, flowers, clothing and everyday items. It is a pleasant place to stroll, soak up local life and take a break in the heart of the city. Its central location also makes it an excellent starting point for exploring Cambridge’s streets, colleges and main attractions.
4. University of Cambridge Museum of Zoology
The University of Cambridge Museum of Zoology features a rich collection dedicated to the diversity of the animal world, from taxidermy and skeletons to fossils and research objects. Discover species evolution, comparative anatomy, and the variety of life forms studied by naturalists. Located in Cambridge, this university museum appeals to curious visitors and natural science fans alike, with displays that let you observe wildlife from the UK and beyond up close. An informative, accessible visit, ideal for learning more about zoology.
5. Midsummer Common
Midsummer Common is a large riverside green space in Cambridge, ideal for walks, picnics, and relaxing outdoors. This urban meadow offers wide open views, walking and cycling paths, and a pleasant setting for observing local life. You may also see grazing animals, which add to its rural feel despite being close to the city centre. It is a simple, peaceful place to enjoy a touch of nature in the city.
6. Kettle’s Yard
Kettle's Yard in Cambridge is a distinctive cultural venue combining a house, gallery and exhibition space. Discover a modern art collection in a carefully designed domestic setting, with bright rooms, simple furniture and an intimate atmosphere that invites you to see the works differently. The venue also hosts temporary exhibitions, offering a vibrant overview of contemporary and modern creativity. It appeals both for the quality of its collection and its peaceful setting, just a short walk from the city centre.
7. Mathematical Bridge
Mathematical Bridge is an elegant wooden bridge in Cambridge, in the heart of the United Kingdom. Set in the peaceful university surroundings, it attracts visitors with its light, geometric structure that is easy to recognize. From the bridge area, you can enjoy lovely views of the water, green riverbanks, and nearby college buildings. It is a popular spot for a peaceful walk, a photo stop, and to experience the classic, refined atmosphere of Cambridge.
8. The Corpus Clock
The Corpus Clock is a famous contemporary clock in Cambridge, on the facade of a Corpus Christi College building. Discover a spectacular and unusual landmark, with a large golden dial and a highly original design, admired for its striking appearance and unique mechanism. This attraction draws visitors for both its artistic value and its iconic place in the city's academic landscape. Located in a lively part of Cambridge, it makes for a quick and photogenic stop during a walk through the center.
9. Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences in Cambridge is a fascinating museum dedicated to Earth sciences. Discover a wide range of fossils, minerals, rocks, and geological specimens that trace the history of our planet. The displays also feature skeletons and traces of ancient life, offering a clear look at Earth’s evolution over millions of years. It is an ideal visit for curious travelers, families, and geology lovers in a renowned university setting.
10. The Backs
The Backs offers one of Cambridge’s most iconic views, with a line of lawns, trees and college facades along the River Cam. From Queen’s Road, visitors discover a carefully composed landscape where water, bridges and university buildings create a striking visual continuity. It also reveals a quieter side of the city, away from the bustle of the centre, while remaining at the heart of Cambridge’s academic heritage.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
